Low Power Consumption is a Steering Factor

Zigbee protocol was first started in 1998 but it could not find room to spread much. After the establishment of Zigbee Alliance, it has been gaining power. The reason behind this rise is its suitability to radio frequency applications with low data rate and low power schemes. Thence, let’s start with the power issues of Zigbee Remote Control standard (ZigBee RF4CE). For the standard, the remote control is mainly meant to control a set-top box. In addition, it could turn the television on or off, and apply some basic functions more such as changing the volume. The requirements and specifications are considered as similar for controlling other electronic devices. Proposed remote controls are two kinds. One is just with some buttons and a traditional program guide can be used by different direction buttons. Second type is more advanced such that it contains a steering tool like touchpad or trackball, providing mouse-like pointer control. It creates much broader client experience with its variety of control options and engendering a computer atmosphere, system operators could offer an internet browser controlled by mouse pointer.

Battery life is calculated according to a usage profile. Consumers are considered to watch TV for 8.25 hours per day as average. Usage of menus is as average 1.8 times per hour and half-hour shows are preferred more than longer programs like films or sports. Number of sending commands from the remote control changes according to the two types of remote control. Moreover, usage model assumes that there is certain number of button presses for the features other than navigating within the menus. For instance, 10 button presses per hour is agreed for commands related with changing the volume including the mute button. Furthermore, remote control of a set-top box (STB) with digital video recorder will have additional utilization of buttons because of some important buttons such as pause, fast forward or rewind. The remote controller gets 1200 miliamperes (mA) per hour from AAA alkaline cells connected serially. Processor of the remote control consumes on average 7.5 mA in active mode and 5 microamperes (uA) in idle mode. Transceiver of the controller is assumed to consume 27 mA for transmission and 28 mA for reception while waiting for acknowledgements. All ZigBee messages or commands are acknowledged. Transceiver consumes 2 uA in sleep mode. All current values defined for this model are appropriate to the current parts in the industry.