Smart Home Switches and Dimmers

Home switches have evolved from basic mechanical devices to sophisticated smart controls that enhance convenience, energy efficiency, and security. Modern smart switches offer features like geo-fencing, scheduling, and touchless controls through motion detection or voice commands. Integrating switches with leading ecosystems such as Matter, Amazon, Apple, Google, and Samsung provides users with a seamless and unified experience.

See how LEEDARSON uses Silicon Labs MG24 to simplify Matter development for home IoT devices such as smart switches, lighting, and more.

Silicon Labs Solutions for Smart Home Switches

Silicon Labs offers a comprehensive portfolio of wireless solutions tailored for smart switch applications, supporting protocols like Wi-Fi, Thread, Bluetooth, Matter, Z-Wave, and Zigbee. These solutions cater to various power configurations, including line-powered, battery-operated, and energy-harvesting smart switch designs.

• EFR32MG26 SoC: Ideal for Matter over Thread, this SoC features high-performance 2.4 GHz RF, low current consumption, an integrated AI/ML hardware accelerator, Concurrent Multiprotocol support, and Secure Vault™ for robust security. Its ample flash and RAM support complex applications like Concurrent Multi-Protocol (CMP), making it suitable for advanced smart switch designs.
• SiWx917Y Module: Providing ultra-low-power Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth LE connectivity, this module is designed for energy-sensitive applications such as Neutral-less line powered and battery-powered companion switches and sensors. With support for Matter and AI, an integrated antenna and worldwide RF certifications, it simplifies development and accelerates time-to-market.
• ZGM230S Module: A compact Z-Wave 800 Series SiP module offering robust RF performance, long-range capabilities, industry-leading security features, and low current consumption. It's an excellent choice for Z-Wave-based smart switches.

Performance and Design Benefits for Wireless Switches and Dimmers

Designing smart switches and dimmers presents a range of technical challenges—from ensuring robust wireless performance to simplifying installation in complex environments. Silicon Labs provides integrated wireless solutions that empower device makers to overcome these hurdles and deliver powerful, scalable, and secure products:

• Reliable RF Performance and Network Scalability - At the core of a high-performing smart switch is dependable wireless communication. Silicon Labs' SoCs like the EFR32MG26 and ZGM230S (Z-Wave 800 Series) offer high transmit power and superior receiver sensitivity, ensuring reliable signal propagation even in RF-challenging environments. Our solutions support long-range and Sub-GHz connectivity, that enable scalable multi-node deployments across large residential or commercial areas with minimal latency or retransmissions.
• Seamless Multiprotocol Support and Concurrent Operation - Smart switches often operate within complex smart home ecosystems. With Silicon Labs’ Concurrent Multiprotocol (CMP) and Concurrent Listening capabilities, developers can run multiple wireless protocols—such as Zigbee, Bluetooth LE, and Matter over Thread—on a single radio. This reduces SKUs, simplifies development, and ensures seamless interoperability for end users.
• Flexible Control and Multi-Way Switching - Multiprotocol support also enables coordinated control across multiple devices and protocols, unlocking flexible multi-way switch implementations. Whether it's a combination of voice, app, or manual controls, device makers can offer rich interaction options within a single unified system.
• Easy Setup and Fast Onboarding - Out-of-box experience is a crucial factor in user adoption. Silicon Labs’ integrated Bluetooth LE and technologies like Z-Wave SmartStart make commissioning fast and intuitive, whether in professional installations or DIY environments. Mobile-based onboarding eliminates barriers, even in dynamic multiprotocol setups.
• Support for Neutral-less and DIY-Friendly Installations - In older homes without neutral wiring, traditional smart switch designs often fall short. The ultra-low-power SiWx917 Wi-Fi 6 wireless MCU now enables neutral-less, line-powered Wi-Fi switches and dimmers, making installations feasible without electrical rewiring. This opens up new markets and DIY upgrade opportunities for manufacturers and consumers alike.
• Matter and Ecosystem Integration - EFR32MG26 and SiWx917Y devices support Matter over Thread and Matter over Wi-Fi, respectively—enabling developers to build switches that are ready for the next generation of smart home ecosystems. These solutions simplify certification and ensure interoperability with platforms from Amazon, Apple, Google, and Samsung, accelerating time-to-market.
• Energy Efficiency and Longevity - Silicon Labs’ solutions are optimized for energy efficiency, allowing extended battery life in wireless switches and dimmers. This makes them ideal for applications like energy-harvesting or low-maintenance deployments where power constraints are critical.
• Advanced Intelligence with AI/ML Acceleration - To differentiate user experiences, the EFR32MG26 features built-in AI/ML accelerators. These enable advanced local intelligence—such as gesture recognition, occupancy detection, or environmental sensing—without the need for external processors, reducing BOM costs while expanding product capabilities.
• Enterprise-Grade Security and Regulatory Compliance - Security remains paramount for smart home devices. Silicon Labs’ Secure Vault™, available up to PSA Certified Level 3, protects against advanced cyber threats and ensures compliance with the latest global security regulations. This provides device makers with long-term security assurance and peace of mind for both residential and commercial deployments.

Smart Switches Block Diagram