Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Program
Metering Capability Framework
Metering Capability Framework
Technology Categories, Capabilities, Terms and Definitions
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Contents
Introduction ..................................................................................................................... 3
I. Disconnect Definition.................................................................................................... 5
II. Configurability and Programmability Definition ............................................................ 7
III. Serviceability / Diagnostics Definition ......................................................................... 9
IV. Power Quality Definition ........................................................................................... 11
V. Memory Definition .................................................................................................... 13
VI. Reliability Definition.................................................................................................. 15
VII. Interoperability Definition ........................................................................................ 17
VIII. Display Definition ................................................................................................... 19
IX. Security Definition .................................................................................................... 21
X. Tamper / Theft Detection Definition .......................................................................... 24
Annex A. Glossary......................................................................................................... 26
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Metering Capability Framework
Introduction
Based on our continuing engagement with suppliers of Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI)
technologies, it is apparent that there is considerable diversity in not only the capabilities, but in the basic
approach and stated strategic directions of the technology vendors. In order to objectively understand the
capabilities of various solution components as well as communicate desired features to support our
requirements, SCE has adopted an abbreviated form of the Technology Capabilities Maturity
methodology (TCM)1 which results in a simple capability maturity framework using a 0 to 5 scale for
several AMI technology categories.
The TCM scales described in this document serve as a tool to help SCE evaluate and communicate our
perspective on the current state of the art, as well as define an evolutionary path for capabilities that SCE
considers central to “advanced metering”. The capabilities identified in this document while drawing from
industry standards for similar systems, were primarily created based on an initial analysis of the output
from our requirements workshops. They are collections of related features that, when combined, SCE
believes will significantly affect the benefit we will derive from the deployed system. SCE will use the
TCM scales to gauge the relative maturity of metering technology available from metering suppliers now
and in the near future. This will enable SCE and metering suppliers to discuss product availability
timelines and capabilities in the context of the TCM scales and assist in the refinement of our ultimate
requirements.
These scales identify maturity levels for specific capabilities, with the low end of a scale generally based
on what is commonly available today in a residential meter and the middle to upper range of the scale
associated with what SCE believes it needs to capture the most value from the overall AMI solution. As a
result, the scales are optimized to differentiate capabilities in the range of interest to SCE, and are not
intended to be linear. Overall, we expect our ultimate requirements to fall somewhere in the middle to
upper range for most of the elements but will continue to evolve upward.
A similar but separate set of TCM scales will be used with respect to the communications capabilities and
the requirements.
Approach
The TCM methodology as described here is based upon breaking the problem down into several
technology categories and within each of those categories, identifying specific capabilities that are
desirable and necessary to meet the requirements captured for SCE’s AMI deployment. The technology
capability categories are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Disconnect
Configurability and Programmability
Serviceability / Diagnostics
Power Quality
Memory
Reliability
Interoperability
Display
Security
Tamper / Theft Detection
The capabilities associated with each category are presented in a table as columns ordered from most
technologically advanced on the left to least technologically advanced on the right. The rows of the table
indicate a capability maturity level on a scale from 0 to 5 that represents an overall index of the relative
1
Based on CFTP developed by J. Paap, MIT
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level of technology capability where 0 represents the least capable and 5 represents the most capable
and advanced from SCE’s perspective. For a given capability level, X’s are placed in cells under the
respective technological capabilities that must be implemented to be considered to be at that level. The
result allows SCE to refer to a capability level by a single number for a specific technology category – the
table for that category clearly defines which specific capabilities are necessary to achieve that level.
For example, in order for a specific meter to be considered to achieve a level 1 capability for the
disconnect capability, it must implement the following technologies and capabilities:




Be integrated within the meter itself
Support a 200 amp load break capability
Support voltage sensing on both sides of the disconnect
Support remote connect and disconnect
The following sections of this document describe each technology capability category, provide the
capability table for that category, and provide more detailed descriptions for the technology capability
column headings. This document also contains a glossary of terms and definitions used in these
descriptions. These terms and definitions are extracted from the glossary being developed and
maintained by the UtilityAMI organization (http://www.utilityami.org/).
