OFDMA Based Powerline Transceiver Operates In a Noisy Environment

Eyeing smart grid metering applications, Singapore’s Semitech Semiconductor (www.semitechsemi.com) has launched an orthogonal frequency division multiple access (OFDMA) based powerline communications chip capable of operating reliably in a noisy environment.  Labeled SM2200, this next generation OFDMA powerline communication transceiver is designed to operate particularly in noise prone smart grid environments.

Target applications for the OFDMA based powerline transceiver are advance metering infrastructure (AMI) and automated meter reading (AMR) applications where low cost and high performance features are required, according to Semitech. In addition, street lighting control, smart energy home area networking, home automation, building automation and other deployments requiring communications over an existing powerline are also target applications for the new powerline transceiver chip.

To deliver highly robust and reliable communications over powerline, the SM2200 uses modulation and signal processing technology that is not only adjustable in speed but also frequency agile. The SM2200 adapts to the noise environment to choose the most effective transmission frequency, said the maker. Plus, it also employs a multi access scheme to provide additional robustness and enables communication with multiple nodes simultaneously. Thus, stated Semitech, it provides the user with better results in the form of the highest throughput and most reliable communication available.

 Mike Holt, vice president of marketing and sales for Semitech, said in a statement, "With governments around the world driving initiatives focused on the smart grid, combined with the need for over 100 million meters per year to be replaced over the next ten years, the introduction of the SM2200 could not have come at a better time."

 “SM2200 makes powerline communications reliable and cost effective. Powerline communication is favored by utilities because it is the most natural approach, and allows the utilities to move data over an infrastructure that they control,” he added. “Until now, with the introduction of the SM2200, powerline communication solutions have not tolerated the harsh and noisy environment we find on the power grid."

According to Semitech, the technology behind the SM2200 was tested and successfully deployed in over 1000 nodes in China. The SM2200 contains a complete packet data modem with a simple physical layer protocol. When combined with a microcontroller (MCU), it provides a cost-effective solution for data links and point-to-point, star or ad hoc networks. The SM2200 is now sampling, said the manufacturer.