TNS Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

Overview

Automatic meter reading (AMR) technology automatically collects data from devices such as electricity, water, and gas meters, and transfers that data to a central database for billing or analysis.

The customer was constructing a skyscraper with a high density of devices and communication mediums on each floor. In addition, the control room needed to gather and monitor a great deal of information including security alarm signals, air conditioner controls, signal controls, power meters, etc. However, there was insufficient space to install serial communication wiring to connect the power meters to the control room. Since an Ethernet network was already installed, the client wanted a solution that satisfies the following requirements:

-  Data transmission from each group of power meters to the control room 
-  Minimal additional wiring space
-  Minimal additional IP addresses

Solution

The power meters were connected to one of MOXA NPorts 5130's serial ports, which exchanges signals with the control room via Ethernet. By utilising the existing Ethernet network, serial signals from the power meter can be transferred without additional wiring effort. An additional advantage of MOXA NPort 5130 is multi-drop support for up to 31 serial devices. Thus, the control room can receive power meter data from all NPort 5130 units in the buildings over the Ethernet network and satisfy the following requirements.

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