Abstract: A utility meter having a temperature compensation function provides advantages such as improved time keeping accuracy. According to an exemplary embodiment, a utility meter includes at least one sensor for detecting an ambient temperature at a location corresponding to a component such as a crystal oscillator that enables a time keeping function of the meter, and generating an output signal representative of the detected ambient temperature. A device such as a digital signal processor adjusts at least one clock maintained by the time keeping function of the meter in dependence upon the output signal from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A surge protection apparatus connected between an electrical power line source and a load includes a voltage input, an inductor, and a protective barrier. The voltage input is coupled to the electrical power line. The inductor is coupled between the voltage input and the load. The protective barrier is interposed between the inductor and the load, and is configured to physically isolate the inductor from the load.

Abstract: A utility meter having a temperature compensation function provides advantages such as improved time keeping accuracy. According to an exemplary embodiment, a utility meter includes at least one sensor for detecting an ambient temperature at a location corresponding to a component such as a crystal oscillator that enables a time keeping function of the meter, and generating an output signal representative of the detected ambient temperature. A device such as a digital signal processor adjusts at least one clock maintained by the time keeping function of the meter in dependence upon the output signal from the at least one sensor.

Abstract: A modular electronic utility meter has a sensor portion that includes sensor devices and a memory device storing calibration and/or error information specific to the sensor devices. Such a sensor portion is designed for use with a corresponding measurement portion that extracts the calibration and/or error information from the memory in the sensor portion. The measurement module then employs the calibration and/or error information in its calculation of energy consumption information. The calibration information includes phase and magnitude error information for at least one of a current sensing device and/or a voltage-sensing device. That error information may include coefficients of a polynomial.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating and storing metering information in a meter for measuring a consumed commodity includes a processing circuit and a non-volatile, rewriteable random access memory. The processing circuit is operable to generate metering information. The non-volatile, rewriteable random access memory stores metering information during normal operation, and is operable to retain the stored metering information in the absence of external electrical power.

Abstract: An electricity meter performs a self-calibration operation. According to an exemplary embodiment, the meter includes a measurement circuit for generating power information representative of measured power. A controller is operably coupled to the measurement circuit and includes an input for receiving reference standard information. The controller compares the power information generated by the measurement circuit to the reference standard information and generates a compensation signal in dependence upon the comparison. The compensation signal is used to calibrate the measurement circuit. Preferably, the meter is capable of being electrically connected to, and calibrated concurrently with at least one other meter.

Abstract: A communication system for a utility meter that has a primary power supply includes a primary communication circuit and a secondary communication circuit. The primary power supply is operable to receive a primary electrical power from a primary power source and generate a primary bias power therefrom. The primary communication circuit is operable to effectuate external communications when the primary electrical power from the primary power source is present. The secondary communication circuit is operable to effectuate external communications when the primary electrical power from the primary power source is interrupted.

Abstract: An electricity meter performs a self-calibration operation. According to an exemplary embodiment, the meter includes a measurement circuit for generating power information representative of measured power. A controller is operably coupled to the measurement circuit and includes an input for receiving reference standard information. The controller compares the power information generated by the measurement circuit to the reference standard information and generates a compensation signal in dependence upon the comparison. The compensation signal is used to calibrate the measurement circuit. Preferably, the meter is capable of being electrically connected to, and calibrated concurrently with at least one other meter.

Abstract: A modular electronic utility meter has a sensor portion that includes sensor devices and a memory device storing calibration and/or error information specific to the sensor devices. Such a sensor portion is designed for use with a corresponding measurement portion that extracts the calibration and/or error information from the memory in the sensor portion. The measurement module then employs the calibration and/or error information in its calculation of energy consumption information. The calibration information includes phase and magnitude error information for at least one of a current sensing device and/or a voltage-sensing device. That error information may include coefficients of a polynomial.

Abstract: A surge protection apparatus connected between an electrical power line source and a load includes a voltage input, an inductor, and a protective barrier. The voltage input is coupled to the electrical power line. The inductor is coupled between the voltage input and the load. The protective barrier is interposed between the inductor and the load, and is configured to physically isolate the inductor from the load.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system are disclosed for providing communication between a utility meter and a remote station via any of a plurality of RF modulation schemes and communication protocols over any of a plurality of carrier frequencies. The utility meter includes adaptive radio circuitry that is preferably programmably configured to receive and process any format of incoming signals, and generate and send any format of outgoing signals. The adaptive radio circuitry includes a DSP, filters, an analog-to-digital converter, a digital-to-analog converter, a tunable broad-band up/down converter and other processing circuitry. A main processor and memory provides control over the adaptive radio module.

Abstract: An arrangement for generating and storing metering information in a meter for measuring a consumed commodity includes a processing circuit and a non-volatile, rewriteable random access memory. The processing circuit is operable to generate metering information. The non-volatile, rewriteable random access memory stores metering information during normal operation, and is operable to retain the stored metering information in the absence of external electrical power.

Abstract: An electronic utility meter includes a sensor module, a measurement module, and a removable expansion module. The sensor module connects to the electrical system of a facility, and includes voltage and current sensors. The voltage and current sensors are operable to receive voltage and current signals from the electrical system and generate measurement signals therefrom. The measurement module includes a measurement circuit operable to receive measurement signals and generate energy consumption data therefrom. The measurement module further includes a device for communicating information relating to the energy consumption data. The measurement module is configured to couple to the sensor module to connect the measurement circuit to the voltage and current sensors. The removable module is interposed between the sensor module and the measurement module. The removable module operably couples the measurement circuit to the voltage and current sensors.

Abstract: A phase adjustment circuit is provided for use in an inductive drive utility meter that employs a current stator and a rotating disk. The phase adjustment circuit includes an impedance circuit and a first current limiting device. The impedance circuit has at least first and second terminals, and is disposed in a flux inducing relationship with the current stator such that the flux within the current stator induces a voltage across the first and second terminals of the impedance circuit. The first current limiting device has a first bias threshold, and is connected between the first and second terminals of the impedance circuit. The current limiting device is operable to inhibit current flow in a first direction through the impedance circuit based on whether the voltage induced on said impedance circuit exceeds the first bias threshold. The current flow through the impedance circuit then induces a compensation flux density component onto the current stator, which in turn affects registration of the meter.