Accent Announces Availability of Advanced Metrology Solution for Smart Grid Market

Reference silicon features unprecedented integration of metrology and dual radio systems supporting simultaneous energy measurement and wireless communication
Leading class performance – 0.1% accuracy, 2000:1 dynamic range – and advanced functionality required for smart meter devices

Milan, Italy, June 8, 2011 - Accent, a world leader in semiconductor integration of communications and metering technologies, announced today the immediate availability of its advanced metrology solution to meet the demanding energy measurement needs of smart meter devices. The full-featured solution achieves 0.1% accuracy over a dynamic range of 2000 to 1 and when integrated with Accent’s ASMgrid™ SoC Platform provides meter manufacturers leading-class system capabilities for smart energy applications while significantly reducing their electronic BOM.

Available as an ASMgrid™ Platform technology option, the Accent metrology solution implements a high precision multi-channel analog front-end for current and voltage sensing with scalability in addressing single-phase and poly-phase products. Energy measurement calculations are performed by Accent’s software-programmable, proprietary DSP processor and enables rapid customizations to meet a vendor’s unique product needs. The Accent metrology solution also integrates additional hardware and software capabilities required by manufacturers to detect tampering and prevent energy theft. The solution has been designed to meet relevant ANSI and IEC standards and the reference silicon has undergone rigorous testing, which included operating on-chip RF systems (2.4 GHz 802.15.4, 900 MHz 802.15.4g) in parallel. This has been done to guarantee correct operation even in the presence of noise from the wireless systems.

“The energy measurement function in a meter is a critical system component to equipment vendors and utilities that is typically implemented as a stand-alone IC,” said Federico Arcelli, CEO of Accent. “Our metrology solution and reference silicon exemplifies our world-class design and integration capabilities. This product introduction represents yet another significant milestone for our ASMgrid Platform, as the company continues to expand its silicon integration options for Smart Grid equipment manufacturers.”

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.