Misfit Networking Standard Finds New Home in Greentech

Zigbee. In the wireless communications world, it’s been the choo-choo with square wheels. The networking protocol based around the 802.15.4 standard is one of the most energy-efficient in the world, requiring only a few milliamps. The problem is that it only transmits small amounts of data. The original designers thought it might become a standard for wireless keyboards and mice, but the industry yawned.

High energy bills, however, are bringing the standard out of the deep freeze. Utilities and appliance makers are kicking off projects to wire up dryers, refrigerators, heating and cooling systems and other household appliances with Zigbee nodules. When energy prices are high, a home’s smart electrical meter, via Zigbee, sends a signal to the dryer to stop pumping out heat. When power prices go back down, the dryer gets the go-ahead signal. (Speaking of which, wiring homes like this also brings back the oft-derided Internet-enabled fridge, so that’s two resurrected trends in one.)

Southern California Edison and Centerpoint are kicking off trials equipping homes with Zigbee nodules and smart meters. Some of the names that will be touting this trend include Freescale Semiconductor (formerly Motorola Semi) and smart meter specialist Trilliant. (I’m down in Orlando speaking at Freescale’s Technology Forum.). Similar wireless protocols, based around the same basic low-power 802.15.4 standard, are in trials for regulating power in industrial settings.

“It is getting a lot of traction,” said Henri Richard, senior vice president and chief sales and marketing officer at Freescale.

And where else can it be used to cut energy consumption? Sony put Zigbee into a TV and TV remote last year, replacing the old infrared communication system. Typical Sony remotes need two AA batteries and the batteries last a year, according to Brett Black, operations manager for wireless connectivity at Freescale. The Zigbee remote only needs two AAA batteries and they last two years.

Black also noted that hotels can use Zigbee to reprogram plastic card hotel keys. Did you know that those cards are used to track when visitors leave and enter their rooms? That’s what Black said. News to me.