A national level paper presentation on

Advances in wireless communication

Topic:ZigBee Technology
by
Seelam RajiReddy
M.Tech Electronics (II year)
V.J.T.I. MUMBAI

ABSTRACT:

There are a multitude of standards that address mid to high data rates for voice, PC LANs,
video, etc. However, up till now there hasn’t been a wireless network standard that meets the
unique needs of sensors and control devices. Sensors and controls don’t need high
bandwidth but they do need low latency and very low energy consumption for long battery
lives and for large device arrays.There are a multitude of proprietary wireless systems
manufactured today to solve a multitude of problems that also don’t require high data rates
but do require low cost and very low current drain.These proprietary systems were designed
because there were no standards that met their requirements.These legacy systems are
creating significant interoperability problems with each other and with newer technologies.
No standard approach today that addresses the unique needs of most remote
monitoring and control applications.Zigbee technology enables the broad-based deployment
of reliable wireless networks with low complexity, low cost solutions. Provides the ability to
run for years on inexpensive primary batteries for a typical monitoring application,Capable
of inexpensively supporting robust mesh networking technologies. This paper will describe
the characteristics of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard, RF design considerations of the physical
layer, ZigBee network topologies,a representative ZigBee applications.and comparision
between ZigBee and BlueTooth technologies.

I. INTRODUCTION:

There are many wireless monitoring and control applications for industrial and home
markets which require longer battery life, lower data rates and less complexity than available
from existing wireless standards. These standards provide higher data rates at the expense of
power consumption, application complexity and cost. What these markets need, in many
cases, is a standards-based wireless technology having the performance characteristics that
closely meet the requirements for reliability, security, low power and low cost. This
standards-based, interoperable wireless technology will address the unique needs of low data
rate wireless control and sensor-based networks.
For such wireless applications, a standard has been developed by the IEEE.The IEEE
802.15 Task Group 4 is chartered to investigate a low data rate solution with multi-month to
multi-year battery life and very low complexity. It is intended to operate in an unlicensed,
international frequency band. Potential applications are home automation, wireless sensors,
interactive toys, smart badges and remote controls. The scope of the task group is to define
the physical layer (PHY) and the media access controller (MAC). A graphical representation
of the areas of responsibility between the IEEE standard, ZigBee Alliance, and User is
presented in Figure 1. The definition of the application profiles is organized by the ZigBee
Alliance.

ZigBee Alliance is an Organization with a mission to define reliable, cost-effective,

low-power, wirelessly networked, monitoring and control products based on an open global
standard. Alliance provides upper layer stack and application profiles, compliance and
certification testing, branding. Hence result is a set of interoperable solutions which is
recognizable in the market.
Since total system cost is a key factor for industrial and home wireless applications, a
highly integrated single-chip approach is the preferred solution of semiconductor
manufacturers developing IEEE 802.15.4 compliant transceivers. The IEEE standard at the
PHY is the significant factor in determining the RF architecture and topology of ZigBee
enabled transceivers currently sampling. Generally, CMOS is the desired technology to
integrate both analog circuitry and high gate count digital circuitry for lower cost with the
challenge being RF performance.
For these optimized short-range wireless solutions, the other key element above the
Physical and MAC Layer is the Network/Security Layers for sensor and control integration.
The ZigBee Alliance is in the process of defining the characteristics of these layers for star,
mesh, and cluster tree topologies. The performance of these networks will complement the
IEEE standard while meeting the requirements for low complexity and low power.

II. IEEE 802.15.4 OVERVIEW:

The IEEE 802.15.4 standard defines two PHYs representing three license-free frequency
bands that include sixteen channels at 2.4 GHz, ten channels at 902 to 928 MHz, and one
channel at 868 to 870 MHz. The maximum data rates for each band are 250 kbps, 40 kbps
and 20 kbps, respectively. The 2.4 GHz band operates worldwide while the sub-1 GHz band
operates in North America, Europe, and Australia/New Zealand, Table 1. The IEEE standard
is intended to conform to established regulations in Europe, Japan, Canada and the United
States.

