Frankfurt, Germany, December 01, 2022: Electric utilities can now provide real-time data on electricity consumption with hybrid gateways that integrate G.hn Powerline (PLC) technology as a broadband backhaul for a full range of proven technologies, according to tests by MaxLinear and Microchip Technology .
This Proof of Concept (PoC) was jointly developed by HomeGrid Forum member MaxLinear, a leading provider of multi-gigabit connectivity solutions, and Microchip Technology, a leading provider of intelligent, connected and secure embedded control solutions. Both sides have compiled a highly integrated hybrid solution with different transceivers, capable of supporting three main use cases of Smart Grid implementations:
- Backhaul G.hn PLC Broadband + Fronthaul PRIME/G3 PLC-NarrowBand
- Backhaul G.hn PLC Broadband + Fronthaul PRIME/G3 Hybrid (PLC-NarrowBand and RF)
- Backhaul G.hn PLC Broadband + Fronthaul Zigbee
This initiative is part of the continuous drive by The HomeGrid Ecosystem Forum to Develop Revolutionary G.hn-Based Infrastructure for the Future of Smart Grids and Smart Cities.
Livia Rosu, president of HomeGrid Forum, expanded on the evidence, “As G.hn has been recognized by the Smart Grid industry as one of the most robust and future-proof technologies, our members have joined their R&D forces to launch innovative solutions designed to accelerate intelligent grid infrastructure deployments. The Hybrid Gateway PoC highlights the versatile networking capabilities of G.hn technology to support extended coverage and capitalize on previously installed smart meter nodes.”
Dr. Len Dauphinee, Vice President and CTO of Broadband Products at MaxLinear added, “The hybrid solution leverages wired and wireless technologies to deliver state-of-the-art connectivity to electric utilities driving the energy transition coupled with digitalization. This level of innovation ensures the robustness and reliability of the Smart Grid. We are excited to support electric utilities to capitalize on their legacy investments and technologies by providing the ultimate bridge to broadband backhaul. »
Rod Drake, Vice President of Microchip’s MCU32 Business Unit, said, “The PoC platform offers multiple transceiver solutions including PRIME Narrowband, G3-PLC Narrowband, RF interface, Zigbee and G.hn PLC Broadband backhaul to ensure fast and reliable communication. real-time between smart meters and utility headquarters. The modular design of the Hybrid Gateway offers resourceful interfaces for all network segments as needed. »
The hybrid gateway is fully backwards compatible with G.hn-only, PRIME-only, G3-PLC-only, ZigBee-only, and power grid RF-only devices, providing extended network coverage for already deployed infrastructure that needs an accelerated upgrade of the network.
Representatives from MaxLinear and Microchip will unveil the PoC at the ENLIT Europe exhibition in Frankfurt from November 29 to December 1, 2022, where the Hybrid Gateway will be exhibited at Microchip booth 12.1.F150. For more information about ENLIT Europe, visit the site https://www.enlit-europe.com/welcome.
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About the HomeGrid forum
HomeGrid Forum (HGF) is an industry alliance that brings together the world’s top technology innovators, silicon suppliers, system manufacturers and service providers to promote G.hn, a globally recognized gigabit home networking technology based on ITU standards -TGhn is the most reliable and versatile wireless home network backbone available today. Our members drive global adoption of G.hn, a single, unified, multi-source network technology – over coaxial, twisted-pair, powerline, and plastic optical fiber. HomeGrid Forum provides silicon and G.hn system certification through a rigorous conformance and interoperability testing program. For more information on the HomeGrid Forum, visit our website at www.homegridforum.org.
HomeGrid™ is a registered trademark of HomeGrid Forum in the United States and other countries.
Contact with the media
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About MaxLinear
MaxLinear, Inc. (NYSE: MXL) is a leading supplier of radio frequency (RF), analog, digital and mixed-signal integrated circuits for access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multimarket applications. MaxLinear is headquartered in Carlsbad, California. For more information please visit www.maxlinear.com.
About Microchips
Microchip Technology Inc. is a leading provider of intelligent, connected and secure integrated control solutions. Its easy-to-use development tools and comprehensive product portfolio enable customers to create optimal designs that reduce risk while reducing total system cost and time to market. The company’s solutions serve more than 120,000 customers in the industrial, automotive, consumer, aerospace and defense, communications, and information technology markets. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers exceptional technical support along with reliable quality and delivery. For more information, visit the Microchip website at www.microchip.com.