Trilliant validates ZigBee device interoperability testing

Trilliant Incorporated announced it has successfully demonstrated interoperability testing with its SecureMesh Micro Access Portal (MAP) and ZigBee device manufacturers Control4, Golden Power and other leading device manufacturers, utilizing ZigBee-enabled technology from Ember Corporation.

The interoperability testing provides validation for the new ZigBee Smart Energy public application profile, an open standard for implementing secure, easy-to-use wireless home area networks (HAN) for managing energy consumption.

The ZigBee Standard is based on the same IEEE 802.15.4 standard adopted by Trilliant for its SecureMesh AMI Network solution, extending its end-to-end standards-based platform for utilities to support advanced metering and demand response initiatives. The SecureMesh MAP provides ZigBee Energy Service Portal (ESP) functionality interconnecting the ZigBee HAN with the Trilliant AMI network.

"Trilliant has been a strong contributor in the development of the ZigBee Smart Energy profile," said Bob Heile, chairman of the ZigBee Alliance. "Their experience with large scale AMI network applications has been invaluable throughout the development of the Smart Energy profile."

The SecureMesh MAP is independent from the meter and can be embedded in virtually any end-point device including thermostats, in-home displays, remote appliance controllers or, if desirable, the meters. This flexibility eliminates the requirement to burden the cost of every meter with an ESP, instead providing choice for when and where to invest and deploy this technology. By decoupling the ESP from the meter, customers benefit through a reduced cost of initial deployment and gain the flexibility to use only where needed to support demand response.

"ZigBee certified products provide an obvious extension to the open standards-based Trilliant AMI platform," said Tim Simon, Golden Power Manufacturing. "The Trilliant SecureMesh MAP provides utilities with a solution that can empower consumers with products for our retail outlets such as Home Depot."

"We're seeing a broad range of in-home applications demanding multiple options for AMI network connected devices," said Paul Nagel, vice president strategic development, Control4. "By delivering a platform that supports open standards, Trilliant is empowering the market to select the best solutions that drive value for customers."

Trilliant has more experience than any vendor in the market in the use of IEEE 802.15.4 technology for AMI applications with 1.5 million meters under contract. This experience provides for assurance in supporting interoperability across home area network devices that is critical for expanding the value of an integrated AMI network.

"Trilliant heralds the ZigBee Alliance for developing the ZigBee Smart Energy profile," said Geoff Williamson, chief marketing officer, Trilliant Incorporated. "Trilliant has been a pioneer in the use of the IEEE 802.15.4 radio platform, not just for HAN applications, but for the complete AMI network providing an end-to-end standards based solution for utilities needing an integrated network for advanced metering and demand response initiatives."

The ZigBee Alliance is an association of companies working together to enable reliable, cost effective, low-power, wirelessly networked, monitoring and control products based on an open global standard. The ZigBee Alliance membership comprises technology providers and manufacturers worldwide. Membership is open to all. Additional information can be found at www.zigbee.org.