Freescale Enables Smart Grids to Help Address World's Energy Challenges

Business Wire, June 11, 2008

Trilliant Delivers Largest Advanced Metering Deployment Based on Freescale's Leading Technology Based on IEEE[R] 802.15.4 Protocol

AUSTIN, Texas -- Freescale Semiconductor, a leading supplier of 802.15.4 chipsets, and Trilliant Incorporated, the leader in delivering intelligent networks that power the smart grid, are leveraging their wireless and utility expertise to help address the world's energy challenges. Trilliant has deployed more than 750,000 devices with integrated intelligent communications supporting advanced metering, demand response and other smart grid applications. And, the company recently delivered the largest two-way fixed wireless deployment in North America, based on the IEEE 802.15.4 compliant MAC/PHY from Freescale.

"Individuals want to do the right thing when it comes to energy efficiency. Utility company customers, for example, consistently respond well when given the devices and information to better manage energy consumption," said Bill Vogel, president and CEO of Trilliant. "This requires a sophisticated technology infrastructure. The IEEE 802.15.4 compliant platform from Freescale allows Trilliant's smart grid network to give smart meters extended range for real-time remote monitoring, eventually providing cost-savings information for end users."

Rising energy costs, government regulations and consumer demand are pushing companies to adopt "green" technology options. Utility companies around the world are currently deploying smart grid applications, or are developing plans to do so during the next few years. In the United States, the Energy Independence and Security Act has articulated the critical components of the smart grid. In Canada, the Energy Conservation Responsibility Act has set the goal of installing smart meters in all Ontario businesses and households by 2010.

"AMI is one of the fastest growing markets for IEEE 802.15.4," according to Mareca Hatler, director of research for ON World, the leader in emerging wireless research. "Freescale shipped the most 802.15.4 chipsets last year, and smart metering implementations made up a significant portion of the sales."

Trilliant first adopted the 802.15.4 compliant chipsets from Freescale in 2005, making the company the first smart grid supplier to deliver an integrated standards-based platform for AMI and demand response applications.

Hydro One, one of the 10 largest utility companies in North America, and the largest electricity delivery company in Ontario, Canada, has partnered with Trilliant to provide customers with smart meters. These smart meters provide both the utility companies and the consumer better control and monitoring of energy use. Consumers with this data can make more educated decisions regarding when to perform tasks that require large amounts of energy, like running HVAC systems, appliances, pumps and water heaters. Hydro One's initial smart meter deployments began in late 2006. By May 2008, 400,000 smart meters were installed.

Trilliant will showcase its technology in the Technology Forum at the Freescale Technology Forum, June 16-18 in Orlando, Fla. In addition, Trilliant CEO Bill Vogel will discuss the importance of the smart grid and advanced metering applications during a Green Panel featuring Freescale customers on Tuesday, June 17, at 10 a.m. EDT.

Freescale's compliant IEEE 802.15.4 platform

Freescale's popular wireless 2.4 GHz RF platforms, offering best-in-class performance by transmitting up to 400 meters line-of-sight without the use of any external range options, are important in applications such as remote metering. Freescale's newest family, the MC1322x, Platform in Package, contains a high-performance 32-bit ARM[R] microcontroller, a fully compliant IEEE[R] 802.15.4 transceiver, large amounts of memory and integration, in addition to balun and RF matching components--all integrated into a small-footprint land-grid array (LGA) package.

About Trilliant Incorporated

Trilliant is the leader in delivering intelligent networks that power the Smart Grid. Trilliant offers a combination of hardware, software and services that together act as the equivalent to a central nervous system for the Smart Grid. Since its founding in 1985, the company has been a leading innovator in the delivery and implementation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), demand response, and grid management solutions in addition to installation, program management and meter revenue cycle services. Trilliant is focused on enabling choice for utility companies, ranging from meter, network and IT infrastructures to full or hybrid outsource models. Trilliant has more than 100 utility customers including Duke Energy, E.ON US (Louisville Gas & Electric), Hydro One, Hydro Quebec, Jamaica Public Service Company Limited, Milton Hydro, Northeast Utilities, OneOK, PowerStream, Public Service Electric & Gas, San Diego Gas & Electric, Toronto Hydro Electric System Ltd., and Union Gas. The company is privately owned. For more information please visit www.trilliantinc.com.