MegaChips Introduces Long-Range Broadband PLC with Multi-hop Functionality

New chip enables wireless communications over longer distances for sensor networks, air-conditioning systems, lighting and energy-saving equipment

[Left]Figure 1. Topology of existing BlueChip PLC / [Right]Figure 2. Topology of BlueChip PLC Multi-hop (Graphic: Business Wire)

SAN JOSE, Calif.--()--MegaChips Corporation (TOKYO:6875) today announced the availability of its BlueChip PLC chip with Multi-hop capability. The KL5BPLC250WMP is a high-frequency PLC communication SoC that can operate over longer distances than traditional PLC devices. This product is scheduled to begin mass production from October 2015.

“Many industrial applications need longer distance wireless communications with low power consumption,” said Masahiro Konishi, General Manager of development at MegaChips Corporation. “The new BlueChip PLC chip with Multi-hop capability offers higher transmission speed with lower power consumption and improved reliability of communications compared to other PLC communication chips for these applications.”

Traditional PLC devices such as the IEEE 1901, communicate between a Master and many Terminals (Figure 1), but are unable to cover a wide area that is essential for industrial use cases. This is due to the high attenuation of the many branch circuits.

The MegaChips multi-hop communication function in the new BlueChip PLC ensures stable communication over a wider area by allowing the terminal to bridge to other terminal devices and essentially hop over greater distances. The multi-hop function enables communication between Master and Terminal even when no direct communication link is possible between them by using the Terminal as a relay point as shown in figure 2. This configuration supports high stability and a wide communication area and distance, permitting a simpler network design and easy installation. The BlueChip PLC Multi-hop [http://www.megachips.co.jp/english/product/bluechip-plc.html] allows up to ten-phase hopping. As its routing protocol, MegaChips has adopted the ITU-T G.9905, an international standard featuring low network load and compatibility with a large-scale network.

About MegaChips
MegaChips Corporation (1st section of the TSE (Tokyo Stock Exchange): 6875) was established in 1990 as the first innovative fabless LSI company in Japan dedicated to ASICs and SOCs with integrating LSIs and systems/applications knowledge. Its focus is on the development of cutting-edge SOCs incorporating original algorithms and architecture in the areas of imaging, audio, and telecommunications, and using the advances it achieves to offer outstanding products and solutions that meet the needs of its clients. MegaChips' products and technologies are targeting to Mobile, Wearable devices and IoT applications. For additional information, please visit: http://www.megachips.co.jp/english/index.html.

About MegaChips Technology America Corporation (“MegaChips America”)
MegaChips America is a wholly owned subsidiary of MegaChips Corporation headquartered in Osaka, Japan. MegaChips and MegaChips America are fabless LSI companies, focused on the development of system LSIs and system products that incorporate original algorithms and architecture. Customers use MegaChips solutions for their office automation, networking and storage needs in a wide range of areas, including imaging, audio, home networking, security and communications environments. MegaChips America is headquartered in San Jose, California, with design centers at Osaka, Tokyo and Chiba in Japan and Bangalore in India of MegaChips Corporation. For more information, contact the company at 408-570-0555, or visit http://www.megachips.us.

Contacts

Product Contact
MegaChips Corporation
Akikazu Tanaka, +81-3-3512-5083
Sales Dept No.2
Email: tanaka.akikazu@megachips.co.jp
or
Press Contact (MegaChips Technology America Corporation):
Susan Lider, +1-703-866-3707
Slider & Associates
Email: susan@sliderassociates.com

Contacts

Product Contact
MegaChips Corporation
Akikazu Tanaka, +81-3-3512-5083
Sales Dept No.2
Email: tanaka.akikazu@megachips.co.jp
or
Press Contact (MegaChips Technology America Corporation):
Susan Lider, +1-703-866-3707
Slider & Associates
Email: susan@sliderassociates.com