BRN Discussion Ongoing

[Smoothsailing]

Podcast recorded 3weeks ago now, maybe they needed to re-record it due to some more recent updates come on Brainchip

 

[buena suerte :-)]

C'mon BRN @Earlyrelease (retirement !!) is going have to change his name to @Delayedrelease

Great night yesterday catching up with a few of the Perth crew.....Cheers all ....

 

[rgupta]

I believe that as a German and BrainChip’s EMEA representative (who collaborates more closely with ESA than with any other space agency), Alf Kuchenbuch was speaking from his very own European (some might even say Euro-centric) perspective here, when he referred to ESA (= European Space Agency) as “from our side” as opposed to NASA .

I don’t think he meant to say that BrainChip was somehow involved in the Rosalind Franklin Mars rover.

In a September LinkedIn post (3.5 months after the video’s Neuromorphic AI in Space presentation), Alf Kuchenbuch clearly referred to Rosalind’s “children” (> future ESA Mars rovers) that he envisioned to have neuromorphic brains, not to Rosalind Franklin itself.

He actually added “(That is my dream.)” later, presumably to clarify that BrainChip’s involvement in that future endeavour - while very much hoped for and desirable - is by no means guaranteed. (My guess is that Laurent Hili had asked him to edit his post, but that is of course mere speculation.)

Alf Kuchenbuch on LinkedIn: Laurent Hili, Sandi Habinc, Sean Hehir, please give Rosalind's "children"…

Laurent Hili, Sandi Habinc, Sean Hehir, please give Rosalind's "children" a neuromorphic brain for better perception and autonomy! (That is my dream.)

www.linkedin.com

View attachment 74113

I don't know from whom they try to hide. Most of the competitors know what is happening behind the scenes.
May be investors are the only people who does not much clue.
Dyor

 

[Wags]

C'mon BRN @Earlyrelease (retirement !!) is going have to change his name to @Delayedrelease

Great night yesterday catching up with a few of the Perth crew.....Cheers all ....

Great stuff @buena suerte :-)
Tell us, what was the chatter like regarding a) the $800K subcontract, payable or receivable, and b) podcast timing?
Cheers in advance

 

[mcm]

C'mon BRN @Earlyrelease (retirement !!) is going have to change his name to @Delayedrelease

Great night yesterday catching up with a few of the Perth crew.....Cheers all ....

Was Tony Dawe there?

 

[Pom down under]

Was Tony Dawe there?

Who

 

[buena suerte :-)]

Great stuff @buena suerte :-)
Tell us, what was the chatter like regarding a) the $800K subcontract, payable or receivable, and b) podcast timing?
Cheers in advance

Hey @Wags ..The $800k is payable to the sub contractor to fund R&D is all I know. And the next investor podcast will be released as soon as possible!

That's all I have..Cheers

 

[buena suerte :-)]

Was Tony Dawe there?

Was Tony Dawe there?

Yes he was

 

[7für7]

Hey @Wags ..The $800k is payable to the sub contractor to fund R&D is all I know. And the next investor podcast will be released as soon as possible!

That's all I have..Cheers

So this is all you have? I’ll make you an offer you can’t refuse. Let’s see if, perhaps, you might find a little more. ….. cheers

 

[Smoothsailing]

Did you see if Sean happen to have the new Nintendo hanging out of his back pocket .

 

[mcm]

Yes he was

Great. Did you ply him with booze and ask him when the next announcement was coming? Did he seem upbeat about BRN's future?

 

[7für7]

Great. Did you ply him with booze and ask him when the next announcement was coming? Did he seem upbeat about BRN's future?

I’m sure that after a glass or two of wine, he spilled the entire strategy and NDAs. Screw ASX rules… REVOLUTION!!!!

 

[Tothemoon24]

Understanding Smart Meters: Global Standards, Types, Benefits, and Challenges​

Published on
December 2, 2024

Post navigation​

Previous PostPREVIOUS
Share

• 
• 
• 

As the world shifts toward smarter energy solutions, smart meters have emerged as a crucial technology for modernizing how we consume and manage energy. These advanced devices are not only transforming the way we interact with energy but are also helping utility companies improve efficiency and sustainability.
In this blog, we’ll explore the global compliance standards for smart meters, including India, the different types of smart meters available, their benefits, and the challenges they pose. Finally, we’ll dive into how VVDN is empowering OEMs worldwide with end-to-end development and manufacturing of next-generation smart meters.

What is a Smart Meter?​

A smart meter is an advanced energy meter that records electricity, gas, or water usage in real time. Unlike traditional meters, which require manual readings, smart meters send data directly to utility companies, enabling more efficient energy management.

