User Manual

AMR OVERVIEW
Universal RF Interrogator ? Installation Guide Page 4
AMCO Automated Systems • P/N 52845G120 Rev 1 FEB 2004
Chapter Two
Automated Meter Reading Overview
The TRACE system uses radio frequency (RF) signals to allow utility
personnel to read meters from a distance while the reader is in motion.
This technology is called automated meter reading (AMR). This
technology greatly increases the speed at which routes can be covered
with a high degree of accuracy.
Basic AMR Components
An automated meter reading system requires the following basic
components:
! Transponder—The transponder Interfaces with meter index
mechanics, translates index reading into digital signals to capture
data from meter, receives commands from an interrogator and
transmits meter data.
! Interrogator—At its simplest, the interrogator remotely reads meter
data transmitted by transponders. At more sophisticated levels an
interrogator may also program transponders, store route data,
selectively “wake up” transponders, verify transponder conditions
and data and set meter coordinates, among other functions.
! Antennas—Both the transponder and the interrogator use antennas
to broadcast and receive RF signals. The transponder’s antenna is
typically located on the circuit board inside the transponder case.
Some interrogators use external antennas (as shown in the
illustration below), one for transmitting and one for receiving. Many
handheld interrogators use a single antenna for both transmitting and
receiving (antenna may be internal or external).
Transponder
METER
The interrogator sends out an RF signal to the desired transponders. Upon receiving an authorized
command the transponder transmits its stored meter data.
1234 ABC 864
234 Maple Drive
Interrogator
Interrogator transmits commands
& queries to transponder(s)
Transponder transmits
meter data to the
interrogator’s receiver