Communication Controller Chips for the RF4CE market

The first ultra low cost communications controller chips optimized for RF4CE applications

GreenPeak makes it easy for cable operators, CE manufacturers and MSOs to introduce low cost and robust RF4CE solutions.
GreenPeak's chip portfolio allows the development of robust and low cost ZigBee RF4CE applications for for remote controls, set-top boxes,home gateways and TV’s, addressing an overall one billion unit annual market.

GP510: dedicated ZigBee RF4CE chip for set-top box and gateway

The GP510 communication controller chip, supports all communication between ZigBee RF4CE enabled devices and the set-top box or gateway. It has an integrated MAC and network layer for efficient in-house data communication management.

Facilitating the transition from traditional IR for the set-top box to ZigBee RF4CE communication technology, the GP510 system-on-chip has been developed as a low cost RF4CE solution designed for the new generation ZigBee set-top boxes. The GP510 combines GreenPeak’s unique competitive advantages and is optimized for low cost BOM while providing superior range and reliability.

Superior Wi-Fi interference robustness in combination with patented antenna diversity technology results in approximately twice the reliable range (compared to similar systems with only one antenna) in a crowded wireless 2.4 GHz environment, enabling full home coverage. The integrated RF filtering simplifies the RF design complexity which enables low cost single layer applications using simple PCB antennas requiring no shielding and a minimum number of external components.

The MAC and network layer are integrated for efficient data communication management and the embedded ZigBee RF4CE network layer enables fast and simple integration. The chip is fully compliant with the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, providing robust spread spectrum data communication with a highly secure encrypted data flow. A complete suite of interfaces to the main processor is available (SPI, TWI or UART-based).

The highly integrated GP570 is GreenPeak’s single chip RF4CE remote control SoC solution with integrated support of motion sense algorithms based on combined accelerometer and gyroscope input for advanced gesture recognition and smooth and accurate movement control.

GreenPeak offers the GP570 with reference designs that allow a seamless integration with minimal efforts and a short time to market.

Find-me and push messaging functionality
Unique to GreenPeak's RF4CE communication controller chips is the "Find-me" and "Push messaging" feature. The addition of the smart “push messaging” and “find-me” apps to the communication controllers is based on GreenPeak's unique ultra low power synchronization technique and allows both applications to operate with a minimal impact on battery life thereby allowing the remote control battery life to reach more than ten years.

Push-messaging allows for a variety of new remote control capabilities including tele-voting and gaming, personal messages and reminders, real-time sports results, stock information and residential sensor network monitoring. Push-messaging also enables operators to create new opportunities for advertising revenues via server initiated commercial push messages on the consumers’ remote control. Find-me enables users to simply push a “find-me” button on the TV or STB that results in the remote generating a signal, blink and beep, to make it easy to find, even when it is out of sight. No more lost remote controls.

For a long time, the current infra-red remote control has essentially not changed, but today more advanced communication capabilities enable new apps and increased functionality. The low power push-messaging and find-me apps are great examples of more functionality and a better user experience and in applying GreenPeak’s technology it will not even impact battery life.