Date: 02/05/2012

ST introduces SPIRIT1 wireless transceiver for smart meter applications

STMicroelectronics has introduced a low power wireless transceiver SPIRIT1 for automatic meter infrastructure and other wireless sensor node applications, such as alarm and security systems, home and building automation, and industrial monitoring and control.

Replacing traditional electromechanical meters, 'smart' electronic meters bring many advantages for utility providers and consumers alike. Features like full remote control, power peak and consumption analysis, anti tampering mechanisms, fault alert, and time variable tariffs, help make both the supply and usage of electricity, gas or water more efficient and economical.

ST's SPIRIT1 transceiver handles the communication between smart meters in households and businesses and the neighborhood data concentrator, which relays the information to the utility provider control center. By enabling short range transmissions in frequency ranges below 1 GHz, SPIRIT1 ensures proper wireless signal propagation through concrete walls and building structures.

SPIRIT1 has a receiver sensitivity of -120dBm. This allows the designer to lower the output power of the transmitter while maintaining a robust communication channel. The transceiver supports advanced technologies like frequency hopping, auto acknowledgment and antenna diversity to secure error free data transmission even in harsh environmental or challenging logistical conditions.

Additional embedded features include 128-bit data encryption, error correction and detection, FIFO memory blocks, as well as programmable data packet management, which contribute to reducing the computation load of the host microcontroller and the overall system cost.

ST's SPIRIT1 Sub-GHz RF transceivers are currently available for sampling to lead customers. The resale price will be $1.8 for 1,000 pieces.

Notes:
1. Sub-GHz frequencies include unlicensed ISM (Industrial, Scientific and Medical) and SRD (Short Range Distance) bands: 169, 315, 433, 868, 915 MHz
2. The SPIRIT1 is compliant with the Wireless M-BUS, ETSI EN 300 220, FCC CFR47 part 15 (sub parts 15.247, 15.249, 15.205, 15.209 and 15.231) and ARIB STD T-67/T-108 worldwide regulatory standards.









Xilinx 7 series FPGA


Home | News | New Products | India Specific | Design Guide | Sourcing database | Student Section | About us | Contact us | What's New
©2010 Electronics Engineering Herald