Wireless module for ultra-long distance communication and meter reading system

Abstract

The utility model provides an ultra-long distance communication wireless module and a meter reading system wherein the wireless module comprises a master control circuit, a LoRa radio frequency circuit, a radio frequency switch, an antenna, a Hall circuit and a valve control circuit; the LoRa radio frequency circuit, the radio frequency switch, the Hall circuit and the valve control circuit are respectively connected with the main control circuit; and the radio frequency switch is also respectively connected with the LoRa radio frequency circuit and the antenna. The wireless module is integrated with a functional circuit for radio frequency communication in water and electricity meter application, so that the practicability of the wireless communication module is enhanced; the ultra-long-distance meter reading of the electricity meter can be realized, and the deployment and installation cost of electricity meter concentration and relay equipment is effectively reduced; the method can be well compatible and applied to water meter and electricity meter scenes, and water and electricity integrated meter reading is achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of wireless communication, in particular to a wireless module and a meter reading system for ultra-long-distance communication. Background Art

[0002] Current RF meter reading in the electricity meter industry typically uses wireless communication solutions using FSK modulation. This provides a stable point-to-point communication range of approximately 0.5km-1km, which is insufficient to cover the entire deployment environment in practice. To address this communication distance issue, a networked meter reading approach is often used. This involves collecting meter data through a mesh structure, which is then relayed via an internal RF module for wireless meter reading. However, this networked approach requires a time-consuming self-organizing process and often results in some nodes being unable to connect to the network. This requires on-site manual intervention, increasing labor and maintenance costs.

[0003] Water metering in the industry mostly uses LoRaWAN communication for remote meter reading. LoRaWAN is based on LoRa technology, a wireless transmission technology based on spread spectrum modulation. This technology provides LoRaWAN with strong anti-interference capabilities and high receiver sensitivity, enabling long-distance communication. The effective communication range can reach 3-5 kilometers within cities and 10-20 kilometers in open areas, thus covering most installation and deployment environments.

[0004] Currently, LoRaWAN communication technology is rarely used in electricity meters. However, its application enables ultra-long-distance meter reading, reducing the deployment and installation costs of centralized meters and relay equipment. Therefore, if LoRaWAN communication technology is extended to the electricity metering sector, it will have the potential to achieve integrated water and electricity meter reading. Utility Model Content

[0005] The technical problem to be solved by the utility model is to provide a wireless module and a meter reading system for ultra-long-distance communication, which can realize ultra-long-distance water and electricity integrated meter reading.

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the first technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0007] A wireless module for ultra-long-distance communication includes: a main control circuit, a LoRa radio frequency circuit, a radio frequency switch, an antenna, a Hall circuit, and a valve control circuit; the LoRa radio frequency circuit, the radio frequency switch, the Hall circuit, and the valve control circuit are respectively connected to the main control circuit; the radio frequency switch is also respectively connected to the LoRa radio frequency circuit and the antenna.

[0008] Optionally, a FLASH circuit is further included; the FLASH circuit is connected to the main control circuit.

[0009] Optionally, the main control circuit is connected to the LoRa radio frequency circuit through an SPI interface and an IO interface respectively.

[0010] Optionally, the LoRa radio frequency circuit is connected to the main control circuit through an RF interface and an RXTX / RFMOD interface respectively.

[0011] Optionally, the maximum output radio frequency power of the LoRa radio frequency circuit is 20dBm, and the maximum receiving sensitivity is -13dBm.

[0012] Optionally, the valve control circuit is connected to the solenoid valve of the water meter.

[0013] Optionally, the Hall circuit is connected to a metering unit of a Hall metering water meter.

[0014] Optionally, the wireless module is arranged in an electricity meter or a water meter.

[0015] The second technical solution adopted in this utility model is:

[0016] A meter reading system, comprising the ultra-long-distance communication wireless module mentioned above; and also comprising a water meter and an electricity meter;

[0017] The wireless module is respectively provided in the electricity meter and the water meter.

[0018] Optionally, the number of the electricity meters and the water meters is more than two.

