Analog Devices acquires power-line carrier technology for smart-grid energy applications

Winchester, UK - Analog Devices, Inc. (ADI) has acquired the PowerBUS RHINO power-line communications technology and all related patents, hardware, and software from Domosys Corporation, a privately held company based in Quebec City, Canada.

The acquisition of the power-line communications technology will be used to boost ADI's portfolio of products for energy-metering applications.

The power-line communications technology addresses the demands for the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems utilities that are looking to use 'smart-grid' applications to acquire and communicate consumption information for electricity, gas, and water. AMI systems provide two-way meter communications, allowing instructions to be sent to residences for multiple purposes, including 'real-time' pricing data, demand-response actions, or remote service disconnects.

Power-line communications can transform any stand-alone meter into a device that can be controlled or monitored either locally or remotely. Signals are sent and received over existing power lines or twisted-pair wires, reducing the need for the installation of new wires or the building of new infrastructure. ADI will develop new products incorporating the PowerBUS RHINO technology and announce these offerings under the Analog Devices brand later in 2009.

"The global demand for AMI applications has greatly increased in recent years, especially in China, North America, and Europe," said Ronn Kliger, product line director, Energy Metering Products, Analog Devices. "The technology developed by Domosys provides ADI with an excellent foundation for expanding our energy-metering portfolio with new products for the growing AMI market as well as other markets that require no-new-wire communication systems."

Alain Laflamme, president of Domosys Corporation, said: "This acquisition will build upon the successful collaboration the two companies have had over the past few years, and we are grateful to our customers and business partners who have supported our past activities. As an outcome of this divestiture, Domosys' operations are ceasing immediately."

For more information, visit www.analog.com/energymeter

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