Intelligent electric energy meter based on dual-mode communication

Abstract

The utility model relates to intelligent electric energy meter technical field discloses a kind of intelligent electric energy meter based on dual-mode communication, including main controller, dual-mode communication module and mode control circuit;Main controller includes first communication port and mode control end;Dual-mode communication module has first communication mode and second communication mode;Dual-mode communication module includes second communication port, power end and enable end, and second communication port is connected with first communication port;Mode control circuit includes switch tube, and the control end of switch tube is connected with mode control end, and the first connecting end of switch tube is connected with enable end, and the second connecting end of switch tube is connected with power end;Wherein, dual-mode communication module is selectively operated in first communication mode or second communication mode according to the level state of first connecting end output.The utility model can effectively reduce the communication delay of electric energy meter under complex power environment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of smart energy meter technology, specifically to a smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of smart grids, smart meters not only need to perform basic functions such as energy metering, data storage, and data display, but also require communication capabilities such as remote reading, parameter configuration, and remote cost control. Currently, commonly used communication methods for smart meters include power line carrier communication, infrared communication, and low-power wireless communication. In practical applications, under complex power consumption environments, these communication methods all have certain limitations in different application scenarios, making it difficult for a single communication method to reliably meet multiple communication needs. This can easily lead to reduced data transmission efficiency and increased communication response latency. Utility Model Content

[0003] This invention provides a smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication to solve the problem of high communication delay in existing energy meter communication methods under complex power consumption environments.

[0004] This utility model provides a smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication, comprising: The main controller includes a first communication port and a mode control terminal; The dual-mode communication module has a first communication mode and a second communication mode; the dual-mode communication module includes a second communication port, a power supply terminal and an enable terminal, and the second communication port is connected to the first communication port. The mode control circuit includes a switching transistor, the control terminal of which is connected to the mode control terminal, the first connection terminal of which is connected to the enable terminal, and the second connection terminal of which is connected to the power supply terminal. The dual-mode communication module selectively operates in either the first communication mode or the second communication mode based on the level state output by the first connection terminal.

[0005] This invention connects the first communication port of the main controller to the second communication port of the dual-mode communication module, enabling the main controller to transmit electricity meter communication data through the dual-mode communication module. By setting a mode control circuit between the mode control terminal of the main controller and the enable terminal of the dual-mode communication module, and having the switching transistor in the mode control circuit control the level state of the enable terminal according to the control signal output from the mode control terminal, the dual-mode communication module can selectively operate in either the first or second communication mode based on the level state of the enable terminal. Therefore, the electricity meter can switch between different communication modes based on the same dual-mode communication module, avoiding reliance on a single communication mode for data interaction, thus helping to reduce data transmission delays caused by limitations of a single communication method in complex power consumption environments.

[0006] In one alternative implementation, the mode control circuit further includes a first pull-down resistor, a second pull-down resistor, a current-limiting resistor, a filter capacitor, and a decoupling capacitor. One end of the first pull-down resistor is connected to the enable terminal and the first connection terminal, and the other end of the first pull-down resistor is grounded; one end of the second pull-down resistor is connected to the control terminal, and the other end of the second pull-down resistor is grounded; one end of the current-limiting resistor is connected to the mode control terminal, and the other end of the current-limiting resistor is connected to the control terminal; one end of the filter capacitor is connected to the mode control terminal, and the other end of the filter capacitor is connected to the control terminal; one end of the decoupling capacitor is connected to the power supply terminal, and the other end of the decoupling capacitor is grounded.

[0007] This invention, by setting a first pull-down resistor, can maintain the enable terminal at a defined low level when the switching transistor is turned off, reducing the possibility of the dual-mode communication module erroneously switching its operating mode due to the enable terminal being floating. By setting a second pull-down resistor, the control terminal of the switching transistor can be maintained at a low level when the mode control terminal does not output a valid control signal, reducing the possibility of the switching transistor being mis-turned on. By setting a current-limiting resistor and a filtering capacitor, the control signal output from the mode control terminal to the switching transistor control terminal can be current-limited and filtered, improving the stability of the enable terminal level switching. By setting a decoupling capacitor, the impact of power supply voltage fluctuations on the operation of the dual-mode communication module can be reduced, thereby improving the stability of the dual-mode communication module during mode switching and data communication.

[0008] In one alternative implementation, the switching transistor is an NMOS transistor, with its gate connected to the mode control terminal, its source connected to the enable terminal, and its drain connected to the power supply terminal.

[0009] This invention employs an NMOS transistor as a switch, with its gate receiving the control signal output from the mode control terminal. This allows the main controller to adjust the electrical connection between the enable terminal and the power supply terminal by controlling the conduction state of the NMOS transistor, thereby controlling the level state of the enable terminal. Consequently, the dual-mode communication module can switch between different communication modes based on the level state of the enable terminal. The circuit structure is simple and facilitates mode control within the energy meter.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the first communication mode is a star-flash communication mode, and the second communication mode is a WIFI communication mode.

