STMicroelectronics offers Smart-Meter System-on-Chip

STMicroelectronics has revealed smart-meter System-on-Chip (SoC) – STCOMET10 that combines precision metering with flexible, programmable processing and PLC (Power-Line Communication) subsystems along with advanced security in a single device. STCOMET10 offers the highest system flexibility and programmability along with the highest performance for specialized smart-metering functions in a single chip.
 
As an extremely cost-effective and flexible smart-meter solution, STCOMET10 has a key role in realizing the advantages of the smart grid, including real-time control and adaptability of the grid, integration of decentralized generation from renewable energy sources, and support for multiple communication standards. Globally, there is scope for over 1.7 billion communicating devices connected to the smart grid. STCOMET10 greatly increases the prospects for interoperability among these devices promoting more efficient utilization of energy resources said Matteo Lo Presti, Group Vice-President & General Manager, Industrial and Power Conversion Division, STMicroelectronics.
 
The STCOMET10 SoC features a PLC signal-processing engine for multi-protocol management, a state-of-the-art ARM Cortex-M4 based application-processing subsystem with program Flash and RAM, 3-channel analog and digital metering front-end, and security engine. In particular, the smart-meter SoC supports important PLC protocols such as METERS AND MORE, G3-PLC, IEEE 1901.2 and PRIME. Its flexibility and broad protocol support allow worldwide deployment and remote reconfiguration to support new protocols in the future, minimizing lifetime ownership costs for operators.
 
STCOMET10 SoC in a 20mm x 20mm x 1mm TQFP package is available for selected customers now, with production quantities available in the beginning of 2014.