Telink adds security inside BLE chip; Releases updated SDK for Apple’s HomeKit

Telink Semiconductor has released an updated version of the Bluetooth Low Energy Software Development Kit (BLE SDK) for Apple HomeKit. Now, any Apple HomeKit licensor can use a single-chip solution with built-in security key authentication and updated SDK to develop products and accessories.

Now, Apple devices using HomeKit can communicate with and control devices connected to the Internet of Things (IoT) in the home, such as smart locks, lights, HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems and sensors.

The Apple HomeKit ecosystem is designed to run on existing iOS devices, and the iPad acts as a hub, so no central hub device is required. HomeKit acts as an interface that connects all devices on the network together and allows devices to communicate with each other. HomeKit devices can only work on Bluetooth or WiFi; and there are strict encryption requirements for achieving a secure environment, and specific chipset requirements are required to obtain certification. The communication between products using HomeKit is done locally, without having to transmit data through the cloud.

Apple emphasizes the security of HomeKit by implementing end-to-end encryption between iOS devices and accessories, so that it can use secure smart home solutions. Telink's Bluetooth LE chips (such as TLSR8267 and TLSR8269) have taken HomeKit design into consideration from the beginning and integrated built-in security features.

Wenjun Sheng, CEO of Telink Semiconductor, said: "Telink is a firm supporter of Apple HomeKit and one of the first companies to provide SDK to smart home accessory manufacturers. We already have customers lining up for new HomeKit chip solutions, which means We expect to launch a new Telink-based HomeKit device on the market this year."

Telink's patented BLE grid technology and SDK are combined with Apple's HomeKit to create a smart home solution that can use different standards to simultaneously and concurrently real-time real-time control of connected devices. The solution can use the in-chip network flow control technology to manage the online and offline status of multiple nodes. In addition, this technology provides a synchronization control mechanism in multi-hop or large mesh networks. The same hardware can also be used for Apple HomeKit support.