[0011] This invention sets the first communication mode to star-flash communication mode and the second communication mode to Wi-Fi communication mode, enabling the energy meter to select different communication methods based on the voltage level of the enable terminal. Star-flash communication mode can be used for local short-range data exchange, while Wi-Fi communication mode can be used for remote data transmission. This allows the energy meter to move beyond relying solely on a single communication method, reducing data transmission delays caused by limitations imposed by a single communication method in complex power usage environments.

[0012] In one optional implementation, the Star Flash communication mode is the Star Flash SLE communication mode.

[0013] This invention further defines the StarFlash communication mode as the StarFlash SLE communication mode, enabling the dual-mode communication module to perform local data interaction in a low-power manner in the first communication mode. Therefore, when the WIFI communication mode is not required, the energy meter can transmit small amounts of data through the StarFlash SLE communication mode, thereby reducing communication power consumption and helping to maintain low communication latency.

[0014] In one optional implementation, the main controller further includes a reset control terminal, which is connected to the reset terminal of the dual-mode communication module.

[0015] This invention connects the reset control terminal of the main controller to the reset terminal of the dual-mode communication module, enabling the main controller to reset the dual-mode communication module when it switches communication modes or experiences communication status abnormalities. This allows the dual-mode communication module to be reinitialized and enter the communication mode corresponding to the enable terminal's level, reducing communication instability after mode switching.

[0016] In one alternative implementation, a power supply circuit is also included, which is connected to both the main controller and the power supply terminal.

[0017] This invention provides power to both the main controller and the dual-mode communication module via separate power circuits, ensuring they have sufficient power for data transmission and mode control. This improves the reliability of the electricity meter's communication function.

[0018] In one alternative embodiment, a battery power supply circuit is also included, which includes a battery, a battery connector, a first unidirectional conductor, and a second unidirectional conductor. The battery is connected to the backup power node via a battery connector, and the backup power node is connected to the first power supply node via a first unidirectional conductor; the backup power node is connected to the second power supply node via a second unidirectional conductor, and the second power supply node is connected to the power supply terminal.

[0019] This invention connects the battery to a backup power node via a battery connector and supplies power to the first power node via a first unidirectional conductor. This provides a backup power path for the main controller in case of external power failure, maintaining low-power operation or preserving functionality. Furthermore, by connecting the backup power node to a second power node via a second unidirectional conductor, and connecting the second power node to the power supply terminal of the dual-mode communication module, a backup power path can be provided for the dual-mode communication module in case of external power failure. The first and second unidirectional conductors also isolate different power nodes, reducing reverse interference between different power paths, thus facilitating the maintenance of the necessary operating states of the main controller and the dual-mode communication module in power outage or low-power scenarios.

[0020] In one optional implementation, an RS485 communication circuit is also included, which is connected to the main controller.

[0021] This invention, by incorporating an RS485 communication circuit, enables the smart energy meter to not only possess dual-mode wireless communication capabilities but also to interact with external devices via a wired communication port, thereby improving the compatibility and applicability of the communication methods between the energy meter and external devices.

[0022] In one alternative implementation, an energy pulse indicator circuit is also included, which is connected to the main controller.

[0023] This invention enables the main controller to acquire pulse signals related to energy metering through the connected energy pulse signal node by setting an energy pulse indicator circuit, and to visually indicate the pulse signals through the energy pulse indicator circuit, so as to facilitate the observation or verification of the metering status of the energy meter. Attached Figure Description

[0024] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of this utility model or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0025] Figure 1 This is a structural block diagram of a smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a circuit diagram of a mode control circuit according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 3 This is a circuit diagram of a power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 4This is a circuit diagram of a battery power supply circuit according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 5 This is a circuit diagram of an RS485 communication circuit according to an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 6 This is a circuit diagram of an electrical pulse indicator circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100, Main Controller; 200, Dual-Mode Communication Module; 300, Mode Control Circuit; 310, Switching Transistor; R114, Current Limiting Resistor; R115, First Pull-Down Resistor; R116, Second Pull-Down Resistor; C56, Decoupling Capacitor; C57, Filter Capacitor; Q1, NMOS Transistor; EN, Mode Control Terminal; EN (WIFI), Enable Terminal; VCC, Power Supply Terminal; BAT1, Battery; Kbat1, Battery Connector; D20, First Unidirectional Conductor; D25, Second Unidirectional Conductor; VBAT, Backup Power Node; VDD2, First Power Supply Node; VDD4, Second Power Supply Node; LED1, Light Emitting Diode; R83, Resistor; PA11, Connection Pin. Detailed Implementation

[0027] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this utility model.

[0028] It is understood that before using the technical solutions disclosed in the various embodiments of this utility model, users should be informed of the types, scope of use, and usage scenarios of the personal information involved in this utility model in an appropriate manner in accordance with relevant laws and regulations, and user authorization should be obtained.

[0029] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0030] In smart grids and electricity consumption information collection systems, smart meters are typically installed in residential communities, commercial buildings, industrial plants, power distribution rooms, centralized meter boxes, and other electricity consumption scenarios. They are used to measure electricity consumption on the user side and transmit electricity data, operating status, and alarm information to meter reading terminals, concentrators, or remote management platforms. With the increasing demand for remote meter reading, remote fee control, and operating status monitoring, smart meters are no longer required to only have basic electricity metering and data display functions; they also need to have good communication capabilities to complete data interaction in different installation environments and different meter reading and control scenarios.

