Ecosystem Partner

Speed Development for the Google Home Ecosystem

Why Partner with Silicon Labs for Matter and Google Home?

Silicon Labs is a close wireless IoT connectivity partner of Google Home and one of the drivers and code contributors of Matter. We can help you to equip your devices with reliable wireless connectivity and simplify your Matter development work for faster time-to-market, and superior wireless performance, at the lowest cost.

Designing for the Google Smart Home Ecosystem

This is how easy controlling smart home devices is in Google Home, one of the leading IoT ecosystems for the smart home. Google Home allows users to control their devices at home, including lights, sensors, cameras, and more intuitively through the Google Home App, Android controls, and Google Assistant voice commands on their smartphones, speakers, and displays. Google Home allows users to combine various types of devices in different rooms and build a complete smart home experience. Everything can be accessed through a single user interface, with a single touch or voice command, and controlled, organized, and managed individually or as a group.

For smart home device makers, Google Home provides a full-blown innovation environment with context-driven intelligence, automation, and more, making it easy to combine devices and create differentiated user experiences.

Google Home and Matter

Google Home will support the Matter protocol so users can connect Matter-enabled wireless IoT devices to their Google smart speakers or displays and control them via the Google Home App, native Android controls, and Google Assistant voice commands. Those same IoT devices can also be connected and controlled via another Matter-enabled ecosystem simultaneously.

Why Develop Matter IoT Devices for the Google Home Ecosystem?

With Matter IoT devices supporting the Google Home ecosystem, you can access an expansive customer base and take advantage of a carefully designed and tested Google Home user experience familiar to millions of users around the world. Google tools provide you with a unified experience to develop Matter devices with seamless setup, control, and interoperability with Google Home and other ecosystems. Matter and Google Home thus enables you to launch products quickly and efficiently and grow your business faster.

Benefits of Partnering with Silicon Labs

Fast-track to the Google Home Market

Simple, fast, and integrated developer experience - Start Matter embedded wireless development on Silicon Labs and seamlessly transition to Google Home development with quick-start Matter sample applications, integrated SDKs, and increase product quality while saving costs and launching faster.

Wireless that Works

Silicon Labs offers a broad portfolio of wireless SoCs optimized for all smart home applications, including all protocols you need in Google Home - Thread, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth with multi-protocol mode. Equip your IoT devices with the most reliable wireless provided by Silicon Labs!

Most Advanced IoT Security

Privacy is the #1 concern for owners of wireless home devices! Silicon Labs develops the most advanced IoT security with the highest PSA Level 3 Certification to protect your customers and devices against cyber-threats.

Most Energy Efficient Wireless

With Silicon Labs' ultra-low-power wireless SoCs, you can minimize the power consumption of your Google Home IoT devices, and extend battery replacement, recycling, and re-charging intervals for a hassle-free user experience.

Get Ahead of the Competition

We lead the wireless industry to ensure the market leadership position for your products. Silicon Labs is an active driver of IoT ecosystems and wireless standards and always supporting the latest IoT features in the industry frontline.

Single SKU for All Ecosystems

Build your Google Home devices with Silicon Labs Matter for full compatibility to access all smart home ecosystems with a single SKU, increasing your customer base and profitability.

Matter Developer Journey With Silicon Labs

Silicon Labs can accelerate the development of Matter devices, starting by outlining each step in the process and helping you along each stage of your project including guiding you along the path of key Ecosystem providers. We are here to simplify your development journey and help you get your devices to market faster and more efficiently.

We have outlined below three key stages of the Matter Developer Journey, along with what is required to successfully complete each stage.

Getting Started
Develop
Deploy Product
  1. 1. Learn and Explore
  2. 2. Choose Your Hardware Platform
  3. 3. Buy Your Dev Kit
  4. 4. Create User Accounts
  5. 5. Set Up Dev Environment
  1. 1. Develop Your Product
  2. 2. Test & Iterate
  3. 3. Certify Product
  1. 1. Manufacture Product
  2. 2. Operate Product

1. Introduction to Matter - Learn and Explore

Matter: A Unified Approach to IoT Device Development

Matter drives the convergence between the major IoT ecosystems to create one easy, reliable, and secure wireless protocol to connect all IoT devices and networks.
 

Additional Resources from Silicon Labs



The Connectivity Standards Alliance is the standards defining organization for Matter. Matter was created on the promise of reliable and secure connectivity.
 

