AND attend Theydon Bois Xmas market
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK - 22nd Dec 2011

AND Technology Research is feeling all Christmassy after taking part in the Theydon Bois village Christmas market.

On 1st December, the Parish Council, local businesses & village shopkeepers came together to help support & participate in the new community event.

Despite the wintry weather & heavy showers (that didn't stop all night), the Christmas Market proved to be a huge success as villagers were treated to Christmas carols by Theydon Bois Primary School & performances from the Salvation Army band.

Having spent a few lunchtimes discussing what AND could actually sell at a Christmas market, the pressure was on & after much deliberation the engineering team decided to offer aspiring electronics engineers the chance to solder their very own LED Christmas tree decoration.

With special thanks to Hi5 Electronics, who manufactured the Christmas tree shaped PCB's & kindly turned the boards around in 3 days (at a reduced rate) - the activity was a big hit with both the children & adults. Under the supervision of AND's Embedded Engineer David Ashwell, the activity involved selecting your chosen LED's & then soldering them onto the PCB shaped Christmas trees.

AND were also running a competition where villagers had to guess how many components filled a jar, with the correct guess or nearest to the right amount winning a prize - this also drummed up much attention at AND's stall.

Valerie Thorn, CEO at AND Technology Research said, "I'm really pleased AND were able to be part of the Theydon Bois Christmas Market, despite the miserable weather it was great to see people taking part in the competition & soldering activities we had on offer."

With each activity costing £1, AND decided to donate all the proceeds collected from the event to Crisis at Christmas, a charity that has been changing lives for 40 years, helping homeless people at Christmas time.

AND were pleased to announce that from the event a total of £116.00 was raised, which is enough to offer 5 people a place at the Crisis at Christmas event where those in need are provided with a Christmas meal, hope & comfort over the festive season.

Useful links
theydon bois village news [www.theydon.org.uk]

AND's CEO speaks at local event
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK - 28th Oct 2011

Valerie Thorn, CEO of AND Technology Research, was invited to present at the 'Going for Growth' conference - a one-day event, aimed at a variety of companies who are looking to expand their businesses, network and learn from other established professionals who have successfully grown their companies.

Held at picturesque Writtle College just outside Chelmsford, Essex & organised by the Design for Business East network and Essex County Council, 'Going for Growth' aims to boost design promotion initiatives that networks are now undertaking to help reach wider audiences & provide the opportunities for designers to communicate the value of design.

Valerie was asked to talk about the difficulties facing small businesses who are trying to compete in a large marketplace.

By offering real life experiences from the company that she established in 1980, Valerie was able to share her knowledge of how AND Technology Research has grown over the past 31 years and how it has managed to stay afloat in the current economic climate.

During her seminar, Valerie addressed many key fundamentals of how a small business like AND Technology Research remain successful - she spoke of the importance of understanding your supply chain and recognising where your company fits into this process.

When asked how AND Technology Research made its links with bigger companies, Valerie said, "A long time ago, I was given the advice to go straight to the top, head for the CEO and if that doesn't work you'll always be directed to the appropriate person - and it has worked… along with a lot of persistence!"

At the conference delegates attended four seminars, where a range of key note speakers covered different topics from; 'Inspiring Innovation' by Chris Robinson from Olympus Keymed, to 'Stories of success and tips for growth' by Lawrence Mallinson (Covent Garden soup fame) right through to Sir George Cox, Chairman of the Design Council and his overview of the economy & its effect on small businesses.

As well as attending the four seminars, delegates were able to network with like-minded professionals, in addition to benefiting from 12 inspirational workshops that covered topics such as "Branding through story-telling", "Social media marketing", "Profit from Design" and "Intellectual Property".

Gemma Rippengale, Marketing Support Executive at AND attended the conference along with AND's Programmes Director, Steven Kear. She said, "The conference proved to be a really inspiring day, it was great to listen to real-life accounts of how different businesses have managed to become so successful. The taster work-shops also gave us some interesting ideas and approaches that we can now apply to future marketing strategies."

Useful links
essex innovation [www.essexbusinesssupport.com]
design for business east [www.d4be.com]

Metering, Billing/CRM 2011 - AND's Connect range demo
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK - 28th Oct 2011

AND Technology Research has finally recovered from the buzz of Metering and Billing/CRM 2011 after exhibiting for three days at one of the largest utility events of the year.

The 13th annual show held at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam, saw a footfall of around 5000 attendees, up from the 3281 participants in 2010 - proving once again that it's the lead meeting place for smart utility professionals alike.

Over 200 of the world's top solution providers for smart metering came together to present live demonstrations and discuss the various technologies now being applied across the utility industry.

AND Technology Research was invited to the show by platinum partners Renesas, to demonstrate their Connect range of intelligent communication solutions based on the technology from the Renesas semiconductor portfolio. In addition to this, AND were keen to showcase the newly announced ZigBee Pro module-based design kit which includes the Smart Energy 1.1 profile. Based on Renesas' M16C/6B single chip ZigBee silicon, the competitively priced design kit includes "TestZED" modules that can be used in product prototyping and are pre-programmed with the Renesas ZigBee Pro stack as well as the Smart Energy 1.1 profile (other portfolios available on request).

At the show AND was able to demonstrate their TestZED modules alongside other ZigBee enabled products from the 'Connect' series. These included C-Route, where ZigBee is partnered with Power Line Communication (PLC) to provide the best route for wired and wireless communications; and C-Point, where ZigBee is partnered with load monitoring/profiling technology, providing remote identifying, monitoring & control of attached appliances.

The focus of AND's live demonstration was to illustrate the versatility of the different technology blocks available and how they can be utilised, for example as a 'whole' smart grid solution, a stand-alone product or as a combination of technologies depending on your requirements.

Steven Kear, Programmes Director at AND, says: "Metering and Billing/CRM was a great success this year, the technology on display proved to be real food for thought as to what direction the smart metering industry is headed. I'm really pleased AND was able to exhibit at the show with Renesas as it provided the perfect platform for demoing the SE 1.1 ConnectZED ZigBee module as well as other products from the 'Connect' range."

For more information on any of the products in the Connect range, or for details regarding the ZigBee evaluation kits then please contact sales@andtr.com. Don't forget to take a look at "Our Pictures" page on the ANDtr website, for all the recent snaps taken at the show!

Useful links
metering & billing [www.metering-europe.com]
connectzed zigbee kits [www.andtr.com]

Renesas Electronics Europe and its Alliance Partner AND Technology Research Ltd., (AND TR) today announced the availability of a complete ZigBee Pro module-based design kit which includes the Smart Energy1.1 profile. Based on Renesas’ M16C/6B single chip ZigBee silicon, the AND TR design kits are tuned to provide optimum RF performance in the most demanding situations and have been tested for interoperability at ZigBee Smart Energy interoperability events. Competitively priced, the design kits include “TestZED” modules that can be used in product prototyping and are pre-programmed with the Renesas ZigBee Pro stack as well as the Smart Energy 1.1 profile (other profiles are available on request). The modules are easily controlled via HyperTerminal commands.

In the Advanced design kit, the specialist TestZED module is designed to interoperate with the bundled PC TestZED software and can function as either a ZigBee Co-ordinator or Router, depending on how it is initialised. However, the real hidden 'gem' in this kit is the TestZED PC software itself. This not only gives users greater visibility of network communications, but enables direct testing of the ZigBee Profile and their developed application through the reading/writing to the individual attributes of the profile's clusters. As a result, scenarios can be quickly set up and tested. As is standard with all AND products, the ConnectZED Evaluation Kits come fully backed up with direct technical email and telephone support. When users start to develop their ZigBee based design they can rest assured that there is not just technical support at a simple call or email away, but complete embedded expertise and design services available too.