[0031] In related technologies, smart meters can use power line carrier communication, infrared communication, RS485 communication, or low-power wireless communication for data transmission. While power line carrier communication uses power lines as the communication medium and doesn't require additional communication cables, in real-world power environments, power lines are susceptible to factors such as grid noise, load fluctuations, and changes in line impedance. When there are high-power loads starting and stopping, power supply interference, or poor line quality in the grid, the transmission quality of power line carrier communication can easily degrade, leading to longer reading response times and even duplicate readings or delayed uploads. Infrared communication typically requires the meter reading device to be close to and aligned with the infrared window of the meter. When meters are installed in meter boxes, distribution cabinets, or in confined spaces, on-site readers need to approach and adjust their position for each meter, resulting in a lengthy data exchange process. When there are a large number of meters, this method is insufficient to meet the needs for rapid reading and timely acquisition of operating status. Low-power wireless communication can reduce wiring constraints, but in scenarios with multiple energy meters installed together, wall obstructions, metal meter box shielding, or strong interference from other wireless devices, problems such as communication contention, signal attenuation, or untimely transmission response can easily occur. Especially when multiple energy meters need to upload data or query status simultaneously, a single communication method may struggle to balance communication response speed and data transmission stability, resulting in high communication latency.

[0032] Therefore, this utility model embodiment provides a smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication. By setting a main control, dual-mode communication module and mode control circuit in the smart energy meter, the smart energy meter can switch communication modes under different communication environments or different data interaction needs, so as to reduce the data transmission delay caused by the limitation of a single communication method in complex power consumption environments.

[0033] Smart energy meters can be three-phase multi-rate energy meters, such as the DTSF858 model. The meter body has A, B, and C phase and N phase input / output ports. The meter body can house conventional functional circuits such as a sampling circuit, main control chip, display circuit, clock circuit, and memory. The sampling circuit is connected to the three-phase input ports to collect electrical parameter signals such as three-phase voltage and current, and transmits the collected signals to the main control chip. The display circuit includes a backlight and an LCD screen. The clock circuit includes a 32.768kHz crystal oscillator. The memory uses EEPROM.

[0034] This utility model embodiment provides a smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication, such as... Figure 1 As shown, it includes a main controller 100, a dual-mode communication module 200, and a mode control circuit 300; The main controller 100 includes a first communication port and a mode control terminal EN; The dual-mode communication module 200 has a first communication mode and a second communication mode; the dual-mode communication module 200 includes a second communication port, a power supply terminal VCC and an enable terminal EN (WIFI), and the second communication port is connected to the first communication port; The mode control circuit 300 includes a switching transistor 310. The control terminal of the switching transistor 310 is connected to the mode control terminal EN, the first connection terminal of the switching transistor 310 is connected to the enable terminal EN (WIFI), and the second connection terminal of the switching transistor 310 is connected to the power supply terminal VCC. The dual-mode communication module 200 selectively operates in either the first communication mode or the second communication mode based on the level state output by the first connection terminal.

[0035] Specifically, the main controller 100 can be a control chip, microcontroller, or other control device with data processing and control output functions installed in the smart energy meter. The main controller 100 is used to acquire, process, or forward communication data from the energy meter and interact with the dual-mode communication module 200 through a first communication port. The first communication port can be a serial communication port or any other communication port capable of transmitting data between the main controller 100 and the dual-mode communication module 200. The mode control terminal EN can be the control output terminal of the main controller 100, used to output control signals to the mode control circuit 300.

[0036] The dual-mode communication module 200 can be a communication module integrating at least two communication functions. The first communication mode and the second communication mode can be communication modes corresponding to different communication distances, power consumptions, transmission rates, or application scenarios. The second communication port of the dual-mode communication module 200 is used to connect to the first communication port of the main controller 100 to receive energy meter communication data sent by the main controller 100, or to feed back data sent by external devices to the main controller 100. The power supply terminal VCC of the dual-mode communication module 200 is used to receive operating power, enabling the dual-mode communication module 200 to be in a working powered state; the enable terminal EN (WIFI) is used to receive the level signal output by the mode control circuit 300, enabling the internal circuit of the dual-mode communication module 200 to select the corresponding communication mode according to the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI).

[0037] The mode control circuit 300 is connected between the main controller 100 and the dual-mode communication module 200, and is used to convert the control signals output by the main controller 100 into a level state that can act on the enable terminal EN (WIFI) of the dual-mode communication module 200. The switching transistor 310 in the mode control circuit 300 can be a controlled switching device. Its control terminal receives the control signal output by the mode control terminal EN, its first connection terminal is connected to the enable terminal EN (WIFI), and its second connection terminal is connected to the power supply terminal VCC. When the main controller 100 outputs different control signals through the mode control terminal EN, the conduction state of the switching transistor 310 changes, causing the enable terminal EN (WIFI) to obtain different level states. Therefore, the dual-mode communication module 200 can select either the first communication mode or the second communication mode based on the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI).

