Matter Frequently Asked Questions
We’ve collected the most common questions about the Matter standard, what it means for developers, and how to make the most of its potential.
Superior Performance and Flawless Connectivity
The MG24 SoCs are ideal for higher performance, lower power mesh connectivity using Matter over Thread for smart home, lighting, and automation products.
Wi-Fi Modules and SoCs for Flawless Connectivity
Our Wi-Fi NCP modules and SoCs support Matter and are designed for the IoT, where RF performance, low power consumption, and fast time-to-market are critical.
Silicon, Software, and Tools for Matter over Thread and Matter over Wi-Fi Development
Matter over Thread
The MG24 SoC is a single-chip solution for Matter over Thread, delivering exceptional RF performance, advanced security features with Silicon Labs' Secure Vault™, and low power.
OpenThread Border Router
Silicon Labs has many different chips that can act as a Thread RCP for an OpenThread Border router, allowing Thread nodes to connect to the Wi-Fi network.
Matter over Wi-Fi
The RS9116 NCP or the WF200, coupled with the MG24 as a host, enables Matter over Wi-Fi, with the RS9116 NCP offering the lowest Wi-Fi power consumption in the industry.
Matter Bridging to Zigbee/Z-Wave
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.
Get Started
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's 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, we have the right development hardware to meet your needs for Matter over Thread development.
Step 1: Choose Your Wireless IP Networking Protocol (Thread or Wi-Fi)
The first choice you’re likely to face is which protocol to use, Wi-Fi or Thread. If your Matter application requires efficient mesh networking with energy-efficient and robust wireless connectivity, then Thread is the optimal choice. If you need low-power functionality and want to maximize connectivity in the marketplace, Wi-Fi is the well-known universal standard for wireless connectivity in Matter.
If You're Developing with Thread:
- Choose a Thread certified SoC, module, or radio board for end nodes. Matter uses Bluetooth Low Energy for commissioning, so ensure your hardware of choice also supports Bluetooth. Check Silicon Labs’ Matter compliant Thread SoCs and modules to choose the optimal hardware for you.
- Get a hardware board for the host of the Thread border router — such as Raspberry Pi or BeagleBoard to run the Matter border router to establish the Thread network. Select a radio co-processor (RCP) compatible development kit — the RCP takes care of the wireless communications operated by the border router.
- Select the appropriate development kit for your Matter over Thread end device.
| 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 | ✔ |
If You're Developing with Wi-Fi:
- Choose a RS9116 NCP or WF200 Wi-Fi co-processor or a certified module to develop Matter over Wi-Fi end devices. Check Silicon Labs’ Matter compliant Wi-Fi SoCs and modules to choose the optimal hardware for you.
- Get the EFR32MG24 host processor to connect to the Wi-Fi NCP and RCP over the SPI host interface.
- Select the appropriate development kit for your Matter over Wi-Fi end device.
| Use Case | Protocols | Mode | RS9116W + EFR32MG24* |
WF200 + EFR32MG24* |
| Matter Wi-Fi End Device | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth LE | NCP | ✔ | |
| Matter Wi-Fi End Device | Wi-Fi | RCP | ✔ |
Step 2: Set up Your Software Development Environment and Run Your First Code Example for the Matter Protocol
When you have all the needed hardware in place, you can start setting up the software development environment. Follow these steps:
- Use a desktop or laptop with a development environment.
- Read release notes for features and known issues.
- Set up your Matter environment (Python, GN, and Ninja Linux Libraries) and start developing your Matter Code example per the instructions provided on GitHub.
Hardware
Thread SoCs and Modules
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| Thread Certified | Frequency Bands (MHz) | Flash (kB) | RAM (kB) | Output Power Range (dBm) | MCU Core | TX Current (mA) 0 dBm | RX Current (mA) | RX Sensitivity (dBm) | Security | GPIO | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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New
EFR32MG24 Series 2 Modules New
EFR32MG24 Series 2 Modules
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1536 | 256 | -33.7,-24 10,19.9 | ARM Cortex-M33 | — | — | — | AES-128 AES-256 ECC SHA-1 SHA-2 | 26 | ||
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EFR32MG24 Series 2 SoCs
EFR32MG24 Series 2 SoCs
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2.4 GHz | 1024, 1536 | 128, 192, 256 | -20 10,19.5 | ARM Cortex-M33 | — | — | — | AES-128 AES-256 ECC SHA-1 SHA-2 Secure Enclave | 26, 28, 32 | |
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EFR32MG21 Series 2 Modules
Zigbee and Thread EFR32MG21 Based Modules (Series 2)
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2.4 GHz | 1024 | 96 | -20 10,12.5,20 | ARM Cortex-M33 | — | — | — | — | 20 | |
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EFR32MG21 Series 2 SoCs
Zigbee and Thread EFR32MG21 SoCs (Series 2)
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2.4 GHz | 512, 768, 1024 | 64, 96 | -20 10,10.5,20 | ARM Cortex-M33 | 10.4 | 9.4 | -104 (250 kbps O-QPSK DSSS) | AES-128 AES-256 ECC SHA-1 SHA-2 | 20 |
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Please note that MG21 operates in a Radio Co-Processor (RCP) mode - the Thread stack runs on the host microprocessor.
