TMCnet News

Maxim and Sagem Communications Team On PLC Specification for Automatic Meter Management
[September 24, 2008]

Maxim and Sagem Communications Team On PLC Specification for Automatic Meter Management


TMCnet Contributing Editor
 
Maxim Integrated Products has teamed with Sagem Communications (News - Alert) to develop an open powerline-communication (PLC) specification targeting automatic meter management (AMM) infrastructure. Banking on their know-how in advanced metering, communications, and integrated circuit (IC) design, the companies have plans to come up with a comprehensive set of international specifications to promote interoperability among different PLC manufacturers.


 
Developed as an open standard, the PLC specification will facilitate the implementation of AMM infrastructure, increase cost efficiency by promoting interoperability, and accelerate the widespread adoption of OFDM-based PLC technology. This breakthrough technology enables more robust communication and higher data rates over longer distances than conventional narrowband technologies.

 
"We are extremely excited to work with Sagem Communications on this project,” said Tunç Doluca, Maxim's President and CEO. “This partnership is a testimonial to our advanced PLC technology and our commitment to the many energy-conservation initiatives going on around the world."
 
Sagem Communications is a well-known, electronic-metering specialist, with extensive experience developing and deploying interoperable AMM PLC systems in which meters from different suppliers can communicate without any previous software adaptation.
 
The company is also a key player in system integration and telecommunication terminals. Based on this dual expertise, Sagem Communications adds significant value by offering new solutions focused on energy efficiency and its ecosystem.
 
"This project affirms Sagem Communications' commitment to, and investment in, the energy market, leveraging our expertise in metering, telecommunications, and system integration," said Patrick Sevian, CEO of Sagem Communications.
 
Earlier this year, Maxim introduced OFDM-based PLC modem operating over the 10kHz to 490kHz frequency range. The modem employs advanced, broadband networking techniques to achieve highly reliable and secure data communications under adverse channel conditions, and over longer distances than traditional PLC modems.
 

INTERNET TELEPHONY Conference & EXPO West 2008 — the biggest and most comprehensive IP communications event of the year — concluded September 18th  in Los Angeles, California. Thousands of attendees flocked to the event for three valuable days of exhibits, conferences and networking opportunities. Mark your calendar now for ITEXPO East 2009, February 2-4, 2009, in sunny Miami, Florida.
 
Read archived editions of Show Daily eNewsletters from ITEXPO (News - Alert) West 2008 here. See you in February!

 

Niladri Sekhar Nath is a contributing editor for TMCnet. To read more of Niladri’s articles, please visit his columnist page.

Edited by Mae Kowalke

[ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ]