26th Feb 09
Analog Devices acquire technology
to strengthen its power line communication capabilities
Analog Devices has acquired power-line communications technology
to enhance its energy-metering applications. Analog Devices
has acquired the PowerBUS RHINO power-line communications
technology and all related patents, hardware, and software
from a Canada based Domosys Corporation. Since electric
power is expected to flow to homes in both directions (smart
grid) due to the possibility of home or office generating
electricity through solar installations, the metering of
electric energy throws significant market opportunity for
semiconductor industry. The technology called 'Advanced
Metering Infrastructure' (AMI) systems is used to acquire
and communicate consumption information for electricity,
gas, and water. AMI systems provide two-way meter communications,
allowing instructions to be sent to residences for multiple
purposes, including "real-time" pricing data,
demand-response actions, or remote service disconnects.
Power-line communications can transform any stand-alone
meter into a device that can be controlled or monitored
either locally or remotely. Signals are sent and received
over existing power lines or twisted-pair wires, reducing
the need for the installation of new wires or the building
of new infrastructure. ADI will develop new products incorporating
the PowerBUS RHINO technology and announce these offerings
under the Analog Devices brand later this year.
"The global demand for AMI applications has greatly
increased in recent years, especially in China, North America,
and Europe," said Ronn Kliger, product line director,
Energy Metering Products, Analog Devices. "The technology
developed by Domosys provides ADI with an excellent foundation
for expanding our energy-metering portfolio with new products
for the growing AMI market as well as other markets that
require no-new-wire communication systems."
"The ADI acquisition of this technology is the culmination
of Domosys' research and development activities and is a
testament to the superior quality of our technology,"
said Alain Laflamme, president of Domosys Corporation. "This
acquisition will build upon the successful collaboration
the two companies have had over the past few years, and
we are grateful to our customers and business partners who
have supported our past activities. As an outcome of this
divestiture, Domosys' operations are ceasing immediately."
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