Embedded Automation, the guys behind mControl (Windows Media Center based home automation software), have announced a ZigBee GDK (Gateway Development Kit), as part of their new mBee product line.  The SDK contains both hardware and software.  This also means mControl will be one of the first (affordable) home automation software packages to support ZigBee products.

mBee SE GDK – Gateway Development Kit
Allows smart meter providers/users to develop solutions which require connection to ZigBee SE Profile devices 

• mBee USB (virtual serial) adapter PCB with mBee (long-range) module
• mBee Utility (software) and User Manual
• mBee .NET Software Development Kit (includes sample applications) and Reference Manual
• mBee driver for mControl v2.1 software
• Embedded Automation mBee Jump Start Service

mBee USB-H (USB Module)
Long range mBee module with USB interface.

mBee H (Long Range), mBee L (Low Power)
Base mBee modules for incorporating ZigBee wireless technology in custom devices/applications.

Read more for the full press release and pictures.

Surrey, BC – October 13, 2010

Today, Embedded Automation announced immediate availability of several mBee products, including the mBee Gateway Development Kit (GDK). The mBee line of products enable companies to rapidly incorporate ZigBee wireless technology into their existing applications and future designs.

Released products include:

mBee SE GDK – Gateway Development Kit

Allows smart meter providers/users to develop solutions which require connection to ZigBee SE Profile devices

- mBee USB (virtual serial) adapter PCB with mBee (long-range) module

- mBee Utility (software) and User Manual

- mBee .NET Software Development Kit (includes sample applications) and Reference Manual

- mBee driver for mControl v2.1 software

- Embedded Automation mBee Jump Start Service

mBee USB-H (USB Module)

Long range mBee module with USB interface.1

mBee H (Long Range), mBee L (Low Power)

Base mBee modules for incorporating ZigBee wireless technology in custom devices/applications.1

The newly-released mBee GDK provides the necessary components required to design a gateway solution which can bridge between ZigBee-based SE v1.0 devices (for example, smart meters) and other application platforms. The GDK includes a mBee module, tools to operate within a ZigBee SE v1.0 network and a framework for developing application software. In addition, Embedded Automation provides a driver to allow developers to validate their network's metering system within Embedded Automation's popular mControl "Digital Home" software.

"The mBee GDK allows our customers to develop products that integrate with the smart grid on one side (via a ZigBee SE v1.0-enabled smart meter) and their software application on the other side," said Ted Singh, Business Development Manager of Embedded Automation. "We anticipate customers will use the GDK to develop a wide range of applications, for example: logging meter information, sending data to a cloud database or enabling intelligent energy usage within the home. As part of the package, we provide a jump-start tutorial and excellent engineering support to ensure our customers will be successful in their projects."

"The new mBee modules and the mBee GDK are the initial releases of our mBee wireless product line but we have an exciting and ambitious plan for a broad range of mBee products. We see mBee as the foundation for energy efficiency in the home because it enables a wide range of functionality; tasks like measuring branch/appliance power usage, acting as a low-power sensor and providing an integration point with the smart grid," said J.B. Golee, President of Embedded Automation. "Our plan is to continue to introduce mBee solutions which make this vision a reality, all the while making sure that these products integrate with our customer's requirements and mesh with the existing line of mHome products."

Embedded Automation is a member of the ZigBee Alliance.

1 - Contact Embedded Automation for firmware and ZigBee profile options.