Inquiry Regarding Matter Device Development

[pooisonner]

We are reaching out with an inquiry regarding the development of a Matter device.
The detailed specifications for the development are as follows:

• Matter SDK 1.4 or higher
• Apple HomeKit SDK support
• WiFi Dual Band, BLE 6.0, Thread, NFC
• Device type: Thermostat

We are considering using NXP’s RT1060 as the solution.
Reference: https://github.com/NXP/matter/blob/release/v1.4.0/examples/all-clusters-app/nxp/rt/rt1060/README.md
Based on NXP’s GitHub, there are several hardware recommendations, and we have selected the MXRT1060 + IW612 as it appears suitable for our needs. However, due to a customer request, BLE 6.0 support has been added, requiring the integration of an external BLE 6.0 module with the above hardware.

Our inquiries are as follows:

1. Is it possible to use an external BLE module or chip in conjunction with the Matter SDK? Specifically, we would like to know if the Matter stack supports drivers for such integration or if the above integration is feasible.
2. We are considering the following modules or chips for BLE 6.0:
   • u-blox: Nora-B2 module (nRF54L15)
   • rmbt: AN54L15Q module (nRF54L15)
   • NXP: MCX-W72X
3. We would appreciate NXP’s recommendation for the optimal solution.

Thank you for your assistance.

Best regards,

[Sam_Gao]

@pooisonner 

Q1. Is it possible to use an external BLE module or chip in conjunction with the Matter SDK? Specifically, we would like to know if the Matter stack supports drivers for such integration or if the above integration is feasible.

A: Yes, it is possbile to use external BLE chip/Module by yourself as MCU hosted Matter solution show.

Q2. We are considering the following modules or chips for BLE 6.0:

• u-blox: Nora-B2 module (nRF54L15)
• rmbt: AN54L15Q module (nRF54L15)
• NXP: MCX-W72X

A: About nRF54L15, please contact Nordic. About MCX-W72, it is from MCX-W71x family and mostly for standalone solution because there is a MCU inside, but it doesn't support BLE 6.0.

[pooisonner]

I have a follow-up question.
What I am trying to implement is:
Since RT1060 + IW612 does not support BLE 6.0,
is it possible to implement Matter with RT1060 + IW612 + nRF54L15 (for BLE 6.0)?
The setup would use Matter over Wi-Fi and BLE for commissioning.
My question is whether an external BLE module can be used in this case.

[Sam_Gao]

'My question is whether an external BLE module can be used in this case.'

--> Of course. 

[pooisonner]

Thank you for your response.
As previously explained, the product we are developing consists of RT1060 + IW612 + BT6.0, and it needs to integrate both the Matter SDK and the Apple HomeKit SDK. Additionally, we need to add a custom cluster for Matter.

1. Is it possible to implement both the Matter SDK and the Apple HomeKit SDK simultaneously?
2. The custom cluster will be developed as a proprietary, non-standard feature. Will this cause any issues with certification?

We look forward to your reply.
Thank you.

[Sam_Gao]

Hi,

Yes, it is technically possible to integrate both SDKs, but several critical considerations must be addressed, resource/memory allocation, certification, etc.

Here is only for reference:

• Protocol Stack Coordination: Matter operates over IP (via WiFi/Thread) while HomeKit uses IP (WiFi) and Bluetooth LE. Ensure Bluetooth coexistence between BT6.0 and HomeKit BLE.
• Please communicat with Apple's MFi porgram and CSA (for Matter) to ensure custom featues.