SUNNYVALE, Calif., Sept. 1, 2009 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (Nasdaq:MXIM), in partnership with Sagem Communications and Electricite Reseau Distribution France (ERDF), announced the release of an OFDM*-based PLC (powerline communication) specification designed to facilitate global smart grid implementations. This specification supports the IPv6 internet-protocol standard to promote interoperability among global smart grid implementations. The specification can be downloaded from ERDF's website.
Last year, Maxim was awarded a key development contract by ERDF, a wholly owned subsidiary of the EDF (Electricite de France) Group, to define, develop, and implement a next-generation PLC specification (G3-PLC) for AMM (automatic meter management) infrastructure. ERDF has since evaluated the G3-PLC technology against competing technologies under real-world conditions and scenarios. These tests included long-distance communication over medium-voltage lines, two-way communication across medium-to-low-voltage transformers, coexistence with older FSK deployments, smart network routing/commissioning capability (mesh network), and many others. Through these advanced field trials, ERDF concluded that Maxim's PLC technology offers the most robust data communication over the PLC network compared to others.
"ERDF selected Maxim for this project because of their proven expertise in developing advanced PLC solutions and their experience in this field," commented Jean Vigneron, Managing Director for Metering at ERDF. "Along with Sagem Communications, Maxim successfully delivered a PLC specification that fully met our requirements for robust communication, high data rates, long-distance transmission, and interoperability."
ERDF is preparing to conduct an industrial pilot program in the rural area around Tours. Using G3-PLC technology, ERDF will deploy an AMM infrastructure to enhance grid operations and promote energy conservation. Upon the successful completion of these trials, ERDF's goal is to implement an AMM network across France to serve its +35M customers.
Interoperability Is Critical for Enabling the "Energy Internet"
Frequently described as the "energy internet," the smart grid represents the convergence of information technologies with energy infrastructure in a decentralized network architecture. Yet, unlike the internet, today's electricity infrastructure is highly parochial, governed by the disparate needs of each municipality, region, or nation.
One of the biggest challenges, therefore, facing implementers is how to ensure interoperability and open-endedness among smart grids across traditional service areas and borders. Interoperability will enable the interconnection of more elements across larger grids to realize a true energy internet. Additionally, it will allow more vendors to compete in the market, thus accelerating innovation and reducing costs.
Enabling the Energy Internet Through the IPv6 Internet Protocol
The G3-PLC specification supports the IPv6 internet protocol. Both globally accepted and license-free, IPv6 enables an open standard available to all implementers.
The G3-PLC specification includes OFDM-based PHY/MAC layers and a 6LoWPAN adaptation layer to transmit IPv6 packets over powerline channels. The specification also includes innovations such as coexistence with older S-FSK systems, adaptive tone mapping for optimal bandwidth utilization, and a robust mode of operation that improves communication under noisy channel conditions. These capabilities allow implementers to achieve fast, reliable data communication over the long distances required by large-scale smart grid infrastructures.
"Maxim's open-standard approach and global support enable hardware and service providers worldwide to seamlessly adapt and implement this next-generation PLC technology platform," commented Michael Navid, General Manager for Powerline Products at Maxim. "Customers interested in deploying this technology in large-scale projects can contact us at G3-PLC@maxim-ic.com."
About ERDF (Electricite Reseau Distribution France)
ERDF is a subsidiary of the EDF (Electricite de France) Group managing the electricity distribution networks for 95% of metropolitan France. Courtesy of its more than 36,000 employees, the company ensures the operation, development and maintenance of over 1,265,500 km of electricity lines to serve over 35 million customers.
About Sagem Communications
A French, international-scale, high-technology company, Sagem Communications specializes in broadband communications and convergence in the following areas: printing terminals, digital TV set-top boxes, broadband and residential terminals, communicating energy-management solutions, and telecom systems and partnerships. The company is in a leadership position in these sectors thanks to its proven capacity for innovation. Sagem Communications aims to become a world leader in convergence and broadband terminals. With a turnover of almost 1.3 billion euros, Sagem Communications employs 6570 people on five continents and is headquartered in Paris. For more information, visit www.sagem-communications.com.
About Maxim
Maxim Integrated Products is a publicly traded company that designs, manufactures, and sells high-performance semiconductor products. The Company was founded over 25 years ago with the mission to deliver innovative analog and mixed-signal engineering solutions that add value to its customers' products. To date, it has developed over 6100 products serving the industrial, communications, consumer, and computing markets.
Maxim reported revenue in excess of $1.6 billion for fiscal 2009. A Fortune 1000 company, Maxim is included in the Nasdaq 100, the Russell 1000, and the MSCI USA indices. For more information, go to www.maxim-ic.com.
*Orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) is a method for multiplexing signals that divides the available bandwidth into a series of frequencies known as tones.
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