SCE will use the Metering Capability Framework as a tool to better understand the direction of next
generation meter technology development, better gauge alignment with SCE’s business case, and
serve to further solidify necessary and desired meter functionality. This is intended to facilitate the
discussion with vendors and others regarding SCE’s potential meter requirements before we finalize in
June.
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I. Disconnect Definition
This category is intended to address capabilities associated with a load interrupting disconnect device
associated with the advanced meter.
Detailed Scale Definitions
Collared solution
The disconnect device is enclosed within a separate meter socket adapter (collar). This adapter is
installed between the meter base and the AMI meter.
Integrated device
The disconnect device is under the meter cover and does not significantly increase the external physical
dimensions of the meter
200 Amp rating
The disconnect device has a 200 amp or higher load interruption rating
Voltage sensing
The disconnect device is capable of sensing voltage on the load side of the disconnect. The threshold for
“voltage present” is configurable.
On/Off disconnect
The disconnect device is capable of connecting load to the service as well as disconnecting.
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Current limiting capabilities
The meter / disconnect device is capable of current triggered disconnect at one or more fixed set points.
Current limiting with flexible set point handling
The meter is capable of being configured with a wide range of current set points at which the meter will
disconnect. Time delay can also be specified before the disconnect occurs.
Commercially available and in use now (>10,000 units)
A meter with integrated disconnect capability is available commercially and in use with more than 10,000
installed units.
Customer reset options
The meter / disconnect device presents a means for an end use customer to complete the reconnection
sequence, after being remotely armed. Alternatively, the device can be configured to automatically
reconnect without user intervention.
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II. Configurability and Programmability Definition
Configurability and Programmability refers to the extent which the metrology platform is able to be
remotely configured and upgraded to address problems and extend the functionality of the meter over
time to support new business functions. The lower levels of the scale address basic servicing capabilities
through adherence to standards and remote configuration. However, as the technical capability of
Service and Programmability increase beyond level 3, so does the ability to “future-proof” or mitigate the
risk of technical obsolescence by evolving the software programs running on the meter over time to keep
pace with changing business needs.
Detailed Scale Definitions
No remote upgrade
No facility exists to upgrade or configure the meter remotely and the meter is not ANSI C12 or related
metering standard (IEC) compliant
ANSI C12.19 and/or related metering standard compliant
The meter is compliant with ANSI C12.19 and/or other related metering standards (such as IEC)
Remotely configurable tables / physical values
The meter is ANSI C12.19 compliant and/or related metering standard (such as IEC) and all values and
tables are remotely configurable.
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Remotely replaceable or patchable firmware – monolithic
The meter has the capability to have its firmware loaded into persistent memory from a remote location.
The firmware is patchable but not partitionable – i.e. a single, monolithic image containing all meter
functionality.
Remotely loadable modules with partitioned firmware and failsafe
This includes the ability to load firmware (computer program or modules) into persistent memory that is
capable of being partitioned. Additionally, includes a failsafe mechanism to “roll-back” to a previous
version after an upgrade exists.
Ability to run programs
The meter firmware consists of a single, monolithic core application, but with defined application
programming interfaces (APIs) that support the ability to recognize additional uploaded expansion
modules and execute them based on discoverable configuration parameters. Application behavior is
remotely configurable with persistence across power up/down cycles. Support for versioning and fallback
of configuration information. This does not suggest that the utility or other third parties will be directly
programming to these interfaces, but simply that they are available to the vendor and each SCE required
modification does not require multiple, independent code bases for the core firmware – i.e. SCE updates,
expansions, and evolution are easier and quicker to implement.
Full support of a component model
The meter supports a Real Time Operating System (RTOS) that supports a dynamic service model
framework that may be remotely installed, started, stopped, updated and uninstalled without requiring a
“reboot”. A robust set of APIs is included and allows for remote update of management policies.
Applications or components in the form of bundles may be deployed. Bundles are able to detect new
services through a service registry and adapt accordingly.