[0019] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows: the wireless module provided by the present invention integrates the functional circuits commonly used in radio frequency communication in water and electricity meter applications, and is uniformly controlled by the main control circuit. Under the control of the main control circuit, the LoRa radio frequency mode can be modulated and the transmission and reception can be controlled by the LoRa radio frequency circuit to realize long-distance meter reading of the electricity meter / water meter; the radio frequency transmission and reception circuit can be switched by the radio frequency switch; the water valve switch of the water meter can be controlled by the valve control circuit; the water volume data of the water meter can be collected by the Hall circuit, and the external magnetic field of the electricity meter can also be detected by the Hall circuit. Therefore, the wireless module can be well compatible with the application in water meter and electricity meter scenarios to realize integrated water and electricity meter reading; especially after it is applied to the electricity meter, it can realize ultra-long-distance meter reading, reduce the deployment, installation and maintenance costs of the electricity meter concentration and relay equipment; at the same time, it also expands the LoRaWAN function of the conventional wireless communication module and enhances the practicality of the wireless communication module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a wireless module for ultra-long-distance communication provided in Example 1 of the present utility model;

[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the main control circuit in the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0022] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the LoRa radio frequency circuit in the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the radio frequency switch in the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the valve control circuit in the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the Hall circuit in the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0026] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of the FLASH circuit in the second embodiment of the present utility model;

[0027] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the meter reading system in Example 3 of the present utility model.

[0028] Description of labels:

[0029] 1. Main control circuit; 2. LoRa radio frequency circuit; 3. Radio frequency switch; 4. Hall circuit;

[0030] 5. Valve control circuit; ANT, antenna; 6. FLASH circuit;

[0031] 10. Wireless module; 20. Water meter; 30. Electricity meter; 40. Data collection terminal / cloud platform. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] In order to explain in detail the possible application scenarios, technical principles, specific solutions that can be implemented, and the purpose and effects of the present invention, the following is a detailed description of the specific embodiments listed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described herein are only used to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention and are therefore only examples and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0033] References to "embodiments" herein mean that the specific features, structures, or characteristics described in conjunction with the embodiments may be included in at least one embodiment of the present application. The appearance of the word "embodiment" in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor does it particularly limit its independence or relevance to other embodiments. In principle, in this application, as long as there are no technical contradictions or conflicts, the various technical features mentioned in the embodiments can be combined in any manner to form a corresponding implementable technical solution.

[0034] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms used herein have the same meanings as those generally understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention belongs; the use of relevant terms herein is only for describing specific embodiments and is not intended to limit the present application.

[0035] In the description of this utility model, the term "and / or" is used to describe a logical relationship between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A exists, B exists, and both A and B exist. In addition, the character " / " in this document generally indicates that the objects before and after are in a logical "or" relationship.

[0036] In the present invention, terms such as "first" and "second" are merely used to distinguish one entity or operation from another entity or operation, and do not necessarily require or imply any actual relationship of quantity, priority or sequence between these entities or operations.

[0037] Without further restrictions, in the present invention, the words "include", "comprise", "have" or other similar expressions used in sentences are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. These expressions do not exclude the presence of additional elements in the process, method or product including the elements, so that the process, method or product including a series of elements may include not only those limited elements, but also other elements not explicitly listed, or also include elements inherent to such process, method or product.

[0038] Consistent with the understanding in the Examination Guidelines, in this utility model, expressions such as "greater than," "less than," and "exceed" are understood to exclude the number itself; expressions such as "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the number itself. Furthermore, in the description of the embodiments of this utility model, "multiple" means two or more (including two), and similar expressions related to "multiple," such as "multiple groups" and "multiple times," are also understood in this manner, unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0039] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the space-related expressions used, such as "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "vertical", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential", etc., indicate the orientation or position relationship based on the orientation or position relationship shown in the specific embodiments or drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the specific embodiments of the present invention or facilitating the reader's understanding, and do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific position, a specific orientation, or be constructed or operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be understood as a limitation on the embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] Unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, in the description of the embodiments of the present invention, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected", "fixed", "set", etc. used should be understood in a broad sense. For example, the "connection" can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integrated setting; it can be a mechanical connection, an electrical connection, or a communication connection; it can be a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the technical field of the present invention, the specific meanings of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0041] In order to explain the technical content, achieved objectives and effects of the present invention in detail, the following description is given in conjunction with the embodiments and the accompanying drawings.

