A Z-Wave Developer’s Journey | Half 1

Introduction

A Z-Wave Developer’s Journey is a sequence of ten blogs on the nuts and bolts of making and bringing to market a wi-fi IoT product using Z-Wave. The sequence offers a step-by-step roadmap for an engineering staff to convey their thought from the idea to a product prepared for quantity manufacturing. Naturally, this sequence can’t delve into each side of the method however leverages vendor coaching, documentation and Github to flesh out the main points. The journey focuses on Z-Wave finish units however the same course of could be adopted by Z-Wave controllers. One factor to notice is that every little thing is continually altering. The Z-Wave specification continues to evolve with new Command Courses and updates to current ones, the seller Software program Growth Kits (SDKs) have new releases each few months and new silicon chips are all the time being launched. Whereas the steering shared right here is related at the moment, particulars will inevitably evolve over time, so keep engaged and benefit from the trip.

Subjects

The journey begins with this weblog which describes the matters to be mentioned on this ten-part sequence. You’ve got the chance to touch upon these matters as every is printed. Be at liberty to remark or attain out to me immediately at DrZWave@DrZWave.weblog. I proceed to be taught by doing and revel in exchanging best-in-class strategies for IoT product improvement of each {hardware} and software program even in “retirement”. Beneath is a listing of deliberate matters although the record might morph considerably alongside the best way based mostly in your suggestions. Don’t be shy, remark beneath or ship me an electronic mail.

1. Introduction & Z-Wave Silicon Decisions
2. First Steps in Customizing Z-Wave Firmware
3. Which Z-Wave Command Courses to Embody and Why
4. Coding and Debugging Z-Wave Firmware
5. Firmware Hardening
6. Z-Wave {Hardware} Design Finest Practices
7. Optimizing Battery Life
8. Antennas for Z-Wave
9. Z-Wave Regulatory Course of
10. Z-Wave Quantity Manufacturing

Z-Wave Silicon

Z-Wave silicon started in 2001 with the Zensys 100 sequence. This was adopted by the 300, then 500 sequence after which the Silicon Labs 700 sequence. The place are the even sequence? The 200 sequence had quite a few flaws and was shortly changed by the 300. The 400 sequence had the unlucky function that flash was One-Time-Programmable which made for difficult debugging because the staff trashed silicon every time they examined a brand new firmware construct. Consequently, the 400 sequence was additionally quick lived. By the point the 600 sequence was being mentioned, the builders have been superstitious sufficient to skip the even sequence moniker.

Right now, Z-Wave builders have two sources for Z-Wave chips: Silicon Labs 800 sequence and Trident IoTs CZ20. Apparently, Silicon Labs isn’t as superstitious as Zensys because the 800 sequence is actually profitable. The Silicon Labs 700 sequence silicon chips are nonetheless out there, however any new improvement ought to use the 800 sequence. Here’s a quick record of the options of the three silicon chips at the moment in manufacturing:

*Knowledge for this desk comes immediately from the producer’s datasheets – comply with the hyperlinks above.

All three silicon chips are able to +20dBm Z-Wave transmit energy and absolutely assist all Z-Wave modulation applied sciences. All have quite a few different peripherals and options above the quick record above. See the respective datasheets for extra data. Silicon Labs additionally has the ZGM230 module which incorporates the ZG23 plus a crystal and some different parts. The ZGM230 is proscribed to +14dBm transmit energy however comes with a totally calibrated crystal. We’ll speak extra about crystal calibration in a later weblog posting.

Learn how to Select

Which Z-Wave chip do you have to use on your challenge? In fact, the reply is… relies upon. The principle problem with the ZG23 is the restricted quantity of flash and RAM. The SDK makes use of nearly all of the out there sources. In case your product is pretty easy, like a door/window sensor, the ZG23 ought to be superb. In case you are designing a thermostat or door lock, I’d advocate both the ZG28 or the CZ20. When you use the Silicon Labs QFN48 you’ll be able to develop utilizing the ZG28 after which doubtlessly cut back value by switching to the pin suitable ZG23 if the code suits. The ZG23 might additionally work out if you happen to join an exterior serial flash chip for the OTA picture. That frees up half of the 512KB of flash on your utility but it surely’s nonetheless tight on RAM. The ZGM230 module is simpler to fabricate because the crystal is calibrated on the manufacturing facility however is proscribed to +14dBm transmit energy thus successfully reducing the RF vary in half. The selection of Silicon Labs or Trident IoT is a extra nuanced alternative based mostly on the assist and relationship you have got with the seller.

Subsequent Up – Getting Began

Subsequent month we’ll delve into the subject of getting began with every of the silicon distributors’ instruments and software program. Bear in mind, you’ll be able to information me on matters of curiosity going ahead by commenting on this text or sending me an electronic mail. I look ahead to persevering with the journey with you subsequent month.