June 6, 2014
Telit supports smart metering initiatives with energy-efficient, wireless M-Bus module
Rome, October 14, 2010 – Telit Wireless Solutions, an internationally leading specialist in machine-to-machine (M2M) technology, is launching a new module featuring wireless M-Bus transfer technology onto the market in November 2010. The ME50-868 supports uni- and bi-directional RF connections at 868 MHz between meters for gas, water, heating or electricity and concentrators. This exchange of data forms the basis for the use of smart meters. They increase the accuracy and transparency of bills, offer better customer service and help improve energy efficiency.Telit’s ME50-858 modules are the latest generation of wireless M-bus products compliant with EN 13757 part 4 and part 5. The 122dB budget link provides a range of up to 2,000 m. The modules with LGA (Land Grid Array) mounting technology operate with ultra-low power (< 1 µA in standby), resulting in long battery life and low maintenance requirements. Equipped with an RS232 interface and digital as well as analogue inputs and outputs, the modules can be easily integrated into various systems, reducing the time and money spent on development. The ME50-868 is pin-to-pin compatible with the Telit modules in the ZE (ZigBee 2007 and PRO stack), NE (Mesh low power) and LE (basic point to point, broadcast stack) families.
M-bus is a standardized transfer technology for the remote reading of meters inside buildings. When the transfer is made by radio, the technology is referred to as wireless M-bus. The frequency range used, from 868 MHz to 870 MHz, offers the widest range inside buildings. The data from the individual meters is transferred to a concentrator on site, which collates and transfers it via the Internet or a telephone network to the supply companies. Telit, being the only M2M supplier worldwide to offer all relevant wireless technologies in its product portfolio, provides a gateway solution (GG863-SR) that integrates Short Range and GSM/GPRS capabilities.
"The combination of Short Range and cellular capabilities is the key technology for future m2m applications: Companies using Short Range for their smart meters do not have to buy expensive SIM-Cards to transmit their data – they can use the free data transmission via radio frequencies", says Felix Marchal, Global VP Sales at Telit Wireless Solutions. "Companies using now Telit’s gateway solution to combine their Short Range with cellular data transmission can fully overcome the Short Range limitations. Such integration provides companies a crucial solution at low costs and energy efficiency to meet all customer requirements."
Smart metering is already being successfully used in Italy, Scandinavia, the Netherlands, North America and Australia. In Germany, from 2010 onwards, new buildings are required to be equipped with smart meters, and from 2018 this will apply to all buildings. The aim is to encourage consumers to be more energy-conscious by giving them detailed and real-time information about their energy usage.