Universal Smart-Home Modular Hub

Conceptual modular embedded-hardware platform built around an ESP32-S3 host board and interchangeable radio modules.

Project status: Architecture, schematics, PCB layouts, and manufacturing documentation completed. The boards have not been fabricated or validated with firmware.

Project objective

The project investigates whether radio-specific functions can be separated from a reusable host board, allowing protocol variants to evolve without redesigning the complete platform.

System architecture

Main board

• ESP32-S3 controller with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth LE
• 12 V input and local power conversion
• Optional Ethernet interface
• Battery-support circuitry
• Shared expansion connector for radio modules
• USB and debugging/programming access

Zigbee/Thread module

• EFR32MG24 radio controller
• SPI, interrupt, reset, enable, and SWD interfaces
• Local power conditioning
• Module identification through I²C EEPROM

Proprietary RF module

• nRF24L01+ transceiver
• SPI, IRQ, and CE signals
• Local power conditioning
• EEPROM-based module identification

Engineering work

• Defined the three-board modular architecture
• Specified the electrical and communication interfaces between boards
• Developed schematics and PCB layouts in KiCad
• Defined connector pinouts, module detection, and programming access
• Prepared BOMs and manufacturing files

Key design considerations

• Interface compatibility between host and modules
• Power sequencing and module enable control
• RF keep-out areas and antenna implementation
• Return-current continuity across modular connections
• Decoupling and local rail filtering
• Mechanical alignment and connector reliability

Deliverables

The repository contains the available source designs and manufacturing documentation for the host board and expansion modules.

Validation still required

Physical hardware and firmware are required to verify:

• RF performance and antenna matching
• Zigbee/Thread and proprietary protocol operation
• Module detection and hot-plug behavior
• Power consumption and battery operation
• Ethernet functionality
• EMC/EMI behavior and interoperability

Matter compatibility is not claimed by the current hardware documentation alone; it would depend on the selected software stack and successful system validation.

License

Licensed under CERN-OHL-W-2.0.