Reducing Gateway Power Consumption while Enabling IoT

Webinar Agenda

This webinar covers the following topics:

1. Introduction: EU EcoDesign 2023/826
2. ISP Gateway Challenges: Power consumption and Standby/Sleep mode
3. The IoT Solution: Wake on Thread & Matter
4. How it Works
5. Benefits & Savings
6. Silicon Labs IoT Solutions for ISPs
7. How to Learn More

EU EcoDesign 2023/826 Regulation

The EU EcoDesign 2023/826 regulation aims to reduce energy consumption in the consumer market by 2027 through efficiency mandates across the EU. It applies to a broad range of electronic equipment with specific caps for standby mode consumption.

Mandated Power Limits

Target standby mode is limited to 0.3W, and connected standby mode to 7W for high network availability consumer gateways.

Enforcement Phases

Phase 1 begins in May 2025, with full implementation by 2027, introducing stricter limits.

Regulatory Impact: Non-compliant devices risk bans in EU markets, driving global adoption of low-power solutions.

Key Figures

Note: The power consumption limits shall not apply to large format printing equipment, desktop thin clients, workstations, mobile workstations, and small-scale servers as defined in EU Regulation 617/2013. HiNA = High Network Availability.

ISP Gateway Challenges

High Gateway Power Consumption

• Always-On Mode: Wi-Fi gateways operate non-stop to support smart devices, regardless of actual usage.
• High Idle Consumption: Idle gateways still draw 10-20W due to power-hungry Wi-Fi radios.
• Cumulative EU Impact: 180M EU households each averaging 15W results in 24TWh/year total energy draw.
• Environmental Toll: Generates 5M tons CO2 annually.

This represents the hidden energy cost of 24/7 Wi-Fi connectivity.

Connectivity Impact During Gateway Standby/Sleep

• No Network During Sleep: Wi-Fi gateways shut off network access when in standby, disrupting device communication.
• Smart Devices Offline: Sensors and controls like thermostats, cameras, and leak detectors can't function.
• User Experience Impact: Loss of access breaks automation and frustrates users relying on real-time controls.
• Manual Wake-Up Required: Users must often manually reactivate gateways, defeating the purpose of automation.

The IoT Solution: Wake on Thread & Matter

Gateway Wake/Sleep Cycle

• Event-Based Activation: IoT sensors (motion/contact) trigger gateway wake-up when connectivity is needed.
• Low-Power Standby Mode: Host MPU remains in deep sleep until triggered by external events.
• Secure & Reliable Communication: Wake-up signals are encrypted and transmitted over Thread networks.

Wake on Thread & Matter Overview

• Always-On IoT Sub-system: Thread-capable subsystem monitors for wake signals while the main Wi-Fi unit sleeps.
• Mesh Trigger Devices: Smart devices like door sensors or motion detectors send wake signals when events occur.
• Seamless Resumption: Host MPU wakes automatically, restoring internet and WLAN without user input.
• Protocol Synergy: Thread enables low-power mesh; Matter ensures cross-brand interoperability.

How it Works: Wake on Thread (1/2)

Host samples Wi-Fi and MG21/MG24 exports Thread traffic/activity stats. When both networks are 'idle', the host signals "going-idle" to MG21/MG24. MG21/MG24 arms packet filters and verifies Thread routing is intact. Once ready, the host asserts HOST_SLEEP_GPIO to the PMU. The PMU then powers off the Wi-Fi SoC and Host MPU/DDR, leaving MG21/MG24 always-on.

How it Works: Wake on Thread (2/2)

A Thread DATA packet from a sensor is received by the MG21/MG24 SoC. MG21/MG24 validates the wake binding against its internal table. If a match is found, MG21/MG24 asserts the HOST_WAKE_GPIO to the PMU to trigger wake-up. PMU ramps up power rails to the host MPU and Wi-Fi SoC. Host MPU executes its warm-resume handler. The OTBR <> Host MPU link is re-established, and applications resume. Wi-Fi AP and stack state are restored automatically.

How it Works: Wake on Matter (1/2)

Host MPU monitors activity on both Wi-Fi (queue depth) and Thread (802.15.4 traffic rate) via MG24. When both paths are idle, the host initiates sleep preparation and signals the PMIC. Power rails to Wi-Fi SoC and Host MPU are disabled by the PMIC. MG24 remains active, running the Thread OTBR and Matter Wake Endpoint Device (WoM-ED). The Matter binding table is retained, enabling secure, context-aware wake-up later.

How it Works: Wake on Matter (2/2)

A door sensor sends a Matter-over-Thread report (e.g., CONTACT=OPEN) to MG24-OTBR. MG24-OTBR authenticates the session and validates binding rules. Upon match, MG24-OTBR asserts WAKE_GPIO to the PMIC to trigger wake-up. PMIC restores power rails to Wi-Fi SoC and Host MPU. Host performs a warm boot and restores Matter-OTBR services. Wi-Fi AP state is restored; clients re-associate automatically. MG24 forwards any queued Thread packets to the host. Within approximately 500 ms, the gateway is fully online and cloud-connected.

Sleep-Wake Flow Architecture

• Sleep Mode Entry: Gateway enters low-power state upon detecting prolonged inactivity across mesh and Wi-Fi domains.
• Trigger Device Detection: Bound mesh device detects activity (e.g., door open) and sends wake-up signal via Thread.
• IoT Coprocessor Activation: Always-on domain processes signal and wakes host MPU through UART/SPI interface.
• Network Restoration: Wi-Fi and internet connectivity resume seamlessly, enabling smart home operations.

Benefits & Savings

Gateway Power Saving

Wake on Thread & Matter can reduce average gateway power consumption by 50%.

From gateways consuming 15W for 24/7 operation, this solution enables gateways to sleep at 0.3W and wake up automatically based on smart home connectivity needs.

Economic & Environmental Impact Assessment

Evaluating Cost Savings & Sustainability Benefits

Cost Savings for ISPs: Large-scale deployments save up to 3.5 Billion Euros (EU-wide effort) annually due to reduced power consumption.

Carbon Footprint Reduction: Lower energy usage cuts CO2 emissions by up to 1.3 million metric tons per year.

Regulatory & Market Advantages: Compliance with EU regulations secured for 180+ million households.

Scaling IoT Wake-Up Across Europe

• Policy Alignment: Thread/Matter solutions surpass EcoDesign targets, easing compliance for ISPs.
• ISP Value Proposition: Reduced OPEX, energy savings, and enhanced customer satisfaction.
• Smart City Integration: Enables ultra-efficient connectivity infrastructure at municipal scale.
• Future-Proof Infrastructure: Modular, interoperable platforms ready for evolving IoT demands.

Silicon Labs Service Provider IoT Solutions

Hardware Implementation

• Flexible Platform Options: MG21 and MG24 support both RCP and NCP architectures to adapt to memory and system constraints.
• Ultra-Low Standby Power: 10's mW CPE standby enabled through dedicated always-on MG21 or MG24. MG24 consumes ~15mW in OTBR mode << 300mW.
• Architecture Integration: Compatible with UART/SPI links to host MPU, enabling efficient system wake-up from external triggers.
• Optimized for Matter/Thread: Designed to support full Matter/Thread stacks within constrained smart home designs.

MG21 & MG24 Architectures for Energy-Aware Gateways

Comparison of Gateway-optimized Features

MG24 – Single-chip Solution for Multiprotocol IoT Gateways

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