Z-Wave and Z-Wave Long Range 800 SDK 7.23.4 GA

The Z-Wave and Z-Wave Long Range 800 is designed for the future smart home, emphasizing increased sensor and battery-operated device needs, requiring long range and low power. Context-aware environments are the next evolution, demanding optimized technologies.

• 100% Interoperable: Every Z-Wave product works with every other product, regardless of type, brand, manufacturer, or version.
• Best-In-Class Security: Z-Wave's Security 2 (S2) framework offers end-to-end encryption and advanced security for smart home devices and controllers, making S2 Z-Wave devices virtually un-hackable.
• SmartStart Easy Installation: Simplifies smart device installation through QR code scans for uniform setup. Devices and systems can be pre-configured.

KEY FEATURES

• Z-Wave Long Range European frequency has shifted to align with specification changes.
• A firmware upgrade over-the-air (OTA) issue is fixed; an end device no longer requires re-inclusion after the OTA process.

Backwards-Compatible: Z-Wave certification mandates backward-compatibility. Older Z-Wave devices still perform correctly with the latest technologies.

For more information about the certification status of Z-Wave and Z-Wave Long Range 800 SDK v7.23.4.0 GA, see Product Life Cycle and Certification.

These release notes cover SDK version(s):

• 7.23.4 GA released August 6, 2025
• 7.23.2 GA released April 1, 2025
• 7.23.1 GA released February 5, 2025
• 7.23.0 GA released December 16, 2024

Compatibility and Use Notices

For security updates and notices, refer to the Security chapter of the Platform Release notes or the Silicon Labs Release Notes page. Silicon Labs recommends subscribing to Security Advisories for up-to-date information. For instructions, see section 9 Using This Release.

Compatible Compilers:

GCC (The GNU Compiler Collection) version 12.2.1, provided with Simplicity Studio.

Supported Radio Boards

This section describes the radio boards supported by the certified and pre-certified applications for the 800 Series.

ZW-LR indicates support for both Z-Wave and Z-Wave Long Range. Transmit power is indicated in dBm. Secure Vault is an industry-leading suite of state-of-the-art security features.

This table shows the Radio Boards and OPN relation, useful for clarifying compatibility of prebuilt binaries. Prebuilt binaries target boards, not OPNs. For OPNs not listed, custom builds are required.

Z-Wave Protocol

This release note builds upon the Z-Wave SDK 7.23.0 release note.

2.1 New Items

• The Z-Wave Long Range EU region is officially supported. The 7.23.1 SDK shifts the frequency band for Z-Wave Long Range Europe, making it incompatible with previous implementations (7.23.0 and 7.22.x Alpha).
• Security S2V2 is introduced as an Alpha feature, enabling secure communication for network frames. The Security 2 Command Class is reported as version 1, while S2V2 is in Alpha.

2.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.4 GA

• 1380036: Improved RX-TX 1 millisecond guard time accuracy.
• 1485259: Improved Series 800 radio reception in environments crowded by wake-up beams.
• 1434641: Improved Clear Channel Assessment (CCA) reliability by using the highest RSSI value in the RX window instead of just the latest.

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA

• 1361218: TX power of sample applications is now set to the maximum value supported by the development board by default.

2.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.4 GA

• 1439198: Fixed an issue preventing configuration of TX output power above +14 dBm in the Serial API controller application.
• 1486116: Fixed an issue preventing configuration of priority route speed without a repeater; route speed would default to 100 kbit/s.

Fixed in release 7.23.2 GA

• 1406772: 7.23.0 and 7.23.1 SAPI controllers were missing Z-Wave version/format in NVM.
• 1409387: Fixed a condition where the stack would attempt to send an oversized packet over the air.
• 1397174: Fixed behavior in the REMOVE_NODE_FROM_NETWORK SAPI command when excluding a node from another network; the command would fail if the node ID was shared in the remover's network.
• 1406741: Fixed behavior where the controller displayed false information after an NVM backup and before a soft reset.
• 1420433: Missing status update around learn mode in the application layer when there was no Kex frame in the inclusion.

