Integration of RF and PLC communication functions into the ST8500 chipset
ADD Launches Hybrid Smart Electricity Meter


STMicroelectronics announced on the 12th that it has combined power line communication and wireless communication functions into its ST8500 smart electricity meter chipset.

ST has enhanced the performance of its ST8500 PowerLine Communication (PLC) chipset, already used in smart electricity meters, by combining two connectivity features: the ability to communicate with smart electricity meters over existing power cables or radio frequency (RF) waves.

When power cables are noisy and unsuitable for PLC, or when regional regulations dictate otherwise, equipment manufacturers can implement wireless and PLC using the ST8500. Equipment designers can leverage the ST8500's highly integrated functionality through its integrated RF capabilities, extending its reach to other smart devices such as gas and water smart meters, environmental monitors, lighting controllers, and industrial sensors.

The ST8500 embeds RF Mesh into the physical layer (PHY) layer and data link layer (media access control, MAC, 6LoWPAN) firmware. Unlike point-to-point links, hybrid mesh networking interconnects nodes widely to provide reliable, fault-tolerant connectivity and extend communication distances.

Moldovan smart metering solutions company ADD Grup has announced the first new hybrid PLC/wireless product based on the ST8500.

“ST’s chipset, with wireless capabilities integrated into the ST8500 firmware, enhances the network performance, reliability, capacity, and scalability of ADD Group’s electricity meters,” said Ruslan Casico, Head of Sales and Marketing at ADD Group. “The ST8500’s hybrid PLC and wireless connectivity have helped us win major metering projects in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Russia, and Asia.”

“By supporting RF communication alongside PLC protocols in the ST8500, we are further accelerating the world’s adoption of smart city and industrial infrastructure that conserves the planet’s resources and improves control and efficiency,” said Domenico Arrigo, General Manager, Industrial and Power Conversion Division, STMicroelectronics.

Meanwhile, ST continues to enhance the functionality of its ST8500 programmable SoC and companion STLD1 line driver with updates. Earlier this year, the ST8500 achieved certification for PRIME 1.4-based nodes and the G3-PLC CENELEC B PAN coordinator specification, in addition to existing protocols, enabling its use in a wider range of PLC network node types.