Compliance and Standards: A Global Perspective​

Smart meters are subject to various compliance standards depending on the country. Here’s a brief overview of some key regions:

1. United States​

• Standards: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has established a framework for smart grid interoperability, ensuring that smart meters can communicate seamlessly with different devices and networks.
• Regulatory Bodies: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversees electric utilities, while state public utility commissions regulate local implementations.

2. European Union​

• Standards: The EU has established the Smart Metering European Framework, which outlines technical specifications for smart metering systems. Key standards include the EN 62056 series for data exchange and the IEC 62053 series for metering accuracy.
• Regulatory Bodies: The European Commission provides directives to member states for implementing smart meter systems.

3. India​

• Standards: India’s smart meter standards are governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP), and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Key standards include:
  – IS 16444: Covers technical requirements for smart meters, including accuracy, tamper detection, and two-way communication capabilities, with specifications for single-phase and three-phase smart meters.
  – CBIP-325: Provides technical guidelines for meter reliability, durability, and communication protocols, ensuring performance under India’s environmental conditions.
  – MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment): Focuses on compliance for smart meters with communication modules, addressing security, EMI/EMC, and interoperability standards.
• Regulatory Bodies:
  – Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Develops and enforces IS 16444 specifications to ensure quality and interoperability of smart meters.
  – Central Electricity Authority (CEA): Governs the deployment and rollout of smart meters as part of India’s smart grid initiatives.
  – Department of Telecommunications (DoT):Certifies smart meters with embedded communication modules under MTCTE to ensure telecom compliance.
  – State Electricity Regulatory Commissions:Monitor and regulate smart meter implementation at the state level.

4. United Kingdom​

• Standards: The Smart Meter Implementation Programme (SMIP) sets out technical specifications and interoperability requirements. The Data Communications Company (DCC) ensures secure data transmission.
• Regulatory Bodies: Ofgem, the energy regulator, oversees the rollout and compliance of smart meters.

5. Australia​

• Standards: The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has developed the Metering Code, which includes standards for metering installation, maintenance, and data exchange.
• Regulatory Bodies: The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) enforces compliance and supports the transition to smart meters.

Types of Smart Meters​

Smart meters can be categorized based on the type of utility they measure:

1. Electric Smart Meters: Measure electricity usage, enabling real-time monitoring and demand response capabilities.
2. Gas Smart Meters: Track natural gas consumption, providing consumers with insights into usage patterns and potential savings.
3. Water Smart Meters: Measure water usage, helping to detect leaks and promote conservation efforts.
4. Multi-Utility Smart Meters: Combine functionalities to measure electricity, gas, and water, offering a comprehensive view of a household’s resource consumption.

How Do Smart Energy Meters Work?​

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at how smart energy meters function.
Smart energy meters work by measuring energy usage in real time using advanced metrology components to ensure accuracy. The core components include:

• A microcontroller unit (MCU) that processes data.
• A communication module (e.g., RF, Zigbee, or cellular) for secure data transmission to utility providers.

The meter continuously captures key parameters like voltage, current, power, and energy usage. It transmits this information at regular intervals to central utility systems, where it is analyzed for billing and load management.
Smart meters also enable two-way communication, allowing utilities to send commands (e.g., tariff updates or remote disconnections) and receive alerts. Built-in features such as encryption and tamper detection mechanisms ensure secure and reliable operation.
By eliminating the need for manual readings, smart meters improve operational efficiency and provide consumers and utilities with real-time energy insights.

Benefits of Smart Meters​

• Real-Time Data Access: Consumers can monitor their usage in real time, leading to more informed decisions about energy consumption.
• Cost Savings: By understanding usage patterns, consumers can shift usage to off-peak times, reducing bills.
• Environmental Impact: Smart meters contribute to energy efficiency, reducing waste and lowering carbon footprints.
• Improved Reliability: Utilities can quickly identify outages and maintenance needs, leading to faster service restoration.

Why VVDN?​

VVDN’s power electronics team brings deep expertise in the design and development of smart meters. With a strong focus on compliance and standards, VVDN provides OEMs with end-to-end product engineering, including Hardware design, Firmware development, Mechanical design, Testing and certification, and Mass production
Our next-generation smart meters are designed to meet global compliance requirements and help OEMs accelerate their time to market.
If you’re looking to develop and manufacture smart meters, feel free to contact us at info@vvdntech.com.

