Abstract: A method is used in a utility meter having an arm bit and a seal bit. The method includes changing a state of the arm bit to a first state in response to a first set of conditions. The method also includes removing electrical power from the meter. Upon subsequently applying electrical power to the meter, a first signal in a meter processing circuit indicates whether a meter cover is installed or the meter cover is removed. The processing circuit changes the seal bit to a first state responsive to a condition in which the arm bit is in the first state and the first signal indicates that the meter cover is installed. The processing circuit changes the seal bit to a second state responsive to a condition in which the seal bit is in the first state and the first signal indicates that the meter cover is removed.

Abstract: A sensor includes a core, first and second windings, an integrating amplifier circuit and a DC stabilization circuit. The first and second windings are wrapped around the core. The integrating amplifier circuit has a first input coupled to receive a sensed current from the first winding, and an output operably coupled to provide a current the second winding. The integrating amplifier circuit is configured to generate a phase shift from an input current received at the first input and the current provided to the second winding. The DC stabilization circuit includes a first resistive path coupled between the output of the integrating amplifier circuit and the first input of the integrating amplifier circuit, and a second resistive path coupled between the first winding and the first input of the integrating amplifier circuit.

Abstract: An electricity meter comprises a voltage sensor configured to determine an AC line voltage. A measurement circuit is coupled to the voltage sensor and is configured to determine energy consumption data based at least in part on the AC line voltage. A communications device is coupled to the measurement circuit and is configured to transmit the energy consumption data to a remote location. The electricity meter further includes a power supply configured to provide a DC voltage to the communications device. A switch is positioned between the power supply and the communications device. A switch controller is coupled to the measurement circuit and is configured to control the switch and the associated DC voltage supplied to the communications device depending at least in part on the AC line voltage.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: An oscillator circuit includes a phase-locked loop, a crystal resonator, first and second capacitors, and first and second impedance elements. The phase-locked loop is coupled between a first node and a second node. The crystal resonator is also coupled between the first node and the second node. The first capacitor is coupled between the first node and ground, and the second capacitor is coupled between the second node and ground. The first impedance element is coupled in a first circuit path from the first node to ground through the first capacitor. The second impedance element is coupled in a second circuit path from the second node to ground through the second capacitor.

Abstract: An arrangement for use in a utility meter includes an actuator element configured for linear movement. The actuator is operably coupled to receiving moving power from a prime mover, and includes a plurality of receptacles for corresponding contact arms of a switch within an electricity meter. Each receptacle is defined by an outer bar, an inner bar, and opposing stiffening elements. The outer bar is configured to engage a first surface of a contact arm element when the switch is in a first position, and the inner bar configured to engage a second surface of the contact arm element when the switch is in a second position.