STACK-MID helps Service Providers test the latest industry standards for home Wi-Fi solutions
Littleton, Massachusetts, June 24, 2021 – octoScope®, a Spirent company and the leader in accurate, repeatable and automated wireless personal testbeds, today announced the release of STACK-MID, a new testbed designed for communications service provider (CSP) to test and optimize home-focused Wi-Fi devices and solutions.
A subset of octoScope’s fully-featured STACK-MAX testbed, STACK-MID supports testing of all features and standards vital to home Wi-Fi devices, including the latest Broadband Forum TR-398 Issue 2 test cases for home router performance.
“Our CSP customers tell us that a significant proportion of service calls from their customers are Wi-Fi related, as home Wi-Fi solutions become ever-more sophisticated,” said Fanny Mlinarsky, founder of octoScope, and Senior Vice President of Wi-Fi Products at Spirent. “CSPs are looking for testing solutions to assess and improve performance of Wi-Fi routers, gateways and networks, especially in the face of new Wi-Fi technologies and network topologies such as mesh being increasingly adopted in the home.”
octoScope’s STACK-MID enables CSPs to test the latest Wi-Fi solutions for the home user, including the most recent technologies such as Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 6E, MU-MIMO and OFDMA. When combined with octoScope’s Tracker field-to-lab replay solution, the testbed can also be used in the optimization of mesh networks, while features such as roaming, access point (AP) steering, band steering, and load balancing are also easy to test and optimize. Realistic deployment scenarios can be recorded in the field and replicated inside the testbed.
“With STACK-MID, service providers can be confident that devices under test will perform as they should when deployed in the field,” said Mlinarsky.
Stackable and configurable octoBox personal testbeds are completely isolated from external interference and can be used at an engineer’s office or lab bench.
Each octoBox testbed is controlled by a dedicated Node.js web server accessible via a browser UI for manual control, or via REST API for test automation. The server provides the time base for the testbed and controls the built-in instruments, DUT configuration, traffic, and test flow. Test results are saved in a MongoDB database, enabling multiple teams to easily collaborate by sharing the test automation scripts and test results.
octoScope is a Spirent Company. It is the market leader in isolated, repeatable and automated wireless personal testbeds. Our patented technology redefines the accuracy, stability, economics and value of over-the-air wireless testing. The octoBox testbed is configurable for automated regression test sequences with a range of airlink conditions and interference scenarios. The octoBox testbeds are scalable to support a single DUT or multi-node mesh systems under test.
The testbeds feature powerful technologies to evaluate the behavior and performance of a broad range of wireless devices and systems. The tested capabilities include protocol monitoring, test traffic generation, motion and multipath emulation, interference generation and device emulation.
Petit Jean Fiber grows its value by building a world-class fiber-to-the-home network that will deliver unrivaled managed Wi-Fi 6 experiences to rural communities and schools with Calix Intelligent Access EDGE and Revenue EDGE
SAN JOSE, CA – June 24, 2021 – Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) today announced that Petit Jean Electric Cooperative (Petit Jean) has selected the complete suite of Calix solutions and cloud-based services to cost-effectively build and deploy a world-class fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) network. After securing the third-highest amount of Rural Development Opportunity Fund (RDOF) dollars in Arkansas, Petit Jean will deliver the latest managed Wi-Fi 6 services to underserved members and students across its rural service territory through its newly formed, wholly owned fiber subsidiary, Petit Jean Fiber. As a newcomer to the broadband space, Petit Jean will leverage the Network Innovation Platform (AXOS®) and the Intelligent Access EDGE to build an XGS-PON FTTH network, simplifying operations and enabling the cooperative to turn up symmetrical gigabit broadband services quickly and cost-effectively. As sections of the fiber network are completed, Petit Jean will use the Revenue EDGE to excite students and members alike with best-in-class experiences at superior speeds, with the full support of Calix Services to accelerate deployment and adoption. Petit Jean is growing its value and differentiating itself from established service providers with the goal of bringing accessible, affordable, and reliable high-speed internet to all 14,000 members by 2027.
Last year, with the overwhelming support of more than 90 percent of its members, Petit Jean decided to participate in the RDOF auction to secure funds for its FTTH initiative. The new network and services will bring life-changing connectivity to its communities and open the door to seamless online learning, telemedicine, remote work, and other opportunities. Currently, only 11 percent of Arkansans have access to fiber broadband connectivity, according to BroadbandNow. This disparity is felt keenly within Petit Jean’s rural, nine-county service area which includes Searcy County, whose school districts were severely hampered last year by an internet connectivity gap that worsened the plight of already-struggling students.
“Some of the seniors in our school districts were unable to graduate this year due to the lack of reliable high-speed internet services in their areas,” said Michael Kirkland, general manager of Petit Jean. “When it became clear that RDOF could make this financially feasible for us, we knew we had to jump in with both feet and from the very first meeting, Calix understood exactly what we needed—a future-proof fiber broadband network that was simple and cost-effective to operate, and capable of delivering exciting services at blazing fast speeds to our members. Calix is considered the gold standard in this industry, and we are confident our investment will pay dividends for Petit Jean, helping us grow our value by providing much-needed services to rural Arkansans.”
Once fully deployed, Petit Jean will benefit from:
Petit Jean will rely on the expertise of Calix Services to help accelerate network and service planning, deployment, and optimization—specifically Professional Services, Premier Customer Success Services, and Premier Support Services. Field technicians and the customer support team will also undergo training via EDGE Enablement. Collectively, these will help Petit Jean accelerate its ability to simplify its operations, excite members, and grow its value.
