Electricity Metering GPRS Gateway System is a complete communication and telemetry solution designed for remote electricity meter reading and remote control. The system consists of a metering GSM/GPRS gateway connected to a standard single-phase or three-phase electricity meter via an RS485 interface. The GPRS gateway automatically performs meter readings at fixed time intervals and transmits the collected data to a remote server using a TCP socket over a GPRS connection. The device is fully configurable through an RS232 configuration port or remotely via the server. The system includes both RS232 configuration software and remote data visualization software. The application-level communication protocol is developed and customized to meet specific customer requirements. The device also enables remote control of a relay contact via the server application. Two LEDs provide status indication for the GPRS connection and RS485 communication activity.

The GPRS Gateway Device is compatible with both single-phase and three-phase energy meters, supporting RS485 data communication over the IEC62056-21 standard. It includes an industrial-grade GSM/GPRS pre-certified module, ensuring a reliable GPRS data connection. Powered directly by AC mains, the device eliminates the need for an external AC power adapter. The RS485 interface is equipped with a complete opto-isolation circuit to protect against electrical surges. Two LEDs provide clear status indicators for network connectivity and RS485 communication activity. The device firmware is highly customized to meet specific customer requirements. It is based on the industry-standard FreeRTOS Real-Time Operating System, which combines flexibility in design with high reliability. The server’s TCP socket connection is initiated by the device and is fully configurable. Additionally, the device comes with 16 MB of non-volatile memory, capable of storing previous readouts and retransmitting the data in case of connectivity issues, providing more than one week of readout storage.

✓ RS485 interface for electricity meter connection, completely opto-isolated;
✓ RS232 interface for local device configuration;
✓ Pre-certified GPRS module and external GSM antenna support;
✓ Onboard non-volatile memory for readout storage and resend;
✓ Integrated mains power supply, minimizing external components;
✓ SIM card holder for "Mini" SIM card type (25mm x 15mm);
✓ Remote controlled relay contact for external circuit remote control;
✓ Status LEDs, indicating the connection and RS485 activity and status;
✓ Jumpers for settings factory reset and mode of operation;
✓ SMA GSM antenna connector, allowing external GSM antenna;
✓ Optimized DIN rail mounted enclosure for easy mechanical fix;
✓ Real Time Operating System firmware approach, using 16bit MCU;
✓ Supporting IEC62056-21 communication standard for energy meter communication;
✓ Supporting TCP Socket and DNS protocol for remote connection, device originated;

The RS232 Configuration Tool is used for configuring the GPRS gateway and adjusting all configurable parameters. It connects to the device via the RS232 port. The software allows users to read, modify, and write all settings, including the readout sample interval, GPRS configuration, TCP socket settings, and meter communication parameters in compliance with the IEC62056-21 standard. Additionally, the software supports service functions such as factory reset and device restart.

✓ Using RS232 interface for device service connection;
✓ Read, modify, write all configurable parameters;
✓ Configure readout sample time interval;
✓ Configure GPRS related settings;
✓ Configure connection related settings;
✓ Configure meter communication settings;
✓ Execute service actions - Restart and fatory reset of the device;

Communication Server Software

The Communication Server Software enables remote connection and data visualization for the device. It operates as a TCP server, receiving connections from individual GPRS gateways. The software allows for the configuration of all gateway parameters, including sample time, GPRS settings, connection settings, and meter communication parameters. These settings can be modified in real-time and applied after a device restart. The server software showcases the developed communication protocol and is optimized to meet specific customer requirements. Additionally, the server and communication protocol support the ability to read and modify the meter’s time and date. All incoming data from a single readout is received as simple text, following the IEC62056-21 standard, and is visualized in a text console. Both real-time and memory data are also transmitted in binary format and visualized within the server software. All received data is stored in a log file, including timestamps, and can later be visualized and further processed.

✓ Using TCP socket listener for remote gateway connection;
✓ Read, modify, write all configurable parameters;
✓ Configure readout sample time interval;
✓ Configure GPRS related settings;
✓ Configure connection related settings;
✓ Configure meter communication settings;
✓ Can execute service actions - Restart and fatory reset of the device;
✓ Configure the meter time/date;
✓ Readout text visualization on dedicated console window;
✓ Readout binary data visualization of the supported from the system data;
✓ LOG file storage for all received real time data, including time of receiving stamp;
✓ Internal application level connection watchdog from both ends and connection restart attempts;