ST brings smart-grid benefits to life

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: STMicroelectronics has revealed the industry's first complete smart-meter System-on-Chip (SoC) that combines precision metering with flexible, programmable processing and PLC (Power-Line Communication) subsystems along with advanced security in a single device.

The STCOMET10 SoC delivers unprecedented integration, leveraging ST's expertise in PLC and smart-meter ICs gained over 20 years and via more than 90 million devices delivered. OEMs can use this unique future-proof platform to simplify smart-meter design, reduce time-to-market, and significantly reduce component count and bill-of-materials costs.

ST has worked closely with utility companies and meter manufacturers to develop the STCOMET10 SoC, which already has a major role in the €27 million SOGRID project in France to develop a comprehensive communication system supporting smart-grid applications.

Leveraging a unique modular and integrated mixed-signal design, the 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," said Matteo Lo Presti, group VP and GM, Industrial and Power Conversion Division, STMicroelectronics.

"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."

The STCOMET10 SoC features a dedicated fully programmable 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, a high-accuracy 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.

The metering subsystem exceeds Class 0.2 meter requirements, combining three high-accuracy 24-bit A-to-D converters, integrated filters, and a configurable hardwired DSP for energy calculations. The integrated PLC engine supports output signals up to 28V peak-to-peak and has extended bandwidth of up to 500kHz, while the dedicated security engine supports state-of-the-art cryptography and multiple security modes for privacy and anti-hacking protection, enhancing the SoC's value.

STCOMET10 SoC in a 20mm x 20mm x 1mm TQFP package is available for selected customers now, with production quantities available beginning of 2014. Please contact your local ST sales office for pricing and sample requests.