Airbee Wireless (fka ABEW)

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TI's MSP430 chip getting ready for ZigBee!!!

http://www.electronicstalk.com/news/txs/txs311.html

Microcontrollers cut costs
and power for metering

As utility companies adopt electronic meter reading technology to reduce costs while offering new services and energy-saving consumer options, Texas Instruments has begun sampling its 16MHz MSP430F47x4 ultra-low-power microcontrollers (MCUs) for single- and multiphase metering. By integrating up to four individual 16bit sigma delta analogue to digital convertors (ADCs), a 32 x 32bit hardware multiplier, a 160-segment LCD driver with contrast control, up to 60Kbyte of Flash memory and a real- time clock (RTC), the F47x4 devices enable a five-to-one reduction in system components.

TI's utility metering portfolio also includes devices targeted at water and gas metering, as well as power line communications (PLC) and radio frequency (RF) interfaces for automated meter reading (AMR).

With standby power consumption as low as 1.5uA, a meter based on these new devices allow utilities to drastically reduce overall system power wastage.

The F47x4 series of MCUs features several low-power modes allowing the meter to sleep with almost no power drain between readings.

An extremely fast wake-up brings the device to full clock speed within 6us; together with a fast shut-down, this 'instant-on' wake-up minimises time spent in active mode.

TI offers a broad portfolio of components to enable AMR-based electricity, water and gas metering.

The already available MSP430FE42xx series of devices includes an embedded signal processing (ESP) unit that integrates the metering function - including current and voltage measurement and power calculations, for faster system development and reduced BOM.

TI also offers dedicated solutions including a single-chip flow meter, the available MSP430FW42xx MCU, which features an embedded scan interface optimised for measuring rotation and AMR interface.

TI's Chipcon radio frequency (RF) technology, such as the CC1100, enables a wireless link between the meter and the meter reader.

This increases reading accuracy while lowering collection costs.

PLC offers utilities access to meter control and data over existing high power lines over distances up to 50km for robust performance in a variety of control and monitoring applications in industrial and other rugged environments.

TI's 32bit TMS320F28x digital signal controllers offer the performance and high integration required for data communications rates of up to 19.2Kbit/s in the in the sub500kHz frequency range, ideal for metering applications.

Electronic metering and AMR, estimated to grow to US $2.01 billion in North America by 2012 according to Frost and Sullivan, helps meet growing requirements for demand response and outage management features.

An electronic meter with AMR reads billing information, performs meter diagnostics and automatically communicates that information wirelessly or over existing power lines back to the utility.

Through frequent, accurate readings, AMR eliminates meter reading based on estimates and fluctuating customer billing.

Consumers can also become more educated when utilities display current rate information either on the meter or in the home.

Consumers can also volunteer to have their electricity usage remotely managed by the power company.

Utilities would then use AMR to reduce peak loads by remotely adjusting thermostats on high demand systems - such as customers' heating and cooling units.

This in turn reduces a customer's monthly bill and helps utilities better mange the load on their networks.

The MSP430F47x4 series of MCUs will be available for sampling in June through local TI sales offices.

In volume, the devices will start at US $7.50 in 1000-unit quantities.

TMS320F28x digital signal controllers and Chipcon RF devices are available in volume and start at US $3.25 and $0.99, respectively.

Microsoft rewards embedded excellence
Texas Instruments has been recognised by Microsoft with the North American Windows Embedded Partner Excellence Award 2007
MSP430 MCUs provide ultralow power consumption needed to extend battery life - over 12 plus years - eliminating costly ongoing meter service calls for battery replacement.