Renesas offers connectivity solutions for both wireless communication (Bluetooth® Low Energy (LE) and Sub-GHz) and wired communication (PLC) applications. These solutions allow customers to create networks that connect devices and systems without the need for additional wiring. To support development efforts, we provide evaluation boards, sample software, evaluation tools, and comprehensive documentation.
The biggest feature of smart meters is their communication functionality. This functionality links the power supplier (the power company) and the consumer (the device in the home), and a variety of communication standards are used in different countries and regions. In Japan, wireless multi-hop, 1:N wireless, and PLC are being considered for communication between the supplier and smart meter. For communication within the home (or building), Wi-SUN wireless communication, supplemented by power line communication (PLC), are the main methods employed. In the US and Europe, Wi-SUN and PLC hold the dominant positions, while a variety of other methods such as wireless multi-hop, 2G or 3G mobile communication, and ZigBee® wireless communication are under consideration.
