Under Development

Authentication Outlets: Connecting people with energy in new ways

How can we help build the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles? How can we make it easier to use renewable, cleaner forms of energy at home? One solution developed in response to current energy issues takes the form of an outlet that authenticates the devices plugged in. When we use electricity, we inevitably use outlets, and Sony focused on this interface to develop authentication outlets applying contactless IC card technology. The concept promises to connect people with energy in new ways.

Enabling individualized billing and energy management for each device

A closer look at authentication outlets

Authentication outlets are special outlets supporting authentication based on Sony NFC*/FeliCa technology currently applied in contactless IC cards used as transit tickets and e-money. Authentication relies on two elements-the plug connected to electric appliances or electric vehicles, which contains a IC chip , and the outlet itself, which incorporates a contactless IC card reader/writer. When devices are plugged in, the system conducts authentication to identify the device and owner. Because the IC chip in the plug can be used for e-money purchases and keeping track of energy consumption, the system enables individualized billing, as well as energy management for each device. An added safeguard is that no power passes through the plug until authentication is completed, preventing the risk of electric shock if foreign objects are inserted by mistake.

*NFC: Near Field Communication

Two types of authentication outlet under development

FeliCa Authentication

Here, authentication applies Sony NFC/FeliCa contactless IC card technology. A IC chip in the device's plug is read by a reader/writer in the outlet.

RFID* Authentication Over Power Line

Contactless IC card technology is combined with new RFID Over Power Line technology. A central reader/writer is located at an electric switchboard, for example, and each device plugged in is authenticated via power lines. This eliminates the need to have a reader/writer in each outlet, which reduces system construction costs.

*RFID: Radio-frequency identification

Towards new, authenticated connections with energy

Not only can authentication outlets help cities build the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles, it can help us establish electricity service systems for a changing world. In coming years, Sony will continue to work with manufacturers in fields of power distribution, appliances, and residential development toward practical implementation of authentication outlets.

Applications of Authentication Outlets

Home energy
management systems

Centralized, cloud-based management of each connected device's consumption is possible using information from authentication outlets. This enables users to view, manage, and control consumption via a computer, phone, or tablet.

Electric vehicle
chargers

Just as authentication outlets can support payment for public charging services, they can also play a role at charging stations for electric vehicles. In this way, smart outlets can help cities establish the charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

Public charging services

Demand for charging stations is growing in cities where more smart phones and similar devices are used. When urban charging infrastructure is built, authentication outlets can support charging payment systems.

Systems supporting use
of renewable energy

In the future, if the energy industry continues to offer consumers greater freedom of choice, authentication outlets may be used to purchase electricity from renewable sources, according to consumer preferences.

Video illustrating authentication outlet concepts

Press Release

February 14, 2012
Sony develops "Authentication Outlet" Where Electricity Use can be Managed and Consumed on a Per-User and Per-Device Basis