Aliro Access Control Reference Design by Nordic Semiconductor

Nordic Semiconductor has introduced a reference design intended to simplify the development of interoperable access control systems for smart buildings and connected environments. The design combines support for the Aliro standard with Matter-based device integration, potentially enabling developers to build mobile-credential access solutions using a unified architecture.

For eeNews Europe readers working on smart buildings, IoT devices, or connected infrastructure, the development highlights how emerging standards could reduce fragmentation in access control hardware and software stacks.

Combining Aliro and Matter in access systems

Aliro is a specification developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) aimed at replacing physical keys, cards and fobs with secure mobile credentials that operate across multiple reader types and vendors. The standard supports technologies including Bluetooth Low Energy, ultra-wideband (UWB) and near-field communication (NFC), giving designers flexibility in selecting the wireless interface best suited to their application.

Nordic’s reference design is built around the company’s nRF54L Series wireless SoCs and integrates both Aliro credential functionality and Matter smart-home interoperability. Matter is intended to handle device command and control functions such as remote locking, provisioning of users, and integration with broader smart-home ecosystems.

According to the company, combining the two standards could allow developers to design systems where access credentials and device control operate within the same platform, potentially simplifying system architecture.

“With the release of Aliro 1.0, Nordic gives developers a faster path to adoption,” said Øyvind Strøm, EVP Short-Range at Nordic Semiconductor. “We are delivering a complete, certified software solution that solves the integration of Aliro and Matter. By leveraging the ultra-low power and processing capabilities of our nRF54L Series, developers can build the next generation of secure and interoperable access solutions faster than ever”.

Addressing fragmentation in mobile credentials

The access-control market has historically relied on proprietary credential systems, often tied to specific hardware platforms or ecosystem vendors. This has created compatibility issues between readers, mobile devices and cloud management systems.

Aliro aims to address this fragmentation by defining a standardized mobile credential framework across vendors and device types. Matter, meanwhile, provides a common application layer for IoT devices, enabling communication across different smart-home platforms.

Nordic’s platform is designed to support simultaneous operation of Aliro and Matter, which could allow developers to build door locks, building access readers or smart-home entry systems with fewer hardware components. The company also notes that several smartphone vendors require Matter support for smart-home integrations, making dual-standard compatibility relevant for commercial deployments.

The reference design, including certified Aliro and Matter software, is available through the Door Lock and Access Control add-on within the nRF Connect SDK, enabling engineers to evaluate and develop compliant products more quickly.