Openthread rpc ZBDongle-E

meremortal · September 26, 2022, 3:22am

Hi I understand it is early days and this is a long shot but ……

Has anyone created a an OpenThread RPC firmware load for ITead’s/Sonoff ZBDongle-E?

Based on the same SI Labs SoC as the upcoming SkyConnect Dongle.

Hedda · September 26, 2022, 1:42pm

Not yet that I have seen, however since Silicon Labs recently released their Gecko SDK on GitHub it might be possible for anyone to do that for free if can do it only with their “slc-cli” (Silicon Labs Configurator) CLI tool without a Silabs account, but I know that before you had to buy an official Silabs development kit or starter kit with an evaluation board for Zigbee and then register it to get an official Silabs with Zigbee access enabled in order to get full GUI access to the EmberZNet (Zigbee) SDK part of their Simplicity Studio (CDT/IDE), where I currently think the least expensive starter kit is their EFR32xG22 devkit for about $99 US-dollar.

https://github.com/zigpy/zigpy/discussions/1042

https://github.com/SiliconLabs/gecko_sdk/

https://www.silabs.com/developers/simplicity-studio

https://www.silabs.com/development-tools/wireless

https://www.cnx-software.com/2020/06/25/efr32xg22-wireless-gecko-starter-kit-targets-bluetooth-zigbee-and-proprietary-wireless-development/

Easiest though is probably writing to ITead/Sonoff asking them for a non-supported alpha/beta firmware build, as previously seen their project manager for ZBDongle-E kept an eye on community “wishlists”.

https://itead.cc/contact/

Alternatively maybe try asking these community developers very nicely as they have built Silcon Labs EmberZNet Zigbee NCP firmware images in the past for the same type of Silabs EFR32MG21 hardware chip, (but do take note that needs to be pin-compatible, have correct antenna tuning config, and that there are several different flash sizes of EFR32MG21 so should preferably be specifically built for a specific USB adapter model):

https://github.com/grobasoz/zigbee-firmware/

and

https://github.com/MattWestb/EFR32-FW

As well as xsp1989 though I think he only makes builds for “SM-011” modules/adapters but I believe that just so happen to be pin-compatible and have the same flash size as the Sonoff ZBDongle-E dongle.

https://github.com/xsp1989/zigbeeFirmware/

Elelabs also by the way have RCP firmware for EFR32MG21 but it is only meant for their upcoming new USB adapter that I understand is still in development so they will not build for other adapters:

https://github.com/Elelabs/elelabs-zigbee-ezsp-utility

Regardless suggest you read and follow the related development discussion here:

https://github.com/zigpy/zigpy/discussions/894

Also keep an eye on home-assistant addons-development repository on GitHub

https://github.com/home-assistant/addons-development/

https://github.com/home-assistant/addons-development/issues

https://github.com/home-assistant/addons-development/pulls?q=is%3Apr

Hedda · September 28, 2022, 9:54am

FYI, I reposted your question as a request on ITead’s GitHub repository for tracking here:

https://github.com/itead/Sonoff_Zigbee_Dongle_Firmware/issues/5

I do not actually know of ITead/Sonoff is monitoring that repo so the best is to contact ITead directly.

Again, probably still want to keep close eye on → https://github.com/zigpy/zigpy/discussions/894

Last post by agners there make it sound like his add-on might come to Home Assistant beta soon.

You might even just want to repost your same Dongle-E firmware question there if ask nicley!

As there agners + a few zha/zigpy developers and testers are discussing RPC firmware as well as Home Assistant add-ons for Home Assistant SkyConnect USB Stick (and the EFR32MG21 based Zigbee module in Home Assistant Yellow) as well as for other Silicon Labs based EFR32 adapters.

meremortal · September 28, 2022, 10:01pm

Thanks Hedda

I apologise if my request came across as not nice. I am on the spectrum (on the low end) and sometimes what seems perfectly ok to me offends some people.

I did notice the multi protocol discussions for the SI SoC. The last update I saw was SI need to update their firwmare/Sdn to support?

I already use a Conbee II for ZHA and have been happy except for a period of about four months where the firmware was very unstable.

I was looking to start to experiment with the OpenThread add-on and a couple of Eve devices to start the thread journey.

