Marcy's Musings: It's Show Time!
One World, One Industry: Mapping the Future of the Electronics Workforce
The Marketing Minute: Trade Shows—The Investment That Keeps on Giving
Semtech’s LoRa Devices, LoRaWAN Standard Serve as ‘IoT Backbone’ of New Vutility Energy Monitoring System
March 24, 2022 | SemtechEstimated reading time: 1 minute
Semtech Corporation, a leading global supplier of high performance analog and mixed-signal semiconductors and advanced algorithms, announced its collaboration with Vutility, leading provider of real-time, high-resolution, energy monitoring solutions – enabling businesses to optimize their energy consumption and improve operational efficiencies. Vutility’s ‘HotDrop’ features Semtech’s LoRa® devices and the LoRaWAN® standard to provide real-time, circuit-level energy monitoring of a facility which can help save on electricity costs. The ‘HotDrop’ is very easy to onboard via QR code. Market research firm Frost & Sullivan reported the total cost of HotDrop ownership was 90% lower than competing metering monitoring devices on the market.
“A key challenge we faced when developing the ‘HotDrop’ solution was to identify a wireless IoT standard that was able to communicate out from inside an electrical distribution panel, with similar radio-frequency disruptions to a Faraday cage, and through multiple dense walls and floors of buildings,” said Micheal Austin, chief technology officer for Vutility. "The long-range transmission capability of LoRaWAN was able to meet and even exceed expectations for ‘HotDrop’ to maintain wireless, real-time transmission signals to the Cloud. Leveraging LoRaWAN was ideal for us to scale the ‘HotDrop’ solution.”
‘HotDrop’ from Vutility is self-powered, non-intrusive, and completely battery- and maintenance- free. Once installed, there is no need to open-up the panel again for service. In addition, the solution was designed to be “instantaneous” to install, without requiring the facility to de-energize. The installation of a “HotDrop” is a “snap”, with a simple QR code scan for onboarding through an Android or iOS device and wireless clip closure around the monitored circuit. The implementation of LoRa devices (SX1272) and LoRaWAN serve as the “IoT backbone” of the solution, delivering actionable real-time, circuit-level data via application programming interface (API) to any end application. The minute-by-minute relay of data benefits users to monitor their electricity usage in real time, potentially saving on costs.
“The flexibility of LoRaWAN provides a robust connectivity option that complements other technologies, especially in the utilities market,” said Marc Pégulu, vice president of IoT product marketing and strategy for Semtech’s Wireless and Sensing Products Group. “Vutility’s ‘HotDrop’ solution smartly employs LoRaWAN to produce efficient energy usage while also meeting sustainability initiatives important to the smart utilities and metering industries today.”
Share on:
Suggested Items
Fresh PCB Concepts: Traceability in PCB Design
02/20/2025 | Team NCAB -- Column: Fresh PCB ConceptsTraceability has evolved from a safety-critical need in PCB production to a valuable tool across all electronic manufacturing industry sectors. The IPC-1782 standard addresses automated data collection, reduces ownership costs, and ensures accurate, timely information. It provides a flexible data architecture for different levels of traceability, from highly detailed systems (e.g., critical safety systems) to basic traceability needs (e.g., consumer products). The structure avoids data duplication and allows crucial information to be added post-production.
Standard of Excellence: The Power of Personalization in Customer Care
02/19/2025 | Anaya Vardya -- Column: Standard of ExcellenceProviding outstanding customer care is essential, yet many companies struggle to deliver service that leaves a lasting, positive impression. The secret lies in personalization. When you tailor your services to meet the unique needs of your customers, you win their loyalty and position yourself as a partner in their success. Here’s how personalization can transform your customer care strategy and elevate your business.
Würth Elektronik Presents Social Plan for PCB Production in Schopfheim
02/14/2025 | Würth ElektronikIn October 2024, Würth Elektronik Circuit Board Technology announced the planned closure of PCB production at the Schopfheim site. The management and works council have now reached an agreement on a reconciliation of interests and a social plan, which was presented to the affected employees at a works meeting on Thursday, February 6, 2025.
Nordson Electronics Solutions Introduces ASYMTEK Select Coat SL-1040 Ultrasonic Cleaning Station for Maintaining Conformal Coating Equipment
02/13/2025 | Nordson Electronics SolutionsNordson Electronics Solutions, a global leader in reliable electronics manufacturing technologies, announces their latest technology innovation for conformal coating systems, the ASYMTEK Select Coat® SL-1040 Ultrasonic Cleaning Station (patent pending) to keep nozzles and needles clean, and prevent clogging during production
Suntech Circuits USA Appoints Burke as New CEO
02/12/2025 | Suntech Circuits USAAmir Akerman, CEO of Suntech Circuits Global, has announced the appointment of Cameron Burke as CEO of Suntech Circuits North America. In this position, Burke will assume full responsibility for the operations and management of the company in North America.