Abstract: An automatic meter reading (AMR) system (100) includes a fixed (114) or mobile (110, 112) reader and an endpoint interfaced to a utility meter (108). The fixed or mobile reader is capable of communicating with the endpoint via RF communication. The fixed or mobile reader sends a message to the endpoint that includes a response mode direction, which directs the endpoint to respond to the reader via either a mobile network mode or a fixed network mode. The AMR system allows implementation of, an migration between, one-way, one-and-a-half-way, and two-way communications system modes without requiring reprogramming, reconfiguring the metering endpoints or going through a reconfiguration cycle before effecting a communication.

Abstract: A dual source real time clock (RTC) synchronization system and method for implementation within automatic meter reading (AMR) systems that provide system-wide device time synchronization. In one embodiment, a microcontroller-implemented RTC counts elapsed seconds from a pre-determined system timestamp using a low-speed, low-accuracy crystal. A second source is used to compensate for the low-speed, low-accuracy crystal. This second source comprises a high speed clock in one embodiment. This dual source RTC system can synchronize the endpoint device.

Abstract: A method of operating an RF communicator adapted for an automatic meter reading (AMR) system includes maintaining the communicator in a low-power standby mode and automatically responding to bubble-up events that are spaced apart by time durations. The step of responding includes initiating the RF communicator to exit the standby mode and enter into an active operating mode, and thereafter return to the standby mode. A time duration between successive bubble-up events is automatically adjusted. One method of automatically adjusting a bubble up rate includes automatically setting the bubble-up rate to a relatively higher rate during a time of relatively high expectation of an occurrence of a communication attempt, and automatically setting the bubble-up rate to a relatively lower rate during a time of relatively low expectation of an occurrence of a communication attempt.

Abstract: In a system for automatic meter reading of utility meters, a utility supply measuring system may include one or more collector units, wherein each one of the collector units accesses a supply of a utility, wherein the accessing occurs in addition to receiving meter reading data from a telemetry device, such as a telemetry device coupled to a utility. In accessing the supply of the utility, the collector unit component may itself be at least loosely coupled to a utility supply, or may communicate with a device that monitors quality, such as an outage detector. A method for transmitting utility supply data for such communications may include continuously transmitting a PN sequence code over a single channel.