Viessmann Brings Connectivity and Green Energy into Climate Control Solutions for Generations to Come
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Background
Viessmann is a global leader in heating and refrigeration systems with a company heritage that dates back more than a century. The world has changed a lot during that time, and today Viessmann’s focus is on delivering climate and energy solutions with a holistic approach that’s sustainable at every stage in the process -- from energy production through utilization. As a result, Viessmann has become a global leader in creating comfortable living spaces, including high-efficiency gas condensing boilers and solar thermal heating systems. This philosophy has also resulted in the company establishing its reputation as a pioneer in systems driven by green, renewable energy.
The Challenge
A future-proof, Zigbee-based SoC platform with the high-performance, low power consumption, and small footprint for battery-powered heating, cooling, and green energy applications.
The Solution
Equipped with advanced analog integrated peripherals, EFR32MG24 Series 2 Multiprotocol SoC enables Viessmann climate control solutions high-accuracy measurement and ensures high-performance network connectivity in a multiprotocol, 2.4 GHz spectrum.
The Result
Robust IoT-powered energy efficient systems with a future-ready, compact design operating on long-life battery power.
A Connected Environment is an Efficient Environment
Part of this focus on sustainability has meant being responsive to the needs of its customers around the world. In recent years, few markets have moved faster than wireless connectivity and the benefits that come with it. The adoption of IoT devices in the home, like digital assistants and smart thermostats, has introduced us to new levels of convenience. This is extending now to commercial, industrial, and even municipal deployments where the scale is not only translating into safer, more comfortable conditions but helping to realize significant energy and environmental gains as well. Governments are also focusing on legislation that promotes climate action, including in Germany where Viessmann is headquartered, which has set a goal to be carbon neutral by 2050.
Viessmann is one of the companies leading in this area, with ithinx, a subsidiary that specializes in IoT design, at the center of these efforts. Working with both companies, Silicon Labs has an established track record of helping them bring connectivity to its products – first by supporting their transition from proprietary to the open Zigbee protocol, which allows other companies to bring their specific domain expertise to Viessmann’s ecosystem and provide a more complete environment for customers.
A Multiprotocol SoC Platform to Future-Proof Climate Control Solutions
Most recently, Viessmann has begun integrating the newly released EFR32MG24 multiprotocol SoCs into its portfolio. The MG24 has been designed specifically for smart IoT devices targeting Zigbee, OpenThread, and Matter protocols with features that include a 2.4 GHz radio, low power consumption, 1.5 MB of Flash, and 256 kB of RAM. It also offers a wide selection of peripherals and low current consumption, making it possible for Viessmann to introduce its battery-powered ViCare heating system and refrigeration products that provide flexibility to its customers without introducing a new burden of frequent battery replacement. The new ViCare system integrates Zigbee gateway functionality into appliances with no additional equipment required. The MG24 also features an integrated analog-to-digital converter (ADC) and an integrated DC-to-DC converter, both of which reduce the size of the PCB and make it possible to design very small form factor applications. This integration also reduces the bill-of-material costs.
Beyond the performance of the MG24, Viessmann benefits from Silicon Labs’ technical support, which includes onsite support and workshops. Because ithinx is part of the Silicon Labs Design Partner Network, it has the benefit of early access to product roadmaps and the opportunity to share feedback and provide input on upcoming projects. Silicon Labs’ role in the Connectivity Standards Alliance, or CSA, is also an asset to Viessmann. The CSA is responsible for the stewardship for the long-established Zigbee protocol as well as the emerging Matter standard, which will establish a cross-platform communication protocol for simpler, faster IoT development. Silicon Labs’ leadership position in steering the development of these protocols means customers can be confident in the company’s ability to provide solutions that keep developers ahead of the design curve.
By working closely with Viessmann and ithinx, Silicon Labs offers a complete solution that includes not just high-performance devices, but proven software and PSA Level 3-Certified Secure Vault™, the highest level of security certification available. With the MG24, the entire communication chain is encrypted, an increasingly important feature for smart home, industrial, and medical IoT applications.