Atmel (News - Alert) has long been one of those companies that play an important part in the microcontroller and touch technology industry. Last week, the firm announced it was joining the G3-PLC Alliance. This particular move stretches across the globe and works to promote the G3-PLC Communications standard – one that ensures the interoperability of smart grid systems. 

Not just anyone can join this particular organization; members are selected by a committee assembled of members of the G3-PLC Alliance.

"Atmel adds to our rapidly growing membership of prominent semiconductor companies that are advocating for the most intelligent approach to building out the smart grid," said Jean Vigneron, general secretary, G3-PLC Alliance. "The G3-PLC technology is an instrumental specification for utility companies deploying smart meters worldwide and we are excited to add Atmel's industry leadership and support to help grow this standard as a member of the G3-PLC Alliance."                   

The G3-PLC network is a low-frequency, orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)-based narrowband powerline communications (NB-PLC) standard. What makes this different from other tech that is in a similar arena is that this particular network is the first NB-PLC that operates on the IPv6 internet protocol. 

This particular interoperability allows for companies using the network to have more control over the actual use of that network. Utilities companies operating on this network will be able to better plan their deployment on a smart grid.

This will save the company and its customers more money in the long run. 

Kourosh Boutorabi, senior director of Smart Energy for Atmel Corporation, said his company was very excited to be working with the alliance. The company’s future customers will have peace of mind knowing it will be using top-of-the-line technology to connect to and use future smart grids.