General computing platform supporting service-orientation and
autonomous agents
A general computing platform supported by all 7 layers of the OSI model protocol stack. The higher level
layers implemented primarily in software and capable of supporting autonomous programs (“agents”) in
an event-centric environment. It should be noted that the actual agent based frameworks and software
are in their infancy in highly distributed network-centric systems. This technology capability scale is not
designed to measure the autonomy of the software programs but rather the capability of the platform to
enable such architecture 5 to 10 years in the future.
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III. Serviceability / Diagnostics Definition
Serviceability and diagnostics is the ability for the meter to support the AMI service organization with
maintenance, diagnostics, troubleshooting, event analysis, asset management etc. For this purpose the
meter will be capable of providing information and functionality necessary to access and define additional
information regarding the meters technical performance and status over its lifetime.
Detailed Scale Definitions
No Logging
The meter supports no logging or locally or remotely accessible diagnostics of any kind.
Statistics
The meter is capable of providing access to statistics regarding the meter operation and health. These
statistics are logged locally and are remotely accessible on demand. Logged event retention policy
(which elements and duration) is dependent upon vendor stated parameters.
Alarming / Alerting
The meter is capable of providing alarms indicating events that require attention from a service point of
view. These events are logged locally and retrievable upon demand as well as supporting a push
(publish / subscribe) information model.
Signal monitoring
The meter is capable of monitoring information regarding the status of its input and output signals.
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Remote configuration change
The meter is capable of supporting remote change of the meter configuration and reporting of same.
Diagnostic self test
The meter is capable of initiating self test routines that are performed periodically and on-demand that
indicate problems with critical meter functionality.
Remote configuration of diagnostic reporting intervals
The meter is capable f supporting remote configuration of diagnostic measurements to be recorded and
their reporting intervals. By logging all event information in the meter the service organization obtains a
full overview over the meter history. This supports asset management and service activities.
Link management / maintenance
The meter supports remote monitoring and maintenance of the communications link aspects of the meter.
Configuration management
The meter recognizes problems with its configuration and is capable of reporting inconsistent setup
parameters.
Adaptive self healing
The meter support mechanisms that detect problems with the meter and initiate corrective actions to
eliminate these problems. This adaptation process to meter problems can result in a variety of solutions.
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IV. Power Quality Definition
This category addresses attributes associated with supporting various power quality measurement
capabilities in the meter. Particular attention is paid to supporting power quality phenomena based on
international standard terms, definitions, and best practices.
Detailed Scale Definitions
No power quality metrics
The meter does not measure power quality parameters of any kind
Voltage only (min/max)
The meter maintains a record of the number of times that the voltage has gone below or above nominal
voltage by 10% or more. The meter also records the actual minimum and maximum voltage values
measured by the meter until reset. The min/max values are time stamped. The min/max values are
based on based on single 60 Hz cycle RMS calculation windows.
Voltage sag/swell event log (magnitude and duration)
The meter maintains a log of RMS voltage variation events. The events are time stamped and contain
the magnitude and duration of the RMS variation as defined in IEEE 1159 and IEC 61000-4-30.
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Voltage profile
The meter logs or otherwise maintains periodic samples of RMS voltage at a fixed or user specified
sampling rate. The sampled voltage values are based on a single 60 Hz cycle RMS calculation windows.
Total harmonic distortion (voltage / current)
The meter is capable of measuring Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) for voltage and current. Voltage THD
is reported in percent (normalized by the fundamental according to IEEE 1159) and Current THD is
reported in amps (not normalized). The calculations are performed according to the methods defined in
IEC 61000-4-7 (200 msec window for DFT/FFT).
Individual harmonic currents
The meter is capable of measuring individual harmonic currents for at least odd harmonics up to at least
the 13th harmonic. The calculations are performed according to IEC 61000-4-7 (200 msec window for
DFT/FFT). The values are reported in amps.
Individual harmonic voltages
The meter is capable of measuring individual harmonic voltages for at least odd harmonics up to at least
the 13th harmonic. The calculations are performed according to IEC 61000-4-7 (200 msec window for
DFT/FFT). The values are reported in percent of fundamental.
RMS and/or waveform oscillography
The meter is capable of recording high speed (once per cycle) RMS voltage/current traces and/or
voltage/current waveforms during an RMS variation event. The recording shall be performed such that it
can be represented in IEEE 1159.3 format (either directly or through later conversion upstream from the
meter).