[0042] Please refer to Figure 1 , the first embodiment of the present utility model is:

[0043] This embodiment provides a wireless module for ultra-long-distance communication, such as Figure 1 As shown, it includes: a main control circuit 1, a LoRa radio frequency circuit 2, a radio frequency switch 3, an antenna ANT, a Hall circuit 4 and a valve control circuit 5; the LoRa radio frequency circuit 2, the radio frequency switch 3, the Hall circuit 4 and the valve control circuit 5 are respectively connected to the main control circuit 1; the radio frequency switch 3 is also respectively connected to the LoRa radio frequency circuit 2 and the antenna ANT.

[0044] In some specific implementations of this embodiment, the wireless module further includes a FLASH circuit 6 ; the FLASH circuit 6 is connected to the main control circuit 1 .

[0045] In some specific implementations of this embodiment, Figure 1As shown, the main control circuit 1 is connected to the LoRa radio frequency circuit 2 through the SPI interface and the IO interface respectively; the LoRa radio frequency circuit 2 is connected to the radio frequency switch 3 through the RF interface and the RXTX / RFMOD interface respectively; the LoRa radio frequency circuit 2 is connected to the main control circuit 1 through the SX1278_RFTX interface; the main control circuit 1 is connected to the valve control circuit 5 through the CTRL interface; the main control circuit 1 is connected to the Hall circuit 4 through the INT interface; the main control circuit 1 is connected to the FLASH circuit 6 through the FSPI interface.

[0046] In this embodiment, the main control circuit is used for processing standard protocols such as LoRaWAN 1.0.2 and electricity meter DLMS; interacting with the RF circuit to control the RF mode and RF transceiver; interacting with the FLASH circuit to receive and store upgrade packages; controlling the valve control circuit to switch the water meter valve; interacting with the Hall circuit to obtain the Hall switch signal detected by the Hall circuit to measure the water volume of the water meter, or obtain the external magnetic field event of the electricity meter detected by the Hall circuit; and controlling the RF switch to switch the RF transceiver circuit.

[0047] The LoRa radio frequency circuit is used to modulate the LoRa radio frequency signal, can output a maximum radio frequency power of 20dBm, and has a receiving sensitivity of up to -131dBm.

[0048] The radio frequency switch is used to switch radio frequency transmission and reception and cooperate with the LoRa radio frequency circuit to perform linear modulation.

[0049] The valve control circuit can drive a solenoid valve when applied to a water meter scenario, and can drive a small relay, especially a motor-type relay, when applied to an electricity meter scenario.

[0050] When applied to a water meter scenario, the Hall circuit is used as a flux-type water meter flow detection, that is, for collecting metering data of a Hall-type water meter; when applied to an electricity meter scenario, it is used to detect external magnetic field events of the electricity meter, such as detecting external magnetic field attacks and triggering magnetic field attack events.

[0051] The FLASH circuit, whether in a water meter scenario or an electricity meter scenario, is used for remote upgrade and storage of upgrade packages.

[0052] The working principle of the wireless module for ultra-long-distance communication provided in this embodiment is as follows:

[0053] When applied to the electricity meter scenario, the wireless module described in this embodiment is arranged at the meter end. After receiving the meter reading control signal, its main control circuit controls the acquisition of the meter reading data, and then processes and modulates the meter reading data through the LoRa radio frequency circuit. After converting it into the corresponding LoRa communication signal, the radio frequency switch controls the antenna to send it out; after receiving the meter reading data sent based on the LoRa radio frequency communication technology, the data acquisition terminal obtains the actual meter reading data through demodulation and processing.

[0054] As a specific example, when used in an electricity meter scenario, the wireless module operates in Class C mode, enabling real-time data exchange. Specifically, the wireless module is normally in the receiving state. The main control circuit controls the RF switch to open the receiving channel and simultaneously controls the LoRa RF circuit in receiving mode via the SPI interface, ready to accept commands from the gateway at any time, thus achieving real-time data exchange.

[0055] When applied to a water meter scenario, the wireless module described in this embodiment is arranged at the water meter end. After receiving the water meter reading control signal, its main control circuit controls the acquisition of the water meter reading data, and then processes and modulates the water meter reading data through the LoRa radio frequency circuit. After converting it into a corresponding LoRa communication signal, the radio frequency switch controls the antenna to send it out; after receiving the meter reading data sent based on the LoRa radio frequency communication technology, the data acquisition terminal obtains the actual water meter reading data through demodulation and processing.

