Plextek design helps Landis+Gyr secure multi million dollar advanced metering contract with US power utility

Plextek's electronics design services include:FPGA design, ESCAN Radar, MMIC design, GPRS design, Communications product design, Microwave design Defence electronics, Electronic product design, RF design, DSP design, Telemetry system, System Integration,Communications system design, Due diligence

Press Release

Plextek design helps Landis+Gyr secure multi million dollar advanced metering contract with US power utility

Issued 03/12/2008

UNB radio telemetry solution is a key technology in L+G AMPY Pay-Smart™ meters

Plextek, the Cambridge-based electronics and communications design consultancy today announced that its Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) radio telemetry technology is being utilised in AMPY Pay-Smart™ metering solutions from Landis+Gyr. Based on the AMPY meter's performance in initial trials, Landis+Gyr has recently won a $52m contract from Arizona utility 'Salt River Project', the third largest public power utility in America, for the provision of a further 300,000 units.

Plextek is responsible for the development of the UNB communications system modules featured within the AMPY Pay-Smart™ meters and the associated base stations.

The AMPY Pay-Smart™ metering system allows customers to view real-time costs and charges on their account, as well as reducing costs for the supplier by allowing them to take meter readings from a central hub.

"We have been working with Plextek for several years on the development of this innovative two-way communications technology. The UNB system performance meets the unit cost and radio coverage that the customer needs", said Jonathan Elmer, CEO of Landis+Gyr AMPY Solutions. "The resulting network-wide economies of scale were a significant factor in securing the contract extension with the Salt River Project."

"We are delighted that Plextek's UNB technology components have helped pave the way for Landis+Gyr's recent contract win and this very significant deployment", said Mark Hunter, Programme Manager at Plextek. "Plextek's UNB technology is optimised for long distance, low power applications where the data transmission rate is low which makes it perfect for two-way meter communications. With more emphasis being placed on energy efficiency, wireless meter systems such as AMPY Pay-Smart will start to become a key part of people's homes."

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is the leading provider of integrated energy management solutions tailored to energy company needs. With a global presence and a reputation for quality and innovation, Landis+Gyr is unique in its ability to deliver true end-to-end advanced metering solutions. Today, the Company offers the broadest portfolio of products and services in the electricity metering industry, and is paving the way for the next generation of smart grid. With annualized sales of more than US$1.25 billion, Landis+Gyr operates in 30 countries across five continents, and employs over 5,000 people with the sole mission of helping the world manage energy better.