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V. Memory Definition
This category is intended to address memory sizing in the advanced meter
Detailed Scale Definitions
No on-board memory
The meter has only enough memory to store present (register) values.
45 days of 1 hour, 2 channels of data
Enough memory is present to store 24 intervals per day for two configurable quantities.
45 days of 1 hour, 2 channels of data + 100 event log
Enough memory is present to store 24 intervals per day for two sets (channels) of configurable quantities
and 100 events.
Individually configurable load profile channels
Load profile channels have individually configurable intervals.
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45 days of 15 minute, 2+ channels of data with 100+ event log
Enough memory is present to store 96 intervals per day for two sets of (configurable) quantities and 100
events.
45 days of 1 minute, 2+ channels of data with 100+ event log and
power quality
Enough memory is present to store 96 intervals per day for two sets (channels) of configurable quantities
and 100 events and power quality data
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VI. Reliability Definition
Reliability is the probability that any given meter within the AMI shall operate under specified conditions to
a set of requirements, without failure, over a specific period of time or service life. The reliability of the
meter is an aggregation of the reliability of the components that make up the meter.
Detailed Scale Definitions
Less than 15 year service life
The meter has a known service life of less than a minimum of 15 years.
Calculated service life of 15 years
The meter has a calculated service life of 15 years.
Projected service life of 20 years (0.75% per year failure)
The meter has a projected minimum service life of 20 years using accelerated life test and a failure rate of
less than 0.75% per year.
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Projected service life of 20 years independently certified (0.75% per
year failure)
The meter has a projected minimum service life of 20 years, with a failure rate of less than 0.75% per
year, certified by independent source.
Projected minimum service life of 20 years, with a failure rate of less
than 0.5% per year, certified by independent source
The meter has a projected minimum service life of 20 years, with a failure rate of less than 0.5% per year,
certified by independent source.
Projected service life of 25 years independently certified (0.5% per
year failure)
The meter has a projected minimum service life of 25 years, with a failure rate of less than 0.5% per year,
certified by independent source.
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VII. Interoperability Definition
This category is used to evaluate the meter to communication system capabilities. The electrical and
physical connectivity and the interoperability between the meter and the communication system solutions
will be benchmarked through this category. This is all from the viewpoint of the metrology of the meter.
Detailed Scale Definitions
Proprietary / fully integrated- single vendor
An integrated and non changeable or static solution that is specific to one single vendor. This only allows
for electrical and/or physical connectivity / interoperability for the products of this specific vendor.
Separate meter to communications connectivity
The meter and the communication system are separated but support only electrical and/or physical
connectivity / interoperability between the meter and communications products of one specific vendor.
The communications system can be connected and is interoperable with the rest of the communications
network
Integrated in a proprietary way (communications to meter) and
working with at least two vendors
An integrated and non changeable or static solution that is specific to specific vendors. This allows for
electrical and/or physical connectivity / interoperability for the products of these specific vendors
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Standard message protocol and working with more than one vendor
Standard protocol with relatively limited and message exchange oriented functionality for the
communication between meter and communication system. This allows for electrical and/or physical
connectivity / interoperability for the meter and communication system products of at least one vendor
Standard protocol, not fully adopted but used by at least two vendors
(electrical and physical connectivity)
Standard protocol with an AMI oriented and flexible communication functionality for the communication
between meter and communication system that is currently supported by at least two vendors. This allows
for electrical and/or physical connectivity / interoperability for the meter and communication system
products of at least two vendors
Standard protocol fully adopted by the industry (electrical and
physical connectivity)
Standard protocol with an AMI oriented and flexible communication functionality for the communication
between meter and communication system that is supported by all vendors. This allows for unlimited
electrical and/or physical connectivity / interoperability for different meter and communication system
products of all vendors
Multi-service metering
The meter is capable of measuring two or more separate services in one meter.
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VIII. Display Definition
This category is used to evaluate the meter display capabilities. The flexibility, programmability,
addressability and accessibility of the offered solutions will be benchmarked through this category. This is
from the viewpoint of the metrology of the meter.