RichardPar · December 22, 2022, 8:35am

I got a few generic Thread devices with SiLabs modules on them, built the RCP Thread+Zigbee stack from Simplicity Studio

It only has a few wires attached from the USB Serial to the device. The Multiprotocol plugin starts and runs… Linking to ZHA is working

Only Zigbee is working now… Thread falls over all the time for some reason, but I think that is OTBR

Richard

Firmware - !Use at your own risk!
https://github.com/RichardPar/EFR32MG21_GenericFirmware

Hedda · December 27, 2022, 3:37pm

FYI, xsp1989 also built a Multi-PAN RCP firmware image for that and Sonoff EFR32MG21 dongles:

github.com/xsp1989/zigbeeFirmware

[REQUEST] Silicon Labs Concurrent Multiprotocol Zigbee in NCP mode and Open-Thread in RCP mode?

opened 03:25PM - 12 Dec 22 UTC

closed 06:56AM - 04 Jan 24 UTC

Hedda

FYI, Nabu Casa developer is working on Zigbee NCP + OpenThread RCP combination f…irmware for Home Assistant SkyConnect: https://github.com/NabuCasa/silabs-firmware Those firmware images feature support for simulations running Zigbee NCP (EZSP) + OpenThread RCP for backward compatibility: https://github.com/NabuCasa/silabs-firmware/tree/main/EmberZNetAndOpenThreadRCP/beta The reason for also wanting OpenThread RPC support is that Home Assistant 2022.12 has now been released with initial multiprotocol support Zigbee NCP (via EZSP) and Thread (OpenThread RCP Multi-PAN which indirectly can support Matter over Thread), as tested with "Home Assistant SkyConnect" USB adapter and "Home Assistant Yellow" embedded radio. They are also in parallel working on an experimental pure RCP Multi-PAN firmware image that is not compatible with NCP for those users who do not want to use Zigbee NCP: https://github.com/NabuCasa/silabs-firmware/tree/main/RCPMultiPAN https://www.crowdsupply.com/nabu-casa/home-assistant-yellow/updates/more-yellows-shipping-and-thread-plus-matter-updates https://www.home-assistant.io/blog/2022/12/07/release-202212/ https://community.home-assistant.io/t/home-assistant-skyconnect-usb-stick-announced-will-be-compatible-with-both-zigbee-and-thread-including-matter-chip-over-thread/433594/ Silicon Labs Gecko SDK 4.1.0 was released with "_Alpha Concurrent Multiprotocol Zigbee in NCP mode and OpenThread in RCP mode_": https://github.com/SiliconLabs/gecko_sdk/releases It means that can now build a unified firmware image that can support Zigbee in NCP mode and OpenThread in RCP mode. If this is the case then such backwards-compatible firmware images might be interesting for users of existing applications that use "old school" Zigbee in NCP mode as it would open up the ability to concurrently also use the same radio adapter for OpenThread/Thread RPC (and thus also the upcoming Matter connectivity protocol), or does it not? Please see a somewhat related discussion here (though it only discusses RPC mode and not NCP + RPC) -> https://github.com/zigpy/zigpy/discussions/894 Silabs Zigbee EmberZNet SDK 7.1.0.0 Please take note that because of its new (Alpha) support for concurrently running firmware with Zigbee NCP and OpenThread RPC at the same time announced in Silicon Labs Gecko SDK v4.1.0 I do believe that sooner or later going with EmberZNet 7.1.x firmware or even in the relatively near future for early adopters will be tempting to both manufacturers of Zigbee radio USB adapters and end-users owning existing Silicon Labs EFR32MG12, EFR32MG13, and EFR32MG21 adapters. As such firmware will mean that could use the same EFR32MGxx adapter as a Zigbee Coordinator for existing Zigbee devices and an OpenThread Border Router (OTBR) for the upcoming Matter over Thread (formerly Project CHIP / Connected Home over IP). So in essence users could just flash their existing Silabs Zigbee Coordinator and have it also act as a radio for Matter over Thread. https://github.com/SiliconLabs/gecko_sdk/releases/tag/v4.1.0 <html> <body> Component | Version | Summary | Details -- | -- | -- | -- [OpenThread SDK](https://www.silabs.com/wireless/thread#software) | 2.1.0.0 | - Alpha SPI support for OpenThread RCP without CPC - Thread 1.2 and 1.3 support for OpenThread - Updated GCC compiler version to 10.3.1 - **Alpha Concurrent Multiprotocol Zigbee in NCP mode and OpenThread in RCP mode** - Alpha Dynamic Multiprotocol Bluetooth and multi-PAN 802.15.4 in RCP mode | [Release Notes](https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/release-notes/open-thread-release-notes-2.1.0.0.pdf) [Zigbee EmberZNet SDK](https://www.silabs.com/wireless/zigbee#software) | 7.1.0.0 | - 2.4GHz Zigbee Smart Energy support for xG24 - 802.15.4 Signal Identifier and MAC CCA Mode 2 and 3 support for xG24 - Zigbee Green Power Gateway Backup - Updated GCC and IAR compiler version - **Alpha Concurrent Multiprotocol Zigbee in NCP mode and Open-Thread in RCP mode** - Alpha Dynamic Multiprotocol Bluetooth and multi-PAN 802.15.4 in RCP mode | [Release Notes](https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/release-notes/emberznet-release-notes-7.1.0.0.pdf) </body> </html> PS: Note that importantly this EmberZNet SDK 7.1.0 added an update to EZSP v9 (EmberZNet Serial Protocol version 9) which might break existing Zigbee implementation if user Silabs Zigbee EmberZNet SDK 7.1.0.0 NCP firmware before updated to EZSP v9.

