Zigbee Wireless Modules

In 2006, Digi's MaxStream-branded XBee product family was ZigBee Certified by the ZigBee Alliance. The XBee and XBee-PRO OEM RF modules passed rigorous independent testing to become one of only four products to receive ZigBee certification. The XBee and XBee-PRO modules were subjected to a variety of independent tests that certified the ability of XBee products to perform in ZigBee networks. The first industrial-strength ZigBee Certified Products, the XBee and XBee-PRO modules were built upon a ZigBee Compliant Platform and feature industry leading range and reliability performance. MaxStream used the low-cost, low-power features of the ZigBee standard and adds additional functionality including multiple output power options, three antenna choices, and advanced configuration tools. The product line could be found in industrial and commercial applications including remote sensing, equipment control, and automation.

The ZigBee Alliance, now known as the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA), has made significant strides in promoting and developing standards for IoT (Internet of Things) devices. Here are some of their notable accomplishments:

1. Development and Promotion of ZigBee: ZigBee has become one of the leading standards for wireless sensor networks, home automation, and smart energy products, largely thanks to the work of the Alliance. The ZigBee standard operates on the IEEE 802.15.4 physical radio specification and operates in unlicensed bands worldwide.
2. ZigBee Cluster Library (ZCL): The ZigBee Alliance developed the ZCL, which standardizes application level functionality for a variety of devices used in home automation, light control, building automation, and other control applications.
3. ZigBee Smart Energy: The ZigBee Alliance developed Smart Energy, which provides a standard for utilities and device manufacturers to use for smart meters and home energy management systems.
4. Green Power Feature: The Alliance introduced the Green Power Feature, which allows energy-harvesting devices, like switches powered by the user's touch, to directly control other ZigBee devices without needing a battery or main power supply.
5. Dotdot — The Universal Language for IoT: In 2017, the ZigBee Alliance introduced Dotdot, an application layer that allows ZigBee IoT devices to work with the IP-based Thread protocol.
6. Project CHIP (Connected Home over IP): The ZigBee Alliance initiated Project CHIP, a major collaboration with tech giants like Apple, Google, Amazon, and the Thread Group, to develop a unified, open-source, and royalty-free standard for smart home devices.
7. Rebranding to Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA): In 2021, the ZigBee Alliance rebranded as the CSA to better reflect its wider role in unifying IoT standards and promoting interoperability between devices.