SEOUL, KOREA – In a situation where the national smart grid AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) project has made baby steps for years due to a lack of high-performance chips, a Korean fabless semiconductor companies has taken up the gauntlet.
I&C Technology (a Korean DMB receiver chip maker) is known to have embarked on the development of PLC (power-line communications) chips for AMI.
At the end of last year, I&C Technology set up a 20-strong taskforce to press on with the development of PLC chips. Apart from the development of PLC chips for AMI projects, I&C Technology looks to develop chips for overseas markets where different technology standards are being used. Since the development process is expected to take at least one year, I&C Technology plans to obtain technologies through partnerships while continuing its in-house development project.
Since PLC chips also can be used for electric vehicle charging infrastructures, smart home appliances and lighting control systems, I&C Technology is expected to secure a competitive edge in other markets as well.
Sean Chung (hbpark@etnews.com)
**Article provided by etnews [Korea IT News]
[Reference] : http://english.etnews.com/electronics/2715655_1303.html