Additional Resources from CSA



Why develop with Google Home?

Google's support for Matter enables your device to reach 100M+ global Google Home users, and unlocks features like automation routines and voice control through Google Assistant. Developing and certifying your Matter device for Google Home is free, and provides:

  • Developer tools for device makers to build your Matter device quickly and reliably.
  • Google's Play services APIs and Android developer tools for developing your Android companion app.
  • Developer support guides to put you on the fastest path to market.
    • Matter 101, Matter Primer, Codelabs, Videos
    • Step-by-Step instructions for getting started with Matter
  • Works With Google Home product badging.
  • Customizing the user's warm welcome experience when your Matter device is set up on an Android phone or tablet.

Google Home Resources

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2. Choose Your Hardware Platform

The first choice you’re likely to face is which protocol to use, Wi-Fi or Thread.

Matter over Thread is a low power mesh technology that is ideal for battery powered end devices that can run on coin cell batteries, including sensors and switches as well as line powered device like LED lighting and smart plugs.

Matter over Wi-Fi is ideal for higher bandwidth devices that run on rechargeable batteries, multiple primary cell batteries such as alkaline as well as line powered devices. Typical applications are door locks, cameras, appliances and LED lighting. 

Open Thread Border Routers are required for Matter over Thread devices. These devices route the packets from a Thread network over to a standard IP network used on Ethernet and Wi-Fi. The functionality is typically provided in many Voice Assistants and Smart Home Hubs.

Matter Bridging enables users to bridge there existing Zigbee and Z-Wave devices to Matter. Our Unify SDK provides the fastest path for bridging Matter and other protocols as well as a development environment for connecting to ecosystems such as Google Home.

Matter over Thread

Silicon Labs Matter over Thread SoCs and modules deliver exceptional RF performance, advanced security features with Silicon Labs' Secure Vault™, and low power options for long battery life.  The devices support both 802.15.4 for Matter over Thread and Bluetooth Low Energy for commissioning, eliminating the need for multiple chipsets.

See the below table to choose the optimal hardware for your specific product needs.

Use Case Protocols OTA Image EFR32MG21
1024 kB Flash
96 kB RAM
EFR32MG24
1536 kB Flash
256 kB RAM
Matter-to-Thread Gateway Single Protocol
RCP Mode
External Flash (Host)
Matter-to-Zigbee/Thread Gateway Concurrent Zigbee/Thread
Dynamic 802.15.4/Bluetooth LE1
External Flash (Host)
Matter Thread End Device Dynamic 802.15.4/Bluetooth LE
SoC Mode2
External Flash  
Matter Thread End Device Dynamic 802.15.4/Bluetooth LE
SoC Mode2
Internal Flash  

Matter over Thread SoCs and Modules

 

EFR32MG21 SOCs

EFR32MG21 Modules

EFR32MG24 SoCs

EFR32MG24 Series 2 Modules

Flash/RAM   1024/96 kB 1024/96 kB 1536/256 kB 1536/256 kB
Max TX Power  Up to 20 dBm Up to 20 dBm Up to 19.5 dBm Up to 19.9 dBm
Package Type   QFN32 PCB/SiP QFN40/QFN48 PCB/SiP
802.15.4/Thread Yes Yes Yes Yes
BLE   Yes Yes Yes Yes
Secure Vault   High, Mid High, Mid High, Mid High, Mid
For Battery Power   No No Yes Yes
  Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More

Matter over Wi-Fi

Silicon Labs Matter over Wi-Fi SoCs, Transceivers and modules deliver exceptional RF performance, advanced security features, and low power. In addition to Wi-Fi, select devices also support Bluetooth Low Energy for commissioning, eliminating the need for multiple chipsets.

See the below table to choose the optimal hardware for your specific product needs.

Use Case Protocols Mode SiWx917
SiWx915 RS9116W +
EFR32MG24*
WF200 +
EFR32MG24*
Matter Wi-Fi End Device Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE SoC    
Matter Wi-Fi End Device Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE NCP      
Matter Wi-Fi End Device Wi-Fi RCP      

Matter over Wi-Fi SoCs, Transceivers and Modules

 

RS9116 Wi-Fi NCP SoCs

RS9116 Wi-Fi NCP Modules

WF200 Series 2 Wi-Fi Transceiver SOCs

WF200 Series 2 Wi-Fi Transceiver Modules

Flash   4096 kB 4096 kB
Onboard IP Support Yes
Key Peripherals  UART, SPI, SDIO, USB, CDC UART, SPI, SDIO, USB, CDC SDIO/SPI SDIO/SPI
  Learn More Learn More Learn More Learn More
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3. Purchase Matter Development Kits

Silicon Labs offers several Matter compliant development kits for Thread and Wi-Fi ranging from compact, feature-packed low-cost prototyping platforms to multi-node advanced multiprotocol kits for robust, secure mesh networks. Based on your hardware platform selection in the previous step, select which kit is the best fit for your needs below.