[0038] During operation, the main controller 100 can first establish a data transmission channel with the second communication port of the dual-mode communication module 200 through the first communication port, so as to send the electricity meter communication data to the dual-mode communication module 200 or receive the data transmitted back by the dual-mode communication module 200. When the electricity meter needs to use the first communication mode for data interaction, the main controller 100 outputs a corresponding control signal through the mode control terminal EN, so that the mode control circuit 300 adjusts the enable terminal EN (WIFI) to the level state corresponding to the first communication mode; when the electricity meter needs to use the second communication mode for data interaction, the main controller 100 outputs another control signal through the mode control terminal EN, so that the mode control circuit 300 adjusts the enable terminal EN (WIFI) to the level state corresponding to the second communication mode. In this way, the dual-mode communication module 200 can switch to the corresponding communication mode according to the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI) on the same data communication connection, thereby completing the electricity meter communication data transmission in different scenarios.

[0039] This embodiment of the invention connects the first communication port of the main controller 100 to the second communication port of the dual-mode communication module 200, enabling the main controller 100 to transmit electricity meter communication data through the dual-mode communication module 200. A mode control circuit 300 is set between the mode control terminal EN of the main controller 100 and the enable terminal EN (WIFI) of the dual-mode communication module 200. The switching transistor 310 in the mode control circuit 300 controls the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI) according to the control signal output from the mode control terminal EN. This allows the dual-mode communication module 200 to selectively operate in either the first or second communication mode based on the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI). Therefore, the electricity meter can switch between different communication modes using the same dual-mode communication module 200, avoiding reliance on a single communication mode for data interaction. This helps reduce data transmission delays caused by limitations imposed by a single communication method in complex power consumption environments.

[0040] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the mode control circuit 300 also includes a first pull-down resistor R115, a second pull-down resistor R116, a current-limiting resistor R114, a filter capacitor C57, and a decoupling capacitor C56. One end of the first pull-down resistor R115 is connected to the enable terminal EN (WIFI) and the first connection terminal, respectively, and the other end of the first pull-down resistor R115 is grounded; one end of the second pull-down resistor R116 is connected to the control terminal, and the other end of the second pull-down resistor R116 is grounded; one end of the current-limiting resistor R114 is connected to the mode control terminal EN, and the other end of the current-limiting resistor R114 is connected to the control terminal; one end of the filter capacitor C57 is connected to the mode control terminal EN, and the other end of the filter capacitor C57 is connected to the control terminal; one end of the decoupling capacitor C56 is connected to the power supply terminal VCC, and the other end of the decoupling capacitor C56 is grounded.

[0041] Specifically, the first pull-down resistor R115 is a resistor connected between the enable terminal EN (WIFI) of the dual-mode communication module 200 and ground, used to provide a definite low-level reference for the enable terminal EN (WIFI). Since the enable terminal EN (WIFI) is used to affect the communication mode selection of the dual-mode communication module 200, when the switch 310 is in the off state, if the enable terminal EN (WIFI) is in a floating state, it is easily affected by external interference or transient signals in the circuit, resulting in an uncertain level. By connecting the enable terminal EN (WIFI) to ground through the first pull-down resistor R115, the enable terminal EN (WIFI) can be kept in a low level state when the switch 310 is not turned on.

[0042] The second pull-down resistor R116 is a resistor connected between the control terminal of the switching transistor 310 and ground. The control terminal of the switching transistor 310 is used to receive the control signal output from the mode control terminal EN of the main controller 100. When the main controller 100 is powered on and reset, initialized, or when the mode control terminal EN does not output a valid control signal, the control terminal of the switching transistor 310 may be in an uncertain state. By grounding the control terminal of the switching transistor 310 through the second pull-down resistor R116, the switching transistor 310 can be kept off in the above state, avoiding the switching transistor 310 from being mistakenly turned on and causing the enable terminal EN (WIFI) of the dual-mode communication module 200 to generate a false trigger level.

[0043] The current-limiting resistor R114 is a resistor connected between the mode control terminal EN and the control terminal of the switching transistor 310. It is used to limit the transient current when the main controller 100 outputs a control signal to the control terminal of the switching transistor 310. The control terminal of the switching transistor 310 has a certain equivalent capacitance characteristic in the circuit. When the mode control terminal EN outputs a high-low level switching signal, the current-limiting resistor R114 can reduce the impact of the sudden change in control signal on the output terminal of the main controller 100 and the control terminal of the switching transistor 310.

[0044] The filter capacitor C57 is connected in parallel with the current-limiting resistor R114, between the mode control terminal EN and the control terminal of the switching transistor 310. The filter capacitor C57 can bypass or buffer transient interference signals between the mode control terminal EN and the control terminal, making the level changes at the control terminal of the switching transistor 310 smoother. In some cases, the filter capacitor C57 can also be used to suppress spike interference in the output signal of the mode control terminal EN, reducing the probability of malfunction of the dual-mode communication module 200 during mode switching.

