News & Analysis
ZigBee RF4CE specification is available for download
Peter Clarke
9/11/2009 6:39 AM EDT
The ZigBee RF4CE standard replaces infrared (IR) with radio frequency (RF) communication in remote controls, allowing non-line-of-sight operation, greater range and longer battery life for consumer electronic (CE) remote controls used with HDTV, home theater equipment, set-top boxes and other audio equipment.
The standard was announced in March 2009 and is designed for a wide range of products including home entertainment devices, lighting control, security monitoring, keyless entry systems and many more. It is based on IEEE 802.15.4. MAC/PHY radio technology in the 2.4GHz unlicensed frequency band and enables worldwide operation,
The RF4CE specification is available for public download from www.zigbee.org/rf4ce.
Related links and articles:
Wireless rivals vie to replace IR remote controls
GreenPeak software stack, reference designs support RF4CE standard
RF remote spec planned for consumer devices
Hardware considerations for RF4CE

