Headquarters News

Osaka, Japan - Panasonic Corporation today announced that it has started licensing its newly developed low power consumption high-speed broadband powerline communication technology HD-PLC^*1 Eco.

The new HD-PLC Eco technology realizes about 90% reduction of power consumption in comparison with existing HD-PLC adapters (BL-PA510) that has 4 watt power consumption. While realizing low power consumption, the technology is able to provide the stability and security unique to wired communication for a wider variety of devices. As a result, there is high anticipation for HD-PLC Eco's application in power meters for smart grid systems and electric vehicles.

In addition to HD-PLC Eco, Panasonic has started the development of HD-PLC Inside as a network communications solution that enables lower cost and lower power consumption for home appliances and industrial　equipment. The details of the licensing of HD-PLC Inside will be announced in the current fiscal year that ends March 2013.

Panasonic first began licensing its HD-PLC technology in 2010 and has since seen an expansion of the HD-PLC solution with examples such as the beginning of the sales of IEEE 1901^*2 compliant HD-PLC LSI by Japanese LSI manufacturers.

To further expand HD-PLC solutions, Panasonic also announced it is licensing its HD-PLC technology to Alchip Technologies Ltd.,^*3 a leading provider of silicon design and manufacturing solutions for system companies developing ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) and SoC (System-on-a-chip) designs. With this licensing, it is expected that LSI corresponding with IEEE 1901 standard will be readily provided in the global market, thereby HD-PLC equipped products developed by various companies will increase and the PLC technology will become increasingly widespread.

Panasonic will continue to develop HD-PLC systems that can be used in various products as well as promote the licensing of HD-PLC solutions to manufacturers around the world. By doing so, Panasonic aims to expand the PLC technology and realize both a ubiquitous network society and smart grids that allow electricity usage to be visualized and power consumption supply and demand to be adjusted.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development and manufacture of electronic products for a wide range of consumer, business, and industrial needs. Based in Osaka, Japan, the company recorded consolidated net sales of 8.69 trillion yen (US$105 billion) for the year ended March 31, 2011. The company's shares are listed on the Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya and New York (NYSE:PC) stock exchanges. For more information on the company and the Panasonic brand, visit the company's website at http://panasonic.net/.