Virtual Extension Selects Texas Instruments as the Preferred Solution to Power VEmesh Wireless Mesh Networks

Virtual Extension develops and markets high performance Wireless Sensor Networks products optimized for Mesh applications. The unique technology approach, Diversity Path Mesh™, has been designed to achieve the best coverage and to have the farthest range and the highest RF resiliency in its class. This performance is achieved by ensuring that each transmission reaches any other node in the network through a multitude of wireless paths. This way it overcomes dead spots, reaches all the floors within buildings and connects thousands of nodes per network. The products are used in numerous applications. Virtual Extension’s design wins range from Automated Meter Reading in multi-tenant buildings, such as a current project with the Israel Electric Corporation, through building and industrial automation to surveillance and security applications, such as pipeline security. To reduce the total cost of ownership of such networks, Virtual Extension’s products have been designed for ultimate ease of deployment and maintenance. Installing a Virtual Extension network is as easy as connecting wires, with no IT or new software required. TI’s comprehensive utility metering portfolio includes devices targeted at electricity, water and gas metering, as well as power line communications (PLC) and radio frequency (RF) interfaces for automated meter reading (AMR) that allow customers to design “smart metering” solutions. As part of a smart solution, previously independent systems like meters, home thermostats and large appliances will communicate wirelessly or over existing power lines to help consumers make more informed choices about electricity…

AMR Meters with Virtual Extension VEmesh
(Photo: Virtual Extension)

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Smart Meter - Block Diagram
(Picture: Texas Instruments)

Press Release:

Easy-to-use, cost-efficient energy management with Virtual Extension wireless mesh networks and TI technology

TI smart grid solutions are the preferred choice of VEmesh Wireless Mesh Networks

Creating a more reliable, simple to install, cost-efficient way to monitor and track energy consumption for utilities, Virtual Extension has selected Texas Instruments Incorporated’s (TI) (NYSE: TXN) embedded processing technology as the preferred solution to power its VEmesh Wireless Mesh Networks. TI’s ultra-low power microcontroller (MCU) and RF technology helps boost performance, minimize cost, reduce board space and speed time to market of VEmesh network applications. Optimized for applications requiring high performance, such as automated meter reading (AMR), Virtual Extension’s innovative Diversity Path Mesh™ technology transmits simultaneously a multitude of radio paths, creating a robust wireless network for 100 percent area coverage. With this technology, utilities can realize savings in terms of data collection, theft prevention, remote operation and prepaid services. For more information, please visit TI’s metering microsite at www.ti.com/metering and www.virtual-extension.com.

“By using TI solutions in VEmesh products, next generation wireless network users are able to take advantage of state-of-the-art technology with high reliability, extended range and efficient cost-performance,” said Yariv Oren, CEO, Virtual Extension. “This will be increasingly important as Virtual Extension Diversity Path Mesh is adopted as the preferred technology platform for wireless mesh networks.”

“TI’s MCU and RF technology combined with the high performance of VEmesh products offers customers cutting-edge wireless network solutions,” said Mark Buccini, director, metering/AMI, TI. “With our wide-range of optimized solutions, TI is strongly committed to advancing smart metering technology.”

TI’s broad portfolio drives smarter grid solutions

TI’s comprehensive utility metering portfolio includes devices targeted at electricity, water and gas metering, as well as power line communications (PLC) and radio frequency (RF) interfaces for advanced meter infrastructure (AMI) that allow customers to design smart grid solutions. From highly optimized application specific embedded processors, low power RF, power management and RFID, TI offers the most complete solution set for smart metering.

Pricing and availability

The VEmesh Wireless Mesh Networks have been deployed in the US, Europe, Asia and Israel in a variety of applications including electricity, water and gas smart metering, remote highway illumination and lighting, agriculture and irrigation, factory automation, energy and environment, vending machines, security and surveillance, and building automation. The complete line of these solutions is now available in addition to an evaluation kit priced at $2,500 USD. For more information on the VEmesh Wireless Mesh Networks, please visit www.virtual-extension.com.

About Virtual Extension
Operating since 2000, Virtual Extension has pioneered Diverse Path Mesh technology for Wireless Sensor Networking. The company’s OEM customers rate its products as having the best range, resiliency and simplicity of deployment. Virtual Extension provides a system that literally enablesremoving the wires from an existing sensor and replacing them with self-organizing wireless devices. Virtual Extension’s design wins power a diversity of Wireless Sensor Networking applications and Automated Meter Reading, including pipeline security applications, agricultural applications, remote lighting, and industrial control and monitoring.

About Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through design, sales and manufacturing operations in more than 30 countries.

More information about Power VEmesh Wireless Mesh Networks can be found at Virtual Extension and Texas Instruments Website