ZigBee, the formal network, security, application-framework, and application-profile layer overlay on top of the 802.15.4 PHY (physical) and MAC (media-access-control) layers used in low-power wireless mesh networks, continues to evolve with its potential still unclear, reports In-Stat. Currently, ZigBee technology targets building automation, industrial, medical, home automation, asset management, HVAC and other monitoring applications, the high-tech market research firm says. More applications will be invented as programmers acquire more understanding of the technology.

"Within the market, there are different philosophies between chipset manufacturers and their approaches," says Brian O'Rourke, In-Stat analyst. "A company like Jennic sees the technology as an application-enabler, focusing on giving their clients low-cost tool kits and providing their ZigBee software stack for free for customers who choose to build with their components. Ember allows their co-processor chipset, the EM-250, as an add-on for a customer that has application-specific MCUs."

Recent research by In-Stat found the following:

• Total ZigBee/802.15.4 node and chipset units will reach 120 million in 2011, up from 5 million in 2006.
• The ZigBee Pro feature set released to members in October 2007 includes: network scalability, fragmentation, frequency agility, automated device address management, group addressing, wireless commissioning, and centralized data collection.
• There is a surge in interest in ZigBee technology for Automated Meter Infrastructure.
• Adoption in the consumer electronics is expected to be low because of competing technologies.

The research, "ZigBee 2007: What it Iz and What It Iz Not", covers the worldwide market for ZigBee technology. It includes a chipset forecast through 2011, and information gathered from interviews with significant companies in the field, and consideration of product specifications and data sheets. Companies from all parts of the 802.15.4/ZigBee infrastructure were interviewed. Silicon IC vendors, MCU manufacturers, systems integrators, and distributed software writers were among the key categories of companies consulted, in addition to the ZigBee Alliance. In addition to the report, Brian and other In-Stat analysts provide consulting services on a variety of technical and market topics regarding the semiconductor and electronics industries.