UMI modules

UMI™ presents a defined interface for electrical, mechanical and software connections inside a smart energy meter. Smart meter manufacturers can include a number of UMI connectors in their products as a way of hosting the different modules that may be required. UMI supports advanced metering infrastructure with modules for the home area network, remote meter reading and communication between meters; thereby integrating smart metering for electricity, gas and other sources of energy.

UMI is a complete architecture within the meter that interfaces with metrology and display functions to support communications using the OSI seven layer model for network protocols. Each UMI module includes a microcontroller running a UMI software stack to manage metering data exchanged using standards such as DLMS, ZigBee Smart Energy or IP networking. UMI modules can act as a bridge between heterogeneous networks thus allowing smart metering data to be transferred between different communication links.

UMI has been designed with the metering industry’s stringent requirements in mind; it is a low cost, low power interface with a form factor for modules that will fit comfortably inside a modern energy meter. Cambridge Consultants can provide UMI reference designs including a microcontroller system architecture and protocol stack software.

OEMs can develop and supply UMI communication modules for use in different countries and for smart meters from multiple manufacturers. Modules foreseen include ZigBee, WiFi, Wireless M-bus, GPRS and Power Line Communications (PLC).

UMI incorporates security features to encrypt communications and prevent unauthorised access to a meter’s metrology and billing data. It is also a robust interface that protects against data errors and provides the inherent reliability required for this kind of application.

UMI and the UMI logo are trademarks of Cambridge Consultants Limited.