Wi-Fi SoCs and Modules
Select Columns
| Frequency Bands | Application MCU | Onboard IP Support | Key Peripherals | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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RS9116 Wi-Fi NCP SoCs
RS9116 Wi-Fi NCP SoCs
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Single Band (2.4) | UART, SPI, SDIO, USB CDC | ||
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RS9116 Wi-Fi NCP Modules
RS9116 Wi-Fi NCP Modules
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Dual Band (2.4/5), Single Band (2.4) | UART, SPI, SDIO, USB CDC | ||
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WF200 Series 2 Wi-Fi Transceiver Modules
WFM200 Wi-Fi Transceiver Modules (Series 2)
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Single Band (2.4) | SDIO/SPI | ||
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WF200 Series 2 Wi-Fi Transceiver SoCs
Wi-Fi Transceiver SoCs (Series 2)
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Single Band (2.4) | SDIO, SPI |
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Kits and Boards
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. See here which kit is the best fit for your needs!
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.
EFR32xG24 Pro Kit +10 dBm
The EFR32xG24 +10 dBm Pro Kit is designed to support the development of wireless IoT devices based on the EFR32xG24 and support the development of 2.4 GHz wireless protocols including BLE, Bluetooth mesh, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter.
EFR32xG24 Pro Kit +10 dBm
The EFR32xG24 +10 dBm Pro Kit is designed to support the development of wireless IoT devices based on the EFR32xG24 and support the development of 2.4 GHz wireless protocols including BLE, Bluetooth mesh, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter.
EFR32xG24 Pro Kit +20 dBm
The EFR32xG24 +20 dBm Pro Kit is designed to support the development of wireless IoT devices based on the EFR32xG24 and support the development of 2.4 GHz wireless protocols including BLE, Bluetooth mesh, Zigbee, Thread and Matter.
EFR32xG24 Pro Kit +20 dBm
The EFR32xG24 +20 dBm Pro Kit is designed to support the development of wireless IoT devices based on the EFR32xG24 and support the development of 2.4 GHz wireless protocols including BLE, Bluetooth mesh, Zigbee, Thread and Matter.
EFR32xG24 Dev Kit
The EFR32xG24 Dev Kit is a compact, feature-packed development platform. It provides the fastest path to develop and prototype wireless IoT products. The development platform supports up to +10 dBm output power and includes support for the 20-bit ADC as well as other key features.
EFR32xG24 Dev Kit
The EFR32xG24 Dev Kit is a compact, feature-packed development platform. It provides the fastest path to develop and prototype wireless IoT products. The development platform supports up to +10 dBm output power and includes support for the 20-bit ADC as well as other key features.
Pro Kit Mainboard Accessory Kit
The accessory kit enables the use of the Pro Kit Mainboard (BRD4002A) as a stand-alone debug adapter for custom hardware. It includes a mini-simplicity 10-pin flat cable which provides AEM (energy monitoring), SWD interface, VCOM (UART bridge) and PTI (Packet Trace Interface) support. Additionally it also includes the necessary wire harness and hooks for the on-board logic analyzer.
Pro Kit Mainboard Accessory Kit
The accessory kit enables the use of the Pro Kit Mainboard (BRD4002A) as a stand-alone debug adapter for custom hardware. It includes a mini-simplicity 10-pin flat cable which provides AEM (energy monitoring), SWD interface, VCOM (UART bridge) and PTI (Packet Trace Interface) support. Additionally it also includes the necessary wire harness and hooks for the on-board logic analyzer.
EFR32xG24 Wireless 2.4 GHz +20 dBm Antenna Diversity Radio Board
The EFR32xG24 +20 dBm Antenna Diversity Radio Board is designed work with the WSTK main board (not included) to support the development of wireless IoT devices based on 2.4 GHz 802.15.4 protocols including OpenThread and Zigbee.
EFR32xG24 Wireless 2.4 GHz +20 dBm Antenna Diversity Radio Board
The EFR32xG24 +20 dBm Antenna Diversity Radio Board is designed work with the WSTK main board (not included) to support the development of wireless IoT devices based on 2.4 GHz 802.15.4 protocols including OpenThread and Zigbee.