[0045] The decoupling capacitor C56 is a capacitor connected between the power supply terminal VCC of the dual-mode communication module 200 and ground. When the dual-mode communication module 200 switches communication modes or transmits and receives data, the power supply terminal VCC may experience instantaneous current changes, which may cause power supply voltage fluctuations. By setting the decoupling capacitor C56 between the power supply terminal VCC and ground, the dual-mode communication module 200 can be provided with local charge buffering and high-frequency noise of the power supply terminal VCC can be filtered out, so that the dual-mode communication module 200 can obtain more stable power supply conditions during the switching between the first and second communication modes.

[0046] During operation, when the main controller 100 needs to control the dual-mode communication module 200 to enter the corresponding communication mode, the main controller 100 outputs a control signal to the control terminal of the switching transistor 310 through the mode control terminal EN. After the current-limiting resistor R114 and the filter capacitor C57 limit and filter the control signal, the conduction state of the switching transistor 310 changes. When the switching transistor 310 is on, the power supply terminal VCC can act on the enable terminal EN (WIFI) through the switching transistor 310, so that the enable terminal EN (WIFI) forms a level state corresponding to the conduction state of the switching transistor 310. When the switching transistor 310 is off, the enable terminal EN (WIFI) is kept low through the first pull-down resistor R115. Thus, the dual-mode communication module 200 can select the corresponding communication mode according to the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI).

[0047] This invention, by setting a first pull-down resistor R115, can maintain the enable terminal EN (WIFI) at a defined low level when the switch 310 is turned off, reducing the possibility of the dual-mode communication module 200 erroneously switching its operating mode due to the enable terminal EN (WIFI) being floating; by setting a second pull-down resistor R116, can maintain the control terminal of the switch 310 at a low level when the mode control terminal EN does not output a valid control signal, reducing the possibility of the switch 310 being mis-turned on; by setting a current-limiting resistor R114 and a filter capacitor C57, the control signal output from the mode control terminal EN to the control terminal of the switch 310 can be current-limited and filtered, improving the stability of the enable terminal EN (WIFI) level switching; by setting a decoupling capacitor C56, the impact of power supply VCC voltage fluctuations on the operation of the dual-mode communication module 200 can be reduced, thereby improving the stability of the dual-mode communication module 200 during mode switching and data communication.

[0048] In some embodiments, such as Figure 2 As shown, the switch 310 is an NMOS transistor Q1. The gate of the NMOS transistor Q1 is connected to the mode control terminal EN, the source of the NMOS transistor Q1 is connected to the enable terminal EN (WIFI), and the drain of the NMOS transistor Q1 is connected to the power supply terminal VCC.

[0049] Specifically, NMOS transistor Q1 is an N-channel metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor, which can be used as a voltage-controlled switching device. NMOS transistor Q1 includes a gate, a source, and a drain, where the gate receives a control signal, and the source and drain form a controlled conduction path. In this embodiment, the gate of NMOS transistor Q1 is connected to the mode control terminal EN of the main controller 100, the source is connected to the enable terminal EN (WIFI) of the dual-mode communication module 200, and the drain is connected to the power supply terminal VCC of the dual-mode communication module 200.

[0050] During operation, when the mode control terminal EN outputs a control signal to turn on the NMOS transistor, a conduction path is formed between the source and drain of the NMOS transistor. This allows the power supply terminal VCC to act on the enable terminal EN (WIFI) via the NMOS transistor, resulting in a high-level state for the enable terminal EN (WIFI) corresponding to the power supply terminal VCC. When the mode control terminal EN outputs a control signal to turn off the NMOS transistor, the conduction path between the power supply terminal VCC and the enable terminal EN (WIFI) is broken, and the enable terminal EN (WIFI) is no longer provided with a high level by the power supply terminal VCC. The dual-mode communication module 200 can select the corresponding communication mode based on the current level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI).

[0051] For example, in one embodiment, the dual-mode communication module 200 can have a low-power short-range communication mode and a long-range communication mode. The enable terminal EN (WIFI) can be used to control whether the long-range communication mode is enabled. When the NMOS transistor is off, the enable terminal EN (WIFI) can be in a low-level state, and the dual-mode communication module 200 operates in the low-power short-range communication mode; when the NMOS transistor is on, the enable terminal EN (WIFI) can be in a high-level state, and the dual-mode communication module 200 operates in the long-range communication mode. It should be noted that in other optional embodiments, the switching transistor 310 can also be other controlled switching devices that can change their conduction state according to the control signal, as long as the level of the enable terminal EN (WIFI) can be adjusted according to the control signal output by the main controller 100.

[0052] This invention employs an NMOS transistor as the switching transistor 310, with its gate receiving the control signal output from the mode control terminal EN. This allows the main controller 100 to adjust the electrical connection between the enable terminal EN (WIFI) and the power supply terminal VCC by controlling the conduction state of the NMOS transistor, thereby controlling the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI). Consequently, the dual-mode communication module 200 can switch between different communication modes based on the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI). The circuit structure is simple, facilitating mode control within the energy meter.

[0053] In some embodiments, the first communication mode is a star-flash communication mode, and the second communication mode is a WIFI communication mode.

