Electricity Meter Ethernet Interface Isolation Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electricity meter communication systems, particularly those using telephone line modems, operate at low data rates and are cumbersome, making high-speed communication to multiple meters inefficient and costly, especially in settings where multiple meters are clustered together.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an Ethernet controller in a meter with a multi-meter communication bus that converts Ethernet standard signals to a different communication protocol, allowing for high-speed data communication between multiple meters using Ethernet network protocols and providing electrical isolation to protect against high voltages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If telephone line modems are used for meter communication, then remote communication capability is achieved, but data rate is low and operation is cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the communication parameter from traditional telephone line modem to Ethernet interface, achieving higher data rates (10/100 Mbps) and simplified operation. The Ethernet controller with isolation circuitry enables direct Ethernet connectivity while maintaining electrical isolation, resolving the contradiction between speed and ease of operation.
2Ease of manufacture
If a single master meter with communication capability serves multiple slave meters, then cost is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into a master meter with Ethernet controller and multiple slave meters with simpler interfaces. The master meter handles Ethernet protocol and isolation complexity, while slave meters use straightforward RS-485 communication, distributing complexity strategically to reduce overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The master meter acts as an intermediary between the Ethernet network and slave meters. It converts Ethernet frames to RS-485 protocol and manages communication coordination, allowing slave meters to remain simple while still accessing high-speed Ethernet communication through the master.
3Speed
If Ethernet controller is added to meter, then high-speed communication is enabled, but electrical isolation requirements increase complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation circuit acts as an intermediary between the Ethernet controller and the meter's internal circuitry. It provides electrical isolation to protect against high voltages while enabling high-speed Ethernet communication, managing the complexity of isolation requirements through a dedicated isolation layer.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple meters are clustered in a single location, then communication infrastructure cost is reduced, but electrical interference risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolation circuit serves as a protective intermediary that blocks electrical interference and high voltage transients from affecting the Ethernet controller and meter internal circuitry. This enables safe clustering of multiple meters in the same location while maintaining electrical isolation against interference.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables efficient, high-speed communication among multiple meters without the need for complex server configurations, reducing costs by allowing a single meter with Ethernet capabilities to serve multiple meters, while ensuring reliable data transmission and protection from electrical interference.
Implementation Method 1
The isolation circuit is coupled between the Ethernet controller and the data interface
Data Source
AI summary
A metering arrangement includes at least a first and second meter. The first meter includes a first metrology circuit, an Ethernet controller, and an isolation circuit. The first metrology circuit has a first data interface. The Ethernet controller has an Ethernet port and a conversion circuit coupled to convert Ethernet standard signals having a first communication protocol to signals of a second communication protocol. The isolation circuit is coupled between the Ethernet controller and the first data interface. The Ethernet controller is operably coupled to communicate data with the first data interface via the isolation circuit, and the conversion circuit is further operably coupled to communicate data via the first data port. The second meter includes a second metrology circuit having a second data interface operably connected to a second data port. The second data port is operably coupled to communicate data with the first data port.