Zigbee Switch Basics: Applications and Vendors

This article covers the basics of Zigbee switches, including their applications and a list of vendors/manufacturers.

Zigbee is a technology used for connecting various wireless devices in a small region, referred to as a Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN). It’s mainly employed in scenarios requiring low data rates, long battery life, and secure communication. The Zigbee specification is published in the IEEE 802.15.4-2003 release, similar to the 802.11 specifications which cover PHY and MAC layers. The Zigbee Alliance manages network, security, and application layer specifications. Zigbee specifications were ratified in 2006, and Zigbee PRO was introduced in 2007.

Use Cases and Applications

Here are a few use cases for Zigbee switches. The applications are growing, and Zigbee is considered one of the future technologies for home automation.

• Wireless Wall Mounted Switch for Light Control: This is a light switch similar in shape to manual switches. However, it’s wirelessly controlled, operating the light via Zigbee wireless frequency channels and protocols. A small LED indicates the ON/OFF state.

• Wireless Switch for Energy Harvesting: This application utilizes energy harvesting in Zigbee PRO networks. This feature allows battery-less wireless devices to securely join the Zigbee PRO network. Devices use energy sources like motion, vibration, and light to conserve energy. An example is an energy harvesting light switch operating a lamp. In this concept, a green power proxy and a sink are required. In this example, the light switch acts as a proxy and the lamp as a sink.

• ON/OFF Switch Button: This switch provides similar functionality to a wall-mounted switch but is round.

Other switches exist for various applications, including shutter switches for rolling shutter boxes, 2500 W plugin switches, 2500 W switches for ceiling mounts, and 2 x 300W switches without neutral to control lighting loads.