Matter is an open-source standard, ensuring interoperability and hosted by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA).
Matter ensures seamless interaction between connected smart homes and smart building devices across different IP technologies. The standard ensures that multiple brands can interact smoothly and securely ensuring data privacy.
The Matter application layer allows wide adoption by addressing many applications in an open-source delivery and certification infrastructure.
Applications
The roles of connected devices in a Matter network
In smart homes, connected devices run based on Wi-Fi, Thread or Ethernet technologies, and each device has a specific role within the Matter network.
Such devices also need to support commissioning, the process of adding a new device to an existing Matter network. Device commissioning can be done via Bluetooth® Low Energy with the help of near field communication (NFC).
- End devices are connected objects serving a final application like lights or door locks.
- Router/Bridges objects such as gateways route data from an end device, transferring it from one protocol to another (Wi-Fi to Thread for example).
- Controllers are devices such as smartphones or tablets used to add an end device to a Matter network. Device commissioning is done over Bluetooth® Low Energy. This can be initiated by entering a passcode manually, scanning a QR code, or using NFC with a simple tap from a smartphone.
Matter bridge use-case
Why use NFC for device commissioning?
As a widespread technology already integrated into most smartphones, NFC is an intuitive and reliable solution for onboarding, which streamlines the commissioning experience. Since NFC can be completely integrated into devices, it is both robust and discreet.
In addition to device commissioning, NFC can be used to change device parameter settings, enable customer re-engagement tactics, and more.
Why use a Secure Element to attest that devices belong to the Matter ecosystem?
Ensure that a Matter device is genuine and interoperable with a Secure Element that provides manufacturers’ certificates and manages Matter device attestation. STSAFE secure microcontrollers are personalized with the device manufacturer’s credentials and pre-configured with the cryptographic protocol for Matter device attestation. Device manufacturers that use STSAFE can prevent Matter object cloning and Matter object overproduction without having to implement cost-prohibitive or complex security processes during object configuration.
Discover our portfolio
Several ST product families support Matter standard, and are suitable for different device types:
MCU/MPU
Companion ICs
Benefits
- The ST portfolio covers all Matter device types
- Low-power solutions for battery-operated devices
- Comprehensive ecosystem for rapid development
- Multiprotocol wireless support required for Matter
- Product quality assurance for longevity requirements
Selected partner
Discover the full added value of STMicroelectronics' Matter solutions through our partnership with Commscope. By benefiting from their security solutions and services, users can easily and quickly enable secure Matter connectivity and smart home products, thanks to the complete integration of their provisioning client with STM32 MCUs.
STM32 software ecosystem
Matter software samples for STM32
ST provides example projects showing the usage of Matter with our STM32 MCUs for two use cases.
One demonstrates a Matter device over Thread and a gateway in RCP mode implemented on our STM32WB series of 2.4GHz wireless microcontrollers, while the other showcases how to create a Matter to no-Matter technology bridge based on our STM32H7 high performance series.
X-CUBE-MATTER, making Matter development accessible and easy for developers and engineers
With 2-3 releases per year, the Matter SDK integration offers seamless integration with the STM32 family, supporting Matter technologies like Thread, Wi-Fi, and Ethernet.
The SDKs also include Matter functionalities like OTA support, provisioning services, and sleeping end devices. The development environment is available on Linux, Mac, and Windows for broader accessibility.
The reference hardware includes development boards preintegrated with STM32 ecosystem tools, making it easier to prototype and start developing applications.
Online content, and support are available, including a dedicated Wiki site, ST FAE team, and ST Community.
A wide range of application examples are available, including end devices like lighting apps, window coverings, Thread Border routers and Matter-to-non-Matter bridges. Other applications are available upon request.
Featured Videos
X-CUBE-MATTER, making Matter development accessible and easy for developers and engineers.
STM32WB is a solution for Matter that brings seamless device interoperability to smart homes. Smart assistants like SmartThings and Homepod, smart phones & electronics controllers are becoming Matter enabled. • Matter creates a seamless network for smart home devices • Control devices on different fabrics using Multi-Admin capabilities • Easy device setup via comissioning with a QR code
The first version of X-CUBE-MATTER package
