Dialog Semiconductor Develops the World's First DECT ULE Wireless Device, "SmartPulse."

Self-configuring wireless sensor network devices
Remote control of consumer applications for home automation, healthcare, security, and energy monitoring.

September 14, 2011 – Dialog Semiconductor plc (CEO: Kim Gwi-young), a leading provider of highly integrated power management, audio and short-range wireless technologies, today announced the launch of SmartPulse™, the world’s first family of IC-based devices interoperable with the DECT ULE (ultra low energy) wireless standard. SmartPulse is targeted at home automation, healthcare, security and energy monitoring consumer applications.
Final products equipped with SmartPulse wireless sensors automatically configure themselves for connection to a DECT ULE-enabled hub device or IP gateway in the home. End users can also remotely manage the SmartPulse system via a smartphone, laptop, or tablet PC.

Dialog's new SmartPulse IC-based device lineup includes three products, including the SC14WSMDATA (data) and SC14WSMDECT (data and voice) wireless sensor nodes, which can operate for up to 10 years on two AAA batteries. Additionally, the SC14CVMDECT base station device, which can be used as a standalone hub or integrated into an Internet gateway, enables remote management of SmartPulse-enabled systems via an Internet connection.
Because the DECT ULE standard is backward compatible, SmartPulse sensor nodes can communicate with existing legacy DECT-capable hubs and internet gateways from a variety of manufacturers with a simple software update.

Lisa Arrowsmith, senior analyst in the Connectivity Group at IMS Research, said: “DECT ULE technology enables a wide range of in-home applications such as automation, security, energy monitoring and consumer health monitoring. DECT technology has already proven its performance in residential environments, and the latest DECT ULE standard will benefit from the existing mature DECT solution market, both in terms of technology development and consumer awareness. IMS Research anticipates rapid adoption of the DECT ULE standard for wireless sensor networks, driven by features such as low power consumption in sleep mode and a range well suited to residential environments.”

“The rise of smartphones and tablets has made everything easily controllable. By connecting SmartPulse devices with web-based consumers, they can seamlessly and reliably manage various home systems from anywhere,” said Jalal Bagherli, CEO of Dialog. “Dialog’s existing expertise in power efficiency, combined with the DECT and IP communications expertise gained through acquisitions, positions us well to succeed in this new consumer application market.”

All SmartPulse devices transmit 232-bit packet data in the licensed 1870-1930 MHz DECT band. With a link budget of 123 dB, systems integrating SmartPulse sensors can deliver reliable data streaming even in large homes or gardens.

The SC14WSMDATA and SC14WSMDECT sensor nodes integrate a baseband, wireless transceiver, antenna, and power amplifier into a single system-in-package (SiP) IC. These programmable devices consume less than 3uA in sleep mode. Home automation applications being developed by Dialog's customers include wireless smoke detectors, door lock sensors, device-specific power monitoring, home intrusion detection (window security), and lighting control systems. The SC14WSMDECT sensor also integrates audio functionality, enabling battery-powered voice devices such as personal security and healthcare pendant communication devices.

The SC14CVMDECT base station device supports both voice and data, can connect up to six voice and 256 data sensor nodes, and supports DECT ULE, DECT 6.0, and CAT-iq standards. This SiP IC integrates a UART interface for external hosts and is easily programmable using the AT command set, eliminating the need for wireless network planning.

The Dialog SmartPulse devices meet certification standards for all global markets, including the FCC, EU, and J-DECT. All three devices are scheduled for mass production in October 2011 in a 123-pin package measuring 25x29mm. A smaller-footprint variant is also scheduled for release in the second half of 2012.
SmartPulse is the first wireless technology to be introduced by Dialog following its acquisition of SiTel Semiconductor in February 2011. The three SmartPulse devices, development kits and IP functional reference designs will be on display at the Smart Homes exhibition and conference in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in October.