[0056] As a specific example, when used in a water meter scenario, the wireless module operates in Class A mode, enabling low-power applications. Specifically, the host computer can use AT commands to set timed reporting and other business processes in the main control circuit. When the set time arrives, the main control circuit controls the RF switch to open the transmission channel and simultaneously controls the LoRa RF circuit via the SPI interface to transmit LoRa-modulated wireless data, thereby achieving data reporting.

[0057] When applied to both the electricity meter scenario and the water meter scenario, it is only necessary to set the wireless module described in this embodiment at the water meter end and the electricity meter end respectively. The meter reading data of the water meter end and the electricity meter end can be uniformly collected through the above-mentioned transmission principle to realize integrated water and electricity meter reading and data management.

[0058] Compared to commonly available LoRaWAN modules that only implement LoRa wireless communication, the ultra-long-range wireless module provided in this embodiment integrates functional circuits commonly used for radio frequency communication in water and electricity meter applications. This expands the LoRaWAN functionality of conventional wireless communication modules, enhancing their practicality and functionality. Based on this, its application in electricity metering scenarios enables ultra-long-range meter reading, effectively reducing the deployment, installation, and maintenance costs of centralized metering and relay equipment. Furthermore, it is well compatible with both water and electricity metering scenarios, enabling integrated water and electricity meter reading. The integrated design also reduces the cost of distributed design.

[0059] Please refer to Figures 2 to 7 , the second embodiment of the present utility model is:

[0060] This embodiment is a further extension of the first embodiment, and specifically refines the connection relationship between its component circuits.

[0061] In this embodiment, the circuit structure of the main control circuit is as follows: Figure 2 As shown, the model preferably uses STM32L071K, which has 20Kb RAM and 128Kb FLASH.

[0062] In this embodiment, the circuit structure of the LoRa radio frequency circuit is as follows: Figure 3 As shown, the model preferably uses SX1276, which can realize LoRa modulation, has a maximum link budget of 168dB, a maximum power output of 20dBm, and a maximum data rate of up to 300kbps.

[0063] In this embodiment, the circuit structure of the radio frequency switch is as follows: Figure 4 As shown, the preferred model is AS179-92LF, which can achieve a maximum isolation of 30dBm.

[0064] In this embodiment, the circuit structure of the valve control circuit is as follows: Figure 5 As shown, the preferred model is MX116L, which can output a maximum driving current of 500mA.

[0065] In this embodiment, the circuit structure of the Hall circuit is as follows: Figure 6 As shown, the preferred model is APX8132A.

[0066] In this embodiment, the circuit structure of the FLASH circuit is as follows: Figure 7 As shown, the model preferably uses GD25Q40, with a capacity of 4Mbit.

[0067] In this embodiment, pins 10, 11, 12, 13, 18, 20, 21, and 22 of the main control chip U1 of the main control circuit are respectively connected to pins 19, 16, 17, 18, 11, 9, 8, and 7 of the RF chip U4 of the LoRa RF circuit, and the registers of the LoRa RF circuit are configured through SPI communication to realize LoRa modulation and transmission and reception.

[0068] Pin 26 of the main control chip U1 of the main control circuit is connected to pin 4 of the RF switch chip U6. When pin 26 of the main control chip U1 of the main control circuit outputs a high level, the RF switch switches to the transmitting state, and when it outputs a low level, it is in the receiving state.

[0069] Pins 7 and 14 of the main control chip U1 in the main control circuit are connected to pins 4 and 3 of the valve control circuit chip U3, respectively. When pins 7 and 14 of the main control chip U1 in the main control circuit output high or low levels, the solenoid valve motor rotates forward, and when they output low or high levels, the solenoid valve motor rotates reversely.

[0070] Pin 29 of the main control chip U1 of the main control circuit is connected to pin 2 of the chip U5 of the Hall circuit. When a magnetic field signal higher than the threshold is detected, pin 29 of the main control chip U1 of the main control circuit receives a low level and determines that there is a magnetic signal input.

[0071] Pins 6, 15, 19, and 27 of the main control chip U1 of the main control circuit are connected to pins 1, 6, 2, and 5 of the chip U2 of the FLASH circuit respectively, and the storage block of the FLASH circuit is erased and written through SPI communication to store the upgrade package.

