Technical Manual

Chapter 3 • Introduction
D C U M a i n t e n a n c e a n d O p e r a t i o n M a n u a l 11
CHAPTER
3
INTRODUCTION
The Aclara RF™ or system is an automated system for taking reads from
individual residential and commercial meters and sending them to a central
computer where consumption can be viewed, analyzed, and integrated with a
utility’s other systems, such as billing.
Aclara’s system consists of three main components, which work together to gather
not only raw meter readings, but also generate various kinds of information that
are used to monitor the performance of the system and its components. The three
components are the AclaraONE headend, Endpoint Devices, the Data Collector
Unit (DCU).
AclaraONE™ Headend
The AclaraONE headend receives incoming data from the DCUs, stores the data in
a repository, and displays all of the data generated by the AclaraONE network.
These three functions may be divided among several servers, each performing one
or more dedicated functions.
The AclaraONE headend provides information, which allows customer service
personnel to look up account data while installation technicians can monitor their
latest endpoint installations to confirm if they are functioning properly.
AclaraONE also allows system administrators to monitor DCUs and ensure they
are operating at peak efficiency or trouble-shoot issues before sending a technician
into the field.
Endpoint Devices
Aclara’s RF system utilizes both endpoints and network
interface cards (NICs). Examples of endpoints are Intelligent
Load Control Devices (ILCs) and Demand Response Units
(DRUs). Aclara’s I-210, kV2, and MTU are examples of
NICs. Data Collector Units (DCUs) receive data from
endpoints and NICs, and this data is monitored via the
AclaraONE headend..