Date: 24/09/2010

Microsemi's ASIC design group develops chip for smart metering

Microsemi has announced that its ASIC design services group has developed a device for smart metering applications that integrates all power-management functions into one application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Itron is named as the customer for this new ASIC from Microsemi.

"We are pleased to offer this technology to complement the industry's latest state-of-the-art electricity metering products," said Paul Pickle, Vice President and General Manager
of Microsemi's Analog Mixed Signal Group. "Microsemi's power management IC design expertise allows us to create an optimized, reliable solution and extend our power-management expertise into the rapidly growing market for advanced metering and smart grid system equipment. We plan to expand our offering for this segment with additional custom devices and standard, off-the-shelf products, as well."

Microsemi says it has integrated all battery management, power failure, over-current and thermal detection, as well as various other functions, into a single, compact IC. The IC also features temperature compensation, power reset, and energy conservation during power loss, and is offered in a small-footprint 5x4mm QFN package.

Microsemi has shared this below market info on smart metering:
According to Pike Research, electricity metering is undergoing its greatest transformation since the first meter was installed more than 120 years ago. Major utilities worldwide, enticed by savings and prodded by governments, are embarking on wholesale replacement of over 45 percent of the North American and European installed base by 2015, breaking the traditional 15-20 year meter replacement cycle. Pike Research forecasts that $19.5 billion of smart meters will be deployed worldwide between 2010 and 2015, with shipments growing at a 19 percent compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) during this period