Door 23 – Matter
- Standardized application layer foundation for connected things
What is Matter?
Matter aims to make it easy for developers to create a secure and reliable solution. If you want your products to be interoperable with the major smart home ecosystems, Matter is the way to go. Matter, which began as Project CHIP (Connected Home over IP) started in December 2019. The starting companies were Amazon, Apple, Google, and others including Nordic Semiconductor. The goal is to agree on a unified application layer standard for connected things at home. Matter is using Thread, Wi-Fi + Ethernet for transport and Bluetooth LE + NFC for commissioning. All Matter devices based on Thread are required to feature Bluetooth LE concurrently to enable adding new devices to a network. Wi-Fi can be used for low and high bandwidth applications. It can be used for devices in range of the local Wi-Fi. Thread is an IPv6- based mesh protocol that targets low bandwidth applications. It is the go-to option for battery-powered devices that require the best energy efficiency and for simple actuators like smart plugs or light bulbs. Most mains-connected Thread devices work as a Thread router and will expand the network's range. Thread is a self-healing low-power mesh that can adapt to new devices or to devices being removed from the network.
Internet protocol
Matter provides a shared foundation on which to build an application. The goal is to have interoperability between devices and ecosystems. As the former project name suggests, it is based on the Internet Protocol (IP). The IP is the most common network layer used in homes and offices. This makes it ideal for delivering on interoperability and security to devices and services. Matter provides a standard application layer that is used with a set of wireless technologies. The focus is on Bluetooth LE, Thread, Wi-Fi and Ethernet. This will be followed by other IP-supporting protocols such as cellular.
Matter in Smart Home
With each Matter Release new applications from the Smart Home sector become available:
Matter 1.0 Release | Fall 2022
- Lighting (bulbs, switches, dimmers)
- HVAC (thermostats, air conditioners)
- Window Coverings (blinds, shades)
- Smart Plugs
- Door Locks
Matter 1.1 Release | Spring 2023
Quality improvements
Matter 1.2 Release | Autumn 2023
- Refrigerators
- Room Air Conditioners
- Dishwashers / Laundry Washers
- Robotic Vacuums
- Air Quality Sensors
- Smoke Detectors
Matter 1.4 Release | Summer 2025
Performance & security improvements
Matter 1.5 Release | Winter 2025 (new)
- Cameras (Security, Doorbell, Monitoring)
- Closures (Garage Doors, Gates)
- Soil Sensors (for Gardening, Agriculture)
- Enhanced Energy Management Capabilities
Communication
Matter is using Thread, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet for transport and Bluetooth LE and NFC for commissioning. All Matter devices based on Thread are required to feature Bluetooth LE concurrently to enable adding new devices to a network. Wi-Fi can be used for high bandwidth applications. It can be used for devices in range of the local Wi-Fi. Thread is an IPv6-based mesh protocol that targets low bandwidth applications. It is the go-to option for battery-powered devices that require the best energy efficiency and for simple actuators like smart plugs or light bulbs. Most mains-connected Thread devices work as a Thread router and will expand the network's range. Thread is a self-healing low-power mesh that can adapt to new devices or to devices being removed from the network.
Getting started
To get started developing your matter product right, you can use the nRF54LM20 DK, nRF5340 DK or nRF7002 DK. When using these kits, all the SoCs functions can be used and tested. All analog and digital interfaces, and GPIOs are available via headers and edge connectors. An onboard SEGGER J-Link enables programming, debugging, and even RTOS awareness during debugging. Both kits are Arduino Uno Rev3 hardware compatible, so they can interface with device shields. The Power Profiler Kit II (PPK2) is a standalone Kit used to supply and measure currents from sub µA up to 1A. The dedicated current measurement pins on our DKs can be used to connect DKs to a PPK2. The PPK2 can even use digital inputs and work as a low-end logic analyzer, enabling code-synchronized measurements.
nRF54LM20 Development Kit
nRF5340 Development Kit
nRF7002 Development Kit
Power Profiler Kit II
Participate and Win!
How does the competition work?
You can win a Chipolo LOOP or CARD and a Nordic DevKit of your choice on behalf of your company.
To enter, select which Chipolo finder you would like to receive, as well as which Nordic boards you would like to win (you can select multiple options, and the lottery will decide which one you may win).
Fill out the form now and, with a little luck, you will receive the combination of your wishes: