The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has launched the Matter Compliant Platform Certification program (link). It follows the model of a comparable program for Zigbee and, for the first time, allows silicon vendors to certify development platforms, hardware, and software development kits against the Matter standard.
Espressif Systems, Nordic Semiconductor, NXP Semiconductors, and Silicon Labs are the first companies to achieve certification. Realtek Semiconductor has also indicated plans to bring a certified silicon platform to market.
Purpose of the Program
Matter is updated regularly with new device types, features, and security improvements. For device makers, keeping products compliant with these changes can require significant effort. The certification program addresses this by validating commissioning, networking, and security at the silicon platform level. Manufacturers can then use these certified components as a base, which is intended to reduce the cost and complexity of certifying end devices.
Impact on Stakeholders
- Silicon vendors: Certification demonstrates compliance with CSA standards and allows them to offer pre-integrated kits, modules, and reference designs.
- Device makers: Using certified silicon platforms can shorten development timelines, lower certification costs, and simplify recertification, particularly when combined with the CSA’s Rapid Recertification and FastTrack Recertification programs.
- Consumers: The broader use of certified silicon platforms could lead to faster product availability, a wider selection of devices, and more consistent performance.
Scope of Certification
Certification applies to specific combinations of hardware and software provided by silicon vendors. Tested elements include device setup, Bluetooth LE discovery, Thread and Wi-Fi integration, encryption, and secure messaging. Device manufacturers who adopt these certified elements should be able to inherit the validation rather than duplicating the effort.
According to the CSA, the program is designed to make development and certification more efficient for silicon vendors and device makers while improving consistency across Matter devices. Wider adoption of certified silicon platforms could also accelerate the availability of products for end users.
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