“Petit Jean is a shining example of a true greenfield provider that has invested wisely in building the first, and the last, network it will ever need,” said Michael Weening, president and chief operating officer of Calix. “With the Intelligent Access EDGE, Petit Jean can rapidly deploy new services on a network that is always on, with premium managed Wi-Fi 6 experiences delivered via the Revenue EDGE that will excite members. The ease of service provisioning and delivery with our cloud-based offerings will smooth the transition into this new broadband business, helping Petit Jean simplify operations and differentiate itself from the incumbents while growing its value as it writes the next chapter of its impressive 80-year history.”
To learn more, view a replay of our recent webinar, “10G Fiber Networks for the Future: Top Considerations From the Experts.”
About Calix
Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) – Calix cloud and software platforms enable service providers of all types and sizes to innovate and transform. Our customers utilize the real-time data and insights from Calix platforms to simplify their businesses and deliver experiences that excite their subscribers. The resulting growth in subscriber acquisition, loyalty, and revenue creates more value for their businesses and communities. This is the Calix mission; to enable broadband service providers of all sizes to simplify, excite, and grow.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based upon management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calix’s business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calix’s results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov.
Austin, Texas – June 23, 2021 – Wi-Fi Alliance® is introducing QuickTrack as a new certification path that provides a simpler, lower cost option to achieve Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ product certification. QuickTrack allows Wi-Fi Alliance members to build products based on Qualified Solutions – modules, chipsets, and other solutions which have undergone prerequisite testing. Using the QuickTrack path, end product developers may pursue Wi-Fi® certification by testing new, innovative Wi-Fi products based on trusted Qualified Solutions designed to meet industry-agreed Wi-Fi CERTIFIED requirements.
QuickTrack enables Wi-Fi product vendors to introduce quality devices into the market faster. The new QuickTrack certification path lowers testing costs and reduces the time needed to complete Wi-Fi certification testing. By relying on Qualified Solutions which have already completed Wi-Fi functionality testing, QuickTrack builds upon the testing already completed for core Wi-Fi components. QuickTrack also offers the convenience of testing at a member’s own testing site, or at an Authorized Test Laboratory (ATL).
“Wi-Fi CERTIFIED provides companies tailored testing options to deliver the highest quality Wi-Fi, whether certifying an enterprise-class access point or the latest Internet of Things gadget,” said Kevin Robinson, SVP of Marketing, Wi-Fi Alliance. “Wi-Fi Alliance is excited to now offer QuickTrack, enabling solution providers to deliver great value to their customers by jump-starting the end product certification process and empowering end product developers to integrate industry-standard testing into their ongoing quality programs to ensure products meet Wi-Fi CERTIFIED requirements throughout their lifetime.”
To meet the diverse needs of more than 800 member companies, Wi-Fi Alliance now offers three paths to certify Wi-Fi products. These paths accommodate multiple product development approaches – from creating a product design built from original components to branding products designed and manufactured by another entity. Wi-Fi Alliance members will find the right testing and certification path to meet their needs, with tools that support variation in testing methods and test location options. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED paths include:
Member companies providing the first Qualified Solutions which serve as the basis for creating and certifying other products through QuickTrack include: ASR Microelectronics Co., Ltd, Intel®, Microchip and Qualcomm Technologies. The first products certified using the new QuickTrack method include: the Midea IoT Application from Midea Group, that will be used as a source to certify millions of secure, interoperable IoT and smart appliances in China, and the PIC32MZ-W1 Wi-Fi® SoC and Module Family from Microchip. SRTC is the first Authorized Test Lab supporting QuickTrack certification for members.
Qualified Solutions available include:
Industry support for QuickTrack
“To support large venue operations connecting thousands of devices, next-generation Wi-Fi equipment needs to meet high-quality standards. QuickTrack certification marks an important quality assurance step to support Wi-Fi deployments in demanding environments. At Boingo, we’re seeing more and more Wi-Fi 6E equipment coming to the market and we applaud industry efforts to establish respected quality standards to help bring best-in-class connectivity to enterprises.” – Dr. Derek Peterson, CTO, Boingo Wireless
“We’d like to congratulate Wi-Fi Alliance on the launch of the new QuickTrack certification path. This new approach will positively impact the future of the Wi-Fi industry by helping to make it much easier and less costly for companies to obtain Wi-Fi certification for their products. We were delighted to actively participate in QuickTrack’s development and that our Intel® Wi-Fi 6E AX210 product will be one of the first Qualified Solutions for QuickTrack.” – Carlos Cordeiro, Wireless CTO, Client Computing Group, Intel Corporation
“We are glad that Midea Group’s IoT application product is the first to get certified following the new QuickTrack certification path that significantly lowers the time and cost to get Wi-Fi CERTIFIED. We believe the industry will benefit from this new, simple and fast process when more and more products are certified and compliant with the Wi-Fi standards. – Joshua Xiang, CTO and VP of IoT, Midea Group
“The new QuickTrack certification path is a real milestone. With this streamlined process, the Wi-Fi Alliance enables even small and medium-sized Wi-Fi manufacturers to certify their products quickly and with manageable effort. In future, consumers will be able to choose from a wider variety of certified products on the market and compare product features more easily.” – Jan Buis, Vice President Business Development, LANCOM Systems
“Microchip is excited to take a leading position in the rollout of Wi-Fi Alliance’s new QuickTrack program. The streamlined process allows our customers to quickly and easily certify their applications. By partnering early on with QuickTrack, Microchip is able to provide out-of-the-box access to the most up-to-date, advanced Wi-Fi Alliance certification programs on our latest generation of Wi-Fi silicon.” – Steve Caldwell, vice president of Microchip’s wireless solutions business unit.
“QuickTrack provides effective certification procedures and tools, and shortens the test time and certification cycle of some Wi-Fi products. Using QuickTrack, laboratories can adopt more flexible certification strategies to quickly obtain Wi-Fi certification from Wi-Fi Alliance.” – PengZhen, Director of International Certification Department (ICD), The State Radio monitoring Testing Center (SRTC)
For more information on Wi-Fi CERTIFIED, please visit: https://www.wi-fi.org/certification
About Wi-Fi Alliance® | www.wi-fi.org
Wi-Fi Alliance® is the worldwide network of companies that brings you Wi-Fi®. Members of our collaboration forum come together from across the Wi-Fi ecosystem with the shared vision to connect everyone and everything, everywhere, while providing the best possible user experience. Since 2000, Wi-Fi Alliance has completed more than 65,000 Wi-Fi certifications. The Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ seal of approval designates products with proven interoperability, backward compatibility, and the highest industry-standard security protections in place. Today, Wi-Fi carries more than half of the internet’s traffic in an ever-expanding variety of applications. Wi-Fi Alliance continues to drive the adoption and evolution of Wi-Fi, which billions of people rely on every day.
Follow Wi-Fi Alliance:
wi-fi.org/beacon
facebook.com/wificertified
twitter.com/wifialliance
linkedin.com/company/wi-fi-alliance
Media Contact:
Stephanie Burke
Highwire PR for Wi-Fi Alliance
[email protected]
Rural service provider in Nova Scotia dramatically increases revenue while exciting subscribers and supporting unprecedented population growth in rural municipality by rapidly delivering unmatched premium fiber and Wi-Fi 6 experiences enabled by Calix Intelligent Access EDGE and Revenue EDGE
SAN JOSE, CA – June 17, 2021 – Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) today announced that Canadian broadband service provider (BSP) Mainland Telecom has experienced a 66 percent surge in net-new subscribers in just three months since expanding the availability of its unrivaled managed Wi-Fi services to residents in the rural municipality of Clare, Nova Scotia, with Revenue EDGE. These premium services, which are delivered with lightning speed via the Wi-Fi 6 certified GigaSpire® BLAST u6 systems and the optional, intelligent mesh extensions of the GigaSpire BLAST u4m, are helping increase the appeal of the community in the midst of a booming real estate market as a viable option to live and work from remotely. Mainland Telecom’s branded CommandIQ® mobile app, HomeHub, coupled with unprecedented in-home network visibility enabled by the seamless integration with Calix Support Cloud, excites subscribers with the ability to create, manage, and enhance their Wi-Fi 6 experience over a brand-new fiber broadband network powered by Intelligent Access EDGE. Residents of the remote community in western Nova Scotia—whose choices previously ranged from outdated technologies such as DSL and substandard options like wireless and satellite—can now connect reliably to expand their employment, education, entertainment, and economic opportunities.
Mainland Telecom began offering residents in Clare two tiers of premium Wi-Fi 6 services earlier this year following a successful pilot to roll out the services over its new, 172-mile Calix-based fiber broadband network. Subscribers also have the option to add, via the HomeHub mobile app, EDGE Suites applications ExperienceIQ™ and ProtectIQ™ to elevate their experience further. With ExperienceIQ, subscribers can control their family’s online experience and optimize their home network, devices, and applications as well as prioritizing applications for Wi-Fi bandwidth via My Priorities. Mainland-branded ProtectIQ offers advanced security protection from threats such as malware, ransomware, and other types of increasingly sophisticated cyberattacks. Home network security is particularly important for the community’s elderly population, who are among those at most risk from online threats. As Mainland Telecom expands its fiber footprint, it expects increased adoption of these applications as more permanent work-from-home opportunities continue to attract people from other parts of the country to relocate to rural Nova Scotia.
“Over the last year, I have fielded many calls from Canadians who are eager to live in rural Nova Scotia to either care for aging parents or who simply wish to make a lifestyle change as their work-from-home arrangements became more permanent, but their moves have been contingent on the availability of reliable, high-speed internet access,” said Nick MacArthur, operations officer for Mainland Telecom. “Working with Calix to address this urgent broadband gap enables us to deliver world-class Wi-Fi services on par with those offered in the big cities over a simplified and future-proof network with the capacity to scale rapidly as demand grows. Residents of Clare have eagerly adopted our managed Wi-Fi offerings and we anticipate that other municipalities will welcome our much-needed services as we continue to expand. With Calix, we now have the infrastructure and services to excite new and existing subscribers and drive growth in our rural communities.”
Mainland Telecom selected Calix last year following its successful qualification as a technology partner for the Internet Nova Scotia initiative spearheaded by Develop Nova Scotia, an organization responsible for providing high-speed Internet to more than 95 percent of Nova Scotia homes and businesses. The Canadian BSP chose the Intelligent Access EDGE to simplify the operation of its new fiber broadband network, harnessing the power of the Network Innovation Platform (AXOS®) to deliver Always On broadband connectivity. Coupled with the Services Management Connector (SMx), Mainland Telecom was able to quickly integrate with back-office systems and rapidly provision GPON fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) gigabit broadband services to residents of Clare—joining other Calix customers who have completed integrations up to 83 percent faster than industry averages and turned services up for new subscribers in seconds. The BSP is also streamlining customer care with Support Cloud, gaining unprecedented visibility and intelligence into subscribers’ experiences to further enhance their satisfaction and grow loyalty.
“In just three months, Mainland Telecom has achieved the perfect trifecta of results by simplifying operations, exciting subscribers, and growing their value to the community,” said Alan Lieff, vice president of sales for Calix. “Fiber is the most viable long-term option for offering the premium services subscribers want and need, and by partnering with Calix, Mainland has positioned itself to deliver today and well into the future as it expands into other service territories. The Intelligent Access EDGE and the simplified operations of the Network Innovation Platform enable it to build a uniquely future-proof fiber network and embrace an everyPON strategy. Combined with an unbeatable subscriber experience delivered via the Revenue EDGE, Mainland Telecom is poised to deliver the ultimate Wi-Fi experience to even more residents and businesses in rural Nova Scotia.”
Learn more about the Intelligent Access EDGE and Revenue EDGE solutions and register for our June 23 webinar, “Three Marketing and Subscriber Experience Strategies to Capture the Post-Pandemic Boom.”
About Calix
Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) – Calix cloud and software platforms enable service providers of all types and sizes to innovate and transform. Our customers utilize the real-time data and insights from Calix platforms to simplify their businesses and deliver experiences that excite their subscribers. The resulting growth in subscriber acquisition, loyalty, and revenue creates more value for their businesses and communities. This is the Calix mission; to enable broadband service providers of all sizes to simplify, excite, and grow.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based upon management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calix’s business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calix’s results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov.
Rugged, transfer-molded modules simplify compact motor drive design
APEC 2021 – PHOENIX, Ariz. – June 14, 2021 – ON Semiconductor® (Nasdaq:ON), driving energy efficient innovations, announces new, integrated, converter-inverter-power factor correction (PFC) modules for use in industrial motor drives , servo drives and HVAC where they are used to drive motors for applications including fans and pumps.
The new NXH50M65L4C2SG and NXH50M65L4C2ESG are transfer−molded power integrated modules (TMPIM) based upon standard aluminum oxide (AI2O3) substrate and enhanced low thermal resistance substrate respectively. Ideally suited to rugged industrial applications with high output power, the modules contain a converter−inverter−PFC circuit consisting of single-phase converter with four 75 A, 1600 V rectifiers. The 3-phase inverter uses six 50 A, 600 V IGBTs with inverse diodes and the dual−channel interleaved PFC comprises two 75 A, 650 V PFC IGBTs with inverse diodes and two 50 A, 650 V PFC diodes. An NTC thermistor is embedded to allow for monitoring of device temperature during operation.
As the module is pre-assembled in an optimized layout and configuration, parasitic elements are very small when compared with discrete PCB-based designs, thereby allowing a wide PFC switching frequency range between 18 kHz and 65 kHz. The highly efficient NXH50M65L4C2SG and NXH50M65L4C2ESG are rated at 50 A permitting use in applications up to 8 kW, and are the latest devices in the ON Semiconductor TMPIM family. Other devices are available with current ratings of 20 A and 30 A.
The compact transfer-molded DIP-26 package measures just 73 mm x 47 mm x 8 mm – a 20 percent area savings over current solutions that enables higher levels of power density. The sealed and robust package includes an integrated heatsink (with 6 mm clearance to pins) and offers high levels of corrosion resistance.
A silicon carbide (SiC) option is also available for further increased switching frequency and efficiency.
The new NXH50M65L4C2SG and NXH50M65L4C2ESG work alongside the FAN9672 PFC controller and gate driver solutions including devices in the new NCD5700x family. The recently introduced NCD57252 dual channel isolated IGBT/MOSFET gate driver offers 5 kV of galvanic isolation and can be configured for dual low-side, dual high-side or half-bridge operation. The NCD57252 is housed in a small SOIC-16 wide body package and accepts logic level inputs (3.3 V, 5 V & 15 V). The high current device (source 4.0 A / sink 6.0 A at Miller plateau voltage) is suitable for high-speed operation as typical propagation delays are 60 ns.
Driving motors in the most efficient way is key to simplifying installation, lowering heat build-up, enhancing reliability as well as reducing system costs. The ON Semiconductor TM-PIM devices standardize the pinout with minimized parasitic to give designers a high performance ‘plug and play’ solution. Coupling the NXH50M65L4C2SG and NXH50M65L4C2ESG with FAN9672 and NCD57252 provides a rapid design path to a sophisticated and efficient motor control solutions.
During APEC 2021, ON Semiconductor will showcase SiC solutions for industrial applications. To register as a visitor to APEC 2021, please visit http://apec-conf.org/conference/registration/.
Additional resources & documents:
Landing page: Industrial Drive Solutions
Video: Robust and Energy Efficient Industrial Drive Solutions
Blog: Robust and Energy Efficient Industrial Drive Solutions
About ON Semiconductor
ON Semiconductor (Nasdaq: ON) is driving energy efficient electronics innovations that help make the world greener, safer, inclusive and connected. The company has transformed into our customers’ supplier of choice for power, analog, sensor and connectivity solutions. Our superior products help engineers solve their most unique design challenges in automotive, industrial, cloud power, and Internet of Things (IoT) applications.
ON Semiconductor operates a responsive, reliable supply chain and quality programs, and robust ESG programs. Headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, the company has a global network of manufacturing facilities, sales and marketing offices and engineering centers in its key markets.
# # #
ON Semiconductor and the ON Semiconductor logo are registered trademarks of Semiconductor Components Industries, LLC. All other brand and product names appearing in this document are registered trademarks or trademarks of their respective holders. Although the company references its Web site in this news release, such information on the Web site is not to be incorporated herein.
— Deutsche Glasfaser—Germany’s leading FTTH service provider—and BREKO eG—Germany’s premier broadband association—turn to Plume for next-generation subscriber experiences—
PALO ALTO, Calif., June 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — Personalized smart services pioneer Plume® today announced that it has reached agreement on two major new partnerships that cement its presence in the German region. Deutsche Glasfaser Group—the leading fiber-optic service provider in rural Germany—will launch a new bundle of digital subscriber experiences to its residential broadband customers. Additionally, Plume has entered into a cooperation with BREKO eG—the commercial platform of Bundesverband Breitbandkommunikation e.V. and leading broadband association in Germany—to make Plume’s platform and services also available to over 200 member Communications Service Providers (CSPs).
Central to the Deutsche Glasfaser partnership is the implementation of Plume’s cloud- and AI-driven SaaS experience management platform which leverages OpenSync™ and features HomePass™—a next-generation front-end Smart Home Services suite—and Haystack™—intelligent back-end support tools and data analytics. The platform will enable Deutsche Glasfaser to expand its product portfolio with highly personalized service offerings which extend the customer experience throughout subscribers’ homes. The OpenSync open-source framework gives Deutsche Glasfaser access to a flexible and cloud-agnostic architecture to enable rapid service curation, delivery, scale, management and support of Plume’s digital subscriber services.
In leveraging HomePass, Deutsche Glasfaser will build on the super-fast broadband speeds enabled by its fiber-optic broadband network, to bring customers a host of experience-driven benefits including flawless WiFi connectivity, AI-driven cybersecurity and IoT device protection, sophisticated parental supervision, secure access controls, motion awareness, and more. In addition, Haystack incorporates real-time and predictive customer support tools, enabling Deutsche Glasfaser to assist residential subscribers proactively with support requests. Haystack is field-proven1 to increase customer satisfaction and drive significant reductions in support calls and truck rolls.
“We are thrilled to partner with Deutsche Glasfaser, one of the fastest growing FTTH providers in Germany—they have made an astute decision in selecting Plume’s highly scalable cloud-driven experience management platform that will support their growth plans,” said Tyson Marian, Chief Commercial Officer, Plume. “While fiber supports the delivery of incredibly fast speeds to the home, it is Plume’s objective to enable providers to further enhance customer experience by providing a new bundle of smart home services that increase customer satisfaction and loyalty.”
Commenting on the partnership, Ruben Queimano, Chief Commercial Officer, Deutsche Glasfaser, said: “As a pioneer and pacesetter in the industry and the leading fiber-optic provider for rural areas in Germany, we have already deployed one million FTTH connections and we will accelerate our growth in the future. The partnership with Plume—also a pioneer in their field—will help us to deliver the best internet experience to our customers, complementing a high-speed internet connection with a premium smart home experience. This includes the provision of a fully optimized and flawless WiFi experience delivered to every device.”
Through BREKO eG’s new partnership with Plume, cooperative CSP members have the opportunity to launch Plume’s SaaS experience management platform––including smart home and intelligent business suites––with special pre-agreed terms. Plume’s cloud-based approach and seamless integration with back-end systems accelerate go-to-market, enabling service providers to be up-and-running in less than 45 days. The partnership means that BREKO eG’s growing number of alternative fixed broadband operators will have access to Plume’s solution to increase ARPU and reduce OpEx by optimizing the in-home broadband experience.
“We look forward to working closely with the Plume team. With this cooperation, we can help our network operators understand and implement adaptive WiFi services to substantially improve the in-home experience for their subscribers,” said Jürgen Magull, Managing Director of BREKO eG. “Since it can be assumed that the work-from-home era will continue indefinitely, flawless connectivity and robust cybersecurity are high on the agenda of consumers, businesses and the service providers who serve them—our members can only benefit from the potential of satisfied customers along with increasing ARPU while reducing OpEx and lowering churn.”
About Deutsche Glasfaser
The company plans, builds and operates fiber optic direct connections for private households and companies. Deutsche Glasfaser is a key driver to expand the nationwide broadband coverage in rural areas. With innovative planning and construction methods, Deutsche Glasfaser implements FTTH network connections quickly and cost-efficiently in close cooperation with the municipalities – also within the framework of existing funding programs for nationwide broadband expansion. In 2020, the experienced fiber optic investors EQT and OMERS founded the company through a merger of the network providers inexio and Deutsche Glasfaser. With the largest number of customers, Deutsche Glasfaser is the market leader among FTTH providers in Germany. www.deutsche-glasfaser.de
About BREKO Einkaufsgemeinschaft eG
As the leading fiber optic association with more than 380 member companies, the Bundesverband Breitbandkommunikation e.V. (BREKO) successfully promotes competition in the German telecommunications market. Its members are clearly committed to future-proof fiber optics and are currently responsible for almost 75 percent of the competitive expansion of fiber optic connections to buildings and homes. As a strong partner for member companies of the Bundesverband Breitbandkommunikation e.V., BREKO Einkaufsgemeinschaft eG was founded as a cooperative in 2010 to offer all network operators and municipal utilities a commercial platform and to create economic added value in fiber optic expansion. As an aggregator, multiplier and facilitator, the BREKO Einkaufsgemeinschaft ensures an attractive and extensive product portfolio, which a large number of member companies use for fiber roll-out in order to strengthen their competitiveness in the long term. www.breko-einkaufsgemeinschaft.de
About Plume
Plume® is the creator of the world’s first SaaS experience platform for Communications Service Providers (CSPs) and their subscribers, deployed in more than 25 million locations globally. As the only open and hardware-independent solution, Plume enables the rapid delivery of new services for connected homes, small businesses, and beyond at massive scale. On the front end, Plume delivers self-optimizing WiFi, cyber-security, access controls, and more. CSPs get robust back-end applications for unprecedented visibility and support. Plume leverages OpenSync™, an open-source framework which comes pre-integrated and supported on the leading silicon, CPE, and platform SDKs.
Visit plume.com, plume.com/homepass, plume.com/workpass, and opensync.io.
Follow Plume on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Plume, HomePass, Haystack and OpenSync are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Plume Design, Inc.
1 Source: Total Cost of Ownership Study, Plume, 2020
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1477960/Plume_symbol_wordmark_row_dark_bg_Logo.jpg
SOURCE Plume Design, Inc.
Delta Electric Power Association subsidiary invests in some of the nation’s most underserved areas to deliver world-class broadband connectivity and cutting-edge services with Calix Intelligent Access EDGE and Revenue EDGE
SAN JOSE, CA – June 10, 2021 – Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) today announced that DE Lightspeed, a subsidiary of rural electric cooperative Delta Electric Power Association (Delta Electric) in Mississippi, is leveling the broadband playing field for residents of some of the country’s most underserved and economically challenged areas by delivering world-class, managed Wi-Fi services with Revenue EDGE. Powered by the industry-leading performance and speed of the Wi-Fi 6 certified GigaSpire® BLAST systems, the company’s branded CommandIQ® mobile app—DELightSpeed—and value-added EDGE Suites, the broadband service provider (BSP) has exceeded anticipated adoption rates by 20 percent in just eight months. Excited subscribers in previously underserved areas can now connect—some for the first time—to fast, reliable, and affordable fiber internet services delivered quickly and cost-effectively over a simplified network powered by the Intelligent Access EDGE.
According to an April 2021 report by Broadband Now, Mississippi ranks in the bottom 20 percent for U.S. states with broadband access. In 2019, Mississippi granted authority to electric cooperatives to enter the broadband market and deliver services via a subsidiary to help bridge the digital divide. As a result, Delta Electric established DE Lightspeed and received funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act for a pilot project to deploy fiber-to-the-home (FTTH) infrastructure to select rural areas of the state in desperate need of reliable, high-speed connectivity. The BSP began construction of a 416-mile fiber broadband network in late August of last year and, when completed just three months later, connected its first member nearly instantaneously thanks to the Calix Network Innovation Platform (AXOS®), the foundation for Intelligent Access EDGE that enables BSPs of all types and sizes to deliver Always On broadband connectivity as well as turn up and provision services quickly and easily.
Following the successful pilot project, DE Lightspeed received additional funding from the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) to continue building its FTTH infrastructure to cover the rest of its 13-county, 4,500 square mile coverage area over the next decade. As it expands, the BSP is reaching even more members with its exceptional managed Wi-Fi service offerings, enabled by the Revenue EDGE portfolio. Of the members who are using the DELightspeed mobile app alongside their GigaSpire BLAST systems to manage their connected home experience, 55 percent are tapping the value-added services of EDGE Suites applications ExperienceIQ™ and ProtectIQ™, resulting in added visibility, security, and parental control across all connected devices in the home.
DE Lightspeed is bringing parity to a region that previously lacked consistent broadband coverage let alone a cutting-edge fiber broadband network and services. The new infrastructure and first-rate managed Wi-Fi offerings—which rival and even exceed those available in some of the country’s major metropolitan areas—will enable members to access critical job search and skill development resources, work- and learn-from-home opportunities, and advanced healthcare services that will reduce existing inequities and spur economic development.
“The areas we are servicing truly represent ground zero for many of our neediest populations, who now have an opportunity to improve their quality of life simply by having access to essential services that so many others take for granted,” said David O’Bryan, general manager of Delta Electric Power Association. “Calix enables us to deliver a blazing-fast network and managed Wi-Fi offerings that are game-changing for our membership and will go a long way towards bridging the broadband gap. We have been thrilled with the results so far—from the ability to quickly and efficiently turn up services for new members, to having a reliable, high-performing fiber network that enables us to deliver world-class services that excite our members, simplify our business, and grow our value—as well as the value of the communities we serve.”
DE Lightspeed’s fully managed, leading Wi-Fi services will be a key differentiator for the company as it aims to reach 11,000 new locations over the next five years—encroaching on traditional cable providers’ territory. Calix Marketing Cloud, another Revenue EDGE solution, will enable the BSP to compete more effectively with the incumbents by leveraging contextual, behavioral data to create relevant and targeted campaigns that excite subscribers and increase acquisition rates. Coupled with the industry expertise of the EDGE Enablement success teams, DE Lightspeed is well positioned to grow its value for years to come.
“DE Lightspeed has brought the future to rural Mississippi with a world-class Calix fiber broadband network and Revenue Edge Wi-Fi 6 based services that will open a world of opportunity for their members,” said Michael Weening, president and chief operating officer of Calix. “The deep insights and capabilities of the Revenue EDGE solution provide countless ways to excite members with the industry’s best Wi-Fi, flawlessly delivered experiences via the tight integration of CommandIQ and Support Cloud, and behavioral data from Marketing Cloud to generate targeted and relevant offerings as it expands its footprint. DE Lightspeed now has the digital foundation in place to leverage cloud-based offerings that provide ground-breaking, cost-efficient services within its service territory and beyond, exciting members and acquiring new members that will grow its value for many decades.”
Learn more about the Intelligent Access EDGE, the Revenue EDGE, and other Calix solutions for electric cooperatives, and view a replay of our recent webinar “Bring New Features to Subscribers In Record Time.”
About Calix
Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) – Calix cloud and software platforms enable service providers of all types and sizes to innovate and transform. Our customers utilize the real-time data and insights from Calix platforms to simplify their businesses and deliver experiences that excite their subscribers. The resulting growth in subscriber acquisition, loyalty, and revenue creates more value for their businesses and communities. This is the Calix mission; to enable broadband service providers of all sizes to simplify, excite, and grow.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based upon management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calix’s business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calix’s results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov.
PCS2100 Station Modem Chipset Combines with PCS2500 Access Point to Form Complete Wi-Fi HaLow Network
SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 7, 2021 — Palma Ceia SemiDesign, a fabless semiconductor company specializing in wireless connectivity solutions, announced it has taped out two chips supporting the Wi-Fi HaLowTM connectivity protocol. The PCS2100 and PCS2500, new chips based on the IEEE 802.11ah wireless standard, complement each other to form a complete Wi-Fi HaLow network supporting multiple Internet of Things (IoT) devices.