[0054] Specifically, the StarFlash communication mode is a short-range wireless communication mode based on StarFlash communication technology. StarFlash technology is an emerging short-range wireless communication technology with ultra-low latency, high reliability, high concurrency, and high anti-interference capabilities. The WIFI communication mode is a long-range or networked communication mode based on wireless local area network (WLAN) communication technology, achieving device interconnection based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. Correspondingly, the dual-mode communication module 200 can adopt E105-WBS36S, E105-WBS36SP, or other modules with the same communication functions. These dual-mode communication modules 200 can switch between StarFlash communication mode and WIFI communication mode when the enable terminal EN (WIFI) receives different level signals.

[0055] In this embodiment, the StarFlash communication mode is mainly used for data interaction between the energy meter and local meter reading devices, handheld terminals, or near-field management devices. For example, in scenarios such as on-site meter reading, parameter reading, operation status query, or local control, the energy meter can transmit data through the StarFlash communication mode. The WIFI communication mode is mainly used for data interaction between the energy meter and local area network, remote management platform, or cloud system. For example, in application scenarios such as remotely reading energy data, comparing frozen historical data of the energy meter to find abnormal data, remote fee control, or when communication is abnormally slow, the energy meter can communicate through the WIFI communication mode.

[0056] In one example, a StarSpark concentrator is used as the management node. Each concentrator manages multiple terminal nodes (electricity meters) and manages the time slot allocation for these terminals, preventing all meters from directly competing for the same channel resources. Data forwarding can be achieved between different management nodes, supporting simultaneous interconnection of more than 4,000 terminal nodes and meeting the requirements of multi-level networking. Therefore, this multi-level networking scheme, utilizing the low latency and high concurrency characteristics of StarSpark, solves the problem of simultaneous communication conflicts among multiple meters.

[0057] During operation, the main controller 100 can control the mode control circuit 300 to change the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI) according to the current communication requirements. The dual-mode communication module 200 determines whether to use the star flash communication mode or the WIFI communication mode based on the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI). In one example, the enable terminal EN (WIFI) is normally at a low level, and the dual-mode communication module 200 is in star flash communication mode. When long-distance communication is required, the mode control terminal EN sends a control signal to turn on the switch transistor 310, making the enable terminal EN (WIFI) high level and entering the WIFI communication mode.

[0058] This embodiment of the invention sets the first communication mode to star-flash communication mode and the second communication mode to WIFI communication mode, enabling the energy meter to select different communication methods based on the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI). Star-flash communication mode can be used for local short-range data interaction, while WIFI communication mode can be used for remote data transmission. This allows the energy meter to no longer rely solely on a single communication method, which helps reduce data transmission delays caused by limitations imposed by a single communication method in complex power usage environments.

[0059] In some embodiments, the Star Flash communication mode is the Star Flash SLE communication mode.

[0060] Specifically, the StarShine SLE communication mode is a low-power access communication mode suitable for small-volume, low-latency data interaction between the energy meter and nearby devices. In scenarios such as daily local meter reading, status query, parameter configuration, or fault information reporting, energy meters typically do not require prolonged use of high-power remote communication methods. In these cases, the dual-mode communication module 200 can operate in StarShine SLE communication mode.

[0061] In one example, when the first communication mode of the dual-mode communication module 200 is the Star Flash SLE communication mode, the dual-mode communication module 200 can maintain the operation of the Star Flash SLE communication section even when the enable terminal EN (WIFI) is low. After the main controller 100 sends the electricity meter communication data to the dual-mode communication module 200 through the first communication port, the dual-mode communication module 200 can wirelessly interact with the local device through the Star Flash SLE communication mode.

[0062] This embodiment of the utility model further limits the Star Flash communication mode to the Star Flash SLE communication mode, enabling the dual-mode communication module 200 to perform local data interaction in a low-power manner in the first communication mode.

[0063] In some embodiments, the main controller 100 further includes a reset control terminal, which is connected to the reset terminal of the dual-mode communication module 200.

[0064] Specifically, the reset control terminal can be the control output port of the main controller 100, used to output a reset signal to the dual-mode communication module 200. The reset terminal of the dual-mode communication module 200 can be a control port for receiving the reset signal. When the reset terminal receives the reset signal, the dual-mode communication module 200 can re-initialize. This initialization may include processes such as communication state recovery, interface state recovery, and reconfirmation of the current communication mode. The reset control terminal and the reset terminal can be directly connected, or they can be connected through resistors, capacitors, or other signal conditioning devices. The main controller 100 can output a reset signal to the reset terminal through the reset control terminal after the dual-mode communication module 200 is powered on, before or after communication mode switching, or when a communication abnormality is detected. For example, when the main controller 100 changes the level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI) through the mode control circuit 300, it can further reset the dual-mode communication module 200 through the reset control terminal, so that the dual-mode communication module 200 restarts the communication function based on the changed level state of the enable terminal EN (WIFI) after the reset.

[0065] This embodiment of the invention connects the reset control terminal of the main controller 100 to the reset terminal of the dual-mode communication module 200, enabling the main controller 100 to reset the dual-mode communication module 200 when it switches communication modes or experiences communication malfunctions. This allows the dual-mode communication module 200 to be reinitialized and enter the communication mode corresponding to the EN (WIFI) level state of the enable terminal, reducing communication instability after mode switching.

