摘要:
A utility meter assembly comprising: a plurality of meter components configured for measuring and collecting data, the meter components including a transceiver operative for communications over a network; a faceplate, configured such that meter reading information is displayed on the front of the faceplate; an exterior cover configured to enclose the meter components and the faceplate, wherein the faceplate is forward of the plurality of meter components; an internal dipole antenna that is situated in a space defined between the faceplate and the exterior cover toward the front of the utility meter assembly; and a mounting bracket that supports the internal dipole antenna. The combined sub-assembly of the mounting bracket and the internal dipole antenna is typically situated away from the meter components, so as to minimize interference by the meter components, and thus achieve improved communications properties measured in isotropic sensitivity and radiated power.
摘要:
In one embodiment, a network device having a plurality of hardware interfaces is disclosed. The network device includes a central processing unit and a main circuit board. The main circuit board has expansion slots that receivably connect corresponding secondary circuit boards to the main circuit board. The main circuit board also has sensors for detecting predetermined parameters. A voltage regulator is operative to regulate one or more particular expansion slots, in response to detection of a predetermined parameter associated with respective slots.
摘要:
In one or more embodiments, an intelligent communications device is disclosed. In one embodiment, a plurality of circuit boards are operative to perform communication functions in a network, where the device includes a first circuit board and a second circuit board. The device includes a first actuatable member that is operative to selectively activate circuitry on the second circuit board, where the first actuatable member has a toggle switch that is operative to disable power supplied to the second circuit board while the first circuit board retains power and is fully operative to perform communications functions. The device includes a second actuatable member that is operatively coupled to an enclosure and a detachable cover. The detachable cover is configured to raise an alert when an unauthorized entity attempts to access the circuitry.
摘要:
In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a system for managing power loads. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes a management host processor storing a plurality of records associated with a plurality of power meters, that is operatively connected to a distribution network capable of sending and receiving messages of a first protocol. An on-premise processor is co-located with at least one of the plurality of power meters, and is operatively connected to the distribution network, for receiving messages of the first protocol from the management host processor. The on-premise processor includes an 802.11X-based wireless communications link interface for sending and receiving messages of a second protocol. A power load controller is associated with the power load and operatively communicates with the on-premise processor using 802.11X-based wireless communications to send and receive messages of the second protocol from the on-premise processor.
摘要:
A method for wirelessly transmitting data from an utility meter, such as an electric meter, is disclosed. A microprocessor housed inside an energy meter obtains readings of various power indicia, stores the readings, processes the buffer to determine an efficient means of formatting the data for transmission using a radio frequency communications link. The method examines the plurality of readings and determines if values can be communicated by transmitting an initial reading and followed by the difference of the next reading from the previous reading. A special indication is transmitted to turn ‘on’ compression and allow the receiver to propertly interpret received data. Other indicators are transmitted to turn ‘off’ compression, turn on compression for a pre-defined limited duration, or vary the range of the difference between readings.
摘要:
Systems and methods are provided for a utility meter assembly including a plurality of meter components configured for measuring and collecting data, and including a transceiver operative for signal communications over a network; a faceplate, with meter reading information displayed on the front; an exterior cover; and an internal dipole antenna situated within the exterior cover. The internal dipole antenna is typically situated away from the meter components, so as to minimize interference by the meter components. The internal dipole antenna is typically tuned for optimal matching impedance in an 850 MHz or 1900 MHz receiving band, so that the desired receiving band Standing Wave Ration (SWR) is achieved, and also a specified minimum radiated power threshold is maintained.
摘要:
In one or more embodiments, an intelligent communications device is disclosed. In one embodiment, an apparatus for managing a network connection of the intelligent communications device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a communication module for monitoring the network connection through a first port that is independent of a network port. The first port is associated with a computer-executable application that is operative to detect failure of the network connection. The apparatus further includes a detection module for detecting a failure of the network connection at the network port and, in response to the failure, causing the intelligent communications device to reconnect to the network. The apparatus also includes a power supply module for iteratively power-cycling operation of the intelligent communications device in response to a failed network connection.
摘要:
In one aspect, the disclosure relates to a system for managing power loads. In one exemplary embodiment, the system includes a management host processor storing a plurality of records associated with a plurality of power meters, that is operatively connected to a distribution network capable of sending and receiving messages of a first protocol. An on-premise processor is co-located with at least one of the plurality of power meters, and is operatively connected to the distribution network, for receiving messages of the first protocol from the management host processor. The on-premise processor includes an 802.11X-based wireless communications link interface for sending and receiving messages of a second protocol. A power load controller is associated with the power load and operatively communicates with the on-premise processor using 802.11X-based wireless communications to send and receive messages of the second protocol from the on-premise processor.
摘要:
Systems and methods are provided for the automatic configuration of digital utility meters. One embodiment provides for pre-producing digital devices, the digital devices comprising integrated module components, configured for communication with a data management system via a wireless network and further configured for monitoring capability, producing a list file associated with the digital devices and including identities for each integrated module component, activating a digital devices using the wireless network, and distributing deployment information to the digital device from at least one configuration server via the wireless network, including customer data for configuring the digital device and for registering the digital device with a transaction management system.
摘要:
An integrated antenna and electromagnetic (EM) noise shield apparatus for use with a radio frequency communicating device and EM noise generating electronic equipment housed within a generally cylindrical outer glass enclosure or bezel of wireless utility meter. A flexible printed circuit (PC) board has an upper region and a lower ground plane region. A radiating element is defined on the PC board in the upper region. A metal ground plane component has a first portion having the shape of a circle segment and a second orthogonal portion. The ground plane component is mechanically fixed and electrically connected to the ground plane region of the PC board, with the orthogonal second portion being proximate to and shielding the radiating element. The ground plane component and the ground plane portion of the PC board define an electromagnetic shield for electromagnetic emissions between EM noise generating electronic equipment housed within said outer bezel and the radiating element.