Matter Protocol

 

Why Matter?

Matter aims to make it easy for developers to create a secure and reliable solution. If you want your products to be interoperable with the major smart home ecosystems, Matter is the way to go.

Supporters

Matter, which began as Project CHIP (Connected Home over IP) started in December 2019. The starting companies were Amazon, Apple, Google, and others including Nordic Semiconductor. The goal is to agree on a unified application layer standard for connected things at home. Matter aims to make it easy for manufacturers to create secure and reliable solutions. These solutions will be interoperable with the major smart home ecosystems like Apple's Siri, Google's Assistant, and Amazon's Alexa.

Communication

Matter is using Thread, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet for transport and Bluetooth LE for commissioning. All Matter devices based on Thread are required to feature Bluetooth LE concurrently to enable adding new devices to a network. Wi-Fi can be used for high bandwidth applications. It can be used for devices in range of the local Wi-Fi. Thread is an IPv6-based mesh protocol that targets low bandwidth applications. It is the go-to option for battery-powered devices that require the best energy efficiency and for simple actuators like smart plugs or light bulbs. Most mains-connected Thread devices work as a Thread router and will expand the network's range. Thread is a self-healing low-power mesh that can adapt to new devices or to devices being removed from the network.

Nordic's involvement

Nordic is actively involved and one of the main contributors the development of Matter. We are the first company to receive a Thread 1.4 certification badge. This badge can be inherited by our customers for their Thread products and is a prerequisite for Matter over Thread. We are also a main contributor to the OpenThread stack and . This combined with our knowledge and experience in Bluetooth Low Energy makes us the ideal partner to start developing your applications.

This release focuses on smarter, more straightforward device setup, reducing user friction and simplifying compliance for product makers. Key new features include:

• Onboarding Info in NFC Tags: Allow tap-to-commission with embedded NFC (the information that is stored in the QR code)
• Multi-Device Setup QR Codes allow commissioning multiple devices (e.g., smart bulb multipacks) with a single scan.
• Enhanced Setup Flow (ESF) enables displaying Terms & Conditions and capturing user consent directly in a commissioner app, improving regulatory compliance without extra apps.

No new device types introduced

Matter 1.4.1 is supported from nRF Connect SDK v3.0.1 and newer.

Matter 1.4 introduces Enhanced Multi-Admin and new device types. Now supported :

• Solar panels
• Batteries
• Heat pumps
• Water heaters
• In-wall load controllers

 

Also in this update

• Enhanced Multi-Admin: easier sharing across ecosystems with a single consent flow
• HRAP support: home routers and access points can now serve as Matter infrastructure
• Smarter energy management and better support for battery-powered devices

The spec can be found and downloaded here CSA specification download Requests.

Matter 1.4 is supported from nRF Connect SDK v2.9.0 and newer

Matter releases a new update twice a year. In the latest release, the Spring 2024 update 10 new device types were introduced:

• Cook Surface
• Cooktop
• Oven
• Extractor Hood
• Microwave Oven
• Laundry Dryer
• Boolean Sensor
• Water Leak Detector
• Valve
• Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE)

 

Also in this update

• Better (provisional) support for Intermittently Connected Device (ICD)
• New/revised clusters mostly corresponding to the newly introduced device types
• New Cluster for diagnostic logs to enhance in-field debugging and to improve end-user experience
• Support for scenes to trigger several devices with one command
• Matter controllers can now batch multiple commands to ensure simultaneous execution (reducing popcorn-effect effect for lighting)

The spec can be found and downloaded here CSA specification download Requests.

Matter 1.3 is supported from nRF Connect SDK v2.7.0 and newer

Matter releases a new update twice a year. In the latest release, the Fall 2023 update 9 new device types were introduced:

• Air Purifiers: Utilize air quality sensors, includes functionality from other device types (fan and optional Thermostat), and filter status notifications.
• Air Quality Sensors: Capture and reporting of various air quality data, including PM1, PM 2.5, PM 10, CO2, NO2, VOC, CO, Ozone, Radon, and Formaldehyde.
• Dishwashers: Basic functionality including remote start, progress notifications, and dishwasher alarms for operational errors.
• Fans: Support for separate device type with features like movement modes, airflow direction control, and speed adjustments.
• Laundry Washers: Support for progress notifications. (does not include dryers in this update)
• Refrigerators: Support for temperature control, monitoring, and related devices like deep freezers and specialty fridges.
• Robotic Vacuums: Remote start, progress notifications, cleaning modes, and additional status details.
• Room Air Conditioners: Standalone room air conditioners with temperature and fan mode control.
• Smoke & Carbon Monoxide Alarms: Notifications, audio and visual alarm signaling, battery status alerts, end-of-life notifications, and self-testing.

 

Also in this update

• Latch & Bolt Door Locks enhancements for European markets (combined latch and bolt lock in one unit)
• Added support for device appearance description (your device now knows its color)
• Generic improvements to make the addition of future device types easier
• Enhancements for the Matter test Harness. The test harness ensures specification and features are properly implemented.

Matter 1.2 is supported in nRF Connect SDK v2.6.0 and newer

Smart home market

The smart home market is relatively new and has an enormous potential. It has been growing slower than expected for the last years. A plethora of proprietary solutions using different protocols and application layers exist. This led to frustration with developers and consumers.

 

Internet Protocol

Matter steps in and provides a shared foundation on which to build an application. The goal is to have interoperability between devices and ecosystems. As the former project name suggests, it is based on the Internet Protocol (IP). The IP is the most common network layer used in homes and offices. This makes it ideal for delivering on interoperability and security to devices and services.

 

 

Protocols

Matter provides a standard application layer that is used with a set of wireless technologies. The focus is on Bluetooth LE, Thread ,Wi-Fi and Ethernet. This will be followed by other IP-supporting protocols such as cellular.