Modular wireless fixed network for wide-area metering data collection and meter module apparatus

• US 7,009,530 B2
• Filed: 09/13/2001
• Issued: 03/07/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 09/13/2001
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Sensus Spectrum, LLC (Xylem, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: M&FC Holding, LLC (Xylem, Inc.)
• Inventors: Zigdon, Shimon, Heth, Carmel
• Primary Examiner(s): Horabik, Michael
• Assistant Examiner(s): DANG, HUNG Q
• Application Number:
  US09/950,623
• Publication Number:
  US 20030048199A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,636 Days
• Field of Search: 375/141, 375/298, 375/308, 174/266, 332/103, 332/100, 332/104, 361/785, 340/870.02, 340/870.01, 340/870.04, 340/825.02, 340/825.69
• US Class Current: 340/870.02
• CPC Class Codes: G01D 4/002 Remote reading of utility meters
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/662 using a time/frequency relationship, e.g. time compression or expansion
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/707 using direct sequence modulation
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 15/68 Payment of value-added services
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/0196 Payment of value-added services, mainly when their charges are added on the telephone bill, e.g. payment of non-telecom services, e-commerce, on-line banking
• CPC Class Codes: H04M 2215/32 Involving wireless systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/10 using a centralized architecture
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/40 using a wireless architecture
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 2209/60 for transmitting utility meters data, i.e. transmission of data from the reader of the utility meter
• CPC Class Codes: H04Q 9/00 Arrangements in telecontrol or telemetry systems for selectively calling a substation from a main station, in which substation desired apparatus is selected for applying a control signal thereto or for obtaining measured values therefrom
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 90/20 Smart grids as enabling technology in buildings sector smart grids supporting the management or operation of end-user stationary applications in general, or like technologies with no associated climate change mitigation effect Y04S20/00
• CPC Class Codes: Y04S 20/30 Smart metering, e.g. specially adapted for remote reading

Abstract

A one-way direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS) communications wide-area network is used as the data collection channel (uplink) of an automatic meter reading (AMR) application and a paging network, or other suitable downlink network, is used as an optional forward (downlink) channel in a cost-effective manner. The network is simple to deploy, highly scalable and modular. It offers a wide range of service options, from basic daily meter readings to advanced applications based on interval consumption data, to full two-way applications, while keeping the system'"'"'s deployment and ongoing costs proportional to the service options and capacity requirements selected for various segments of the meter population. A high-output-power meter module is introduced, which provides significant benefits when operating on the network.

Claims

1. A low cost Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) RF signal modulator, implemented on a four-layer PCB, providing high performance at a very low cost compared to microwave monolithic integrated circuit (MMIC) BPSK modulators, said modulator having means switched to provide one of:

an in-phase output signal, and an inverted-phase output signal and power dividing means at the input and output of said means switched to provide one of;

an in-phase output signal, and an inverted-phase output signal.

2. The low-cost Binary Phase Shift Keying (BPSK) RF signal modulator of claim 1, wherein said means switched to provide one of:

an in-phase output signal, and an inverted-phase output signal comprises a diode bridge, and said power dividing means each comprise a balance/unbalance circuit.