CHANDLER, Ariz., July 19, 2011 [NASDAQ: MCHP] — Microchip Technology Inc., a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, today announced that it partnered with Kalki Communication Technologies Ltd. (Kalkitech) to provide a Device Language Message Specification (DLMS) protocol stack that is optimized for 16-bit PIC®microcontrollers (MCUs). The DLMS protocol has become the worldwide standard of choice among smart meter designers for interoperability among metering systems, including most energy types (electricity, gas, heat and water), multiple applications (residential, transmission and distribution), and numerous communication media (RS232, RS485, PSTN, GSM, GPRS, IPv4, PPP and PLC); as well as secure data access, via AES 128 encryption.
This software stack has been tested and verified by the DLMS User Association, and is customized to operate on all of Microchip’s 16-bit PIC microcontrollers and dsPIC® Digital Signal Controllers (DSCs), making the DLMS certification process faster and easier. Additionally, the stack has been developed to ensure seamless integration with Microchip’s communication protocol stacks, including TCP/IP, ZigBee® and PLC, covering a broad spectrum of smart energy applications. Furthermore, this DLMS stack has been optimized to fit in a small memory footprint, enabling the use of the smallest, most cost-effective MCUs possible. For European applications, the stack provides support for the required IEC 62056-21 Mode E implementation.
“The addition of this DLMS library to Microchip’s smart energy offerings reinforces our continued focus on providing cost-effective and comprehensive solutions to our customers,” said Mitch Obolsky, vice president of Microchip’s Advanced Microcontroller Architecture Division. “Now, customers can leverage Microchip’s vast portfolio of communication protocol solutions, such as TCP/IP, ZigBee and PLC, to create a fully integrated smart energy system.”
Related Development Tools
Customers can use the Explorer 16 Development Board to design their DLMS solutions, based on Microchip’s vast portfolio of industry-leading 16-bit MCUs and DSCs. The Explorer 16 is available today for $129.99 each, in the following configurations:
- 100-pin Explorer 16 Development Board (part # DM240001)
- 44-pin Explorer 16 Development Board (part # DM240002)
Availability & Pricing
This new DLMS stack is available today, in the following four flavors. The DLMS Evaluation Library for 16-bit MCUs is a free evaluation version of the DLMS library. The DLMS-lite Stack for 16-bit MCUs (part # SW500160) starts at $3,900 for 5k units. The DLMS Stack for 16-bit MCUs (part # SW500162) starts at $4,800 for 5k units. Finally, the DLMS Explorer (part # SW500164) is a Windows® based DLMS/COSEM client application, and it is available for $2,800 each.
For additional information, contact any Microchip sales representative or authorized worldwide distributor, or visit Microchip’s Web site at http://www.microchip.com/get/93G2. To purchase products mentioned in this press release, go to microchipDIRECT or contact one of Microchip’s authorized distribution partners.
About Microchip Technology
Microchip Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MCHP) is a leading provider of microcontroller, analog and Flash-IP solutions, providing low-risk product development, lower total system cost and faster time to market for thousands of diverse customer applications worldwide. Headquartered in Chandler, Arizona, Microchip offers outstanding technical support along with dependable delivery and quality. For more information, visit the Microchip website at http://www.microchip.com/get/NPSL
About Kalki Communication Technologies Ltd. (Kalkitech)
Kalki Communication Technologies Ltd. (Kalkitech) is a leading technology company serving the Smart Grid and Utilities market. Kalkitech provides solutions across the full spectrum of the Smart Grid – code, embedded systems as well as field, control center and enterprise levels. Kalkitech also provides consultancy and services to numerous customers worldwide including Meter manufacturers, System Integrators and Utilities. Kalkitech is the leader in DLMS / COSEM stack and solutions like meter testing tools and simulators, and also provides other technology solutions in AMR / AMI, Protocol conversion, Data concentration using various wireless/wired media, and Plant Optimization software.
