SAN JOSE, Calif., June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Designers of electrical utility meters now have the flexibility to accommodate the G3-PLC(TM), Prime, and P1901.2 standards in the CENELEC A, ARIB, and FCC frequency bands with a single chip, the ZENO(TM)/MAX79356 powerline communications (PLC) modem system on a chip (SoC) from Maxim Integrated Products, Inc. (NASDAQ: MXIM).


    --  Details for ZENO/MAX79356:
        http://www.maximintegrated.com/en/products/comms/powerline-networking/MA
        X79356.html
    --  ZENO/MAX79356 end application image:
        http://www.maximintegrated.com/en/company/newsroom/graphics/img/ZENO_MAX
        79356_rgb.tif
    --  ZENO/MAX79356 hi-res image:
        http://www.maximintegrated.com/en/company/newsroom/graphics/img/ZENO_MAX
        79356_PR_image_rgb.tif

https://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20150609/221997

Powerline communications standards and frequency bands vary by region and country, and until now PLC modems could not support them all. Meter manufacturers had to develop multiple modems to ensure standards compatibility, or even pass up markets because they did not have the time or resources to develop new modems. That dilemma is now solved. The ZENO/MAX79356 PLC modem SoC is software configurable to accommodate all worldwide standards. Now manufacturers and utilities can use the same device to build meters and data concentrators for any region that wants to use powerline communications. This allows meter designers to bring their products to market faster and be prepared for future standards. In addition, the integration of the analog front-end (AFE) and baseband in a single chip reduces chip count and lowers expenses.

Key Advantages


    --  Versatile: software configurability supports today's PLC standards and
        will adjust for future standards; certified by the G3-PLC Alliance for
        all three major frequency bands (CENELEC A, ARIB, and FCC) and for PAN
        Device and PAN Coordinator
    --  Low power: uses 80% less power when listening for PLC communications
        (55mW vs. 300mW); active transmission power consumption is 70mW
    --  Space efficient: up to 3x smaller than other PLC modems

Commentary


    --  "Maxim is leveraging its G3-PLC leadership to become a reference for all
        standards around the world," said Kris Ardis, Executive Director, Energy
        Solutions at Maxim Integrated. "We listened to our customers and have
        solved their current and long-term PLC concerns with ZENO."
    --  "While we expect narrowband PLC to stand out as a fast-growing
        communications technology over the next few years, we don't see
        consolidation of the standards and frequency bands requested by
        utilities," said Jacob Rodrigues Pereira, Senior Analyst, Smart Utility
        Infrastructure at IHS. "Solutions like the MAX79356 will make it easier
        for meter manufacturers to support multiple markets without increasing
        their development costs."

Availability


    --  The MAX79356 is available now at Maxim's website and select franchised
        distributors.

All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

About Maxim Integrated

Maxim is the leader in analog integration. From mobile to industrial solutions, we're making analog smaller, smarter, and more energy efficient. Learn more at http://www.maximintegrated.com.



    Contact:                   Ferda Millan

                               408-601-5429

                               Ferda.Millan@maximintegrated.com

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnvar/20120912/SF71654LOGO

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20150609/221997
Logo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120912/SF71654LOGO

To view the original version on PR Newswire, visit:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/support-all-narrowband-powerline-communications-utility-standards-with-one-modem-300096788.html

SOURCE Maxim Integrated