In Munich last week during electronica 2016, Analog Devices previewed its innovative mSure technology that resides in energy measurement ICs and provides a comprehensive accuracy monitoring and self-diagnostic capability for the entire system, including the sensor. The system provides continuous monitoring of the whole meter system's accuracy and doesn't interfere with normal metrology related to energy data. Analog expects to introduce ICs based on mSure technology in the second-half of 2017.
Compared with conventional meter designs, mSure technology represents a more robust approach because the accuracy of the measurement system is no longer dependent upon the performance of the sensor. The transfer function of the sensor is continuously measured by the control system; a small reference signal is superimposed on the current flowing through the sensor and this reference current is extracted from the main signal. In effect, bringing the sensor inside a closed-loop system allows any variation in its performance, or indeed any other element in the control loop, to be compensated for if changes in the transfer function can be detected and measured.
mSure ensures that readings taken on distribution equipment are always accurate with the capability of validating the health of the system without disruption and with almost no operational expenditure. In the case of billing-grade meters, mSure helps prevent energy theft and helps utilities protect revenue. mSure enables a more automated process for calibrating signal chains, including sensors. It can also reduce or eliminate the need to use time-consuming calibration techniques and expensive test equipment during manufacturing.
Analog Devices is already working with smart meter makers and their customers to design mSure technology into next-generation meters. Those meters are expected to begin appearing on the market in late 2017 or early 2018.
