Universal Metering Interface

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File:UMI-AW-001 blue2 v1.0.svg
The UMI logo is used to identify compatible equipment

UMI (Universal Metering Interface)[1] is a set of 3 free open specifications for smart metering and smart home products. The UMI specifications define; a module interface based on SPI, an optical communications interface based on EN62056-21 (FLAG port) and a security interface based on ECC-256 and AES-128. The UMI interfaces are used in utility meters (electricity, gas, water, heat), displays, gateways and appliances.[2]

The specifications can be downloaded from :

Overview

The aim of UMI is to provide a universal ultra-lower power interface between a smart metering device and one or more communication modules. A smart metering device could be a:

Communication modules can developed for a number of wired and wireless communication standards, including but not exhaustively:

The UMI topology is a star network similar to USB but much lower power making it suitable for battery powered devices such as gas or water meters[3]. The system comprises a host and up to 15 peripherals connected through the physical layer of a 10-pin ultra-low power IDC.

Smart Meter Roll-out

In 2009 the United Kingdom the Department of Energy and Climate Change announced its intention to have smart meters in every home (approximately 22 million gas and 26 million electricity meters) by 2020.[4][5] Similar plans exist for many other European nations.

However, many of the communication standards within the 'smart network' are yet to be decided, due to fears that with any single standard there is not enough experience with regard to long-term stability, or uncertainty of its performance in mass applications, or open questions concerning battery life. This leads some to view "communications as the Achilles' heel of the entire system"[6].

UMI provides a single, universal connector separating the functions of the smart grid device and its communication modules[7]. UMI allows for the development and mass production of smart meters and smart grid devices before the communication standards are fixed, with the relevant communications modules being easily added or exchanged when the standards are stable. This lowers the risk of investing in the wrong standard and permits a single product to be used over a large region (e.g Europe or USA) even if other requirements and standards (e.g communications, security) vary for smaller regions (e.g countries or states).[8][9]

Open Standard

UMI is an open standard and available without licensing fees. The responsibility for maintaining and publishing the UMI standard is performed by a collection of companies grouped as the UMI Alliance. The UMI Alliance will be formed as an independent, not-for-profit organisation when the members want it.

References

  1. ↑ Cambridge Consultants - UMI Overview
  2. ↑ UMI CaseNote
  3. ↑ Telegesis - The first ZigBee module on the market meeting the new UMI standard
  4. ↑ DECC Smart electricity and gas meters
  5. ↑ "New smart meter plan is unveiled". BBC News. 2009-05-11. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/8042716.stm. Retrieved 2010-05-23.
  6. ↑ Elster suggests the benefits of a Universal Metering Interface
  7. ↑ Cambridge Consultants Introduces the Universal Metering Interface
  8. ↑ Elster suggests the benefits of a Universal Metering Interface (UMI)
  9. ↑ New Scientist - Universal link bids to solve home energy format wars

External links


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