Matter

Matter is an open-source standard that connects products across smart home ecosystems. Any smart device can adopt it to create a more seamless experience. Matter-compatible smart home devices can be set up on Matter-enabled platforms. Using familiar technologies such as Wi-Fi, BLE and Thread, it aims to remove compatibility barriers between ecosystems and simplify interoperability.

Obtaining Matter certification and displaying its logo can reduce development and maintenance costs and time to market, strengthen brand recognition and open access to a wider market. One Matter solution can connect to global ecosystems from Apple, Samsung, Amazon, Google and others.

Matter Certification Types

Hardware Device Certification:

A Matter hardware device provides the capabilities of a Matter device type. Finished products and modules may apply for certification as complete products, including sensors, switches, door locks, air conditioners and lights.

Software Device Certification:

A Matter software component runs on an operating system supported by CSA, such as those used by phones, TVs and Raspberry Pi devices. Examples include apps and TV control terminals.

A Matter device integrating both types may apply for hardware and software certification, as with TVs and central controllers.

Matter Product Requirements:

For products with built-in wireless modules such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi or Zigbee, provide the relevant module certifications, such as BQB, Wi-Fi Alliance or Zigbee Alliance certification, when applying for Matter certification.

Matter also accepts products using certified chips.

To reduce certification costs and lead times, manufacturers should select certified chips or modules where possible during product design.

Benefits of Matter-Certified Products:

· Matter-certified products meet relevant quality standards for cross-brand and cross-platform applications, broaden their uses and improve the user experience.
· Certified products may use the Matter certification mark and are listed on the alliance website.
· Approved products can obtain a certificate valid for 10 years.
· Certified products may be promoted at industry events, in displays and in promotional videos.

Matter Certification Routes:

1. Full Certification: Certification obtained after testing by a CSA-authorized laboratory.

2. Certification by Similarity (CbS): A product derived from a certified product is granted certification based on its similarity to that product.

3. Product Family Certification (PFC): Within a product family, each child product may obtain PFC if it is a direct variant of a single parent product. PFC requires the same product name.

4. Certification Transfer Program (CTP): A certified product from a Participant or Promoter member company is incorporated into another member company's new enclosure, with no other hardware or software changes.

5. Recertification (Recert): Applies to hardware and software products for SDK updates, bug fixes, security updates and similar changes.

Matter Certification Process:
1. Become a CSA member.
2. Apply to CSA for a Vendor ID (VID).
3. Select the product's network type.
4. Obtain transport-layer certification from the relevant standards organization.
5. Select an authorized test provider validated for Matter testing and submit the product for testing.
6. Submit the certification application to CSA through the certification web tool.
7. Download the certificate from CSA after approval.
8. Update the information in the DCL.