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Renesas Electronics Delivers PLC Solution That Enables Voice Communication Over Power Lines

Integrates Voice and Data Communications Over Building Power Distribution Networks With Reduced Wiring Costs

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — (BUSINESS WIRE) — September 13, 2017 — Renesas Electronics Corporation (TSE:6723), a premier supplier of advanced semiconductor solutions, today announced a new voice-over-power line communication (PLC) solution that enables both data communication and voice communication capabilities over existing power networks. The PLC solution reduces the amount of internal wiring required in buildings, enabling reduced implementation and maintenance costs for public address (PA) systems and security systems.

The new solution consists of Renesas’ PLC software modem (R9A06G037), which manages the PLC communications, and the RX651 microcontroller (MCU), which controls the audio codec processing. The new solution enables system manufacturers to enhance security systems by incorporating voice capabilities to an existing installation at low cost. For a new installation that includes various sensors as well as voice communication, wiring costs can be reduced by approximately 60 percent while installation and maintenance costs can be reduced up to 40 percent.

Facilities such as office buildings have a variety of management systems installed including climate control systems, lighting, sensors of various types, building PA systems, and security systems. In the past, each of these systems would have required their own dedicated wiring. Recently, trends have shifted toward utilizing existing direct current (DC) power lines in configurations where these communication lines are shared with the power system.

However, attempts to use power lines for voice communication have led to poor audio quality due to fluctuations in the delay time. To resolve this issue, the new voice-over-PLC solution uses priority control during audio transmission to virtually eliminate delay fluctuations in voice communication, even in cases where signal control communication and voice communication operate over the same power lines. This ensures stable audio quality at all times. In addition, it combines the audio priority control feature with Renesas’ low-bandwidth PLC technology in an optimized manner to allow the use of signal lines exceeding one kilometer (km) in length without using repeaters. By making it possible to combine data communication and voice communication over existing power networks, the new solution significantly reduces the amount of wiring required for building management systems and contributes to lower maintenance costs.

Main features of the voice-over-PLC solution

Availability

The solution will be available from October 2017. (Availability is subject to change without notice.)

For more information about Renesas, follow Renesas Electronics America at @RenesasAmerica on Twitter and http://www.facebook.com/RenesasAmerica.

About Renesas Electronics Corporation

Renesas Electronics Corporation ( TSE: 6723) delivers trusted embedded design innovation with complete semiconductor solutions that enable billions of connected, intelligent devices to enhance the way people work and live—securely and safely. The number one global supplier of microcontrollers, and a leader in Analog & Power and SoC products, Renesas provides the expertise, quality, and comprehensive solutions for a broad range of Automotive, Industrial, Home Electronics (HE), Office Automation (OA) and Information Communication Technology (ICT) applications to help shape a limitless future. Learn more at renesas.com.

(Remarks) All names of products or services mentioned in this press release are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.



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