[0066] In some embodiments, a power supply circuit is also included, which is connected to the main controller 100 and the power supply terminal VCC, respectively.

[0067] Specifically, the power supply circuit is the internal power supply circuit of the smart energy meter used to generate working power, which can generate the working voltage required by the main controller 100 and the dual-mode communication module 200 according to the external input power.

[0068] In one example, such as Figure 3 As shown, the power supply circuit may include a power input circuit composed of transformers connected to the A, B, C, and N phase input ports respectively, a rectifier circuit connected to the input circuit, and a voltage regulator circuit for providing stable voltage to convert the power supply on the input side of the energy meter into DC power suitable for the operation of the main controller 100 and the dual-mode communication module 200. The power supply circuit may also form multiple power supply nodes according to the power supply requirements of different loads, supplying power to the main controller 100, the dual-mode communication module 200, and other functional circuits respectively.

[0069] This invention provides power to both the main controller 100 and the dual-mode communication module 200 via separate power supply circuits, ensuring they have sufficient operating power. This guarantees the basic power supply conditions for the main controller 100 to transmit data and control the mode of the dual-mode communication module 200. Consequently, this improves the reliability of the electricity meter's communication function.

[0070] In some embodiments, the smart meter also includes a battery-powered circuit, such as Figure 4 As shown, the battery power supply circuit includes battery BAT1, battery connector Kbat1, first unidirectional conductor D20 and second unidirectional conductor D25. Battery BAT1 is connected to the backup power node VBAT via battery connector Kbat1. Backup power node VBAT is connected to the first power supply node VDD2 via the first unidirectional conductor D20. Backup power node VBAT is connected to the second power supply node VDD4 via the second unidirectional conductor D25. The second power supply node VDD4 is connected to the power supply terminal VCC.

[0071] Specifically, battery BAT1 can be a backup power supply device installed within the smart meter, such as lithium battery BAT1 or other battery BAT1 capable of providing backup power. Battery access component Kbat1 can be a battery BAT1 connection terminal, pad, connector, or conductive structure for connecting battery BAT1. Backup power node VBAT can be a backup voltage node formed after battery BAT1 is connected. The first unidirectional conductor D20 and the second unidirectional conductor D25 can be diodes or other devices with unidirectional conduction function, used to enable backup power node VBAT to provide backup power to different power supply nodes respectively, and to restrict reverse power supply between different power supply nodes.

[0072] When the external power supply is normal, the main controller 100 can be powered normally by the power supply circuit. When the external power supply is abnormal or there is a power failure, the backup power node VBAT can provide backup power to the main controller 100 and the first power supply node VDD2 through the first unidirectional conductor D20, so that the main controller 100 can at least maintain low power operation, clock hold or other necessary functions. The first power supply node VDD2 can supply power to the display circuit, clock circuit and other necessary working circuits in the energy meter.

[0073] Meanwhile, the backup power node VBAT is also connected to the second power supply node VDD4 via the second unidirectional conductor D25, and the second power supply node VDD4 is connected to the power supply terminal VCC of the dual-mode communication module 200. When the external power supply is abnormal, the battery BAT1 can also provide backup power to the power supply terminal VCC of the dual-mode communication module 200 via the second unidirectional conductor D25, enabling the dual-mode communication module 200 to maintain the necessary communication operation in low-power communication scenarios.

[0074] In one example, the dual-mode communication module 200 includes a Star Flash SLE communication mode and a WIFI communication mode. The main controller 100 detects the external AC power supply voltage. When the voltage is continuously lower than a set threshold and the meter determines that there is a power outage, a low-power protection process is triggered: the main controller 100 controls the switch 310 to turn off and pull down the enable terminal EN (WIFI) level, so that the WIFI communication mode is turned off or put into sleep mode, without cutting off the overall power supply of the module, and retaining the power supply and working state of the Star Flash SLE communication mode; the WiFi power supply is restored after the voltage is restored.

[0075] This invention connects battery BAT1 to backup power node VBAT via battery connector Kbat1 and supplies power to first power node VDD2 via first unidirectional conductor D20. This provides a backup power path for the main controller 100 in case of external power failure, maintaining low-power operation or preserving functionality of the main controller 100. Furthermore, by connecting backup power node VBAT to second power node VDD4 via second unidirectional conductor D25, and connecting second power node VDD4 to the power supply terminal VCC of dual-mode communication module 200, a backup power path can be provided for dual-mode communication module 200 in case of external power failure. The first unidirectional conductor D20 and the second unidirectional conductor D25 also isolate different power nodes, reducing reverse interference between different power paths, thus facilitating the maintenance of the necessary operating states of the main controller 100 and dual-mode communication module 200 in power outage or low-power scenarios.

[0076] In some embodiments, an RS485 communication circuit is also included, which is connected to the main controller 100.