Series 2 Development Kits for Matter over Thread End Devices and Border Routers

The EFR32xG24 Development Kits provide a variety of different hardware options, optimized for your development needs.  Whether it is rapid prototyping using the Explorer Kits, proof of concept and advanced feature development using the Dev Kits, or full development including advanced RF and power consumption testing using the Pro Kits, Silicon Labs has the right development hardware to meet your needs for Matter over Thread development.


 Series 2 Development Kits for OpenThread Border Routers

The EFR32xG21 Development Kits enable enhanced RF development using the Pro Kits that enable advanced RF development and debug capabilities. Including packet trace, to ensure robust RF solutions for Open Thread Border Routers.

Development Kits for Matter over Wi-Fi

Full-featured application development kits.

WF200 Wi-Fi Expansion Kit with Raspberry Pi

The SLEXP8022C WF200 Wi-Fi Expansion kit + Raspberry Pi includes a built-in Raspberry Pi Connector to get started immediately with Linux development and an EXP Connector to enable development on Silicon Labs' MCUs and Wireless MCUs.

MSRP $230.23

WFM200S Wi-Fi Expansion Kit with Raspberry Pi

The SLEXP8023C WFM200S Wi-Fi Expansion kit + Raspberry Pi includes a built-in Raspberry Pi Connector to get started immediately with Linux development and an EXP Connector to enable development on Silicon Labs' MCUs and Wireless MCUs.

MSRP $99.00

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4. Create User Accounts

While you wait for your Development Kit, we recommend setting up your user accounts.

Silicon Labs Account:

Silicon Labs Account: This account will offer you access to our developer community, Getting Started guides, private GitHub repositories and our Simplicity Studio development environment. You can create your account or verify access to your account here.

Silicon Labs + Matter

Join the Connectivity Standards Alliance

To use the Matter specification and certify your Matter product, you will need to be a member of the CSA. You will need to get your own unique Vendor ID (VID) and Product ID (PID).Visit the CSA and decide which membership level is best for you.

Create your Google Home Accounts.

Google Home Account

Google Account

Use your existing Google account or create a new account to access resources to start your Matter development with Google.

Google Home Matter Developer Project

Any Matter device certified by the CSA can be set up on Google Home without further actions. However, creating a Matter development project in the Google Home Developer Console allows you to access advanced features for Matter devices, including cloud logging and customizing the product images shown during device setup.

Partner Marketing Hub

The Partner Marketing Hub contains resources like brand guidelines, product badge images, consumer messaging, and more. Submit your marketing materials for brand review and approval, and Google's partner brand team will provide feedback throughout the approval process to ensure your materials are on-brand and on-point.

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5. Set Up Development Environment

We know you have many options when it comes to choosing your development environment, but we believe Simplicity Studio is the right choice for developing your device with Matter. Here’s why:

  • Includes your programmer and debugger functions so you don’t have to worry about manual setup.
  • Automatically recognizes the boards you’ve purchased and filters out sample apps that are not applicable; only exposes the sample apps that are related to your hardware selection.
  • Potentially saving you hours of time in installation, setup and configuration.
  • Simplicity Studio links directly to the private GitHub repositories.
  • Need help setting up your environment? Our Getting Started Guide will have you up and running in no time. 

Download the Full Online Installer Version of Simplicity Studio v5:

System Requirements

Windows     Windows 10 (64-bit)
Windows 11
MacOS 10.14 Mojave
10.15 Catalina*
11.x Big Sur*
12.x Monterey*
*if trying to use the Keil 8051 or IAR toolchains, click here
Linux Ubuntu 20.24 LTS

 

CPU     1 GHz or better
Memory 1 GB RAM (8 GB rcommended for wireless protocol development
Disk Space 600 MB disk space for minimum FFD installation
7 GB for wireless dynamic protocol support
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1. Develop Your Product

These resources will be helpful during your development cycle.