github.com/xsp1989/zigbeeFirmware

Alternative EmberZNet Zigbee "Multi-PAN RCP firmware" for EFR32 Series 1 and/or EFR32 Series 2?

opened 08:10AM - 31 Jan 22 UTC

closed 09:27AM - 27 Apr 23 UTC

Hedda

Home Assistant developer agners has begun working on an add-on for Silabs Multip…rotocol stack requiring Multi-PAN RCP firmware. https://github.com/zigpy/zigpy/discussions/894 > _**For the Add-on to be useful, you **need** the Multi-PAN firmware on a Silicon Labs radio: The example firmware is called `rcp-uart-802154` in SimplictyStudio. I did compile it for the MGM210P(A32JIA) module we are using, and I use this firmware with testing.**_ and https://github.com/home-assistant/addons-development/tree/master/silabs-multiprotocol > _**NOTE:** Requires Silicon Labs based radio with RCP Multi-PAN firmware flashed!_ Maybe help with Zigbee coordinator RPC firmware with EmberZNet 6.8 RCP and NCP applications with Multi-PAN Library plugin? https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/release-notes/emberznet-release-notes-6.8.0.2.pdf This project does require that firmware include Multi-PAN Library plugin. That new Multi-PAN Library plugin is new since EmberZNet SDK 6.8.0.2 and new multi-PAN feature can create a host/NCP application that can support up to two coordinator networks: https://www.silabs.com/documents/public/application-notes/an724-multi-network.pdf Very early so would not advise any users use "Multi-PAN" firmware testing unless interested in testing and/or contributing to that project. https://github.com/home-assistant/addons-development/tree/master/silabs-multiprotocol Concept could in the future even allow running both Zigbee 3.0 and Thread/Matter (OpenThread) stacks applications on a single radio. It also changes architecture from NCP (Network Co-Processor) based to "DMP RPC" (Dynamic Multiprotocol Radio Co-Processor) based which if I understand correctly offload the network part to the the Zigbee integration application running on system CPU and the adapter becomes slightly more of a "dumb" Zigbee radio (still using EZSP) which for Zigbee removes some limitations on routing tables etc. (meaning that can probably have almost unlimited of devices connected even on radio adapter that has an MCU with limited RAM-memory. PS: agners is Nabu Casa lead engineer working on Home Assistant Yellow and its EFR32MG21 (MGM210P SiP module) based radio: https://www.home-assistant.io/blog/2021/09/13/home-assistant-yellow/ https://www.crowdsupply.com/nabu-casa/home-assistant-yellow https://www.nabucasa.com/about/

RichardPar · December 27, 2022, 6:50pm

Thanks @Hedda,

I was unsure if THREAD was included as there are messages that cover alot of topics and devices. Its not really clear what is in-or-out or even what the target for a good result is.

I’ll join in on the other thread… keen to help/contribute

Richard