As more gadgets are being added to Home Area Networks (HANs), consumers are faced with the challenge of getting multiple wireless communication protocols to work together. For example, a single home could contain devices that use Wi-Fi^® (thermostats, security systems, entertainment devices), the sub-GHz MiWi^™ networking protocol (temperature sensors, humidity sensors, control devices) and Zigbee^® (smart appliances, energy monitors). The Connected Home Concentrator is a reference design of a single device that can bridge multiple wireless protocols.

The design starts with a Wi-Fi module and has room for two additional footprint-compatible RF modules. Thus, based on needs, a Zigbee module could be combined with either an 868 MHz or 915 MHz sub-GHz module. The on-board memory can be used to store data in off-line mode for later transmission. The PIC32 microcontroller manages all interactions in the concentrator as well as enabling high levels of security when connecting to the cloud.

The available reference materials will help kick-start your own design.