EFR32xG24 Wireless 2.4 GHz +20 dBm Radio Board
The EFR32xG24 +20 dBm Radio Board is designed work with the WSTK main board (not included) to support the development of wireless IoT devices based on 2.4 GHz wireless protocols inlcuding BLE, Bluetooth mesh, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter.
EFR32xG24 Wireless 2.4 GHz +20 dBm Radio Board
The EFR32xG24 +20 dBm Radio Board is designed work with the WSTK main board (not included) to support the development of wireless IoT devices based on 2.4 GHz wireless protocols inlcuding BLE, Bluetooth mesh, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter.
EFR32xG24 Wireless 2.4 GHz +10 dBm Radio Board
The EFR32xG24 +10 dBm Radio Board is designed work with the WSTK main board (not included) to support the development of wireless IoT devices based on 2.4 GHz wireless protocols inlcuding BLE, Bluetooth mesh, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter.
EFR32xG24 Wireless 2.4 GHz +10 dBm Radio Board
The EFR32xG24 +10 dBm Radio Board is designed work with the WSTK main board (not included) to support the development of wireless IoT devices based on 2.4 GHz wireless protocols inlcuding BLE, Bluetooth mesh, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter.
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.
EFR32xG21 Wireless Gecko Starter Kit
The EFR32xG21 Wireless Gecko Starter Kit (SLWSTK6006A) includes everything needed to enable developers to create a mesh network and evaluate the EFR32xG21A with Secure Element and the EFR32xG21B with Secure Vault Series 2 Wireless Gecko SoCs. This kit provides the common baseboard and comes with 6 xG21A modules (SLWRB418xA). If you want to evaluate the EFR32xG21B you must buy the xG21B modules (SLWRB4181C +10 dBm) separately.
EFR32xG21 Wireless Gecko Starter Kit
The EFR32xG21 Wireless Gecko Starter Kit (SLWSTK6006A) includes everything needed to enable developers to create a mesh network and evaluate the EFR32xG21A with Secure Element and the EFR32xG21B with Secure Vault Series 2 Wireless Gecko SoCs. This kit provides the common baseboard and comes with 6 xG21A modules (SLWRB418xA). If you want to evaluate the EFR32xG21B you must buy the xG21B modules (SLWRB4181C +10 dBm) separately.
EFR32xG21 Bluetooth Starter Kit
The EFR32xG21 Bluetooth Starter Kit supports Bluetooth 5.1 and comes ready to connect to your phone via the Silicon Labs Bluetooth LE mobile app. This Kit comes with an EFR32xG21A with Secure Element 2.4 GHz wireless SOC is optimized for line-powered BLE and Bluetooth mesh applications, including connected lighting, smart plugs, gateways, and voice assistants. Optionally, if you want to evaluate the EFR32xG21B with Secure Vault, you can purchase an xG21B module (SLWRB4181C +10 dBm) separately.
EFR32xG21 Bluetooth Starter Kit
The EFR32xG21 Bluetooth Starter Kit supports Bluetooth 5.1 and comes ready to connect to your phone via the Silicon Labs Bluetooth LE mobile app. This Kit comes with an EFR32xG21A with Secure Element 2.4 GHz wireless SOC is optimized for line-powered BLE and Bluetooth mesh applications, including connected lighting, smart plugs, gateways, and voice assistants. Optionally, if you want to evaluate the EFR32xG21B with Secure Vault, you can purchase an xG21B module (SLWRB4181C +10 dBm) separately.
EFR32xG21B Wireless Gecko 2.4 GHz +10 dBm Radio Board with Secure Vault
The Wireless Gecko SLWRB4181C wireless radio board plugs into the Main Board provided with the EFR32xG21 Wireless Gecko Starter Kit or the EFR32xG21 Bluetooth Starter Kit and must be purchased separately from either of those kits. The starter kits include access to Zigbee, Thread, and Bluetooth software stacks with the highest level of IoT security provided by Secure Vault.
EFR32xG21B Wireless Gecko 2.4 GHz +10 dBm Radio Board with Secure Vault
The Wireless Gecko SLWRB4181C wireless radio board plugs into the Main Board provided with the EFR32xG21 Wireless Gecko Starter Kit or the EFR32xG21 Bluetooth Starter Kit and must be purchased separately from either of those kits. The starter kits include access to Zigbee, Thread, and Bluetooth software stacks with the highest level of IoT security provided by Secure Vault.
EFR32xG21A Wireless Gecko 2.4 GHz +10 dBm Radio Board
The Wireless Gecko SLWRB4181B wireless radio board plugs into the Main Board provided with the Wireless Gecko Starter Kit. The starter kit includes access to Zigbee, Thread, and Bluetooth software stacks.