Fixed in release 7.23.1 GA

• 1393469: Fixed an issue where an end device required re-inclusion after an OTA firmware update; the inclusion step is no longer necessary.
• 1394158: Fixed an issue where an end device with NLS enabled had problems when removed and then added back to a network.
• 1396813: Fixed an issue where some commands with the same ID as protocol commands were mistaken as NLS-covered commands.
• 1351248: Fixed an issue where a Z-Wave Long Range end device could exhibit reduced transmit power output after a soft reset.

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

• 1363434: Fixed an issue preventing the Z-Wave stack from sending TX frames, resulting in lost packet transmission and no acknowledgment.
• 1123427: Fixed an issue where a Never Listening device would unintentionally wake up.
• 1367428: Fixed an issue related to the LBT mechanism where the end device was unable to switch to a free channel and respond to incoming requests.

2.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

None.

2.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

2.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

Z-Wave Plus V2 Application Framework

The current SDK version aligns with the Z-Wave Alliance 2024B-3 Intermediate Cert Program and the latest Z-Wave XML from the Wave Alliance Open Source: https://github.com/Z-Wave-Alliance/zwave-xml/releases/tag/draft-24B-fix2.

3.1 New Items

• Introduced a certifiable User Credential Command Class implementation, self-certified on the Door Lock Key Pad sample application with the 3.8.2 CTT version using Revision 16 Z-Wave Plus V2 Certification tests (2024B-1 Z-Wave Certification Program).
• On the 7.23.1 SDK version, the User Credential Command Class implementation on the Door Lock Key Pad sample application was validated with the 3.9.2 CTT version using Revision 17 Z-Wave Plus V2 Certification tests (2024B-2 Z-Wave Certification Program).

3.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA

GPIO handling and configuration have been refactored and simplified using simple_led, simple_button, and app_button_press components. Refer to "Important changes.md" for remapping and assigning GPIO for buttons and LEDs.

For detailed application development using the Z-Wave Plus V2 Framework, refer to INS14259: Z-Wave Plus V2 Application Framework GSDK. For application-related changes in different SDK versions, refer to https://docs.silabs.com/zwave/7.23.1/zwave-api/ or the "Important_changes.md" document. A porting guide (APL14836) is available for migrating Z-Wave applications from 700 to 800 hardware.

3.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.4 GA

• 1448526: Fixed the number of indicator blinks from 5 to 6 to pass the CDR_ZWPv2IndicatorCCRequirements_Rev01 CTT test.
• 1426510: Fixed an issue where notifications were sometimes not sent during an OTA firmware update.
• 1434625: Fixed an issue where sleeping applications fell back to sleep during a long button press.
• 1473354: Slow refresh has been enabled by default in Central Scene V3, as mandated by the specification.

Fixed in release 7.23.1 GA

• 1392141: Z-Wave OTA bootloader project for custom boards now compiles without errors and displays a warning regarding default UART configuration.

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

• 1347089: Multilevel Sensor endpoints can be created using the Z-Wave Command Class Configurator.

3.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

Issues in bold were added since the previous release. Recent release notes are available on the Silicon Labs Release Notes page.

3.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

3.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: Removed support for BRD8029A button and LED expansion board from the sample applications.

Sample Applications

The Door Lock Key Pad, Power Strip, Sensor PIR, Switch On/Off, Wall Controller, and LED Bulb sample applications are self-certified with the 3.8.2 CTT version and Revision 16 Z-Wave Plus V2 Certification tests (2024B-1 Z-Wave Certification Program). The Multilevel Sensor sample application is not self-certified and has missing features for passing certification tests.

GPIO handling and configuration have been refactored and simplified using simple_led, simple_button, and app_button_press components. Refer to "Important changes.md" for remapping and assigning GPIO for buttons and LEDs.

The sample applications no longer use the BRD8029A button and LED expansion board. Main button functionalities are remapped to the Wireless Starter Kit Mainboard/Wireless Pro Kit Mainboard buttons. Due to fewer LEDs and buttons, some functionalities are available only via CLI. Refer to each application's README file for details.

In all applications, BTN1 is assigned to inclusion, exclusion, and factory reset functionalities. BTN0 is assigned to specific sample application functionalities.