Table 1 - Frequency Bands and Data Rate

Both PHYs use Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS). The modulation type in the 2.4
GHz band is O-QPSK with a 32 PN-code length and an RF bandwidth of 2 MHz. In the sub-
1 GHz bands, BPSK modulation is used with a 15 PN-code length and operates in an RF
bandwidth of 600 kHz in Europe and 1200 kHz in North America.

III. RF DESIGN CONSIDERATIONS

A representative sub-1 GHz transceiver is shown in Figure 2. The IC contains a 900 MHz
physical layer (PHY) and portion of the media access controller (hardware-MAC). The
remaining MAC functions (software-MAC) and the application layer are executed on an
external microcontroller. All PHY functions are integrated on the chip with minimal external
components required for a complete radio. A low-cost crystal is used as a reference for the
PLL and to clock the digital circuitry. To optimize energy consumption in sleep mode while
still keeping an accurate time base, a Real Time Clock reference can be used.

The analog portion of the receiver converts the desired signal from RF to the digital
baseband. Synchronization, despreading and demodulation are done in the digital portion of
the receiver. The digital part of the transmitter does the spreading and baseband filtering,
whereas the analog part of the transmitter does the modulation and conversion to RF. The
three main analog blocks - the direct-conversion receiver, direct-conversion transmitter, and
fractional-N PLL, are discussed as follows.
The choice of the receiver architecture is mainly a compromise between performance,
cost (considering both silicon area and external components), and power consumption .A
direct-conversion receiver (DCR) architecture (or Zero-IF architecture) was selected as there
is no image frequency and IF filtering required. Further advantages are that the channel select
filters are low-pass filters, instead of band-pass filters, and the baseband frequency is the
lowest possible. The DCR architecture provides the additional benefits of lower cost,
complexity, and power consumption.
The transmitter architecture is also direct-conversion. Since BPSK modulation is
used, only one baseband path is required. A differential architecture was used to minimize
common mode noise. The output can be single-ended or differential. The single-ended output
was selected for the advantages of lower cost, an on chip TR switch, and eliminates the
requirement for an external balun.
Table 1 shows the channel allocation in the sub-1 GHz bands of the IEEE standard
which sets the required bandwidth and frequency resolution. This had major impact on the
PLL topology. The goal was one PLL circuit for the 868/915 MHz bands using a fixed
crystal frequency. To meet these requirements, a fractional-N PLL architecture was chosen.
An additional benefit is the software controlled fractional-N PLL provides the adaptability to
meet future worldwide spectrum expansion in the range of 860 to 930 MHz.

IV. ZIGBEE NETWORK CONSIDERATIONS :

Many network specific features of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard are not shown in detail in this
paper. However, these are necessary for the efficient operation of ZigBee networks. These
features of the PHY include receiver energy detection, link quality indication and clear
channel assessment. Both contention-based and contention-free channel access methods are
supported with a maximum packet size of 128 bytes, which includes a variable payload up to
104 bytes. Also employed are 64-bit IEEE and 16-bit short addressing, supporting over
65,000 nodes per network. The MAC provides network association and disassociation, has an
optional superframe structure with beacons for time synchronization, and a guaranteed time
slot (GTS) mechanism for high priority communications. The channel access method is
carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA-CA).
ZigBee defines the network, security, and application framework profile layers for an
IEEE 802.15.4-based system. ZigBee’s network layer supports three networking topologies;
star, mesh, and cluster tree as shown in Figure 3. Star networks are common and provide for
very long battery life operation. Mesh, or peer-to-peer, networks enable high levels of
reliability and scalability by providing more than one path through the network. Cluster-tree
networks utilize a hybrid star/mesh topology that combines the benefits of both for high
levels of reliability and support for battery-powered nodes.
To provide for low cost implementation options, the ZigBee Physical Device type
distinguishes the type of hardware based on the IEEE 802.15.4 definition of reduced function
device (RFD) and full function device (FFD). An IEEE 802.15.4 network requires at least
one FFD to act as a network coordinator. The description of each Physical Device type is
found in Table 2.

