Smart HVAC

High-performance RF, low power, and advanced security all under one roof

Our suite of hardware, connectivity stacks, tools, and first-class support offer industry-leading solutions for implementing HVAC sensor and actuator networks in commercial buildings.

Best-in-class RF performance, stacks, and coexistence solutions offer high reliability and range in tough environments. Ranging from simple Bluetooth sensors, long-range cable replacement with Sub-GHz to large mesh networks of 80,000 nodes spanning the entire building, we’ve seen it all. The EFR32 architecture both with its ultra-low-power sleep modes yet capable radio allow a long 10-year battery life potential from coin cell batteries while maintaining a robust and reliable network. Coupled with our pre-certified module offerings, developers of applications for commercial buildings can build secure, robust, and certified products to meet the market requirements in minimal time.

What you need to know to pick the right technology

There are several design considerations to consider when designing smart HVAC systems, including network protocol and interoperability, network size, RF range, data bandwidth, battery life, security architecture, and time to market. The best solution depends on specific system requirements, but there are a few general guidelines:

• Sub-GHz frequencies provide longer range and penetration through obstacles. This is perfect to reach rooftop units or outdoor units that can be far away or across many walls.
  
• Zigbee, Thread, and Bluetooth Mesh are wireless standards designed for low-power, large scale networks. The “self healing” and node hopping capabilities of these systems allow them to scale and cover a large building with thousands of nodes. If the goal is to outfit an entire HVAC system with intelligence to boost occupant experience or to run more efficiently, then Zigbee and Thread are the gold standard.
  
• Bluetooth and BLE are great starting choices for connecting an HVAC system. They are simple to set up, offer great battery life for sensors, and allow for easy installation using a phone. It also allows technicians to run diagnosis remotely with the phone and avoid being in attics or uncomfortable or even dangerous places.
• Wi-Fi is becoming ubiquitous for HVAC systems especially in thermostats as users want to control settings remotely via the cloud. This, in addition to most WiFi solutions also supporting Bluetooth, means the thermostat can use WiFi to go the cloud and Bluetooth to talk to sensors, bringing the best balance of end intelligence and cloud connectivity.
• Pre-certified modules for faster time to market. All the technologies above are also offered as pre-certified modules to accelerate time to market and reduce engineering resource spend.
  

Smart HVAC Block Diagram