Developing the Kwikset Halo Select Smart Lock



Case study

Discover how Kwikset leveraged Nordic’s connectivity solutions and Matter integration to design a next-generation smart lock focusing on user flexibility, robust security, and seamless smart home integration.

Kwikset, a leading name in residential security, has been at the forefront of innovation in smart locks. Their latest flagship product, the Halo Select™, is a touchscreen-enabled, Wi-Fi® and Matter over Thread-compatible smart lock. It marks a significant step forward in smart home security and represents the first new Halo product in nearly five years. 

According to Charles Dougherty, Product Manager at Kwikset, “We wanted to do it right. We prioritize customer experience over being first in the market. We thought through all the approaches we could take, and I think we made the right choice based on how Matter has developed and how the market has evolved with it.” 

Meeting the challenge: Seamless integration and consumer choice 

At its core, the Halo Select™ was designed to provide seamless integration while offering flexibility to users. Homeowners have the option to connect their lock via Matter over Thread within their smart home ecosystem or use the Kwikset App for Wi-Fi-based operation. Educating users on these options and their benefits was a key focus of the product design. 

This dual-connectivity approach inspired the product name, Halo Select, emphasizing the user’s ability to choose the best setup for their needs. 

Building on experience: Enhancements over previous Halo models 

Kwikset has leveraged years of experience with their Halo, HomeConnect, and SmartCode locks to make significant improvements with the introduction of Halo Select. Early in the design process, the team decided to integrate a stronger motor, ensuring the lock operates smoothly when seasons change and doors move out of alignment. 

Another major enhancement was the inclusion of a door status sensor to detect whether the door is fully closed or left ajar. This provides an additional layer of security and convenience, addressing a common homeowner concern. 

Selecting the right wireless connectivity solution 

Choosing the right System-on-Chip (SoC) was critical to ensuring strong performance, interoperability, and security. After evaluating multiple options, Kwikset selected the nRF5340 multiprotocol SoC paired with the nRF21540 RF Front-End Module (FEM)

The nRF5340 SoC was chosen for its: 

  • Seamless Matter integration 
  • Bluetooth LE and Thread support 
  • Sufficient memory and robust development tools
  • Advanced Thread network selection capabilities 

According to Yuelin Li, Principal Firmware Engineer at Kwikset, “How can we pick up the correct Thread network among all that noise? We have found that Nordic is pretty good at that part.” He also praised the nRF Connect SDK, highlighting its ease of use, strong community support, and seamless Visual Studio Code integration. 

Beyond software stability, the Matter implementation in the nRF Connect SDK is one of the most stable, if not the most stable, and the highest quality solution on the market. For every new release there are more than 3,000 system tests executed for Matter and Thread software components alone. 

Enhancing wireless performance using Nordic solutions 

To achieve superior wireless connectivity, Kwikset integrated the nRF21540 RF FEM alongside the nRF5340 SoC. The +20 dBm TX output power and 13 dB RX gain significantly improved link budget, increasing range by up to 10 times in theory. Kwikset saw this as a crucial problem to fix, as door locks are often positioned at the outermost edge of a home’s smart network. 

Read Get Connected Blog: Smart locks bring peace of mind to homeowners 

Meeting industry standards for security and durability 

Beyond selecting high-performance hardware, Kwikset prioritized adherence to industry standards. A smart lock must not only function reliably but also provide robust security. The Halo Select meets: 

  • ANSI/BHMA grade AAA certification: The highest standard for residential security, durability, and finishes as tested by the Builders Hardware Manufacturers Association. This confirms Halo Select will deliver the highest level of security and durability. 
  • Matter certification: Ensuring seamless integration across smart home ecosystems and future-proofing the product with support for the latest smart home standard. 

Read Get Connected Blog: Why Matter is good for the consumer 

Conclusion 

The Kwikset Halo Select demonstrates how careful planning, advanced component selection, and a commitment to industry standards result in a superior smart lock. By balancing security, user choice, and seamless smart home integration, Kwikset has delivered a next-generation product that meets the evolving needs of modern homeowners. 

As smart home technology continues to advance, the Halo Select sets a new benchmark for intelligent, secure, and user-friendly smart locks. 

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Choosing the right System-on-Chip (SoC) was critical to ensuring strong performance, interoperability, and security.