 

[7für7]

View attachment 74129

Understanding Smart Meters: Global Standards, Types, Benefits, and Challenges​

Published on
December 2, 2024

Post navigation​

Previous PostPREVIOUS
Share

• 
• 
  
• 
• 
  
• 

As the world shifts toward smarter energy solutions, smart meters have emerged as a crucial technology for modernizing how we consume and manage energy. These advanced devices are not only transforming the way we interact with energy but are also helping utility companies improve efficiency and sustainability.
In this blog, we’ll explore the global compliance standards for smart meters, including India, the different types of smart meters available, their benefits, and the challenges they pose. Finally, we’ll dive into how VVDN is empowering OEMs worldwide with end-to-end development and manufacturing of next-generation smart meters.

What is a Smart Meter?​

A smart meter is an advanced energy meter that records electricity, gas, or water usage in real time. Unlike traditional meters, which require manual readings, smart meters send data directly to utility companies, enabling more efficient energy management.

Compliance and Standards: A Global Perspective​

Smart meters are subject to various compliance standards depending on the country. Here’s a brief overview of some key regions:

1. United States​

• Standards: The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has established a framework for smart grid interoperability, ensuring that smart meters can communicate seamlessly with different devices and networks.
• Regulatory Bodies: The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) oversees electric utilities, while state public utility commissions regulate local implementations.

2. European Union​

• Standards: The EU has established the Smart Metering European Framework, which outlines technical specifications for smart metering systems. Key standards include the EN 62056 series for data exchange and the IEC 62053 series for metering accuracy.
• Regulatory Bodies: The European Commission provides directives to member states for implementing smart meter systems.

3. India​

• Standards: India’s smart meter standards are governed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), Central Board of Irrigation and Power (CBIP), and the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). Key standards include:
  – IS 16444: Covers technical requirements for smart meters, including accuracy, tamper detection, and two-way communication capabilities, with specifications for single-phase and three-phase smart meters.
  – CBIP-325: Provides technical guidelines for meter reliability, durability, and communication protocols, ensuring performance under India’s environmental conditions.
  – MTCTE (Mandatory Testing and Certification of Telecom Equipment): Focuses on compliance for smart meters with communication modules, addressing security, EMI/EMC, and interoperability standards.
• Regulatory Bodies:
  – Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS): Develops and enforces IS 16444 specifications to ensure quality and interoperability of smart meters.
  – Central Electricity Authority (CEA): Governs the deployment and rollout of smart meters as part of India’s smart grid initiatives.
  – Department of Telecommunications (DoT):Certifies smart meters with embedded communication modules under MTCTE to ensure telecom compliance.
  – State Electricity Regulatory Commissions:Monitor and regulate smart meter implementation at the state level.

4. United Kingdom​

• Standards: The Smart Meter Implementation Programme (SMIP) sets out technical specifications and interoperability requirements. The Data Communications Company (DCC) ensures secure data transmission.
• Regulatory Bodies: Ofgem, the energy regulator, oversees the rollout and compliance of smart meters.

5. Australia​

• Standards: The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) has developed the Metering Code, which includes standards for metering installation, maintenance, and data exchange.
• Regulatory Bodies: The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) enforces compliance and supports the transition to smart meters.

Types of Smart Meters​

Smart meters can be categorized based on the type of utility they measure:

1. Electric Smart Meters: Measure electricity usage, enabling real-time monitoring and demand response capabilities.
2. Gas Smart Meters: Track natural gas consumption, providing consumers with insights into usage patterns and potential savings.
3. Water Smart Meters: Measure water usage, helping to detect leaks and promote conservation efforts.
4. Multi-Utility Smart Meters: Combine functionalities to measure electricity, gas, and water, offering a comprehensive view of a household’s resource consumption.

How Do Smart Energy Meters Work?​

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a closer look at how smart energy meters function.
Smart energy meters work by measuring energy usage in real time using advanced metrology components to ensure accuracy. The core components include:

• A microcontroller unit (MCU) that processes data.
• A communication module (e.g., RF, Zigbee, or cellular) for secure data transmission to utility providers.

The meter continuously captures key parameters like voltage, current, power, and energy usage. It transmits this information at regular intervals to central utility systems, where it is analyzed for billing and load management.
Smart meters also enable two-way communication, allowing utilities to send commands (e.g., tariff updates or remote disconnections) and receive alerts. Built-in features such as encryption and tamper detection mechanisms ensure secure and reliable operation.
By eliminating the need for manual readings, smart meters improve operational efficiency and provide consumers and utilities with real-time energy insights.

Benefits of Smart Meters​

• Real-Time Data Access: Consumers can monitor their usage in real time, leading to more informed decisions about energy consumption.
• Cost Savings: By understanding usage patterns, consumers can shift usage to off-peak times, reducing bills.
• Environmental Impact: Smart meters contribute to energy efficiency, reducing waste and lowering carbon footprints.
• Improved Reliability: Utilities can quickly identify outages and maintenance needs, leading to faster service restoration.

