Smart-Grid Micro-Site from Power Integrations

Nov 1, 2009 12:00 PM

A new technical micro-site from Power Integrations, www.powerint.com/smartmeters, focuses on energy-efficient power-supply solutions for utility meters in Smart Grid energy networks. Utility companies are investing in the Smart Grid for monitoring, controlling, and managing electric power consumption in homes and businesses.

The Smart Grid requires advanced metering solutions that can communicate with power companies and consumers to provide real-time information on energy usage and cost. Smart meters help balance energy demand by allowing the supplier to implement incentive programs.

Utilities are also installing innovative network-connected devices that manage end-user power consumption. Customers are given pricing concessions in exchange for granting the supplier control of certain non-critical circuits.

“A reliable, high-efficiency power supply is absolutely essential for supporting the networking and control electronics used in smart meters and control equipment,” says Silvestro Fimiani, product marketing manager at Power Integrations. “Our new microsite delivers several power-supply solutions that are ideal for the next generation of smart meters.

“For example, using our LinkSwitch-CV primary-side control IC, designers can eliminate unreliable optocouplers from their power supplies and minimize the number of components required. Power Integrations' Design Idea DER-213 describes a supply that delivers both five-volt and twelve-volt outputs from a universal 85- to 265-volt input, with high efficiency and conducted EMI meeting CISPR22B/EN55022B specifications.”

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