For Non-Listening (Sensor PIR, Multilevel Sensor) and Frequently Listening (Door Lock Keypad) applications, the device will wake up for 10 seconds after a reset, allowing user interaction to disable sleeping. This wakeup time is configurable via the zw_cli_sleeping component.

Demo variations are reduced to two: default EU region and OTA/OTW firmware updates. To set a different frequency region, consult important_changes.md and Z-Wave Getting Started for End Devices documents.

Z-Wave Solution Studio projects now sign bootloader and application binaries with the same key as specified in the application post-build configuration. Signing keys can be set in SLPB files.

All examples are enabled for all Z-Wave boards. CLI is enabled by default in all example applications, allowing control of every feature via CLI. Application functionality and commands are described in each application's README file.

4.1 Door Lock Key Pad

The two Door Lock Key Pad applications (with and without User Credential Command Class support) have been merged. This sample application supports a certifiable User Credential Command Class implementation and has been self-certified with the 3.8.2 CTT version using Revision 16 Z-Wave Plus V2 Certification tests (2024B-1 Z-Wave Certification Program).

The User Credential Command Class is enabled by default on EFR32ZG28 SoCs (BRD2705A, BRD4400C, BRD4401C). Support can be disabled if User Code Command Class is sufficient by disabling the User Credential Command Class component. To enable on other SoCs/boards, refer to the application's README.

Some User Credential Command Class CTT tests are failing due to known CTT issues, confirmed with developers and to be fixed in future CTT releases. Consult Test Houses regarding test failures for Z-Wave certification.

4.1.1 New Items

Previously requiring four buttons, this example now allows manual entry/modification of user codes. The door handle is accessible via CLI.

Along with GPIO simplification, the sample application does not use the BRD8029A button and LED expansion board. Refer to the README file for new button and LED functionalities.

4.1.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA

The default PIN code was changed from 1234 to 3494 to comply with specification recommendations for the User Credential Command class.

4.1.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.1 GA

• 1381226: Fixed an issue where User Code Set/Get commands with multicast could freeze the application.
• 1396687: Fixed CCA_U3CReportUserData_Rev01 CTT test when replying to root device requests sent only to multichannel endpoints.
• 1394750: Fixed UserCredentialCmdClassV1_Rev01 CTT test where the first byte of the password could not be modified.
• 1393820: Ignored inexact Credential Get requests.
• 1393478: Fixed u3c_add_credential CLI command.
• 1392130: Kept the bolt state after reset; the default bolt state is now unlocked.

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

• 1297831: Fixed an issue where Credential Learn could not be triggered via BTN1; this functionality is now controllable via CLI.
• 1347581: Fixed an issue where User and Credential reports were incorrectly sent to an associated lower security class.
• 1346581: Default user pin code changed to comply with specification's recommendation against consecutive digits.

4.1.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

4.1.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.1.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.2 Power Strip

4.2.1 New Items

Along with GPIO simplification, the sample application does not use the BRD8029A button and LED expansion board. Refer to the README file for new button and LED functionalities.

4.2.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA

Previously displaying Multilevel Switch value on RGB LED, this example now controls the brightness of the RGB LED by the Multilevel Switch value if an RGB LED is available. Otherwise, a monochrome LED displays the value.

4.2.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.1 GA

• 1384692: Fixed an issue for boards without RGB LED where the get_rgb_values CLI command returned invalid values.

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

None.

4.2.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

None.

4.2.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.2.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.3 Sensor PIR

4.3.1 New Items

Along with GPIO simplification, the sample application does not use the BRD8029A button and LED expansion board. Refer to the README file for new button and LED functionalities.

4.3.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA

SensorPIR behavior changed: a medium button press sends a NOTIFICATION_EVENT_HOME_SECURITY_MOTION_DETECTION_UNKNOWN_LOCATION notification and starts a 10-second timer. Upon timeout or a motion_detected deactivate command via CLI, the device sends a NOTIFICATION_EVENT_HOME_SECURITY_NO_EVENT notification.

4.3.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

• 1322043: Fixed missing first Lifeline report in SensorPIR, preventing CTT Test case CCM_AssociationCmdClass_Rev01 CTT.
• 1256505: Fixed an issue in SensorPIR and MultilevelSensor sample applications where apps were unable to wake up on button press on BRD4400C and BRD4401C radio boards due to elimination of BRD8029A expansion board usage and remapping buttons to motherboard buttons.

