NXP set to give light bulbs IP addresses with energy saving technology
1 min read
NXP has unveiled technology that has to potential to provide every light bulb with its own IP address. In this way, light bulbs could be controlled from any internet enabled device. The approach builds on its recent acquisition of Jennic.
The technology, called GreenChip, is small enough to fit within the base of a regular energy efficient light bulb. Two versions will be launched: GreenChip iCFL, for use with compact fluorescents (cfl); and GreenChip iSSL, for use with leds. Both chipsets can act as dimmable drivers for smart lamps and are accompanied by: a standby supply controller, with 10mW no load capability; a 2.4GHz IEEE802.15.4 compatible wireless microcontroller; and wireless connectivity, enabled by the JenNet IP network layer software.
John Croteau, NXP's general manager, power lighting solutions and high performance RF, said: "The chipset has very low power consumption so it doesn't negate the benefits of energy efficient lighting. And the cost structure is such that it can ship in consumer light bulbs."
NXP is partnering with TCP, a leading manufacturer of cfl and led lamps. "TCP makes more than 1million light bulbs a day," said Croteau, "and will be launching consumer ready products. This is not a technology demonstrator." A further partnership with GreenWave Reality will see an intelligent lighting control and management solution becoming available.
NXP will also making the technology available under an open source licence and will establish a consortium to oversee its development. "There will not be an 'internet of things' if technology is proprietary or with royalties," Croteau noted, adding "and if it only works with the iPhone, it won't be deployable."
NXP will be taking on ZigBee in the emerging wireless control sector, even though Croteau said this wouldn't be the case. "It's not about competing with ZigBee," Croteau claimed, "it's about delivering something people want to buy."
