A key strength of Silicon Labs is the combined expertise in multiple technologies that are relevant to metering systems.  These include wireless transmitters and receivers, isolation, precision analog and embedded signal processing.  Silicon Labs leverage these technologies in their metering portfolio which results in Silicon Labs as a single source supplier for smart metering communication and controller needs.

Multiple forms of energy are monitored and controlled in the energy metering eco-system including gas, water, electric and heat.  Metering information from a group of residential, commercial and industrial facilities is typically sampled at regular intervals and aggregated by a common metering collector before being sent to the utility company.  While the ability to automatically read meters provides compelling advantages, utilities today are implementing two-way networks which further allow individuals and businesses to make more efficient use of the energy they consume.  In-home energy displays, thermostats and load controllers are tools that are emerging in the marketplace that enable this improved level of control. Operators equally enjoy the benefits of two-way networking due to the improved reliability and dynamic billing opportunities that it provides.  Accurate time-keeping and network synchronization become increasingly important in such networks.  Silicon Labs’ RF, ISOmodem®, MCU and Timing products are ideally suited to meet the demands of these components.

For meter collection, Silicon Labs portfolio of communication products, specifically EZRadioPRO™ embedded wireless receivers and our ISOmodem embedded modems are an ideal fit.  For metering and metering transponders, Silicon Labs’ EZRadioPRO and FM tuners provide the ideal communications and synchronization link.  Our MCU and Isolator family are both broadly applicable to metering applications. 

Gas and water meters are generally battery powered and consist of an MCU that interfaces to a metering sensor, display, and communications block (typically a wireless transmitter or transceiver).  Lowest system power is typically the number one design parameter in water and gas meters.  Many times, the design lifetime for one of these meters is 20 years.  The batteries used to power these systems are lithium chemistries, and many times lithium thionyl chloride.  Literally every 1μA saved in system current can result in dollars of savings in battery cost.  Silicon Labs offers the lowest power solution in the industry.

Meters need to be able to quickly wake up, capture information and go to sleep to be efficient and enable the battery life required, particularly in gas and water meters.  The C8051F900 family of MCUs has been architected for low-power in all operating modes: the low-power sleep mode, the fast wake up and analog measurement mode, and the active mode.  Each of the technology choices or features integrated into the device has been made to optimize the performance in one or more of the operating modes.

Silicon Labs provides the industry's highest performing radio on the market, addressing the metering customer’s needs for extended range, enhanced features, and reduced system cost.