4.3.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

None.

4.3.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.3.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.4 Switch On/Off

4.4.1 New Items

Along with GPIO simplification, the sample application does not use the BRD8029A button and LED expansion board. Refer to the README file for new button and LED functionalities.

4.4.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.4.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

None.

4.4.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

None.

4.4.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.4.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.5 Wall Controller

4.5.1 New Items

Along with GPIO simplification, the sample application does not use the BRD8029A button and LED expansion board. Refer to the README file for new button and LED functionalities.

4.5.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA

None.

4.5.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.1 GA

• 1384690: Fixed unavailable CLI for the following board and application combinations:
  • BRD2603A - Wall Controller
  • BRD2603A - Multilevel Sensor
  • BRD2705A - Wall Controller

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

None.

4.5.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

Issues in bold were added since the previous release. Recent release notes are available on Silicon Labs Release Notes page. None.

4.5.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.5.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.6 Multilevel Sensor

This application is not certifiable due to missing features for passing the certification tests.

4.6.1 New Items

None.

4.6.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA

Multilevel sensor can now be assigned to an endpoint, and multiple multilevel sensors can be used in a single end device. The cc_config file has been updated to reflect this format, with the endpoint now part of the sensor's "ID". The sensor structure includes information about the assigned endpoint.

4.6.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.1 GA

• 1384690: Fixed unavailable CLI for the following board and application combinations:
  • BRD2603A - Wall Controller
  • BRD2603A - Multilevel Sensor
  • BRD2705A - Wall Controller

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

None.

4.6.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

Issues in bold were added since the previous release. Recent release notes are available on Silicon Labs Release Notes page.

4.6.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.6.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.7 LED Bulb

4.7.1 New Items

Along with GPIO simplification, the sample application does not use the BRD8029A button and LED expansion board. Refer to the README file for new button and LED functionalities.

4.7.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA

Previously requiring an RGB LED to control color, this example now allows color reading via CLI. If an RGB LED is unavailable, a monochrome LED represents the overall brightness of the set color.

4.7.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

None.

4.7.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

None.

4.7.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

4.7.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

Serial API Applications

Starting with version 7.16, backing up and restoring a Serial API end node via FUNC_ID_NVM_BACKUP_RESTORE automatically upgrades the protocol non-volatile memory (NVM) to the latest version. Backups from version 7.16 or later can be restored to the original or a later version without manual NVM upgrade.

The serial interface remains unchanged in version 8. As of SDK version 7.18.x, Serial API end node is available as source code and binary, allowing customized versions with different pin configurations or hardware utilization (e.g., SPI instead of UART).

No application using Serial API End Device is available in the Simplicity SDK.

5.1 Serial API Controller

5.1.1 New Items

• Added two new Serial API commands: Z-Wave API Setup Get Supported Regions Sub Command (0x15) and Z-Wave API Setup Regions Info (0x16).

5.1.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

5.1.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.1 GA

• 1391107: SAPI GetSupportedCommands command was not returning commands with ID above 232.
• 1391124: Fixed broken application when the NCP Serial API Controller is built from the sample application project.

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

None.

5.1.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

None.

5.1.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: Removed handling of Serial API commands Replication Send Data (0x44) and Replication Command Complete (0x45).

5.1.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

Zniffer Applications

6.1 Zniffer PTI

6.1.1 New Items

None.

6.1.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

6.1.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

None.

6.1.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

6.1.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

6.1.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

6.2 Zniffer NCP

6.2.1 New Items

None.

6.2.2 Improvements

Improved in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

6.2.3 Fixed Issues

Fixed in release 7.23.0 GA

None.

6.2.4 Known Issues in the Current Release

6.2.5 Deprecated Items

Deprecated in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

6.2.6 Removed Items

Removed in release 7.23.0 GA: None.

Important Changes

Starting in version 7.19, API-breaking changes are documented in "Important_changes.md" within the Simplicity SDK. Check this file for detailed descriptions of changes in the latest release.

