Matter over Thread Demo Overview#

This section reviews the steps for running an example lighting app for Matter over Thread. While this section focuses on the lighting example, it can be used as a guide for any of the Matter Thread example applications (door-lock, window covering, light-switch, etc...). See this file for an introduction to the Matter over Thread setup.

At a high level, this section walks through starting a Thread network, commissioning a new device to the Thread network using Bluetooth LE, and finally sending a basic OnOff command to the end device.

Step 0: Prerequisites#

[SIMPLICITY STUDIO] & [GITHUB]

Before beginning your Silicon Labs Matter over Thread project be sure you have satisfied all of the Matter Hardware and Matter Software Requirements.

Step 1: Setting up the Matter Hub (Raspberry Pi)#

[SIMPLICITY STUDIO] & [GITHUB]

The Matter Hub consists of the Open Thread Border Router (OTBR) and the chip-tool running on a Raspberry Pi. Silicon Labs has developed a Raspberry Pi image combining the OTBR and chip-tool that can be downloaded and flashed onto an SD Card, which is then inserted into the Raspberry Pi.

The Matter Controller sends IPv6 packets to the OTBR, which converts the IPv6 packets into Thread packets. The Thread packets are then routed to the Silicon Labs end device.

See How to use Matter Hub (Raspberry Pi) Image for setup instructions.

Step 2: Flash the RCP#

[SIMPLICITY STUDIO] & [GITHUB]

The Radio Co-Processor (RCP) is a Thread device that connects to the Raspberry Pi via USB. To flash the RCP, connect it to your laptop via USB. Thereafter, it should be connected to the Raspberry Pi via USB as well. Prebuilt RCP images are available for the demo

Information on flashing and optionally building the RCP is located here: How To Build and Flash the RCP

Step 3: Build and Flash the MAD#

[SIMPLICITY STUDIO] & [GITHUB]

The Matter Accessory Device (MAD) is the actual Matter device that will be commissioned onto the Matter network and controlled using the chip-tool. Prebuilt MAD images are available for the demo.

Information on flashing and optionally building the Matter Accessory device is located here: How To Build and Flash the Matter Accessory Device

Step 4: Commission and Control the MAD#

[SIMPLICITY STUDIO] & [GITHUB]

Once the Matter Accessory device has been flashed onto your hardware you can commission it from the Matter Hub using the commands provided in the Raspberry Pi image:

Note: The mattertool listed above is a script that is currently written to support some simple commands for the light sample application. The mattertool leverages the chip-tool under the hood and the chip-tool is included in the build. The chip-tool can be accessed directly in the ~/connectedhomeip/out/standalone directory. Run ~/connectedhomeip/out/standalone/chip-tool for a complete list of clusters and commands supported including those for the lock, window covering, thermostat and light-switch applications.