MCU devices streamline smart meter communications
A new suite of MCU (Measuring Control Unit) devices has been launched with the aim of streamlining smart meter and communications infrastructure development.
Microchip Technology Inc. has announced a new suite of MCU devices, touting them as a next-generation smart metering platform targeting industrial IoT, commercial and industrial metering applications.
In announcing the suite the tech developer stated that the design complexity of smart meters continues to evolve as different communications solutions are integrated into the framework and as regulatory compliance requirements are mandated.
The MCU devices are thus hoped to meet the growing demand for a ‘feature-rich’ yet simple design solution for developing smart meters.
According to the company, the PIC32CXMT family of 32-bit microprocessors with a new MPL460 Power Line Communication (PLC) modem boasts increased performance with 200MHz operation and 560KB of memory (SRAM).
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The platform provides transceiver solutions including a radio/PHY, a PLC/PHY or the option to select a PLC+RF hybrid solution. There is also an option for a metrology and communications software suite that is compliant with the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) metering standards up to class 0.2% accuracy. It also supports standards for wired and wireless communications, such as G3-PLC and PRIME.
Aiming to provide developers with flexibility to scale their products, the suite is offered in three variants based on a single Arm Cortex-M4F core, a dual Arm Cortex-M4 core and a system-on-chip (SoC) device.
The MPL460 PLC modem integrates the line driver for signal amplification, which reduces the bill of materials and maintains signal injection efficiency above 40% due to its class-D topology.
The PLC modem also aims to help increase efficiency and reliability based on power delivered to the load and power taken from the supply, resulting in an overall reduction in consumption from the source during transmission.