In version 7.23.0, "migration_guide.md" was introduced to assist in migrating Z-Wave projects to new SDK versions.

Open Source Software

Z-Wave uses FreeRTOS as the underlying OS, based on FreeRTOS Kernel V10.4.3.

Using This Release

This release includes:

• Z-Wave Plus V2 Application Framework
• Z-Wave Certified Applications for various smart home applications
• Z-Wave Protocol and Serial API Applications

For first-time users, Z-Wave documentation is installed with the SDK. Refer to INS14280: Z-Wave Getting Started for End Devices and INS14281: Z-Wave Getting Started for Controller Devices for instructions.

This SDK depends on the Simplicity SDK Platform, which provides functionality supporting protocol plugins and APIs through drivers and lower-layer features interacting with Silicon Labs chips and modules. Gecko Platform components include EMLIB, EMDRV, RAIL Library, NVM3, PSA, and mbedTLS. Gecko Platform release notes are available via Simplicity Studio's Launcher Perspective.

9.1 Installation and Use

Order a Z-Wave Wireless Starter kit for the easiest and fastest evaluation and development of your own Z-Wave mesh application. It provides a single worldwide development kit for end devices and gateways with multiple radio boards, enabling mesh network creation and Z-Wave module evaluation.

The Z-Wave and Z-Wave Long Range 800 SDK is part of the Simplicity SDK. Install Simplicity Studio 5 to set up your development environment and guide you through Simplicity SDK installation. Simplicity Studio 5 includes resources for IoT product development with Silicon Labs devices, such as a resource and project launcher, software configuration tools, a full IDE with GNU toolchain, and analysis tools. Installation instructions are in the online Simplicity Studio 5 User's Guide.

Alternatively, Simplicity SDK can be installed manually by downloading or cloning from GitHub: https://github.com/SiliconLabs/simplicity_sdk.

Simplicity Studio installs the SDK by default in:

• (Windows): C:\Users\<NAME>\SimplicityStudio\SDKs\simplicity_sdk
• (MacOS): /Users/<NAME>/SimplicityStudio/SDKs/simplicity_sdk

For implementing a specific application, Silicon Labs recommends starting with an existing self-certified app with the desired Role Type.

9.2 Security Information

Secure Vault Integration

This version of the stack uses the secure vault interface for key management of asymmetric keys (ECC Curve 25519) and Symmetric keys (AES).

Security Advisories

To subscribe to Security Advisories, log in to the Silicon Labs customer portal, select Account Home, click HOME, and then click the Manage Notifications tile. Ensure 'Software/Security Advisory Notices & Product Change Notices (PCNs)' is checked and you are subscribed for your platform and protocol. Click Save.

9.3 Support

Development Kit customers are eligible for training and technical support. See support resources and contact Silicon Laboratories support at https://www.silabs.com/support.

9.4 SDK Release and Maintenance Policy

For details, see SDK Release and Maintenance Policy.

Product Life Cycle and Certification

Silicon Labs will add new features based on market requirements and continuously improve the Z-Wave Protocol to position the Z-Wave Ecosystem. The Z-Wave Protocol Life Cycle provides rapid innovation, new features, and robust protocol releases. It defines the maturation process of Z-Wave Protocol generations across five life cycle stages.

A change in the Z-Wave SDK used for a specific device requires recertification. The type of certification, testing scope, and fees depend on the change's scope. Refer to the Z-Wave Alliance homepage (https://z-wavealliance.org/) for details.

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Disclaimer

Silicon Labs provides the latest, accurate, and in-depth documentation for its products. Characterization data, modules, peripherals, memory sizes, and addresses refer to specific devices, and typical parameters may vary. Application examples are for illustrative purposes only. Silicon Labs reserves the right to make changes without notice to product information, specifications, and descriptions, and does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information. Silicon Labs may update product firmware during manufacturing for security or reliability reasons without altering specifications or performance. Silicon Labs is not liable for consequences of using the information provided. This document does not grant any license to design or fabricate integrated circuits. Products are not designed or authorized for use in FDA Class III devices, applications requiring FDA premarket approval, or Life Support Systems without written consent. Silicon Labs products are not designed or authorized for military applications and shall not be used in weapons of mass destruction.

Trademark Information

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