Embedded modules support worldwide smart metering deployment

Iskraemeco selected Sierra Wireless based on the company’s expertise in wireless solutions for applications in the energy market and the reliable service Sierra Wireless delivered in previous projects with Iskraemeco. The two companies have been working together to build and deploy smart metering solutions with cellular connectivity for more than a decade.

“Sierra Wireless demonstrates a clear understanding of the metering market and what we need to effectively develop and market our products,” said Janez Zavašnik, CommunicationTechnology Manager, Iskraemeco. “The AirPrime HL series modules offered us the flexibility we needed in our product line to effectively address worldwide markets in an efficient, cost-effective solution. With the know-how from both companies we have developed a smart metering solution which provides a reliable and stable connectivity during the electricity meters’ lifespan.”

AirPrime HL series modules are the smallest embedded wireless modules (22x23mm) to be completely interchangeable across 2G, 3G, and 4G technologies. Designed for flexibility, they are pre-certified with network operators worldwide and provide device manufacturers with the ability to serve different regions, across multiple network technologies, with one device design. The HL series uses the CF3 form factor from Sierra Wireless, which is footprint-compatible across product lines and network technologies and will remain fully interchangeable with future versions of the modules, including those for LTE-MTC networks when they become available.

LTE-MTC technology is expected to provide a highly efficient cellular LPWA (Low-Power Wide Area) technology option for smart metering and smart grid applications, with lower RF complexity, significantly reduced power consumption, better in-building signal penetration and lower costs.

In addition to the flexible hardware design, the AirPrime HL series firmware is designed to be future-proof as well. Using AirVantage FOTA Edition, a Sierra Wireless cloud-based platform, customers can easily upgrade device firmware over-the-air for thousands or even millions of deployed devices at a time, ensuring they can stay in service for many years while maintaining security and efficiently managing operating costs.

“The AirPrime HL series was designed with customers like Iskraemeco in mind,” said Dan Schieler, Senior Vice President, OEM Solutions, Sierra Wireless. “They need to be able to manufacture and deploy their devices worldwide with minimal adjustments to their manufacturing and supply processes. This is a key factor that the HL series offers, with pin-to-pin compatibility from 2G through to 4G technologies and flexible installation options to streamline manufacturing processes and support deployments across multiple networks around the world.”

Sierra Wireless will be showcasing solutions for smart metering and smart grid projects at European Utility Week in Vienna, 3^rd to 5^th November, demonstrating how utility companies can use its device-to-cloud solution to enable an energy monitoring system to support customer facing applications, create new service revenue streams and improve the customer experience. Visit Sierra Wireless at stand A.d07 or on the ESMIG stand at A.c09.