News

GainSpan, Our Home Spaces, and RF Digital Introduce Wi-Fi U-SNAP Module for Quick Connection of Devices to Smart Grid (12/10/2009)

Feature-rich U-SNAP module allows quick connection of devices and appliances to Smart Grid

GainSpan® Corporation, a leader in low power Wi-Fi semiconductor solutions, and RF Digital, manufacturer of RF modules, have partnered with Our Home Spaces (OHS), a provider of consumer centric energy management solutions, to deliver a Wi-Fi U-SNAP module and solution for consumers to connect their home appliances to their Wi-Fi networks so they can be remotely monitored and controlled. U-SNAP is a standard developed by the U-SNAP Alliance whose mission is to ensure compatibility of devices as the smart grid extends into homes.

The U-SNAP Wi-Fi module requires no access point or router re-configuration, making installation easy. The module can be easily provisioned via Wi-Fi protected setup (WPS) push button method or through a USB interface connected to a computer, if WPS is not available. Local control inside the home or remote access of the device through the internet is available with the Our Home Spaces Total Energy Management System (TEMS), which provides a complete solution for homeowners, allowing them to monitor, control, and receive alerts from their appliances through their computers, picture frames, handheld mobile devices, and iPhones£.

The design of this unique U-SNAP module allows it to be quickly adapted to ‘WiFi enable’ home appliances and devices such as white appliances, hot water heaters, baseboard heaters, PV solar arrays, and sidewalk de-icers. The TEMS energy management software allows rapid integration of these appliances and devices with Smart Grid initiatives and pilot programs. An early adopter of the U-SNAP technology, Radio Thermostat Company of America (RTCOA), is launching an entire line of programmable communicating thermostats that will have U-SNAP ports. The Wi-Fi U-SNAP module will be a great addition to this line of thermostats. The RTCOA thermostat along with Our Home Spaces TEMS will be on display at the West Coast Green Conference, October 1-3.

“The Wi-Fi U-SNAP module is a boon for consumers,” said Bernard Aboussouan, GainSpan VP of marketing. “Wi-Fi is the de-facto technology of choice for consumers to connect nearly every appliance in their homes, from thermostats to washing machines, to the smart grid and the Wi-Fi U-SNAP module makes it simple and secure, building on the extensive industry experience in Wi-Fi .”

The Wi-Fi U-SNAP module is based on GainSpan’s GS1011 system-on-chip, a highly integrated and low power consuming Wi-Fi semiconductor solution operating at up to 11 Mbps.

“Utilities have been searching for solutions to monitor, control and communicate energy consumption in real time. Wi-Fi and the iPhone platform have been embraced by consumers,” said Janet Peterson, CEO, Our Home Spaces. “This solution allows consumers to use their existing Wi-Fi home networks to connect to their devices and appliances and control their comfort level and energy consumption. As electrical utilities roll out time-of-use pricing for residential customers, the ability to monitor and reduce appliance usage during peak rate times and the ability to receive instant alerts on their phones and computers will become increasingly valuable to consumers.”

The U-SNAP module is currently operating in numerous beta sites. Product will be available in early 4th quarter of 2009.

www.gainspan.com
www.rfdigital.com
www.ourhomespaces.com