Detailed Scale Definitions
Fix single-line numeric
A meter display that contains a single line of numeric data that is programmed fix into the meter and
cannot be changed by the utility and/or customer
Programmable single-line numeric
A meter display that contains a single line of numeric data that can be programmed by the vendor in the
factory or by the utility in the workshop
Programmable annunciator
A programmable meter display that contains multiple (at least 2) lines of alphanumeric data that can be
programmed in the factory or workshop
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Remote programmable, addressable and accessible
A programmable meter display that contains multiple (at least 2) lines of alphanumeric data that can be
programmed from remote by the utility, and is also addressable and accessible from remote over the
communication
Messaging, scrolling, crawling
A programmable meter display that contains multiple (at least 2) lines of alphanumeric data that can be
programmed from remote by the utility, and is also addressable and accessible from remote over the
communication and that supports messaging, scrolling, crawling through the menu and annunciations on
the display
Graphic display with addressable pixels
Fully flexible and remote programmable display that supports numeric, alphanumeric characters and
symbols with the ability to define turn on/off individual pixels. This display is addressable and accessible
from remote over the communication and supports messaging, scrolling, and crawling through the menu
and annunciations on the display.
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IX. Security Definition
This category is intended to address capabilities associated with securing the programming,
configuration, and instantiated business data in the advanced meter.
Detailed Scale Definitions
2 Password levels: Primary/Secondary
The meter supports two distinct accounts with different privileges for each account.
3 Password levels: Primary/Secondary/Tertiary
The meter supports three distinct accounts with different privileges for each account.
4 Password levels: Primary/Limited Configuration/Secondary/Tertiary
The meter supports four distinct accounts with different privileges for each account.
Individual password change for Tertiary level
Multiple accounts may be set up for the lowest level of privilege, each with their own individually managed
password.
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Individual password change for all levels
Multiple accounts may be set up at each level of privilege, each with their own individually managed
password.
Customer change Tertiary password
The meter may be configured to allow the customer to change the password for the least privileged
account.
Forcing good passwords and periodic password change
The meter has the ability to enforce a strong password policy (i.e.: 9+ characters, at least one uppercase,
lowercase, number, and symbol), and the ability to expire passwords after a designated time period. New
passwords must be checked against a history file to ensure adequate rotation.
Encrypted digital login from local installation tool
Login credentials are encrypted during transit from the local installation tool to the meter.
Remotely revocable credentials
Login credentials may be invalidated from a remote (centralized) location.
Open standard security protocols
The complete and full specifications for all security-related protocols used in the meter must be available
to the public and free for the purposes of implementation.
FIPS 140-2 cryptographic tamper detection
The meter must implement a tamper detection mechanism (e.g. a hash or signature) utilizing a
cryptographic function which meets Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 140-2.
Remotely upgradeable security policy
The security configuration of the meter may be modified at a remote (centralized) location and sent to the
meter. This must include the ability to add and configure new features and constraints.
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Remote credential distribution and management
Credentials may be added, updated, deleted, or read from a remote (centralized) location.
Two-factor authentication
The authentication mechanism requires two out of the following three categories to validate identity:
something you are (e.g. biometric), something you know (e.g. password), and something you have (e.g.
physical key or token).
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X. Tamper / Theft Detection Definition
This category is used to evaluate the meter tamper detection capabilities. Tamper detection capability is
important to assess the potential for both theft of services and potentially hazardous conditions.
Detailed Scale Definitions
None
The meter has no ability to detect tampering.
Meter inversion detection
The meter can detect that it has been installed “upside-down” and is metering in “reverse”.
Voltage detection on inactive service
Meter can detect whether voltage is present on the load side of a disconnected service. This would
indicate either an illegal bypass or an improper generator connection (load-side generators are not
allowed to be operated without activating a load disconnect device).
Interruption counts
Meter can detect momentary disconnections of line power. The count can be correlated with similar
counts from nearby meters to determine whether any un-authorized disturbances to the meter supply has
occurred (which strongly indicates tampering).
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Meter removal detection
The meter can determine that the jaws of the meter have been separated from the meter base.
