Robulink's AMI solutions can communicate wirelessly

AUSTIN, USA; Silicon Labs, a leader in high-performance, analog-intensive, mixed-signal ICs, today announced that it is providing sub-GHz wireless connectivity technology to Robulink, a leading supplier of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) solutions to utility companies in China, Southeast Asia and Australia.

Incorporating Silicon Labs' advanced EZRadioPRO transceivers, Robulink's AMI solutions enable utilities to quickly and economically implement next-generation smart meters that communicate wirelessly through intelligent mesh networks.

"Our EZRadioPRO transceivers provide a very good fit for Robulink's RobuNet portfolio by enabling them to develop highly reliable, scalable and flexible wireless smart metering products optimized for China's rapidly emerging smart grid and also for export markets."

Wireless mesh networking provides a viable option for utilities that are implementing new AMI technologies for the smart grid. Many utilities are looking beyond legacy metering products and into two-way communication metering systems capable of remote provisioning of time-critical services and demands. These sophisticated smart meter networks require reliability, adaptability, scalability, responsiveness and lower life-cycle costs. Robulink's RobuNet intelligent mesh network products provide a cost-effective, plug-and-play solution that meets these AMI requirements by adapting reliably to challenging environments.

To help utilities implement comprehensive AMI systems, Robulink supplies a three-tier architecture consisting of wireless smart meters, wireless aggregators and back-end energy management systems. Robulink's RobuNet solutions are based on open interfaces that allow seamless connection with smart meters and aggregators from other manufacturers, as well as connectivity with any in-home energy management system or smart appliance. RobuNet also uses multi-channel frequency hopping technology based on FCC Part 15.247 Rules, which are widely deployed internationally to enhance noise isolation and reduce interference.

RobuNet mesh network products, such as the RDDMRE4 meter communication unit and the RCJP242R wireless data collector, integrate Silicon Labs' EZRadioPRO transceivers. These advanced RobuNet products provide robust RF links and intelligent mesh network routing for a variety of data communications-enabled smart meters, data collectors and aggregators in AMI networks deployed in the field.

"Silicon Labs' EZRadioPRO family simplifies the design, enhances the survivability and reduces the time to market for our RobuNet mesh network products," said Elvis Li, president of Robulink. "EZRadioPRO transceivers provide very high performance in terms of RF link budget and adjacent channel rejection, which are critical for Robulink to implement frequency hopping and self-forming network technologies for AMI and wireless sensor network applications."

"As one of China's leading smart metering manufacturers, Robulink is a pioneer in developing intelligent mesh networking solutions for AMI," said Diwakar Vishakhadatta, vice president and general manager of embedded systems at Silicon Labs. "Our EZRadioPRO transceivers provide a very good fit for Robulink's RobuNet portfolio by enabling them to develop highly reliable, scalable and flexible wireless smart metering products optimized for China's rapidly emerging smart grid and also for export markets."