MegaChips Launches Fully Compliant IEEE 1901 HD-PLC Chip with “Multi-Hopping” Capability, Joins LonMark International Alliance

Single Chip Broadband PLC Enables Critical Functions and Addresses Cost Concerns for New Smart City IoT Applications

Las Vegas,NV. – January 30, 2017– Today at the AHR Expo, MegaChips introduced the MLKHN1501, a single-chip, fully-compliant IEEE 1901 HD-PLC (Power Line Communications) product that supports multi-hopping, enabling communication over the long distances required for many industrial and commercial applications. MLKHN1501 delivers bi-directional, IP-based, high-speed communication over AC/DC power lines, COAX and twisted pair wiring for Internet-of-Things (IoT) communication.  

MegaChips’ MLKHN1501 is designed specifically to address the growing flow of IoT generated information through the cloud, which translates into higher bandwidth, more robustness, wider geographical coverage, and the ability to support a larger network of intelligent nodes. MLKHN1501 also addresses the need for highly secure networks and lower system cost. All these benefits are essential in networks for large Smart City applications such as smart grids, building automation, street/public lighting, smart homes, and public or private security/surveillance.

“Today, low-speed communication technologies are commonly used in the IoT and automation markets, and many believe low-bit rate communication is good enough to communicate sensor data,” said Michael Navid, VP Marketing and Business Development at MegaChips. “However, as the networks are getting bigger and more complex, and as the flow of information through the cloud for IoT increases while security concerns grow, the need for higher bandwidth communication becomes essential. That’s why we think broadband PLC is the right technology for the future of IoT.”

MegaChips recently joined the LonMark International global membership organization that was created to promote and advance the business of efficient and effective integration of open, multi-vendor control systems utilizing ISO/IEC 14908-1 and related standards. MegaChips is actively working with other LonMark members to port this popular protocol to its hardware and will be demonstrating its new broadband technology at the AHR Expo, the Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigerating Exposition, in the Las Vegas Convention Center at the LonMark International booth C1068 and will speak at one of LonMark’s educational sessions LonMark Briefing: New LonTalk-IP Standard and LonMark Web Services

“We are very pleased to welcome MegaChips as a new member of LonMark International” says LonMark CEO Ron Bernstein. “The new high performance powerline technology will complement the full suite of LON ISO 14908 standards. We anticipate developing HD-PLC into a LonMark, ISO, and ANSI/CTA standard and see many market opportunities for its use including smart cities, building automation, outdoor lighting, and others”.

About MLKHN1501

The MLKHN1501 is available now in an LBGA 238pin, 18x15mm and has the following features:

  • Integrated 32-bit ARM microcontroller
  • Integrated 128/256Mb SDRAM
  • Fully-integrated Analog-Front-End (AFE)
  • Wide bandwidth operating at 2MHz – 28MHz
  • Based on OFDM modulation scheme
  • Advanced forward error correction techniques
  • PHY rate @ 240Mbps
  • High noise immunity
  • 128-bit AES Encryption engine
  • Support for IPv4/IPv6 Internet protocol
  • Uses ITU-T G.9905, Centralized Matrix based Source Routing (CMSR)
  • Free topology
  • Plug-and-play
  • Low power
  • Operating Temp: -40°C to +85°C

For more information, contact MegaChips at 408-570-0555, or visit MLKHN1501