Method and System for Managing Power Consumption of a Meter During Communication Activities

摘要

Described herein are embodiments of methods and systems for detecting communications of a first meter board and using that detection as an indication to manage power consumption of the meter by a second meter board. In accordance with one aspect, a method is provided for detecting communications of a first meter board by a second meter board. In one embodiment, the method includes: receiving a signal, wherein the signal indicates a presence of communication activities between a first processor and another device over a network; and managing power consumption of the meter while the first processor is communicating with the other device over the network.

主权项

1. A utility meter, comprising:
a first board configured to perform communication functions of the utility meter, the first board comprising a first processor and a communication interface connected to the first processor; a second board configured to perform metrology functions of the utility meter, the second board comprising a second processor and an electronic device; an interface port connecting the first board and the second board; wherein the first processor is configured to:
communicate with a network device over a network using the communication interface; andprovide an indicator signal to the second board via the interface port, wherein the indicator signal indicates an occurrence of a communication between the first board and the network device over the network; and wherein the second processor is configured to reduce, responsive to receiving the indicator signal from the first board via the interface port, power consumption of the electronic device.