An RFD is implemented with minimum RAM and ROM resources and designed to be a
simple send and/or receive node in a larger network. With a reduced stack size, less memory
is required, thus a less expensive IC. ZigBee RFDs are generally battery powered. RFDs can
search for available networks, transfer data from its application as necessary, determine
whether data is pending, request data from the network coordinator, and sleep for extended
periods of time to reduce battery consumption. RFDs can only talk to an FFD, a device with
sufficient system resources for network routing. The FFD can serve as a network coordinator,
a link coordinator or as just another communications device. Any FFD can talk to other FFD
and RFDs. FFDs discover other FFDs and RFDs to establish communications, and are
typically line powered.
 The ZigBee Logical Device type distinguishes the Physical Device types (RFD or
FFD) deployed in a specific ZigBee network. The Logical Device types are ZigBee
Coordinators, ZigBee Routers, and ZigBee End Devices.The ZigBee coordinator initializes a
network, manages network nodes, and stores network node information. The ZigBee Router
participates in the network by routing messages between paired nodes. The ZigBee End
Device acts as a leaf node in the network and can be an RFD or FFD. ZigBee application
device types distinguish the type of device from an end-user perspective as specified by the
Application Profiles.
ZigBee’s self-forming and self-healing mesh network architecture permits data and
control messages to be passed from one node to other node via multiple paths. This feature
extends the range of the network and improves data reliability. This peer-to-peer capability
may be used to build large, geographically dispersed networks where smaller networks are
linked together to form a ‘cluster tree’ network. ZigBee provides a security toolbox to ensure
reliable and secure networks. Access control lists, packet freshness timers and 128-bit
encryption protect data transmission and ZigBee wireless networks.

V. ZIGBEE APPLICATIONS :

ZigBee networks consist of multiple traffic types with their own unique characteristics,
including periodic data, intermittent data, and repetitive low latency data. The characteristics
of each are as follows:
• Periodic data – usually defined by the application such as a wireless sensor or meter. Data
typically is handled using a beaconing system whereby the sensor wakes up at a set time and
checks for the beacon, exchanges data, and goes to sleep.
• Intermittent data – either application or external stimulus defined such as a wireless light
switch. Data can be handled in a beaconless system or disconnected. In disconnected
operation, the device will only attach to the network when communications is required,
saving significant energy.
• Repetitive low latency data – uses time slot allocations such as a security system. These
applications may use the guaranteed time slot (GTS) capability. GTS is a method of QoS that
allows each device a specific duration of time as defined by the PAN coordinator in the
Superframe to do whatever it requires without contention or latency.
For example, an automatic meter reading application represents a periodic data traffic
type with data from water or gas meters being transmitted to a line powered electric meter
and passed over a powerline to a central location. Using the beaconing feature of the IEEE
standard, the respective RFD meter wakes up and listens for the beacon from the PAN
coordinator, if received, the RFD requests to join the network. The PAN coordinator accepts
the request. Once connected, the device passes the meter information and goes to sleep. This
capability provides for very low duty cycles and enables multi-year battery life. Intermittent
traffic types, such as wireless light switches, connect to the network
When needed to communicate (i.e. turn on a light). For repetitive low latency
applications a guaranteed time slot option provides for Quality of Service with a contention
free, dedicated time slot in each super frame that reduces contention and latency.
Applications requiring timeliness and critical data passage may include medical alerts and
security systems. In all applications, the smaller packet sizes of ZigBee devices results in
higher effective throughput values compared to other standards.

1. ZigBee networks are primarily intended for low duty cycle sensor networks
(<1%).Anew network node may be recognized and associated in about 30 ms. Waking up
a sleeping node takes about 15 ms, as does accessing a channel and transmitting data.

2. ZigBee applications benefit from the ability to quickly attach information, detach, and
go to deep sleep, which results in low power consumption and extended battery life.

3. ZigBee is one implementation of the logical layer needed to implement the standard
IEEE 802.15.4 ractified in May 2003. The standard intends to be a simple packet data
protocol, with a low power requirement and narrow bandwidth requirements. Its
maximum speed is 250kbps, compared to Bluetooth at 720kbps and wi-fi from 11mbps
(although we all know real life applications will have different performance).

