STMicroelectronics expands smart meter communication connectivity

STMicroelectronics expands smart meter communication connectivity, G3-PLC Hybrid dual-mode chipset receives FCC certification

China, December 3, 2021 - STMicroelectronics has expanded the approved frequency bands for the ST8500 G3-PLC (Power Line Communication) Hybrid dual-mode communication chipset, now covering the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) 10kHz - 490kHz band in addition to the 9kHz-95kHz band specified by the European Electrotechnical Committee CENELEC-A. This move enables higher data rates, increases design flexibility, and reduces the difficulty of final products being approved for listing in accordance with relevant national regulations.

G3-PLC Hybrid hybrid networking allows smart connected devices to autonomously select power line communication or wireless communication, and can dynamically change the connection medium to ensure reliable connection and optimal transmission performance. STMicroelectronics' ST8500 G3-PLC Hybrid hybrid chipset includes the ST8500 protocol controller system-on-chip (SoC), STLD1 PLC line driver, and S2-LP low-power IEEE 802.15.4 RF transceiver. Among them, the protocol controller also supports RF mesh to achieve reliable long-range wireless communication capabilities.

In addition to smart electricity meters, the chipset also provides robust and reliable connectivity for smart gas meters, smart water meters, environmental monitors, lighting controllers and remote sensors in environments such as smart cities, smart infrastructure, smart buildings and smart factories.

To accelerate the development of intelligent connected nodes, STMicroelectronics has created a development support ecosystem that includes the EVLKST8500GH868 and EVLKST8500GH915 development kits for the 868MHz and 915MHz frequency bands, respectively. Each kit has a node development board that integrates the ST8500 and S2-LP chipsets with the STM32G070RB* main microcontroller, and can be plugged into Nucleo expansion boards to add customized functions.

The accompanying STSW-ST8500GH software framework includes ST’s G3-PLC Hybrid communication protocol stack, modem firmware images for the protocol engine and real-time engine, and a software framework based on ST’s popular STM32CubeMX tool that helps developers quickly develop and integrate application firmware.

The EVLKST8500GH868 and EVLKST8500GH915 kits are available now through the ST online store and distributors. For chipset pricing and sample requests, please contact your local ST sales office.