ZigBee and RF4CE
GreenPeak offers the first RF4CE certified solution to include both ultra low power and affordable BOM

Benefits of RF4CE remote controls - brochure

GreenPeak has successfully completed ZigBee RF4CE certification for wireless networks in the home and business. The company is one of the first ZigBee members to obtain RF4CE certification but takes the standard RF4CE to a new level by adding ultra low power and low cost to our solution.

This GREEN solution enables remote controls to run on a single coin cell battery for a decade or more without ever having to change or recharge it, so they essentially become maintenance free. In combination with a single layer low cost PCB, the total BOM will be less than two dollars per remote.

ZigBee RF4CE (Radio Frequency For Consumer Electronics) is defined by the ZigBee Alliance and is the standard for the communication protocol for radio frequency-based remote controls for audio/video consumer electronics. 

All about ZigBee RF4CE

On March 4 of 2009 the ZigBee Alliance adopted the RF4CE Alliance (a partnership with four of the largest consumer electronics manufacturers in the world: Panasonic, Philips, Sony and Samsung) to provide a new multi-vendor interoperable remote control solution for consumer electronics that promises an easy to use, robust and low-cost communication network for two-way wireless connectivity within the home.

ZigBee RF4CE was specifically designed for home entertainment and automation applications requiring simple device-to-device control communication that do not require the full-featured mesh networking capabilities offered by the other ZigBee standards.

The ZigBee RF4CE specification is based on IEEE 802.15.4 MAC/PHY radio technology in the wireless 2.4GHz unlicensed frequency band and enables worldwide operation, low power consumption and instantaneous response time.

It allows omni-directional and reliable two-way communication, frequency agility for enhanced co-existence with other 2.4GHz wireless communication systems and provides specifications for robust data transmission, discovery, easy and intuitive pairing and security.
In comparison to traditional IR (infrared) remote controls, RF remotes are faster, more reliable and provide a greater range. RF also removes the line-of-sight barrier of today’s IR remotes. The additional benefits of ZigBee RF4CE include richer communication, increased reliability and interoperability between vendors.
GreenPeak is one of the first ZigBee members to obtain RF4CE certification.

GreenPeak is a member of the ZigBee alliance and is committed to the RF4CE remote control market with dedicated reference design software stacks and a dedicated RF4CE specialist team supporting customers. The GreenPeak reference designs will be delivered with a very small RF4CE protocol stack which fits very well within small and low cost processors. The embedded IEEE 802.15.4 MAC layer allows a short time to market and a simple, stable and reliable software application. Additionally, the reference designs are based on a single layer low cost PCB with integrated antennas and a very low component count, guaranteeing a very low cost BOM.

ZigBee and RF4CE are not only for remotes. There are many other applications that can benefit from ultra low power wireless networks such as home security, power management, health monitoring, environment management, toys and toy controllers, and even controlling lighting.

For example, in 2010 we expect to see ZigBee low power lighting switches that do not use batteries or need to be connected to the power main. The energy expended by your fingers turning the switch on and off is enough power to transmit the control signal across the room to a lamp with a built in ZigBee slave device. Turning the switch generates a tiny burst of power that transmits the signal, the light goes on (or off). Not only does this save power and eliminate the need for batteries, it also slashes construction and installation costs. It makes planning your home interior much more flexible and creative. You can just stick the switch anywhere in the room without concern for power connections.

Within the next decade, a plethora of ZigBee remote control devices will empower a revolution in our homes and offices. Not only will ZigBee help make our lives be a bit more convenient, secure and energy aware, but also our environment will be a great deal cleaner by removing the need for batteries.

RF4CE certificate