In part one of this series, Bits & Pieces introduced Atmel’s recently launched SAM4C series of products, with a spotlight on the SAM4C16 and SAM4C8. In part two, we took a closer look at both the software and hardware metrology of the SAM4Cx.
Today, we’ll be discussing Atmel’s lineup of PLC physical layer and system-on-a-chip (SoC) area standards-compliant OFDM-based solutions, designed for narrowband communications using a low-voltage electric power distribution network. Proven in large-volume deployments across several utilities and markets, our unique technology offers high performance and integration levels, low power sipping, reduced bill-of-materials (BOM) costs, PRIME / ITU-T G.9904 and CENELEC compliance.
“Offered in a single chip SoC and in a two chip PHY+MCU configurations respectively, the Atmel SAM4CP16B and ATPL230 PRIME version 1.4 compliant devices include two additional Robust modes, DQPSK and DBPSK – achieving an increase in gain of up to +14.5 dB as compared to version 1.3.6 devices,” an Atmel engineering rep told Bits & Pieces.
“These devices also can operate at a wider span of FCC and ARIB bands with up to 8 selectable channels achieving baud rates ranging from 5.4 to 1028.8 kbps.”
Meanwhile, Atmel’s built in Class-D amplifier architecture is up to 30% more efficient than competing solutions with only a handful of external discrete components – neatly reducing power waste due to heat dissipation and increasing long-term reliability via optimized thermal behavior.
In addition, an extensive array of system IO, LCD, memory, RTC, DMA and cryptographic resources available in SAM4CP16C facilitates integration of application, communication and metrology software (using external ATSENSE devices) to achieve highly reliable, flexible and cost effective smart meter designs.
“Plus, with free certified PRIME stacks for Atmel, devs will be able to concentrate their development efforts on application development,” the engineering rep noted.
“With modular software architecture and the advanced capabilities of the management plane, the Atmel stack provides unparalleled flexibility in software architecture, while reducing the memory requirements of the top-level application.”
Interested in learning more about Atmel’s new comprehensive smart energy platform? Be sure to check out our official smart energy product page, along with part one, part two and part four of our deep dive.
Atmel | Bits & Pieces 