STMicroelectronics brings GreenNet Wireless Sensor Networking Technology

STMicroelectronics has introduced a new open platform for smart buildings where a new breed of app could finds its way taking advantage onto mobiles or set-top boxes.

ST's GreenNet Wireless Sensor Networking technology is claimed to address the challenge to most efficiently use energy for heating and lighting and for increasing consumer safety via monitoring of their environment. The GreenNet platform comprises self-powered nodes that can be positioned around the home for tasks such as temperature, CO (carbon monoxide) or movement sensing, relaying data wirelessly to a GreenNet dongle installed in a PC or set-top box. The data could then be communicated to a mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet via a wireless router to enable monitoring and control.

The fundamental building block of this new GreenNet Wireless Sensor Networking platform is said to be the GreenNet node, which utilizes core ST technologies in energy management, silicon-based sensors and embedded wireless to create the ultimate easy-to-use network node free of wires or any need to change batteries. The node is expected to combine a rechargeable battery and solar cell with an on-chip sensor and STM32W 32-bit wireless microcontroller in a compact 3D system-in-package that consumes minimal power and can operate autonomously powered only by ambient light energy.