The Renesas M16C/6B single chip silicon offers an extremely high level of integration including a high-performance 16-bit CPU with an IEEE802.15.4 compliant 2.4GHz transceiver, up to 256kB of on-chip Flash coupled with 20kB RAM and 8kB of data flash, in addition to many useful peripherals such as a 4 channel DMA, multiple timers (including watchdog), 3 channels of serial I/O, 8 channel 10bit ADC and much more.

Andy Harding, Senior Manager of Smart Energy Segment Marketing at Renesas Electronics Europe, comments: “The AND TR modules and design kits are not only designed specifically for the markets at which they are targeted, but are also backed up by a strong design services company able to provide dedicated support and guidance for end customers trying to get to grips with the challenges of communications and networking. Whilst the European Union and individual governments target ambitious roll outs of Smart Metering across the EU, AND TR has the expertise to turn this goal into reality and is already actively supporting a number of our customers in technology trials.”

Steven Kear, Programmes Director at AND TR, adds: “AND TR is delighted to be working with Renesas in this market. They are already a market leader and remain focused on supplying semiconductor based solutions specifically targeted for use in the Smart Grid and Building/Home Automation markets. Renesas puts a lot of emphasis on quality and supply which makes them a privilege to work with. Our relationship goes back many years and this gives customers the confidence they require to work with suppliers of components for major infrastructure projects like the Smart Grid.”

Targeted primarily at the European Smart Metering market, but also supporting Building Automation and Home Appliance applications through the optional Home Automation profile, the ZigBee design kits are available directly from AND’s website at www.andtr.com at a cost of £195.00 (€220.00) for the Standard Evaluation Kit or £550.00 (€625.00) for the Advanced Evaluation Kit.

At the forthcoming Metering & Billing conference/exhibition (http://www.renesas.eu/event/metering2011.html) in Amsterdam, AND will be demonstrating its TestZED modules alongside other products from its ‘Connect’ series which combine ZigBee with other technologies. These include C-ROUTE, where ZigBee is partnered with Power Line Communication (PLC) to provide best route for wired and wireless communications; and C-POINT, where ZigBee is partnered with load monitoring/profiling technology, providing remote identifying, monitoring & control of attached appliances.

Useful links
ConnectZED ZigBee Evaluation kits [www.andtr.com]
Renesas Electronics Europe [www.renesas.eu]
Metering Billing/CRM Europe [www.metering-europe.com]

AND to attend Smart Grids Paris
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK - 13th May 2011

AND Technology Research is pleased to announce that they will be exhibiting at Smart Grids Paris 2011, held at the Cité des Sciences in Paris on 24th, 25th, 26th May.

This inaugural event, spread over three days, will bring together professionals from the energy, telecom, information technology & Smart Grid fields.

Renesas have invited platinum partners AND to the Smart Grids Paris event to showcase their Connect range of intelligent communication solutions in addition to the versatile ConnectZED ZigBee module, based on technology from the Renesas semiconductor portfolio.

During the exhibition, AND will showcase a complete end-to-end smart grid demonstration that utilises various products from the Connect range to show monitoring, identification & control of appliances in the home, right through to receiving energy usage data at the supplier side of the grid.

The event promises to offer a dynamic vision of an expanding market from both a European & international perspective, through a first class conference programme, exhibition & series of demonstrations.

Focus for debates at Smart Grids Paris will centre on current research, future regulatory standards, technical solutions, recent experiences in the smart energy field & the economic/social implications of such developments.

Steven Kear, Programmes Director at AND said "I'm thrilled that AND have been asked to be part of this event, it is a great opportunity for us to demonstrate the 'smart' products & technology we have on offer. Not only are we able to demo our ConnectZED ZigBee module, the event will also be the perfect place to debut some of our newer products in the Connect range; ConnectROUTE which combines ZigBee & PLC communications & ConnectPORT a unit that collates energy data & is then able to redistribute this using various different communication forms such as Ethernet or GPRS.