[0077] Specifically, the RS485 communication circuit can be a wired communication interface circuit installed inside the smart energy meter, used to realize wired data transmission between the main controller 100 and external meter reading devices, data acquisition devices, or concentrators. The RS485 communication circuit may include an RS485 transceiver, communication terminals, and protection circuits. One side of the RS485 transceiver is connected to the communication interface of the main controller 100, and the other side is connected to an external RS485 communication bus through the communication terminals.

[0078] In one example, such as Figure 5As shown, the communication terminals in the RS485 communication circuit can be used to connect to the A / B differential communication lines of external devices to achieve bidirectional data transmission with external meter reading terminals or data concentrators. The RS485 transceiver converts the logic level signals output by the main controller 100 into differential communication signals and converts external differential signals into logic signals recognizable by the main controller 100. The protection circuit can be used to provide electrostatic discharge protection and surge protection for the communication port to improve the reliability of the communication interface. The main controller 100 can send energy meter data through the RS485 communication circuit and can also receive query commands, parameter setting information, or control commands issued by external devices through the RS485 communication circuit.

[0079] This embodiment of the utility model, by setting up an RS485 communication circuit, enables the smart energy meter to not only have dual-mode wireless communication capabilities, but also to interact with external devices through a wired communication port, thereby improving the compatibility and applicability of the communication methods between the energy meter and external devices.

[0080] In some embodiments, an energy pulse indicator circuit is also included, which is connected to the main controller 100.

[0081] Specifically, the energy pulse indicator circuit can be an indicator circuit related to the energy metering pulse signal, and it can be connected between the energy pulse signal node and the main controller 100. The main controller 100 can acquire or monitor the energy metering-related pulse signal through this energy pulse signal node, and the energy pulse indicator circuit can output a visual indication status based on the level change of the energy pulse signal node. This energy pulse indicator circuit can be used to reflect the metering pulse, operating status, or calibration status of the energy meter, making it convenient for on-site maintenance personnel to determine whether the energy meter is in normal metering or pulse output status based on the indication status.

[0082] In one example, the power pulse indicator circuit includes a light-emitting diode LED1 and a resistor R83. The resistor R83 is connected in series with the light-emitting diode LED1. The light-emitting diode LED1 is connected in the power pulse signal path and is used to illuminate according to the change of the power metering pulse signal. The connection pin PA11 of the power pulse indicator circuit is connected to the main controller 100.

[0083] This embodiment of the utility model sets up an energy pulse indicator circuit, enabling the main controller 100 to acquire pulse signals related to energy metering through the energy pulse signal node connected to it, and to visually indicate the pulse signals through the energy pulse indicator circuit, so as to facilitate the observation or verification of the metering status of the energy meter.

[0084] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication, characterized in that, include: The main controller includes a first communication port and a mode control terminal; A dual-mode communication module has a first communication mode and a second communication mode; the dual-mode communication module includes a second communication port, a power supply terminal and an enable terminal, and the second communication port is connected to the first communication port. A mode control circuit includes a switching transistor, wherein the control terminal of the switching transistor is connected to the mode control terminal, the first connection terminal of the switching transistor is connected to the enable terminal, and the second connection terminal of the switching transistor is connected to the power supply terminal. The dual-mode communication module selectively operates in either the first communication mode or the second communication mode based on the level state output by the first connection terminal.

2. The smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The mode control circuit also includes a first pull-down resistor, a second pull-down resistor, a current-limiting resistor, a filter capacitor, and a decoupling capacitor; One end of the first pull-down resistor is connected to both the enable terminal and the first connection terminal, and the other end of the first pull-down resistor is grounded; one end of the second pull-down resistor is connected to the control terminal, and the other end of the second pull-down resistor is grounded; one end of the current-limiting resistor is connected to the mode control terminal, and the other end of the current-limiting resistor is connected to the control terminal; one end of the filter capacitor is connected to the mode control terminal, and the other end of the filter capacitor is connected to the control terminal; one end of the decoupling capacitor is connected to the power supply terminal, and the other end of the decoupling capacitor is grounded.

3. The smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The switching transistor is an NMOS transistor, the gate of which is connected to the mode control terminal, the source of which is connected to the enable terminal, and the drain of which is connected to the power supply terminal.

4. The smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first communication mode is the Star Flash communication mode, and the second communication mode is the WIFI communication mode.

5. The smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication according to claim 4, characterized in that, The Star Flash communication mode is the Star Flash SLE communication mode.

6. The smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main controller also includes a reset control terminal, which is connected to the reset terminal of the dual-mode communication module.

7. The smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a power supply circuit, which is connected to the main controller and the power supply terminal respectively.

8. The smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication according to claim 7, characterized in that, It also includes a battery power supply circuit, which includes a battery, a battery connector, a first unidirectional conductor, and a second unidirectional conductor. The battery is connected to the backup power node via the battery access device, and the backup power node is connected to the first power supply node via the first unidirectional conductor; the backup power node is connected to the second power supply node via the second unidirectional conductor, and the second power supply node is connected to the power supply terminal.

9. The smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an RS485 communication circuit, which is connected to the main controller.

10. The smart energy meter based on dual-mode communication according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes an energy pulse indicator circuit, which is connected to the main controller.

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