ST Microelectronics has unveiled the ST75MM smart meter integrated circuit (IC), the world's first to incorporate support for "Meters and More[1]," an open standard communication protocol.

This enables broad interoperability among smart meters utilizing power line communications (PLC), and will help maximize the benefits of the "smart grid" for the environment, consumers, and utility companies.

ST's ST75MM IC is the first to embed communication protocol and hardware supporting "Meters and More." This simplifies meter design and ultimately results in faster deployment, lower costs, and higher installation reliability. Meters and More is an open specification managed by the Meters and More non-profit association, composed of major technology companies from the United States, Europe, and Asia.

Giuseppe Michele Salaris, Chairman of the Board of the Meters and More Association, stated, "The ST75MM is a perfect solution for standardization and interoperability. Of course, the fact that it is already in use in millions of smart meters demonstrates the maturity of the technology being adopted." He added, "Energy companies worldwide, from technology firms to utility operators, must fully leverage this groundbreaking technology utilizing Meters and More to achieve climate protection targets such as the EU's 20/20/20 goal[2]."

Customers using the ST75MM can join the Meters and More Association and receive product certification that can promote diverse applications in utility companies.

ST's implementation of Meters and More in the ST75MM IC leverages the advantages of this protocol's powerful smart meter functions. These functions include short message service, strong encryption and authentication capabilities, network configuration and management support, and retransmission management. The ST75MM is part of ST's STarGRID SoC portfolio of smart meter system-on-chip devices, which includes the ST7570 supporting IEC 61334-5-1 communication and the ST7590 implementing the PRIME standard.

First samples of the ST75MM will be provided in a 7x7mm QFN 48 package to select customers by October 2013. For more information including pricing, contact ST Korea (02-3489-0114 / Section Manager Kang Sun-ho).