ON Semiconductor introduces Power Line Carrier modem SoC for rapid growth smart metering and building automation markets

Based on a dual 4800-baud S-FSK channel technology, it has been optimised for power efficiency and performance, while providing excellent robustness and reliability to enable operation in the harshest environments.

The NCN49597 is fully compliant with the prevailing IEC61334-5-1 standard but also supports customised implementation of the popular building automation standard while keeping pin-to-pin and function compatibility with its predecessor, the AMIS-49587. The new device adds a host of innovative features such as field re-programmability, smart synchronisation and automatic half baud rate detection that boost robustness of communication and make its implementation and use simpler. Programmable carrier frequencies in the CENELEC A to D bands and the ability to operate on both AC voltage, at either 50 hertz or 60 Hz, and DC voltage enhance the range of applications for which the NCN49597can be utilised. This means a single device is suitable for all types of electrical power grid.10 configurable general purpose inputs / outputs allow connection to peripherals such as LCDs and metering ICs and alleviate the need for external microcontrollers in applications such as smart plugs. The NCN49597 comes with open source PLC platform code and development environment.

ON Semiconductor also offers a PLC communication reference design kit including a power line driver helping customers to speed up their time-to-market. The NCS5650 is a 2 ampere high efficiency class A/B power line driver that provides flexible 4th order filtering and current limiting, programmable with a single resistor.

According to the IHS iSuppli Industrial Market Tracker, industry-wide semiconductor revenues from smart electricity meters are estimated to be $559.6 million in 2012 and upwards of $1.1 billion annually by 2015. IHS iSuppli further forecasts that 24.9 million smart electricity meters will be installed in 2012, 57.3 million will be installed in 2015, and 66.6 million smart electricity meters will be installed in 2017.

“This innovative new device builds on ON Semiconductor’s 10 years of experience in the field of e-metering and offers a versatile and robust solution for enabling communications in the important and rapidly expanding smart grid market sector,” said Ryan Cameron, vice president of Industrial and Timing Products, ON Semiconductor. “Compatibility with our previous device for this sector plus full compliance with industry standards and the use of proven technology such as the ARM Cortex M0 processor make the utilisation of the NCN49597 a straightforward process.”

The NCN49597 operates from a 3.3 volt power supply, has a junction operating temperature range of -40 ºC to +125 ºC and is housed in a QFN-52 package measuring 8 mm x 8 mm x 1 mm.

The NCN49597 is priced at $4.99 per unit in 2,500 unit quantities. Samples are available now. Projected lead-time for production quantities is currently eight to 16 weeks after receipt of order.