RF Transceiver Bias Power for Utility Meter Programming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing utility meters require significant time and equipment to configure operational parameters, as they need to be connected to electrical power for programming, limiting flexibility and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a transceiver that derives bias power from external signals and performs data transfer operations in non-volatile memory, allowing for programming and data retrieval without mains power, using RF signals to power the meter and transfer data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If meters are connected to electrical power for programming, then data transfer operation can be performed, but significant time and equipment are required and flexibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electrical connection system (physical power cables and power supply infrastructure) with an electromagnetic field-based wireless power transfer system using magnetic coupling between coils. This allows the meter to be programmed without physical connection to power lines, eliminating the need for complex power delivery infrastructure during programming operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces magnetic coupling coils as an intermediary mechanism to transfer both power and data wirelessly between an external programming device and the meter. The coils create a magnetic field that serves as the medium for energy and information transfer, eliminating the need for direct electrical connections while enabling programming operations.
2Ease of operation
If meters are connected to electrical power for programming, then data transfer operation can be performed, but equipment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical/electrical infrastructure (power outlets, cables, power supply units) with a simplified wireless system using magnetic coupling coils. The programming equipment only needs to generate a magnetic field through the coil, dramatically reducing the complexity of required equipment while enabling programming operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external power is provided for programming, then data transfer operation can be performed, but flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the requirement for physical power connection with wireless magnetic coupling, enabling programming in locations without power outlets and allowing the meter to be programmed before installation or in remote locations. This substitution provides operational flexibility while the external programming device supplies all necessary energy through the magnetic field.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the meter to be programmed in advance (before installation or before use) using wireless power transfer. The external device can perform all programming operations preliminarily, and the meter retains this capability to be programmed at any time without requiring connection to mains power, thus providing temporal and locational flexibility.
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 flexible and efficient configuration of utility meters, reducing the need for external power and equipment, allowing for programming before installation and data retrieval during power outages.
Implementation Method 1
a transceiver that derives bias power from external signals and performs data transfer operations in a non-volatile memory in the meter using the bias power
Data Source
AI summary
An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a non-volatile memory and an RF transceiver. The non-volatile memory has a first and a second port, the first port configured to obtain commodity consumption data. The radio frequency (RF) transceiver is configured to receive an RF signal from an external source and obtain energy from the RF signal and provide the energy to a bias voltage input of the non-volatile memory. The RF transceiver is further operable to perform a data transfer operation responsive to the received RF signal, the data transfer operation including a transfer of meter-related data between the non-volatile memory and the RF transceiver using the second port of the non-volatile memory.