Apple HomeKit Solution


Contents

Introduction


Telink offers HomeKit support for TLSR9 Chip Series, which allows users to control connected accessories from Apple devices with Apple Home app.


Apple HomeKit Communication Protocols


HomeKit natively supports WiFi and Bluetooth LE protocols for communicating with smart devices. HomePod mini adds mesh networking functionality to HomeKit. HomePod mini acts as hub for Thread devices, and brings Thread device data out to the internet for remote access and monitoring. With a mesh network, Thread devices can interconnect and provide better coverage. It also enables fast response times and low power consumption, which is useful for battery-powered devices like door locks, light bulbs, and more.

All Thread HomeKit devices support both Thread and Bluetooth LE protocols. The accessory performs the first start in Bluetooth LE mode. Switching to the Thread mode is possible when HomePod mini is available. The Thread credentials are transferred over BLE to the accessory and the network switches automatically to Thread. If Thread connection is not available or lost, a Thread device automatically falls back to the Bluetooth LE protocol.

Telink implementation for TLSR9 Chip Series support both Bluetooth and Thread communication protocols. While the TLSR8 chip series have Bluetooth LE support only without OpenThread support and Bluetooth LE-Thread switching.

HomeKit_Network_Architecture


Resources





Telink provides several Homekit solutions on the latest TLSR9 platform for developing typical applications.

  • Accessories pairing with Apple Home application
  • Thread + Bluetooth LE dual-mode
  • HomePod mini Thread mesh support
  • MFi AC3.0 HW Authentication
  • MFI_TOKEN_AUTH
  • NFC tap to unlock
  • NFC Pairing


Typical Applications


Light Bulb Example


Material List


To run lighting example you will need:

  • B91 Generic Starter Kit
    • B91 Development Board
    • TLSR9 DEV KEY (JTAG BURING EVK)
    • Telink Burning Board (SWS BURING EVK)

B91_Generic_Starter_Kit

  • Telink HomeKit SDK
    • provided only to customers, who have signed Apple NDA
  • Ubuntu 20.04 or 18.04
    • optional, for development
  • Visual Studio Code
    • optional, for development
  • USB-UART converter
    • optional, for debugging



Quick Start


In order to run the example, please go to the SDK folder provided by Telink (subject to Apple NDA) and open the Telink_Demo folder. Lightbulb.bin file is located under Release and Debug folder. Simply flash the selected binary to your target board. Refer to the deployment manual located in the SDK folder for advanced setup.

Follow these steps to pair the device:

Step 1: Open the HomeKit application on the iPhone. Press the Add Accessory icon.

Home_App

Step 2: Press “More options” if you want to scan the network for the accessory.

Add_Accessory

Step 3: Select the desired device.

Add_Accessory

Step 4: Accept the notification.

Notification

Step 5: Enter the device’s PIN-code. The default PIN-code is 111-22-333.

Setup_Code

Step 6: Select the device’s location.

Location

Step 7: Select the device’s name.

Device_Name

Step 8: To control the device press the Light label to switch the lamp.

Control_Device

Remarks: The blue LED on the B91 Development board indicates the lamp status.

Indicator_Blue_LED