Nordic Semiconductor and Qorvo have introduced a reference application for access control systems using the Connectivity Standards Alliance’s (CSA) Aliro and Matter. The solution, built on Nordic’s nRF54L Series ultra-low power multiprotocol SoC and Qorvo’s QM35825 ultra-wideband (UWB) SoC, enables developers to accelerate smart lock design and simplify compliance with upcoming Aliro v1.0 standards.
Luc Darmon, Senior Director of Global Marketing and Applications at Qorvo, said: “Through our partnership with Nordic, we continue to demonstrate the synergy of UWB and Bluetooth LE technologies. Addressing Aliro compliance supports our common goal of enabling more intuitive and reliable location-based capabilities in next-generation, ultra-secure access control solutions, which have already been proven in smartphones and car access applications.”
Bjørnar Hernes, Senior Product Director of Short-Range at Nordic Semiconductor, added: “By combining our expertise in Bluetooth LE, Thread, and Wi-Fi with Qorvo’s UWB technology, we are enabling developers to create the next generation of smart access solutions with ease. This collaboration underscores our dedication to simplifying development while maintaining the highest standards of security and reliability.”
A unified protocol for access control
Aliro, a CSA protocol in development, aims to standardise the use of smartphones and wearables as digital keys. The reference application supports Nordic’s Bluetooth LE, Thread, and Wi-Fi solutions alongside Qorvo’s UWB technology, ensuring compliance with Aliro v1.0 upon its release.
The solution allows developers to customise and integrate multiple wireless protocols and application layers, including Aliro (NFC, Bluetooth LE, UWB), Matter over Thread, Matter over Wi-Fi, and proprietary Bluetooth LE applications.
Precision and security with ultra-low power
Qorvo’s QM35825 UWB SoC delivers micro-location accuracy and secure distance ranging, meeting Aliro’s precision requirements. Nordic’s nRF54L Series SoC integrates an ultra-low power 2.4GHz multiprotocol radio and an Arm Cortex-M33 MCU, featuring secure boot, firmware updates, storage, and cryptographic protections.
An early version of the reference application is available to early adopters, with ongoing updates planned.
Live demo at embedded world
Nordic and Qorvo will demonstrate the reference application at embedded world in Nuremberg, Germany, from 11th-13th March 2025. Visitors can see it in action at Hall 4, booths #310 and #578.
