Press Release: Abelon and OnStream work together to build a new generation of smart meters

Abelon supports OnStream to bring the next generation of smart meters to the market

Edinburgh-based embedded systems specialist Abelon Systems has supported OnStream, a National Grid company, to bring the next generation of smart electricity and gas meters to the UK market.

OnStream’s new family of smart meters use multi-tasking firmware exclusively developed by Abelon. This family of meters uses a flexible "smart core" to provide a standalone communications and metering application platform. Gas and electricity metrology are directly supported in a market-leading low power design allowing either metering solution to work independently.

Integrated communications comes from GSM, GPRS and ZigBee wireless standards and uniquely the platform can roam across UK mobile networks providing the maximum coverage potential. The solution fully meets the ERA and DECC specifications, supporting time of use smart tariffs, Open HAN and other functionality. The platform is a fully manageable remote asset providing secure delivery of data, alarms, advanced fraud protection and remote firmware upgrade.

"Accuracy, security and robustness are key attributes of an always on system such as the smart meter. We have a lot of experience of the telecommunications and oil services industries, and took the same mission critical approach for OnStream." said Ian Smith, Managing Director of Abelon Systems.

Abelon Systems was founded in 2002 with a highly experienced engineering and consulting staff. Abelon’s expertise encompasses the complete product lifecycle from conceptual design through to new product introduction, maintenance and support. Key drivers for success are engineering excellence combined with transparent design and project management process, and Abelon is fully accredited to ISO 9001:2008.

"We always strive to provide value for money with on-time, on budget delivery of solutions. Abelon’s founding principle is to work as a co-development R&D partner with our clients." said Smith.

"The Government have set a 2020 deadline for completion of the smart meter roll-out in the UK." said Smith. "Working closely with OnStream has helped produce a new family of smart meters that will meet this challenge."

OnStream is one of Britain’s leading meter asset management, installation and metering service companies and has developed this innovative solution to support its smart metering proposition.

Clare Naunton, Smart Development Manager for OnStream agrees: "Smart metering is on the brink of rapid expansion in the UK and it’s critical to create a product that meets the challenges of today’s market while providing a platform for additional feature delivery in the future. Our meters developed with a modular design and Abelon’s software will enable us to meet these challenges."

The smart meters utilising the Abelon firmware will come to the market in a trial due to start in summer 2010.

For more information on Abelon's custom embedded design services, please visit www.abelon.com or email sales@abelon.com for more information.

For more information on OnStream please visit www.onstream.co.uk.

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