In a major leap forward for the world of the Internet of Things (IoT), technology leader Silicon Labs has unveiled its highly anticipated Series 3 platform designed specifically for edge IoT applications. This new platform, hailed as a successor to the groundbreaking Series 2, promises to redefine the capabilities of IoT devices with its cutting-edge features.

The most notable advancement in Series 3 is its impressive processing power, which is a remarkable 100 times greater than its predecessor. Constructed using state-of-the-art technology, the Series 3 platform boasts built-in AI/ML accelerators, eliminating the need for separate MCUs and reducing both space occupancy and expenses in IoT systems. While specific details about these innovative accelerators remain under wraps, Silicon Labs CEO, Matt Johnson, described them as a proprietary invention, showcasing the company’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of technology.

Machine learning’s influence on IoT has been steadily growing, and Series 3 is well-poised to harness this potential. The platform’s increased processing capabilities enable the deployment of advanced AI and machine learning applications at the edge, signalling a significant shift in the industry landscape.

Security features have also been enhanced in Series 3, thanks to the integration of Secure Vault technology and power-efficient mechanisms. These improvements not only bolster device security but also extend battery life to unprecedented levels. Silicon Labs’ Matt Johnson emphasized that this breakthrough will empower IoT devices to operate for seven to 10 years using a battery no larger than a coin. The platform’s security suite builds upon the successful elements of Series 2 while introducing new elements that will be revealed in due course.

Distinguishing itself from competitors, Series 3 stands as the only multi-radio IoT platform with a unified code base across more than 30 products. It covers major wireless protocols including Bluetooth LE, Wi-Fi, Wi-SUN, and 15.4, among others. Furthermore, external flash support augments memory capacity, enabling more complex applications.

Addressing a critical concern in the industry, Matt assured stakeholders that Series 3’s production will rely on multiple fabrication facilities located across various geographical regions. This strategic approach aims to mitigate chip supply shortages, ensuring a consistent and stable supply chain.

While specific technical details were held back during the unveiling, Matt hinted that Series 3 is slated for an early launch in the coming year, followed by regular quarterly feature updates. The excitement surrounding this release is palpable, as Silicon Labs prepares to embark on a new era of IoT innovation.

According to a press release from the company, Series 3 is poised to cater to a wide array of IoT applications across critical sectors, including smart cities, public infrastructure, commercial spaces, retail, factories, healthcare, and portable devices. The platform’s enhanced processing power is expected to drive compute-intensive applications, transforming the way IoT is integrated into our daily lives.

Headquartered in Austin, Texas, Silicon Labs has experienced impressive growth, expanding its workforce to nearly 2,000 employees and approaching the milestone of $1 billion in annual revenue. Despite slightly lower-than-expected earnings per share, the company remains optimistic about its trajectory in the market.

Importantly, Series 3 ensures backward compatibility with its predecessor, Series 2, underlining Silicon Labs’ commitment to customer satisfaction. With a large customer base relying on Series 2, the company intends to offer support for the platform over the next decade, recognizing its ongoing impact in the market.

Accompanying the Series 3 platform is the introduction of Simplicity Studio 6, an upgraded version of the development environment that facilitates seamless integration with developers’ preferred IDEs. This innovative move demonstrates Silicon Labs’ dedication to streamlining the development process and enhancing user experience. Simplicity Studio 6, set to enter early beta testing in 2024, will also feature an extension for Microsoft Visual Studio Code, providing developers with even more flexibility and tools.

As the industry eagerly anticipates the launch of Series 3 and its subsequent updates, Silicon Labs stands at the precipice of transformative change in the world of edge IoT. With its unparalleled processing power, AI integration, and enhanced security measures, Series 3 is set to shape the future of IoT technology and applications.