Explore these Quick Start Videos below.

Matter over Thread Light Device

OpenThread Border Router

Joining a Google Home Network

Google Resources

With Google's comprehensive suite of tools for Matter development, APIs, extensive documentation, codelabs and samples, you're on the fastest path to build Matter products that are compatible with all major ecosystems, and specifically work seamlessly with Google Home. 

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2. Test & Iterate

In this step, it is important to test your product before submitting to test labs to ensure your product will pass testing. Testing your product against a Matter Test Harness helps ensure compliance with the spec.

CSA Matter Test Harness Quick Start Guide (CSA Workgroup Membership Required)

Silicon Labs Connectivity Lab

The Connectivity Lab is designed to help developers test connectivity and interoperability for Matter devices within the most common Matter ecosystems, including Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit, Google Home, and Samsung SmartThings.

For more information, fill out the form to the right.

In addition, testing your products with the various Ecosystems provides additional assurance and is required if you want to use their “works with” badges.

Google provides tools for testing and monitoring your device during the development cycle and in production.

Additional Google Resources

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3. Certify Product

Matter certification is required to ensure the products interoperate and provide users with the best possible experience. In addition to Matter certification, the underlying technologies including Wi-Fi, Thread and Bluetooth Low Energy (used for commissioning) also require certification. Finally, optional Ecosystem certification allows you to use the “works with” badges that customers have come to trust.

  • Silicon Labs’ wireless network stacks are certified with the respective standardization bodies to save development time and costs. Simplicity Studio streamlines testing and certification for your team.
  • Silicon Labs offers CSA-certified Matter solutions and an SDK, including certified application examples. Saving development time and costs.
  • Silicon Labs’ implementations have been tested with the popular IoT ecosystems. Our documentation, guides, and tools will streamline your certification processes.


Additional Resources

Tech Talk

Certifying a Matter Device: Thread & Wi-Fi

Learn how to certify your Matter device, focusing on Matter certification for Thread and Wi-Fi devices from our expert engineers in our on-demand training.

Yes, CSA certified Matter products will work out-of-the-box with Google Home. So why certify with Google?

Through the Works with Google Home certification program, Google provides resources to help you grow your business and differentiate your products including branding during device setup, and cloud analytics for production devices for insights to help you improve user satisfaction.

In addition, the Works With Google Home badge lets users and retailers know at a glance that your device works well with Google Home.

Testing and certification is managed through the Developer Console:

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1. Manufacture Product

Matter DAC injection is required for end products. Silicon Labs can help simplify the DAC injection process for Matter certification with our Custom Part Manufacturing Service (CPMS), keeping your private keys private – from the factory to the end user’s homes.

EFR32MG21 SOCs
EFR32MG21 Modules
EFR32MG24 SoCs
EFR32MG24 Series 2 Modules
RS9116 Wi-Fi NCP SoCs
RS9116 Wi-Fi NCP Modules
WF200 Series 2 Wi-Fi Transceiver SOCs
WF200 Series 2 Wi-Fi Transceiver Modules

If you need help with your purchase, contact your local Silicon Labs sales representative.

Now that your product is certified, launch your Matter integration in the Google Home Developer Console to activate your customized features for production users. This is also a good time to submit your product marketing and packaging assets to Google for branding approval via the Partner Marketing Hub. 

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2. Operate Product

Once the product is deployed in the field, you can monitor performance and usage as well as provide over the air updates for bug fixes and feature enhancements.

Ecosystem providers can help enable cloud monitoring and over the air updates. 

Leverage the Google Home analytics dashboard to monitor your device integration quality, and gain actionable business insights on how users engage with your devices.

< Previous Step Next Step >
Getting Started
1. Learn and Explore
2. Choose Your Hardware Platform
3. Buy Your Dev Kit
4. Create User Accounts
5. Set Up Dev Environment
Develop
1. Develop Your Product
2. Test & Iterate
3. Certify Product
Deploy Product
1. Manufacture Product
2. Operate Product

Join CSA and Matter Working Group

  • To certify a Matter product, you need to join the CSA (Connectivity Standards Alliance) and subsequent Matter Working Group.
  • This is where you can learn more about the details of the Matter specification and how to certify your device.

How to Qualify for Silicon Labs Early Engagement Partner Program

Fill in the questionnaire with your company profile, why are you interested in partnering, and a little bit about your product. We will contact you. 

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