4. The ZigBee technology is well suited to a wide range of applications in every industry.
Essentially, any application that could benefit from interoperability, or that matches the
fundamental RF characteristics of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard would benefit from a
ZigBee solution. Examples include:

 Wireless home security

 Remote thermostats for air conditioner

 Remote lighting, drape controller

 Call button for elderly and disabled
 Universal remote controller to TV and radio
 Wireless keyboard, mouse and game pads
 Wireless smoke, CO detectors
 Industrial and building automation and control (lighting, etc.)

ZIGBEE WIRELESS MARKETS AND APPLICATIONS:

 CONSUMER
BUILDING ELECTRONICS
AUTOMATION &
REMOTE PC & PERIPHERALS
Security, HVAC, CONTROL
AMR, Mouse, Keyboard,
Lighting Control, Joystick
Access Control

RESIDENTIAL/
LIGHT COMMERCIAL
CONTROL
INDUSTRIAL
Security, HVAC, CONTROL
Lighting Control, PERSONAL
Access Control Asset Mgt, HEALTH CARE
Process Control,
Energy Mgt Patient monitoring

VI: COMPARISION BETWEEN BLUETOOTH AND ZIGBEE TECHNOLGY:

The Inevitable Question is whether ZigBee and Bluetooth are competitors or complements?
Bluetooth seems best suited for:
 Synchronization of cell phone to PDA
 Hands-free audio
 PDA to printer
While ZigBee is better suited for:
 Controls
 Sensors
 Lots of devices
 Low duty cycle
 Small data packets
 Long battery life is critical

The main differences are: The ZigBee stack is small (28Kbytes) compared to the Bluetooth
stack (250K). This relates to lower cost and lower power consumption.

 Ultra-low power consumption is a key system design aspect of the ZigBee technology
to allow long lifetime non-rechargeable battery powered devices versus rechargeable
devices for Bluetooth. As an example the transition from sleep mode to data transition
is much faster in ZigBee than for Bluetooth.
 ZigBee networking capabilities include 255 devices per network, compared to 8 for
Bluetooth networks.
 The data rate for ZigBee technology is 250kbps (peak information rate 128kbps)
compared to 720kbps for Bluetooth wireless technology.
  Range for ZigBee products is expected to be ~30 meters in a typical home, compared
to ~10 meters for Bluetooth products (without power amplifier).

VII. SUMMARY
 This paper has combined the characteristics of the IEEE 802.15.4 standard with
the maturing ZigBee specification in defining the wireless profiles for low data
rate monitoring and control applications. The capabilities of both will result in the
availability of a technology tailored specifically for the low power, low cost, and
low complexity applications in the industrial, residential, and home today and in
the future. Reliable and self healing,Supports large number of nodes.
 ZigBee and Bluetooth are two solutions for two different application areas.the
differences are from their approach to their desired application. Bluetooth has
addressed a voice application by embodying a fast frequency hopping system with
a master slave protocol. ZigBee has addressed sensors, controls, and other short
message applications by embodying a direct sequence system with a star or peer
to peer protocols.

VIII.CONCLUSION:
ZigBee devices can quickly attach, exchange information, detach, and then go to deep sleep
to achieve a very long battery life. Bluetooth devices require about ~100X the energy for this
operation.
IX. REFERENCES :
[1] Homepage of IEEE 802.15 WPAN Task Group 4 (TG4),
http://grouper.ieee.org/groups/802/15/pub/TG4.html
[2] Ed Callaway, P. Gorday, L. Hester, J.A. Gutierrez, M. Neave, B. Heile, V. Bahl, "Home
networking with IEEE 802.15.4: A developing standard for low-rate wireless personal area
networks," IEEE Communication Magazine, vol. 40, no. 8, pp. 70-77, August 2002.
[3] Homepage of ZigBee™ Alliance, http://www.zigbee.org/
[4] B. Razavi, RF Microelectronics, Prentice Hall 1998.
[5] D. Pozar, Microwave and RF Design of Wireless Systems, 2001.
[6] Göpfert, L. and the ZMD Engineering Team, A Fully-Integrated 900MHz CMOS RF
Transceiver Including Digital Baseband for IEEE 802.15.4/ZigBee Application.
[7] P. Kinney, ZigBee Technology: Wireless Control that Simply Works, White Paper dated
2 October 2003.
[8] Frenzel, L., A Supplement to Electronic Design, Wireless Control That Simply Works,
January 12, 2004.