ST expands capabilities in convergent home digital networking and smart grid

GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: STMicroelectronics is enhancing its powerline communication (PLC) capabilities with the completion of its acquisition of the semiconductor assets and intellectual property of Arkados.

Arkados has been a leading player in the new industry initiative HomePlug, focused on accelerating the development and deployment of Convergent Digital Home Networking, and ST has been working closely with Arkados since late 2008 to develop best-in-class HomePlug wideband PLC solutions. Home networking via wideband PLC technology provides the key advantage of the 'no-new-wire' approach to users because high-speed home networks can be created by using the power sockets and wiring infrastructure that already exist in the home.

Today, ST is already the undisputed leader in Smart Metering, which gives consumers the ability to monitor and manage their electricity usage as never before, and in Smart-Grid Powerline Communication. ST's narrow-band PLC platforms are already extensively deployed in major smart-metering infrastructure programs worldwide.

The newly acquired, additional broadband IP completes ST's offering in Powerline Communication, giving the Company an even stronger position to lead in the future broadband PLC markets, such as home multimedia networking, Smart Energy applications, and electric-vehicle-to-the-grid communication technologies, collectively known as Convergent Home Digital Networking and Smart Grid.

"ST is continuing to extend its leadership in energy management and energy savings by focusing on the most innovative technologies to deliver the applications that will allow people to enjoy the widest access to information and entertainment anytime, anywhere, while minimizing power consumption," said Carmelo Papa, senior executive VP and GM, Industrial and Multisegment Sector, STMicroelectronics.

"We believe that the Arkados implementation of the HomePlug technologies offers many advantages in terms of size, simplicity, flexibility and future expandability over other industry proposals. Combining ST's technology with Arkados' expertise in broadband powerline communications will accelerate the widespread adoption of PLC as a backbone for home networks and smart grid," concluded Papa.