Abstract: A digitally sampled spread spectrum signal is received, despread, and accumulated at a center frequency lower than the sampling rate and higher than zero.

Abstract: The present technology involves a method and apparatus for detecting and reporting magnetic fields in the proximity of a utility meter as an approach to determining tampering of such meter. The sensitivity level of the magnetic field sensors may be adjustable allowing either remote or local sensitivity adjustments to a magnetic field sensor to compensate for variations in the electromagnetic environments of different meter installation sites. Alternatively, the output of each magnetic field sensor may be connected to the input of an adjustable threshold circuit. When the output voltage of the magnetic field exceeds a predetermined threshold voltage, a magnetic event signal is generated. Threshold adjustments to the adjustable threshold circuit may be performed locally at the meter site or remotely from a station. The output of each magnetic field sensor may be monitored by a locally or remotely programmable magnetic sensor output monitor.

Abstract: A transmitter to transmit data from an end-point includes a reference oscillator; a low pass filter coupled to the reference oscillator; a modulation filter to provide an over-sampled modulated signal; a synthesizer coupled to the low pass filter and the modulation filter; and a sine wave generator coupled to the synthesizer.

Abstract: A utility meter and corresponding communication board comprises an installation channel, a processor, software selection lines, and at least one network interface element. Types of communication networks with which a utility meter is to be interfaced are inputted as information through an installation channel such as a modem, optical port, or other communication channel. This information is processed and software selection lines are provided to respective network interface elements. Each programmed network interface element can be configured to connect to a selected one of existing standard networks RS232, RS485, RS422 or other communication network. Since a single communication board in accordance with the disclosed technology interfaces with a variety of communication networks, a more efficient and cost effective network selection and implementation mechanism is provided.

Abstract: A metering data preservation and storage methodology, including steps for protecting data during periods in which power is lost to the meter, is provided. In particular, a methodology for using non-volatile flash memory structures is used in association with various volatile memory structures for the storage and preservation of metering data acquired from a solid-state utility meter. The methodology includes the use of the volatile memory structures for the temporary storage and alteration of the measured and calculated metering data so as to avoid an effective reduction in the lifespan of the non-volatile memory structure which can only be written, erased and rewritten to a finite number of times. Further, such usage reduces costs associated with the maintenance and incorporation of such memory types in the meter. The methodology further includes the use of the non-volatile flash memory as a permanent storage medium for the acquired metering data during power loss to the meter.

Abstract: A meter for measuring electricity usage for a given load includes a housing and two light sources disposed in the housing and configured to output light at a predetermined frequency. Two light receivers are disposed in the housing so that a light path is defined between each light source and its respective light receiver. Each light receiver is configured to receive the light from its light source and to output a signal responsively thereto. A rotatable member is disposed in the housing in the light paths and is rotatable responsively to the electricity usage. The member has a first portion and a second portion. The first portion transmits incident light while the second portion blocks light. The first portion and the second portion are defined on the member so that the member modulates the light as it rotates. A filter circuit in communication with the light receiver is configured to receive the output signal from the light receiver and to detect therefrom modulation of the light by the rotatable member.