Atmel targets Zigbee market by acquiring MeshNetics ZigBee IP

Atmel has acquired MeshNetics ZigBee Intellectual Property rights from LuxLabs BVI for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition of the MeshNetics ZigBee IP, includes BitCloud ZigBee PRO software and ZigBit wireless modules.
The BitCloud ZigBee PRO software stack support large wireless ZigBee networks consisting of hundreds of devices that is optimized for ultra low power consumption and is provided with an application programming interface (API) for easy customization by OEMs and system integrators. The BitCloud software stack has been granted ZigBee Compliant Platform Certification for both AVR and ARM microcontrollers and is available royalty free as a part of this solution. Also, BitCloud ZigBee PRO software for Atmel's Raven 2.4GHz Evaluation and Starter kit is available for immediate download and evaluation from the Atmel website.

Low power microcontroller and Zigbee combination will be a market advantage for MCU vendors. The device or a module with built in MCU and Zigbee transceiver will cater to growing home automation, and wireless sensor market. The combination of semiconductor device, reference design board and the software for selected demanding applications will aid the OEM and other developers to quickly develop Zigbee based products. Few examples include centralized control of home appliances, car health monitoring system, and home security. Atmel comments below confirm this.

"Manufacturers and design houses will be able to reduce their development time while slashing development costs with the adoption of Atmel's complete system solution for ZigBee Wireless technology," said Magnus Pedersen, Atmel's Product Marketing Director Wireless Solutions. "Our portfolio now includes Microcontrollers, RF transceivers, ZigBit modules, BitCloud ZigBee PRO software stack, IPv6 based 6LoWPAN software stacks, and tools to easily move our customers from prototype stage to certified products in high volumes," he added.

Atmel's ZigBee technology roadmap includes ZigBee PRO and ZigBee Public Profiles support for Atmel's new AVR XMEGA, and the AVR32 family of microcontrollers.