Building Low Power Networks with the Silicon Labs Connect Stack v3.x#

NOTE: This section replaces AN1252: Building Low Power Networks with the Silicon Labs Connect Stack v3.x. Further updates to this application note will be provided here.

This application note illustrates techniques for reducing power consumption in a sensor network developed using Simplicity Studio and the Silicon Labs Connect Stack v3.x, distributed as part of the Silicon Labs Proprietary Flex Software Development Kit (SDK) v3.x with Simplicity Studio® 5. Techniques include creating sleepy end devices that, by their nature, consume less energy, reducing reporting frequency, and removing unnecessary peripheral energy use. The techniques are illustrated with the sensor and sink example applications provided with the Flex SDK. For more in-depth background on energy savings in Connect networks see Energy Saving with Silicon Labs Connect v3.x, part of the Connect v3.x User's Guide series.

Proprietary is supported on all EFR32FG devices. For others, check the device's data sheet under Ordering Information > Protocol Stack to see if Proprietary is supported. In Proprietary SDK version 2.7.n, Connect is not supported on EFR32xG22.

Key Points#

  • Building example sensor and sink applications.

  • Creating a sensor-sink network.

  • Monitoring baseline average current consumption.

  • Reducing energy use in the network.