Design and implementation of a novel remote metering system using USB GPRS/EDGE modem

Gradual improvement of Automatic Meter Reading System (AMRS) technology could be one-step ahead by using USB GPRS/EDGE modem. AMRS based on USB GPRS modem provides many advantages compared to other remote metering techniques. USB has its own universality and durability, it uses TCP/IP and PPP protocol for communication and GPRS is an extension of GSM provides higher data transmission speed and more security. The benefits of implementing such system include robust data transmission, wide area network coverage, lowering power consumption, cost-effective and reliable. An interface system (IS) has been developed that can be plugged in existing digital energy meter and a new meter can also be developed with this IS. The proposed IS collects meter data and send that data to the server using USB modem. Each IS is capable of two-way communication. To send meter data existing GPRS networks have been used. This paper describes the detail hardware design of an interface system, step by step procedure of TCP/IP, PPP, and USB protocol implementation. The paper also shows the data transmission and reception with server end in real world.