Accent Introduces Industry First Advanced Transceiver Supporting Future Smart Utility Network Standard

Designed to the increasing data rate (800 kbps) needs for Smart Grid applications operating in the 902-928 MHz and 863-870 MHz bands (US and Europe)
First solution supporting mandatory and optional specifications from IEEE 802.15 TG4g standardization activities for Smart Utility Networks

Sophia Antipolis, France, April 26, 2011 - Accent, a world leader in semiconductor integration of communications and metering technologies, announced today the immediate availability of its Sub-GHz RF transceiver supporting the advanced performance needs defined by the standardization efforts of the IEEE 802.15 TG4g task group. The group’s charter is to create a global standard for a PHY amendment to 802.15.4 targeting applications such as smart-grid utility networks.

Proprietary RF mesh networks comprise the dominant technology of choice for Smart Grid deployments in North America, primarily based on FSK technology. The new 802.15.4g standard will enable interoperability among Smart Grid devices, such as smart meters, and more advanced performance capabilities. In addition to defining a common mandatory FSK mode, 802.15.4g currently specifies optional OFDM and MR-OQPSK modulation formats. The task group reflects overwhelming industry support with members from leading utility, equipment, and silicon companies.

The RF transceiver, based on a Zero-IF architecture, is designed specifically to exceed requirements of 802.15.4g across mandatory and optional modulation schemes, including high performance data rates up to 800 kbps and input sensitivities up to -118 dBm. The software reconfigurable receiver has high dynamic range and guarantees better than 30dB SNR on wide range of input levels. Finally, the transceiver features unparalleled integration reducing BOM and external component part count.

“The importance and positive societal benefits of Smart Grid deployments is recognized worldwide, with many countries implementing stimulus and deployment targets to accelerate adoption,” said Federico Arcelli, CEO of Accent. “With the introduction of the 802.15.4g transceiver, Accent continues its track record of enabling Smart Grid equipment vendors with leading technologies in a flexible platform to meet their evolving product needs.”

The transceiver is now sampling with lead customers and is available as a technology option for Accent’s ASMgrid™ Platform.

About Accent

Founded in 1993, Accent (www.accent-soc.com) is an ISO 9001:2008 certified world leader in semiconductor integration of communications and metering technologies for the Smart Grid industry. The company is backed by renowned investors such as Sofinnova Partners and Tallwood Venture Capital. Accent is a worldwide operation with offices in Italy, China, France, and United States. Accent's ASMgrid modular, silicon platform offering integrates the widest technology breadth providing Smart Grid equipment manufacturers solution flexibility, rapid time to market, and significantly lowered production costs.