We are also keen to share our experiences & expertise in integrating this type of technology into smart grid trials & larger system rollouts - so the team & I are really looking forward to the event."

AND will bring you all the latest news and information, live from the event through their Twitter page, @ANDTechResearch.

Useful links
smart grids paris [www.sgparis2011.com]
AND's twitter page [@ANDTechResearch]

ConnectZED - the advanced evaluation kit
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK - 13th May 2011

Integrating ZigBee wireless RF technology into your new or existing product design just got easier with the launch of the Advanced Evaluation Kit for AND's ConnectZED range of ZigBee modules.

Comprising of a minimum* of three ConnectZED modules, two power baseboards, one programming baseboard & the TestZED PC software - the Advanced Evaluation Kit (CZED-RAK-100) provides the perfect platform for evaluating, developing & testing ZigBee.

Operating in the 2.4GHz RF band, the ConnectZED modules are supplied & preloaded with the Renesas ZigBee PRO stack & Smart Energy (SE) ZigBee application profile.

Each kit is supplied with one module pre-configured as a Coordinator, one as a specialist TestZED module & the remaining module(s) as a Router to enable a working ZigBee network to be formed straight out-of-the-box.

The specialist TestZED module is designed to interoperate with the bundled PC TestZED software & can function as either a ZigBee Coordinator or Router depending on how it is initialised via the TestZED application & of course down to your specific development needs.

However, the real hidden 'gem' in this kit is the TestZED PC software itself, which not only gives you greater visibility of network communications, but enables direct testing of the ZigBee Profile & your developed application, through the reading/writing to the individual attributes of the profile's clusters - allowing scenarios to be quickly setup & tested.

Where lengthy commands would normally need to be manually entered, or test scripts prepared to read/write to attributes in the ZigBee profile or user application, TestZED does away with this, by offering the same fine level of control, but through a comprehensive, easy to use, Windows interface. Control from as small as entering a price value in the Price Cluster, right through to performing a firmware update using the OTA Cluster can all be achieved with only a few mouse clicks.

Two types of baseboard provide flexibility when using the kit. The basic Power board powers an attached module through its mini USB port & provides a communication interface between the module & the PC, while the Programming board offers this plus reprogramming of the firmware inside the module.

As is standard with all AND products, the ConnectZED Evaluation Kit comes fully backed up with direct technical email & telephone support, so when you really start to develop your ZigBee based design you can rest assured that there is not just technical support at a simple call/email away, but complete embedded expertise & design services available too.

So now not only is there a versatile ZigBee module option available in a range of configurations (SIL pins, direct solder onto board) & profiles (SE, HA & dual profiles SE+HA) to drop directly into your designs through ConnectZED, the addition of the Advanced Evaluation Kit provides a complete powerful ZigBee evaluation, development & testing platform - all from one box.

Want to learn more? See a demo? Get custom pricing? Please contact the team at sales@andtr.com

* Three ConnectZED modules, two power baseboards, one programming baseboard & the TestZED software are provided as a minimum in the Advanced Evaluation Kit. However, the kit is completely configurable, so if you require more modules then let us know.

Useful links
ANDtr [www.andtr.com]

ConnectZED - the dual profile variant
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK -15th March 2011

Following the launch of the 1st product from its Connect range, the ConnectZED ZigBee module, AND were pleased to announce earlier this month the availability of a dual profile variant of the module, capable of running both Smart Energy (SE) & Home Automation (HA) application profiles.

Designed for low data rate/low power consumption markets, the ConnectZED module is intended as a plug-&-play ZigBee solution for use within embedded applications.

ZigBee Application Profiles, as defined by the ZigBee Alliance, allow products from multiple vendors to interoperate, through the definition of device clusters. Clusters consist of sets of data & commands which support typical product applications, together with the messaging scheme used for communication.

