Smart home lock reference design kits offer convenience and security, eliminating physical keys, enabling remote access, and integrating cloud services.
With the proliferation of smart home applications, connected locks offer users a blend of convenience and security. These residential smart locks seamlessly combine mechanical and electronic elements, delivering a range of advantages. Firstly, eliminating physical keys means homeowners no longer need to carry or safeguard traditional keys, averting the inconvenience of lockouts and the associated costs of key replacement. Moreover, digital key management empowers homeowners to issue customised keys, including temporary and restricted access options. Additionally, these smart locks can be integrated with cloud services, enabling remote system control. This allows users to grant access to services like deliveries or home cleaning even when they are away. Furthermore, advanced features such as data logging and push notifications enhance the convenience and security of electronic locks, allowing homeowners to monitor their homes and receive timely alerts, even from a distance.
The Smart Home Lock reference design kit launched by Microchip comprises three essential components, collectively known as the BN33J40A Smart Home Lock Bundle. This bundle includes the SMART Door Lock MCU board (EV00N30A), the Power and Motor Control board (EVK05K88A), and the QT3 XPLAINED PRO EXTENSION KIT (ATQT3-XPRO). These integrated boards form a comprehensive and cohesive system designed to facilitate the development and implementation of smart door lock solutions, offering advanced functionalities and control for enhanced home security and convenience.
The smart home lock development kit is essential for creating secure and versatile smart lock systems. It incorporates features such as secure key storage facilitated by built-in ECC608B certain elements, ensuring robust protection for cryptographic keys. Additionally, the kit reinforces communication security by integrating the simpleMAP protocol, which adds authentication and integrity checks to Bluetooth connections, further enhancing the security standards of the smart locks developed using this kit.
Furthermore, the design offers multiple access solutions for diverse user preferences. These include numeric access via a capacitive touch keypad, allowing users a convenient and secure method of entry. For added convenience and flexibility, the kit offers optional features such as access control through a smartphone app via Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), which can be seamlessly incorporated into the system by adding either the BM-70-CDB or BM-70-PICtail board to the setup. Additionally, users can opt for remote access capabilities through cloud connectivity via a dedicated app or web interface, integrating the WFI32-IoT Development Board (EV36W50A) into the system.
The modular design ensures scalability and adaptability for future enhancements. It allows switching the main microcontroller (MCU) using a Plug-In Module (PIM), accommodating evolving project requirements. The kit also supports the Xplained Extension and MikroE click extension interfaces, offering a versatile platform for smart lock development, emphasising security, accessibility, and adaptability.
Microchip has tested this reference design. It comes with a Bill of Materials (BOM), Schematic, etc. You can find additional data about the reference design on the company’s website. To read more about this reference design, click here.
