Silicon Labs' Dual-Band SoC: Extended Connectivity for IoT Innovations

The new dual-band FG28 SoC, developed by Silicon Labs, a pioneer in intelligent, secure wireless technology for a more connected world, is intended for long-range networks and protocols including Wi-SUN, Amazon Sidewalk, and other proprietary protocols. The FG28 is a dual-band SoC that features radios for sub-Gigahertz (Ghz) and 2.4 GHz Bluetooth LE, as well as Silicon Labs' market-leading Secure VaultTM technology and an integrated AI/ML accelerator for machine learning inference.

Silicon Labs CTO Daniel Cooley stated that "The FG28 SoC addresses several key needs for our customers when it comes to developing and deploying low-power wide area networks." While the sub-Ghz band is designed to support device communications over one mile, allowing for new edge applications in areas like smart agriculture, smart cities, and neighborhood networks like Amazon Sidewalk, the inclusion of Bluetooth makes it simple for users to provision and deploy new devices onto the network.

A single design can support multiple protocols thanks to dual-band capabilities.

A "Swiss army knife" of connectivity alternatives is needed for new developing applications as connectivity and computing power are pushed to the limit. The FG28 can be used as the battery-operated end node in smart cities by providing sub-Ghz connectivity through networks like Wi-SUN, for example, as a tracker on dumpsters to help locate them and determine when they were last emptied, in irrigation systems across multi-acre commercial farming operations, or as livestock trackers and health monitors on expansive ranches. Bluetooth compatibility enables operators to connect to the device locally for diagnostics, data downloads, and other purposes in addition to facilitating the deployment of devices on the network.

Additional capabilities of the FG28 SoC allow for new uses for sub-GHz devices, including:

• The first AI/ML hardware accelerator in the market to be built into a sub-GHz SoC, enabling machine learning inference at the edge to offer predictive maintenance warnings, monitor soil conditions for important factors like moisture and pH levels, and more.
• To accommodate the memory requirements of a variety of protocols and technology stacks, the device has 256 kB of RAM and 1024 kB of flash storage.
• Industry-leading Secure Vault Mid and High support helps users have more confidence in the system and gives application designers the freedom to select the level of security they require.
• Ideal for battery-operated end nodes, the energy-efficient radio core has low active and sleep currents and quick waking periods.
• For reliable peripheral communication, up to 49 General Purpose Input/Output (GPIO) pins are available.

Support for Amazon Sidewalk expands connectivity outside of smart home walls.

The launch of Amazon Sidewalk for developers last year was among the more interesting IoT innovations. A communal network created by the community, for the community, Amazon Sidewalk is safe, common, and always on. Amazon Sidewalk provides a safe, dependable, and flexible connection that facilitates long-range use cases by using pre-existing smart home devices as gateways, such as specific cameras and speakers.