Typically these Profiles have tended to be deployed independently of each other, with SE focused on electric utility applications & HA catering for device communication & control in the home. However, with the interest & uptake of ZigBee RF gaining momentum the demand for being able to overlap the two has increased.

Having already taken a number of orders for ConnectZED kits & modules, offering a dual profile module variant was a natural step as Steven Kear, Programmes Director at AND explains: "The complexities involved in Radio Frequency wireless communications can take this type of technology out of the realms of many design engineers. ConnectZED offers a general purpose, inexpensive, cost effective device which can be slotted in as a component within any design. Further, pre-loaded with standard clusters from both SE & HA, the 'dual profile' ConnectZED module simplifies the process of 'overlapping' these two application areas. Decreasing the complexity of data interchange & increasing the interconnectivity between the profiles offers significant benefits. The dual profile module, is not only a neat, simple solution, but provides a means of intelligently sharing information enabling some really interesting communication & control possibilities".

By pairing the electric utility application abilities of SE & the device communication & control features of HA, the needs of smarter, greener appliances, homes & buildings can be realised in addition to supporting the government & energy service providers with future smart grid solutions.

Useful links
ZigBee Alliance [www.zigbee.org]
ANDtr [www.andtr.com]

How can the ConnectZED be used?
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK -19th January 2011

The ConnectZED ZigBee module is the first product to be launched from the new Connect series range from AND Technology Research. In last month's Control Columns we highlighted some of the features of the module - but where could you usefully use such a device?

Well the answer simply lies in thinking how you would want the ConnectZED module to work in & around your own products.

Working wirelessly, the RF module allows for small amounts of data (< 250 kbit/s) to be transferred at low power across a good range (~100 meters). The ConnectZED module works efficiently by using little power - therefore ensuring a longer battery life.

Self-organising networks of 2 or more devices can be formed to transfer data from a variety of locations or products, with the ability of the network being able to automatically self-heal if for example a device is taken out of the network.

The module has two antenna options, so where say the size of your product or look of it may be important factors in your design, the module's onboard antenna can be used. Equally if ultimate range is critical & the product is hidden away then the external antenna connection can be utilised.

Being small in size & with different connection options (either via direct solder or pins) the module can easily be added to new or old designs, turning product into wireless enabled devices without the cost, development time & formal approvals involved in designing it from scratch. The interoperability of the ConnectZED module also means it can work seamlessly and comply with other ZigBee products, designs or similar modules.

Listed below are a few examples of where our ConnectZED could be used:

• Smart Energy products, i.e. monitoring and controlling your use of energy, water & heating.
• Home Automation, i.e. control appliances, monitoring power consumption, alarm & safety devices.
  
• Building Automation, i.e. monitor & control commercial building systems.
  
• Healthcare, i.e. measure health, fitness & well-being.
  
• Remote Control, i.e. home theatre experience, media centre control & in-system control remote programming.

Our innovative designs can be custom-made to fit around specific market requirements, helping customers take control of everyday activities whether it is at home or the workplace.

Useful links
ZigBee Alliance [www.zigbee.org]
ANDtr [www.andtr.com]

Gemma joins AND!
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK - 19th January 2011

With new & exciting projects on the horizon for AND in 2011, the company is enjoying further expansion with the arrival of new intern Gemma Rippengale.

A recent graduate from the London College of Communication, Gemma brings a new dimension to the AND team through her strong communication skills, creativity & fresh outlook onto the electronics engineering industry.

Joining the Sales & Marketing side of AND, the internship will see her develop new marketing/promotional literature, coordinate information on the company website in addition to expanding AND's presence in Social media.

On her appointment Gemma said, "I'm really looking forward to the new challenges this role will bring me, and I'm eager to be part of the exciting ventures that lay ahead for AND".

In addition to her marketing responsibilities, Gemma will also be heavily involved with promotion & sales of AND's new product ranges, organising events, dedicated one-to-one demos & supporting the sales team.

