Singapore-based Semitech Semiconductor, a provider of power-line communications for the smart grid, announced on March 25 that its SM6401 PLC SoC (power-line communications system -on-chip) is being used in GK Smart Energy Solutions’ (GK-SES (News - Alert)) advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) deployed in Europe.

Headquartered in Munich, Germany, GK-SES is a leader in AMI solutions and PLC platforms that enable users to remotely manage smart meters, street lights, and connected machines. By enabling connectivity via PLC between utilities and homeowners, utilities can now communicate power-usage information and collect power-generation information in near real-time.

"GK SES's individual -system approach offers customizable, ecological, and economically reasonable integration of each business environment into a future-proof, sustainable advanced meter reading/advanced metering infrastructure ( AMR/AMI) platform," noted Thomas Grieche, CTO of GK SES. "Semitech's SM6401 is a key part of the equation, as it enables highly reliable communications, over long distances with high-packet throughput."

GK-SES reports it developed AMI control systems that cover the entire metering process, “from stable mass data up to integration into existing IT structures. These systems support up to 250 end users per concentrator with data memory stored in meter and concentrator and integrated security.” Semitech’s Vice President of Marketing and Sales, Mike Holt, said, “GK SES has developed exciting smart grid connectivity solutions that improve reliability and throughput of power line communications. GK SES has brought their smart grid systems expertise to leverage the unique capabilities of the Semitech products to deliver the industry’s best AMI solutions.”

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