Meter cover removal detection
The meter can determine that the cover has been removed from the meter. This indicates that the meter
circuitry has been exposed for possible tampering.
Meter password change attempt
The meter logs all attempts to change the lowest level (user) password. Unsuccessful attempt indicate
an attempted security breach. A log of successful attempts may be used to mediate disputes where more
than one person has credentials to change the password and the password has changed.
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Annex A. Glossary
This section provides definitions of individual terms used in the panel descriptions presented in this
document. These definitions are taken directly from the UtilityAMI glossary which can be found at
http://www.utilityami.org/
.NET
Microsoft's platform for XML Web services. XML Web services
allow applications to communicate and share data over the
Internet, regardless of operating system or programming
language. The platform includes a comprehensive family of
products, built on XML and Internet industry standards, that
provide for each aspect of developing, managing, using, and
experiencing XML Web services.
Adaptive self healing
Refers to a communication network. A type of network that
detects a disruption in the communication link and follows a
prescribed algorithm to correct the link disruption and heal the
connection link.
Alarming
An action performed by a device that notifies another device or
system that an alarm event has occurred.
Alerting
An action performed by a device that notifies another device or
system that an alert event has occurred.
ANSI C12
A standard by ANSI that relates to electrical meters.
API
Application Programming Interface
Authentication
The process of identifying that a message has been sent by an
authorized party when a connection is established.
Collar
A device that is inserted between the meter and the base to allow
for addition of new capabilities such as remote disconnect,
remote meter reading and communications
COM (Component Object
Model)
Microsoft's framework for developing and supporting program
component objects. It is aimed at providing similar capabilities to
those defined in CORBA. COM provides the underlying services
of interface negotiation, life cycle management (determining
when an object can be removed from a system), licensing, and
event services (putting one object into service as the result of an
event that has happened to another object). COM includes
COM+, DCOM, MSMQ, MTS, and ActiveX controls.
COM, DCOM, MTS, COM+,
CCM, .NET, OSGI, Dassault
Systems
COM+
Services used to exchange information between two applications
Commercially available
Product
A product offered by a supplier that can be purchased today and
COM+ is an extension to the Component Object Model (COM).
COM+ is a component object model or an object model with a set
of services for COM-based applications. The COM+ architecture
integrates COM and MTS, with the following feature areas;
Servers, Transactions, Security, Administration, Load Balancing,
Queued Components, and Events.
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is fully supported.
Commercially available
meter
A meter with disconnect capability is available commercially and
in use with more than 10,000 installed units.
Configuration management
A system for tracking the configuration of equipment in the field.
Credentials
A security method that requires an authorization using a
presentation of authentication.
Cryptographic tamper
detection
A detection of tampering of a device that uses a cryptographic
security method to protect information internally and during the
exchange of information externally.
Current Limiting
The meter is capable of current triggered disconnect.
Customer Change tertiary
password
Customer Reset
A third level password protecting the customer device
DCOM (Distributed
Component Object Model)
A Microsoft developed protocol that enables software
components to communicate directly over a network in a reliable,
secure, and efficient manner. Previously called "Network OLE,"
DCOM is designed for use across multiple network transports,
including Internet protocols such as HTTP. DCOM is based on
the Open Software Foundation's DCE-RPC spec and will work
with both Java applets and ActiveX® components through its use
of the COM
Diagnostic self test
A capability of a device that provides on board testing to see if
the device is performing correctly or if it is need of maintenance.
Disconnect Device
A device with a load interrupting capability associated with the
advanced electric meter.
Disconnect On/Off
The status of the disconnect device or the message sent to
change the device state. A capability of connecting load to the
service as well as disconnecting.
Encrypted digital login
A login technique that uses digital encryption to allow a user
access to a system or device.
Event Logging
An action taken by a system or device to record an activity based
upon a predefined event occurring.
Flexible Set Point
The meter is capable of being configured with a wide range of
current set points at which the meter will disconnect. Time delay
can also be specified before the disconnect occurs.