“The PCS2100 and PCS2500 enable the long-range, low-power wireless connectivity required in fast-growing use cases enabled by Wi-Fi HaLow,” said Palma Ceia Chief Executive Officer Roy E. Jewell. “Palma Ceia offers a complete set of Wi-Fi HaLow chipsets which support Industry 4.0 and other IoT use cases that demand long range and scalability.”
Wi-Fi HaLow, the designation for chips based on 802.11ah, has emerged as the Wi-Fi standard for IoT. The radio and protocol elements defined in the specification make it an ideal communications standard for IoT devices. Expansion in use of IoT is driving applications in domains such as agriscience, Industry 4.0, smart home, smart health, and surveillance and safety. But the connectivity capabilities of conventional Wi-Fi are insufficient for the requirements of these increasingly in-demand use cases. Wi-Fi HaLow’s longer range, scalability and efficiency make it a superior choice for Industrial IoT and other applications.
“Wi-Fi HaLow enables the low-power connectivity necessary for a variety of IoT applications, and solutions are beginning to enter the market,” said Kevin Robinson, SVP of Marketing at Wi-Fi Alliance. “As part of the Wi-Fi portfolio, Wi-Fi HaLow delivers many of the benefits users have come to expect from Wi-Fi today, including multi-vendor interoperability, easy setup, and the latest Wi-Fi security.”
The PCS2100 is a highly integrated Wi-Fi HaLow modem chipset for use on the STA/Client side of a Wi-Fi HaLow IoT network. The PCS2500 operates as an Access Point (AP) in a Wi-Fi HaLow IoT network. The two products combine to form a complete Wi-Fi HaLow network supporting multiple IoT devices.
The PCS2100 and PCS2500 chips offer features and performance characteristics targeting the technical demands of these advanced applications:
Availability
The PCS2100 and PCS2500 are expected to be available for sampling beginning in Q4. Contact Palma Ceia SemiDesign via email at [email protected] for details.
For specifications and other information on the PCS2100 and PCS2500, visit the Palma Ceia website: pcsemi.com/products.
About Palma Ceia SemiDesign
Palma Ceia SemiDesign (PCS) is a fabless semiconductor company and leading provider of communication semiconductors and IP for next-generation Wi-Fi and cellular applications. With a focus on emerging Wi-Fi and LTE standards, particularly for IoT (Internet of Things), PCS targets the design of ICs for broadband, wireless, medical and automotive applications. Palma Ceia SemiDesign solutions are differentiated by low power, high performance and ease of integration. Headquartered in the Cayman Islands, the company has design and sales support centers in Cambridge (United Kingdom), mainland China, Hong Kong, and McKinney, Texas (United States). PCS is soon expanding to provide direct support for Israel, Japan, Korea and Taiwan. Visit Palma Ceia SemiDesign on the web at pcsemi.com.
Palma Ceia SemiDesign and the Palma Ceia SemiDesign logo are trademarks of Palma Ceia SemiDesign, a Cayman Islands corporation, and are protected by trademark laws of the United States and other jurisdictions. Wi-Fi HaLow is a trademark of Wi-Fi Alliance. All other product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
Palma Ceia SemiDesign Media Contact
Milan G. Lazich
+1 650-464-1132
Comprehensive portfolio of wide bandgap devices for high-performance charging solutions
APEC 2021 – PHOENIX, Ariz. – June 7, 2021 – ON Semiconductor® (Nasdaq:ON), driving energy efficient innovations, has announced a pair of 1200 V full silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET 2-PACK modules further enhancing their range of products suitable for the challenging electric vehicle (EV) market.
As sales of EV continue to grow, infrastructure must be rolled-out to meet the needs of drivers, providing a network of rapid charging stations that will allow them to complete their journeys quickly and without ‘range anxiety’. Requirements in this sector are rapidly evolving, requiring power levels in excess of 350 kW and efficiencies of 95% becoming the ‘norm’. Given the diverse environments and locations in which these chargers are deployed, compactness, robustness and enhanced reliability are all challenges that designers face.
The new 1200 V M1 full SiC MOSFET 2 pack modules, based upon planar technology and suited to a drive voltage in the range of 18-20 V, are simple to drive with negative gate voltages. The larger die reduces thermal resistance compared to trench MOSFETs, thereby reducing die temperature at the same operating temperature.
Configured as a 2-PACK half bridge, the NXH010P120MNF1 is a 10 mohm device housed in an F1 package while the NXH006P120MNF2 is a 6 mohm device in an F2 package. The packages feature press-fit pins making them ideal for industrial applications and an embedded negative temperature coefficient (NTC) thermistor facilitates temperature monitoring.
As part of the ON Semiconductor EV charging ecosystem, the new SiC MOSFET modules have been designed to work alongside driver solutions such as the NCD5700x devices . The recently introduced NCD57252 dual channel isolated IGBT/MOSFET gate driver offers 5 kV of galvanic isolation and can be configured for dual low-side, dual high-side or half-bridge operation.
The NCD57252 is housed in a small SOIC-16 wide body package and accepts logic level inputs (3.3 V, 5 V & 15 V). The high current device (source 4.0 A / sink 6.0 A at Miller plateau voltage) is suitable for high-speed operation as typical propagation delays are 60ns.
Complementing the new modules and gate driver are the ON Semiconductor SiC MOSFETs that provide superior switching performance and enhanced thermals when compared to similar silicon devices. This results in improved efficiency, greater power density, improved electromagnetic interference (EMI) and reduced system size and weight.
The recently-announced 650 V SiC MOSFETs employ a novel active cell design combined with advanced thin wafer technology enabling a best-in-class figure of merit (FoM) for (RDS(on)*area). Devices in the series such as the NVBG015N065SC1, NTBG015N065SC1, NVH4L015N065SC1 and NTH4L015N065SC offer the lowest RDS(on) in the market for D2PAK7L / TO247 packaged MOSFETs.
