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MaxLinear, Inc. and Comtrend have announced the availability of new ITU-T standards-based powerline data modules designed for Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE). These modules aim to enhance backend communication for EV charging stations, facilitating connections to data centers and extensions for smart parking systems.
Key Highlights
- Strategic Collaboration: MaxLinear and Comtrend partner to advance EV charging solutions.
- Core Technology: Utilizes MaxLinear’s G.hn technology for efficient data-over-powerline communication.
- Installation Advantage: Significantly accelerates EV charger installation by using existing electrical wiring, eliminating the need for new cables.
- Cost-Effective: Offers substantial cost savings compared to LAN, Wi-Fi, or 4G alternatives.
- Enhanced Reliability: Provides robust data transfer, especially in challenging underground concrete environments.
- Product Availability: Comtrend’s PM 1540 powerline data module series is now accessible for deployment.
The core innovation lies in leveraging MaxLinear’s advanced G.hn technology. This enables Comtrend’s powerline data module series to collect and transfer crucial data from power meters within EV charging infrastructure (EVSE) and other Internet of Things (IoT) devices. A key feature of this system is its ability to operate without requiring the installation of new, dedicated cables. Instead, Comtrend’s solution utilizes existing electrical powerlines for data communication, presenting a scalable and hassle-free deployment method. This approach is particularly effective in underground concrete environments, locations where charging stations are frequently installed and where other communication technologies often suffer from a lack of reliability.
Comtrend’s PM 1540 series introduces several significant benefits for EV charging station deployment. A primary advantage is that no new wiring is necessary, as the modules transmit data over existing electrical lines. This directly translates into lower latency, higher speeds, and greater operational stability for dependable, real-time connectivity. Consequently, users can achieve significant cost savings when compared to deploying traditional Local Area Network (LAN), Wi-Fi, or 4G cellular solutions. The installation process itself is considerably simplified, which reduces complexity, time, and eliminates the need for constructing additional communication infrastructure. Furthermore, the system is designed for scalability, supporting an electric wire domain of up to 250 nodes for large-scale projects, and boasts strong signal transmission capabilities, reaching up to 700 meters with the support of up to 16 levels of signal repetition.
Industry leaders from both companies have commented on the significance of this development. Vikas Choudhary, Vice President of Connectivity and Storage Business at MaxLinear, highlighted the “unprecedented rate” of growth in the electric vehicle sector. He stated, “We are thrilled to partner with Comtrend to accelerate the installation of EV charging stations, addressing the industry’s needs and meeting the rapidly increasing demand.” Choudhary also mentioned that MaxLinear’s G.hn portfolio supports various applications, including industrial IoT and Smart Grids, contributing to the industry’s digital transformation.
Echoing this sentiment, Vaclav Slehofer, Managing Director and Vice President of Comtrend Europe, remarked, “Comtrend’s Powerline Data Modules, powered by MaxLinear’s cutting-edge G.hn technology, provide high-speed, secure, and reliable wired communication between EV charging stations and the smart grid.” He further described the joint solution as “a cost-effective, easy-to-deploy and future-ready solution that ensures robust data connectivity for the evolving landscape of smart EV charging infrastructure.”
The versatility of the G.hn technology standard makes it highly suitable for EV charging applications. It offers ultra-fast and reliable network connectivity over diverse wiring infrastructures, such as coax, telephone wire, powerline, or Power-over-Fiber (POF). G.hn technology is engineered for very low latency and enforces comprehensive Quality of Service (QoS), all while delivering Gigabit speeds regardless of packet size. MaxLinear’s G.hn baseband processors and analog front-end chipsets are fully compliant with ITU standards and can deliver physical data rates up to 2Gbps, representing the industry’s fastest G.hn performance. Utilizing MaxLinear G.hn for EV charging stations promotes seamless interoperability, operational efficiency, and cost-effective deployments.
Comtrend’s solutions for EV charging are engineered for enhanced interoperability. They are designed to integrate smoothly with a variety of EV charging brands and smart grid systems, ensuring broad compatibility across different platforms and technologies. This focus on integration is vital for building a cohesive and efficient EV charging network.
MaxLinear, Inc. (Nasdaq: MXL) is a leading provider of radio frequency (RF), analog, digital, and mixed-signal integrated circuits. Its products serve access and connectivity, wired and wireless infrastructure, and industrial and multimarket applications.
Comtrend has over 30 years of experience delivering high-quality broadband networking solutions to Service Providers worldwide. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of solutions, from gateways to specialized networking devices.
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