Analog Devices Inc. (ADI) announced a new RF transceiver that addresses the ARIB STD-T96 protocol for wireless data transmission. Established by Japan’s ARIB (Association of Radio Industries and Businesses), the ARIB STD-T96 is specified for the automatic transmission and measurement of data from remote sources by low-power radio equipment. Remote data transmission is being used increasingly in smart grid energy measurement applications; metering systems for electric, water and gas utilities; the Home Energy Management Systems (HEMS) industry; and home and building applications.

Based on leading, field-proven RF transceiver technology that has been optimized specifically for ARIB STD-T96, ADI’s new ADF7023-J RF transceiver delivers best-in-class radio performance and low-power consumption at 12.8 mA receive current. To optimize the system power consumption, the ADF7023-J RF transceiver is equipped with a robust, very low-power, custom eight-bit processor that supports a number of RF functions, including radio control and packet management. The eight-bit processor is firmware-programmable with the ability to execute firmware modules or system upgrade patches from internal RAM. This provides designers with the flexibility to respond to protocol standard evolution and maintain system robustness. The ADF7023-J may be used either in autonomous packet mode or bypass mode when an external controller can implement enhanced protocols.

This capability is particularly important for applications, such as smart grid systems, which measure how much power is consumed and at what time and price to save energy, reduce cost and increase reliability for the delivery of electricity from utility companies to consumers. RF transceivers are needed for the secure and robust transmission of this information over short distances and across noisy environments, for storing measurement data, and communicating with utility computers over wireless networks. According to recent analyst reports, the global smart grid market is expected to grow to over $70 B in 2020, almost a five-fold increase from the estimated $15 B in 2010.

“Smart grid networks are becoming more pervasive throughout the world and RF technology is required at the heart of many of these systems in order to control and monitor these systems,” said Peter Real, Vice President for the Linear and RF Group, Analog Devices. “ADI’s ADF7023-J transceiver offers a complete radio solution that has been optimized for the ARIB STD-T96 standard and features the performance, integration and low power consumption required to ensure the transfer of critical data for the Japanese smart grid market. Combined with the reliability of its underlying field-proven RF technology, the ADF7023-J offers a robust RF transceiver that reduces risk, lowers systems cost and eases system design.”