Plextek's narrow band radio telemetry solution offers European metering companies a route to achieving tough carbon emission targets

Plextek's electronics design services include:FPGA design, ESCAN Radar, MMIC design, GPRS design, Communications product design, Microwave design Defence electronics, Electronic product design, RF design, DSP design, Telemetry system, System Integration,Communications system design, Due diligence

Press Release

Plextek's narrow band radio telemetry solution offers European metering companies a route to achieving tough carbon emission targets

Issued 02/02/2009

Proven technology now enables efficient automatic remote reading and smart metering functionality

Plextek Limited, the Cambridge-based electronics design consultancy, has developed a new radio telemetry system targeted at efficient automatic remote reading and smart metering applications. Plextek's innovative solution, based on its Ultra Narrow Band (UNB) telemetry platform, enables meter manufacturers and meter reading companies to implement a proven and efficient radio technology without a SIM or the network uncertainties associated with mesh radio. This will also help make a significant contribution towards meeting the ambitious targets set out by European Governments for reducing carbon emissions from homes.

Plextek's UNB technology is optimised for long distance, low power applications where the data transmission rate is low. The remote metering offering comprises a cost-optimised base station and a small low cost telemetry module for integration into the client's meter or other equipment. It is available in licence free 868MHz or 915MHz frequency hopping variants and can be modified to operate in other bands. Plextek is also able to offer design services to optimise the form factor and interface of the telemetry module to the client's requirements.

A typical system includes a network of base stations, each communicating with many thousands of meters, and backhaul by ADSL or other fixed IP network to the control and billing centre. The technology is bi-directional, allowing smart metering so that the meter can receive information from the network such as billing, credit or control data.

"No-one would think to drive a car without the information provided by the dashboard instruments. Yet we operate our homes without such understanding and control," comments Colin Smithers, Managing Director, Plextek. "As power usage in homes increases through an ever-growing number of electrical and entertainment devices, we are blissfully unaware of the resulting increase in kWh usage. With prices soaring, consumers are now beginning to demand the ability to have more control over their usage and operators are keen to reduce consumption and better manage supplies."

He continues: "Through remote monitoring and a two-way communication between consumers' utility meters and the operators, real time pricing, load switching and pre-pay credits can be communicated to the consumer allowing specific use management. Plextek's UNB technology facilitates this exchange of information efficiently and at a low cost."

For more information please email unb@plextek.co.uk