The 1200 V and 900 V N-channel SiC MOSFETs feature a small chip size that reduces device capacitance and gate charge (Qg – as low as 220 nC), reducing switching losses when operating at the high frequencies demanded by EV chargers.
During APEC 2021, ON Semiconductor will showcase SiC solution for industrial applications as well as presenting exhibitor seminars about the company’s solutions for off-board EV-charging. To register as a visitor to APEC 2021, please visit http://apec-conf.org/conference/registration/ .
Additional resources & documents:
Landing page: Energy Infrastructure
Video: 25kW SiC Module Fast EV DC Charger Power Stage
White paper: Demystifying Fast DC Charging: From Top to Bottom
Articles: Developing A 25-kW SiC-Based Fast DC Charger (Part 1): The EV Application, Developing A 25-kW SiC-Based Fast DC Charger (Part 2): Solution Overview
Subsidiary of the country’s second-largest electric cooperative realizes impressive jump in Net Promoter Score and grows its value by adding thousands of new subscribers after launching its premium Wi-Fi 6 service on GigaSpire BLAST systems and the branded CommandIQ mobile app
SAN JOSE, CA – June 3, 2021 – Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) today announced that United Communications, a subsidiary of Middle Tennessee Electric, the second-largest electric cooperative in the United States, has boosted its Net Promoter Score (NPS) to an incredible +72 just one year after deploying Calix Revenue EDGE as the foundation for its premium managed Wi-Fi offering. This far exceeds the average NPS of zero for the industry, which has long struggled with a reputation for poor customer experience. United Communications’ service is powered by the full Revenue EDGE portfolio, including GigaSpire® BLAST systems and UControl—the company’s branded CommandIQ® mobile app—and leverages the insights from the tight integration between CommandIQ and Calix Support Cloud, giving the broadband service providers (BSP) unprecedented visibility into subscribers’ home networks. This has simplified the troubleshooting process significantly, yielding fewer truck rolls, improvements in first-call resolution, and increased operational efficiency and subscriber satisfaction—the exact metric that directly tracks to higher NPS.
Collectively, these successes have helped United Communications:
United Communications joins other Calix customers that have secured market-leading NPS rankings by leveraging Revenue EDGE. To help maximize the benefits of Support Cloud—which provides the visibility and automated diagnostics needed to create highly efficient customer support—United Communications also invested in EDGE Enablement and Calix Education Services. Support teams and field technicians are now armed with the knowledge and resources they need to fully optimize their use of Revenue EDGE and operate at a world-class level. The company plans to grow its value further by adopting Calix Marketing Cloud, which uses contextual, behavioral data to help marketers create relevant, targeted, and event-driven marketing campaigns for customized, cutting-edge services that will excite subscribers and build brand loyalty.
“The success of the communities we serve is at the heart of every decision we make, and the recent NPS feedback has more than proven that our decision to go with Calix was the right one for our customers and our business,” said Josh Lynch, chief customer officer of United Communications. “The Revenue EDGE helps us deliver a world-class, premium managed Wi-Fi experience to rural and previously underserved Tennesseans that rivals that of their urban counterparts, exciting our subscribers. Our branded mobile app not only helps them control their in-home experience, but also simplifies and lowers the cost of our operations by giving us added visibility into subscriber behavior through Support Cloud. We were already thrilled with the analytics and automation Support Cloud provides; with the most recent updates Calix has made, we now have the added layer of visibility that helps us proactively identify, understand, and resolve issues in real time. These capabilities, together with the dedicated, local support we’ve built our business on, will continue to be key differentiators for us as we grow our value by expanding into new, competitive markets.”
Founded in 1947, United Communications was acquired by Middle Tennessee Electric in 2018. Since then, it has worked diligently to bridge the digital divide by bringing high-speed broadband service to residents and businesses across seven counties. As its fiber footprint grows, the company will face competition in new markets. With the portfolio of Revenue EDGE solutions and services—and its fierce focus on customer service and satisfaction—United Communications is well-positioned to compete successfully.
“In less than a year, United Communications has managed to realize a Net Promoter Score that far outranks those of direct-to-consumer competitors, while signing up thousands of new subscribers,” said Michael Weening, president and chief operating officer of Calix. “These business metrics are market leading and clearly speak to their unwavering commitment to subscribers, who are benefiting from United Communications’ investment in the mature Wi-Fi 6 platform from Calix, a stunning mobile app that delivers value-added applications while highlighting their brand, world-class support, and the training and resources to deliver a superior in-home experience. We believe United Communications will continue to dominate their market as more subscribers eagerly embrace these exciting offerings, and the Calix team is proud to support United Communications on the next leg of their expansion journey.”
Learn more about the Revenue EDGE solution to simplify business, excite subscribers, and grow value, and view a replay of our recent webinar “Power of the Mobile App: Your Brand, Their Experience.”
About Calix
Calix, Inc. (NYSE: CALX) – Calix cloud and software platforms enable service providers of all types and sizes to innovate and transform. Our customers utilize the real-time data and insights from Calix platforms to simplify their businesses and deliver experiences that excite their subscribers. The resulting growth in subscriber acquisition, loyalty, and revenue creates more value for their businesses and communities. This is the Calix mission; to enable broadband service providers of all sizes to simplify, excite, and grow.
This press release may contain forward-looking statements that are based upon management’s current expectations and are inherently uncertain. Forward-looking statements are based upon information available to us as of the date of this release, and we assume no obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking statement to reflect any event or circumstance after the date of this release, except as required by law. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from current expectations based on risks and uncertainties affecting Calix’s business. The reader is cautioned not to rely on the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Additional information on potential factors that could affect Calix’s results and other risks and uncertainties are detailed in its quarterly reports on Form 10-Q and Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC and available at www.sec.gov.
