Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Freescale Semiconductor, Cirrus Logic Target Smart Metering

Austin-based Freescale Semiconductor and Cirrus Logic said today that the two are working together to target the smart utility meter market. According to Freescale, which develops microcontrollers heavily used in embedded systems design, the two have rolled out a reference design aimed at smart meter original equipment manufacturers. The new design ties Freescale's 8-bit AC60 microcontrollers with Cirrus Logic, analog front end chips, which can be used for energy usage. The two firms are hoping that OEMS will adopt the reference design to make it to market faster with smart meters. The companies did not say if they have already been working with any manufacturers on devices, but said they also are planning other reference designs featuring their two products.