Harmonic
A non-fundamental frequency component of a voltage or current
that repeats at a multiple of the fundamental frequency. E.g. 120,
180, 240, 300 Hz are harmonics of 60 Hz
Harmonic distortion
The amount of harmonics in proportion to the fundamental
frequency. Typically expressed as a percentage. E.g. 10%
harmonic distortion represented a current or voltage level that is
10% in magnitude of the fundamental component.
A capability of a device that provides local reset by the customer.
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Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Program
Metering Capability Framework
Harmonic voltages
A non-fundamental frequency component of a voltage that
repeats at a multiple of the fundamental frequency. E.g. 120,
180, 240, 300 Hz are harmonics of 60 Hz
In use
A device that is on line and active.
Link management
A system that manages connections between an end device and
the communication network.
Logging
An action taken by a system or device to record an activity or set
of events.
Meter cover removal
detection
Meter History
A method for detecting if the cover to a meter has been removed.
Meter inversion
A type of electric meter tampering that tries to run the meter
backwards by inverting the meter physically and replugging it
back in the meter base.
MTS (Microsoft Transaction
Server)
Combines the features of a Transaction Processing monitor and
an Object Request Broker. It is the transaction service in the
Windows NT® operating system.
OSI - 7 layer Reference
Model (OSI-RM)
OSI means Open Standard Interconnection. A seven-layer model
for data communication defined by the ISO (International
Standards Organization). The Open Systems Interconnection
(OSI) is a standard reference model for communication between
two end users in a network. It is used in developing products and
understanding networks. The OSI reference model was
developed by the ISO in 1984, and it is now considered the
primary architectural model for inter-computer communications.
The OSI Reference Model consists of seven layers. The top three
layers (session, presentation, and application) are primarily of
concern when building distributed applications programs using
the services provided by the network. They are generally
implemented only in software. The data transport aspects are
covered with the protocols operating at the bottom four layers
(physical, data link, network, and transport) in the OSI reference
model. Information being transferred from a software application
in one computer system to a software application
Password levels
A security system that requires multiple passwords at different
communication layers
Periodic passwords
A security system that requires changing of passwords after a
fixed time.
Programmable
The ability of a device to change settings or configurations.
Proprietary
A system, software, application, device, module, component, or
design that is unique to a particular supplier or organization and
cannot be supplied by a secondary source without impinging
upon property rights
Remote configuration
Remote Credential
Distribution
The ability of a device to change settings or configurations
remotely over a communication link.
A security method that provides for distribution of credentials
remotely
Remote firmware upgrade
The ability of a device to be have its firmware upgradeable using
A log of events associated with a meter
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Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) Program
Metering Capability Framework
a process remotely over a communication link.
Remote Programmable
The ability of a device to be programmed remotely over a
communication link.
Remotely configurable
tables
The ability of a device to be have settings or configuration tables
updated remotely over a communication link.
Remotely Loadable
Modules
The ability of a device or system to have software modules
downloaded remotely over a communication link.
Remotely revocable
credentials
In security, the ability of a system to disable or revoke a
credential used at a device.
RTOS
Real Time Operating System
Service Life - Calculated
The expected life of a device based upon a calculation performed
on the device components and modules.
Service Life - Minimum
The minimum acceptable projected life of a device. The life of a
device is determined by either 1) extrapolation of a sample of
device life’s over a length of time, or 2) using an industry formula
to calculate MTTF
Signal Monitoring
In a communication network, the ability of a device to monitor the
health of the communication link.
Standard protocol
(standards based)
Use of a communication protocol based upon a widely available
and publicly published open standard(s).
Statistics
The mathematics of the collection, organization, and
interpretation of numerical data.
Voltage detection (sensing
and outage?)
The ability of a device to detect the presence of voltage to a
customer.
Voltage profile
A set of voltage data over time at a delivery point
Voltage sag
An event at a delivery point represented by a drop in voltage from
the nominal delivery voltage for that load.
Voltage sensing
The ability of a device to sense voltage presence at a delivery
point
Voltage swell
An event at a delivery point represented by an increase in voltage
from the nominal delivery voltage for that load.
Waveform oscillography
The capture of time sampled data of current or voltage especially
related to an abnormal event.
Document: 106757058
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© Copyright 2006, Southern California Edison, All Rights Reserved