EFR32xG21A Wireless Gecko 2.4 GHz +10 dBm Radio Board
The Wireless Gecko SLWRB4181B wireless radio board plugs into the Main Board provided with the Wireless Gecko Starter Kit. The starter kit includes access to Zigbee, Thread, and Bluetooth software stacks.
EFR32xG21A Wireless Gecko 2.4 GHz +20 dBm Radio Board
The Wireless Gecko SLWRB4180B wireless radio board plugs into the Main Board provided with the Wireless Gecko Starter Kit. The starter kit includes access to Zigbee, Thread, and Bluetooth software stacks.
EFR32xG21A Wireless Gecko 2.4 GHz +20 dBm Radio Board
The Wireless Gecko SLWRB4180B wireless radio board plugs into the Main Board provided with the Wireless Gecko Starter Kit. The starter kit includes access to Zigbee, Thread, and Bluetooth software stacks.
Development Kits for Wi-Fi over Matter
Full-featured application development kits.
RS9116X Dual Band Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Development Kit (CC1 Module)
The RS9116 Dual Band Evaluation Board supports the RS9116 family of SoCs and modules by providing a comprehensive multi-protocol wireless connectivity solution including 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz), dual-mode Bluetooth® 5.
RS9116X Dual Band Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Development Kit (CC1 Module)
The RS9116 Dual Band Evaluation Board supports the RS9116 family of SoCs and modules by providing a comprehensive multi-protocol wireless connectivity solution including 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz), dual-mode Bluetooth® 5.
RS9116X Single Band Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Development Kit (B00 Module)
The RS9116 Single Band Evaluation Board supports the RS9116 family of SoCs and modules by providing a comprehensive multi-protocol wireless connectivity solution including 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz), dual-mode Bluetooth® 5.
RS9116X Single Band Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Development Kit (B00 Module)
The RS9116 Single Band Evaluation Board supports the RS9116 family of SoCs and modules by providing a comprehensive multi-protocol wireless connectivity solution including 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz), dual-mode Bluetooth® 5.
RS9116X Single Band Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Development Kit (QMS SoC)
The RS9116 Single Band Evaluation Board supports the RS9116 family of SoCs and modules by providing a comprehensive multi-protocol wireless connectivity solution including 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz), dual-mode Bluetooth® 5.
RS9116X Single Band Wi-Fi + Bluetooth Development Kit (QMS SoC)
The RS9116 Single Band Evaluation Board supports the RS9116 family of SoCs and modules by providing a comprehensive multi-protocol wireless connectivity solution including 802.11 b/g/n (2.4 GHz), dual-mode Bluetooth® 5.
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
About Matter
A Unified Approach to IoT Device Development
Matter drives the convergence between the major Smart Home IoT ecosystems to create one easy, reliable, and secure wireless protocol to connect all IoT devices and networks in homes.
Matter Benefits Developers and Consumers
Matter leverages existing IP technologies including Wi-Fi and Thread to build a unified wireless connectivity ecosystem and IP-based networking provides manufacturers with simplified development while improving device compatibility for consumers. Motivated by the belief that connected experiences should become more reliable, secure, and work effectively together, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) launched Matter (formerly known as Connected Home over IP project) to make it easier for device manufacturers to build devices that are compatible with smart home and voice services such as Amazon’s Alexa, Apple® Siri®, Google Assistant™, and others.
Matter also builds in defenses against a wide variety of threats with a security architecture based on “security by design” and “zero trust”. As part of this, Matter builds in security measures so that every message is protected.
Developer Benefits:
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Simplifies development, lowers development & operational costs
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Community collaboration improved quality, expedites process and captures broader use-cases
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Faster time to market, as developers can leverage existing implementations
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Opensource and trusted standard cryptographic algorithms with well protected keys
Consumer Benefits:
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Matter products should be easy to purchase, set up and use
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Devices from multiple brands work natively together
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Consumers are in control of the privacy and authorization for interaction with the devices
Featured Matter Applications
On top of supporting IP networks within Matter, developers can leverage Silicon Labs' broad IoT wireless expertise that spans building automation, smart home, industrial IoT, and smart markets to connect a wide range of networks and devices—regardless of the underlying network protocol.
Featured Matter Resources
Visit the Silicon Labs Matter Github repository to begin developing with Matter applications.
Access technical sessions, keynotes, and training from the Works With 2022 agenda.
Matter Security: Applying Privacy Fundamentals - explore some of basics behind Matter security.
BG24 and MG24 SoCs help customers and partners bring Matter, AI/ML, and innovation to IoT.
On-Demand
Works With Virtual 2022: Where Innovation Meets Implementation
All keynotes, technical sessions, and hands-on workshops are now available on-demand. Watch your favorite sessions anytime, anywhere!