[0072] When pin 6 of the RF switch chip U6 is set high and pin 4 is set low, channels 3 and 5 are opened, and channels 1 and 5 are closed; when pin 6 of the RF switch chip U6 is set low and pin 4 is set high, channels 3 and 5 are closed, and channels 1 and 5 are opened.

[0073] When pin 4 of the valve control circuit chip U3 is set high and pin 3 is set low, the solenoid valve motor is controlled to rotate forward; when pin 6 of the RF switch chip U6 is set low, pin 4 of the valve control circuit chip U3 is set low and pin 3 is set high, the solenoid valve motor is controlled to rotate reversely.

[0074] When a magnetic field higher than 40G or lower than -40G is detected, pin 2 in the chip U5 of the Hall circuit outputs a low level, otherwise it outputs a high level.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 8 , the third embodiment of the present utility model is:

[0076] This embodiment provides a meter reading system based on the above embodiment 1 or embodiment 2. Figure 8 As shown, it includes the ultra-long-distance communication wireless module 10 described in the above-mentioned embodiment 1 or embodiment 2; it also includes a water meter 20 and an electricity meter 30; the wireless module 10 is respectively provided in the electricity meter 30 and the water meter 20.

[0077] This wireless module differs from existing wireless modules in that it utilizes LoRa radio frequency technology, capable of spread spectrum modulation and ultra-long-distance transmission, offering strong anti-interference and long-distance transmission capabilities. It also integrates functional circuits commonly used for radio frequency communication in water and electricity meter applications, expanding the LoRaWAN functionality of conventional wireless communication modules and enhancing their practicality. Therefore, when applied to electricity metering scenarios, this wireless module enables ultra-long-distance meter reading, effectively reducing the deployment, installation, and maintenance costs of centralized metering and relay equipment. Furthermore, this wireless module is compatible with both water and electricity metering scenarios, enabling integrated water and electricity meter reading.

[0078] In some specific implementations of this embodiment, Figure 8 As shown, the number of the electricity meters 30 and the water meters 20 is more than two; the water meters 20 and the electricity meters 30 equipped with the wireless communication module 10 can both perform wireless ultra-long-distance communication connection with the data acquisition terminal / cloud platform 40 that supports LoRaWAN communication.

[0079] Therefore, based on the application of the wireless communication module in the water meter and electricity meter scenarios, unified meter reading management of multiple specified water meters and multiple electricity meters can be achieved, water and electricity integrated meter reading management can be realized, and water and electricity management efficiency can be improved.

[0080] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent transformations made using the contents of the description and drawings of the present invention, or directly or indirectly applied in the relevant technical field, are also included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Ultra-long-distance communication wireless module, characterized by: include: Main control circuit, LoRa radio frequency circuit, radio frequency switch, antenna, Hall circuit and valve control circuit; The LoRa radio frequency circuit, the radio frequency switch, the Hall circuit and the valve control circuit are respectively connected to the main control circuit; the radio frequency switch is also respectively connected to the LoRa radio frequency circuit and the antenna.

2. The ultra-long-distance communication wireless module according to claim 1, wherein: It also includes a FLASH circuit; the FLASH circuit is connected to the main control circuit.

3. The wireless module for ultra-long-distance communication according to claim 1, wherein: The main control circuit is connected to the LoRa radio frequency circuit through the SPI interface and the IO interface respectively.

4. The wireless module for ultra-long-distance communication according to claim 1, wherein: The LoRa radio frequency circuit is connected to the main control circuit through the RF interface and the RXTX / RFMOD interface respectively.

5. The ultra-long-distance communication wireless module according to claim 1, wherein: The maximum output radio frequency power of the LoRa radio frequency circuit is 20dBm, and the maximum receiving sensitivity is -13dBm.

6. The wireless module for ultra-long-distance communication according to claim 1, wherein: The valve control circuit is connected to the electromagnetic valve of the water meter.

7. The ultra-long-distance communication wireless module according to claim 1, wherein: The Hall circuit is connected to a metering unit of a Hall metering type water meter.

8. The ultra-long-distance communication wireless module according to claim 1, wherein: The wireless module is arranged in an electric meter or a water meter.

9. A meter reading system, characterized in that: A wireless module for ultra-long-distance communication comprising any one of claims 1 to 5; and a water meter and an electricity meter; The wireless module is respectively provided in the electricity meter and the water meter.

10. The meter reading system according to claim 9, wherein: The number of the electricity meters and the water meters are both more than two.

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