Steven Kear, Programmes Director at AND said "Not only is 2011 shaping up to be a busy & exciting year for us with the new development projects clients are already discussing with us, but with our new Connect series of ZigBee modules reaching maturity, having Gemma's drive, enthusiasm & creativity on board will enable us to get these products out to engineers, developers & companies who are really going to find they offer them a real edge".

During her spare time Gemma likes to keep fit and enjoys regular shopping trips.

AND launches new ZigBee module
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK - 08th December 2010

Whilst the world was coping with the banking crisis and the recession, the engineers here at AND have been working hard to produce a range of products branded the Connect Series. This range of products draws on proven designs and code available through AND's design and development services.

The first of the products to be launched is the ConnectZED RF module which is attracting much interest from customers aspiring to produce wireless enabled products. The ConnectZED module is targeted at the 'green' market and implements the low power wireless mesh networking ZigBee standard. In addition the module aims to provide longer life with small batteries, high reliability and extensive range through the mesh network.

The RF performance conforms to the IEEE 802.15.4 standard and the module can be provided with application 'Profiles' as defined by the ZigBee Alliance. It will provide a perfect platform for customers aspiring to achieve connectivity of products which support energy conservation and lower carbon emissions initiatives.

Steven Kear Programmes Director at AND Technology Research says, "I am thrilled with the progress we have made this year on the RF module - we have come a long way". "But more importantly", he continues "the interest being shown in this and the preliminary versions of our other ConnectZED products means that 2011 looks like it will be a very busy year for AND."

ANDs ConnectZED RF module is intended for use with embedded application requiring low data rates and low power consumption. The complexities involved in RF design take this type of technology out of the realms of many design engineers. The main aim therefore is to provide a general purpose, inexpensive, cost effective device which can be slotted in as a component within any design.

Useful links
ZigBee Alliance [www.zigbee.org]

AND makes the shortlist
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK - 06th October 2010

AND Technology Research has been shortlisted for a 2010 British Engineering Excellence Award (BEEA) under the Small Company of the Year category.

Setup to demonstrate & promote the quality of engineering design in the UK, the BEEAs provides a benchmark of excellence from which the industry can learn & build from.
AND was shortlisted for its Timing Transmission Monitor (TTM) product that provides low cost, precision monitoring of DAB radio signals within a digital radio transmitter network. The company took advantage of its full turn-key design & development service on offer to clients, taking the concept from the specification stage, through design, development, testing & approvals, onto full manufacture.

On hearing the announcement that AND had been shortlisted for a BEEA, Steven Kear, Programmes Director said "We're very proud to be shortlisted for this award. The TTM unit embodies all that's great about AND's R&D solutions. Apart from it being a very precise, versatile unit, it is incredibly simple & low cost - results that can only be delivered by a knowledgeable, professional & innovative team. We're very honoured to be recognised for this."

The winners of the eleven categories will be announced at an Awards ceremony on the 14th October to be held at the UnderGlobe, a unique location situated underneath Shakespeare's Globe theatre on the Southbank of the River Thames in London. The group of judges, drawn from a cross section of electronic & engineering design disciplines, will narrow down the 34 shortlisted companies & individuals down to just 11 winners.

Useful links
British Engineering Excellence Awards - BEEA [www.beeas.co.uk]

Kick-off for AND & Jaltek
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK - 16th June 2010

Saturday 08th May saw Thorn, Ashwell & Keeley meet at Wembley Stadium for the 2010 FA Carlsberg Trophy Final.

Don't recognise the players…not surprising really. Valerie & David from ANDtr & Darren Keeley from Jaltek IDMS went to Wembley to watch (& not play unfortunately) Barrow & Stevenage Borough battle it out to lift the FA Trophy.

The day, kindly organised by Jaltek, celebrated Jaltek joining AND's approved partner programme - a growing network of companies offering specialist services & skills to AND's clients.

With locations in Luton & Bracknell Jaltek offers specialist design, manufacturing & testing services with expertise in the manufacture & testing of complex surface mount assemblies & embedded systems.

The day kicked-off with lunch at a restaurant close to the stadium. Following the banquet, the group settled in the corporate box at Wembley to watch the game.

While both ANDtr & Jaltek were backing the local team, it was to be Barrow's day with 2-1 win over Stevenage Borough - a somewhat fitting result as the only Barrow-born player in the squad scored the winner in the second period of extra time.

Useful links
Jaltek [www.jaltek.com]
Wembley Stadium [www.wemblystadium]

AND supports IET Smart Metering event
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK - 31st March 2010

The beginning of March saw the Institution of Engineering & Technology (IET) host it's 2010 Smart Metering event.

Following the announcement back in December '09 by DECC (the Department of Energy & Climate Change, formerly Department of Trade & Industry) that gas & electricity smart meters would be rolled out by energy suppliers to every home in Britain by the end of 2020 - the aim of the conference was to bring leading minds in the industry together with government, regulators, key innovators as well as the energy networks to discuss the key issues of setting standards & hardware supply.

The event was a lively mixture of presentations & panel discussions, with guest speakers from Centrica, DECC, EDF Energy, Energy Savings Trust, E.ON, Google, IBM, National Grid & Ofgem (…to name a few). Complementing the presentations & panel sessions was a small exhibition featuring stands from a handful of selected companies.

AND Technology Research was invited to the event by semiconductor partner Renesas, who was exhibiting at the show. From its extensive portfolio of communication, interface & security products Renesas featured its Power Line Communication (PLC) & Zigbee solutions in addition to embedded security technology, while part of the stand was dedicated to AND's Zigbee module (based on Renesas silicon) & profile test suite in addition to AMiHo's (another of Renesas's Alliance Partners) Wireless M-Bus solution.

The exhibition provided not only a platform to showcase technology but a forum to promote discussion between attendees & the exhibiting companies. AND were on hand with the Renesas team & AMiHO to discuss with delegates various aspects of smart metering, the challenges the energy industry are facing along with the technology available today that will help to drive the initiative & industry forward.

Useful links
IET Smart Metering 2010 [conferences.theiet.org]
Renesas [www.renesas.eu]
AMiHo [www.amiho.co.uk]

AND joins Cambridge Wireless
LONDON/THEYDON BOIS, UK - 05th February 2010

The start of 2010, saw AND join Cambridge Wireless.

A leading & vibrant Wireless community, Cambridge Wireless is a network of companies interested in the application of wireless technologies. Through a mixture of high profile VIP networking activities & over 13 Special Interest Groups (SIGs), each focussed on a specific technology &/or market area, the mission of Cambridge Wireless is to enable like-minded companies in the wireless sector to network & debate the latest developments in the industry & find commercial opportunities for mutual collaboration.

With members including: Alcatel-Lucent, ARM, BT, Google Mobile, Microsoft Research, Motorola, Nokia, Northrop Grumman, Ofcom, Orange, Philips & T-Mobile (to name a few) the community provides a diverse range of companies & individuals to discuss new ideas & wireless technology solutions with.

AND itself has been actively involved in wireless sector since the early 90's, working on development projects in wireless security & door entry systems back then, through to wireless remote controls & game controllers for entertainment systems in recent years. Today in 2010 with the number of wireless enable development projects undertaken by the company rising & also ANDs recognised expertise in Zigbee, joining Cambridge Wireless was a logical choice, as Steven Kear, Programmes Director explained: "Over the past few years not only we have seen the number of customer projects requiring wireless communication double, but the expertise we have gained in this arena will see us launching some exciting new wireless products of our own this year" he added "joining Cambridge Wireless is a natural step for AND & we look forward to the collaboration opportunities this will surely bring".

Useful links
Cambridge Wireless [www.cambridgewireless.co.uk]