Why VVDN?​

VVDN’s power electronics team brings deep expertise in the design and development of smart meters. With a strong focus on compliance and standards, VVDN provides OEMs with end-to-end product engineering, including Hardware design, Firmware development, Mechanical design, Testing and certification, and Mass production
Our next-generation smart meters are designed to meet global compliance requirements and help OEMs accelerate their time to market.
If you’re looking to develop and manufacture smart meters, feel free to contact us at info@vvdntech.com.

So… your thoughts on that?

 

[Pom down under]

So… your thoughts on that?

Smart meters don’t need neuromorphic chips as I’ve been using a smart meter for my electricity supply (through my solar and the app) and get more than enough real time information and can’t see any more benefits than I get now.

 

[Schwale]

Smart meters don’t need neuromorphic chips as I’ve been using a smart meter for my electricity supply (through my solar and the app) and get more than enough real time information and can’t see any more benefits than I get now.

Looks like one application of a smart meter, these guys have a range of smart meter e.g. water, gas, multi etc see there blurb below..
Smart meters can be categorized based on the type of utility they measure:

Electric Smart Meters: Measure electricity usage, enabling real-time monitoring and demand response capabilities.
Gas Smart Meters: Track natural gas consumption, providing consumers with insights into usage patterns and potential savings.
Water Smart Meters: Measure water usage, helping to detect leaks and promote conservation efforts.
Multi-Utility Smart Meters: Combine functionalities to measure electricity, gas, and water, offering a comprehensive view of a household’s resource consumption.


They must of found a way to incorporate snn neuromorphic technology into their MCU

 

[Fullmoonfever]

If correct, maybe explains why no subcontractor announced yet

BrainChip engaged under US$1.8m contract with Air Force Research Laboratory

The producer of neuromorphic artificial intelligence IP, BrainChip, has been engaged in a US$1.8 million contract by Air Force Research Laboratory.

www.defenceconnect.com.au

The project focuses on a specific type of radar processing known as micro-Doppler signature analysis, which offers unprecedented activity discrimination capabilities. BrainChip is currently in negotiations to enter into a subcontractor agreement with the previously mentioned aerospace and defence company for the completion of the contract award.

BrainChip will partner with the subcontractor to provide research and development services developing and optimising algorithms for a fixed fee totalling $800,000 over the same period.

No other material conditions exist that must be satisfied for the agreement to become legally binding and to proceed. Air Force Research Laboratory will begin making milestone payments in January 2025.

 

[Frangipani]

Completely agree @Frangipani we still have a wait. It’s often the unknown which causes the angst. I don’t mind in this case because unlike most of our partners/customers the timeframe with FG is known. Even though it’s some time off; there is a target end date easily within my timeframes.

View attachment 73118

Thanks for posting that @Humble Genius. I hadn’t seen Alf‘s presentation before. He’s doing a great job in Europe for us!

For those that are time poor suggest take a look for several minutes from 24.30 mark for context where he’s talking about the different classes of spacecraft/satellites, eg class 4-5. Bearing in mind this was several months ago and prior to the FG announcement.

Then Alf talks about the “Real Deal”at the 25 min mark; class 1-3, “Missions that cannot go wrong at all”. “Talking multi-millions, multi-billions of dollars involved here”.

If we’re going into the GR716B as the RTA as I suspect then that is massive validation. The GR716B is described as the “Swiss Army Knife” and has many use cases throughout the spacecraft.

Hi Stable Genius,

I just realised I never followed up on your above reply to my Nov 20 post regarding Frontgrade Gaisler.

What I had meant to express with my post was that I don’t believe we are involved in FG’s GR716B, which is a microcontroller, not a microprocessor.

Frontgrade Gaisler and BrainChip announced their collaboration “to explore the integration of BrainChip’s Akida neuromorphic processor into Frontgrade Gaisler’s next generation fault-tolerant, radiation-hardened microprocessors” on May 6.

BrainChip and Frontgrade Gaisler to Augment Space-Grade Microprocessors with AI Capabilities

BrainChip and Frontgrade Gaisler to Augment Space-Grade Microprocessors with AI Capabilities Laguna Hills, Calif and Göteborg, Sweden – May 6, 2024 – BrainChip Holdings Ltd (ASX: BRN, OTCQX: BRCHF, ADR: BCHPY), the world’s first commercial producer of ultra-low power, fully digital...

brainchip.com

(By the way, Alf Kuchenbuch gave his Hardware Pioneers Max 2024 presentation three weeks after the FG announcement, not prior to it.)

May 6th was also the first day of the 17th Annual Workshop on Spacecraft Flight Software referred to in the following LinkedIn post, which in my opinion makes it clear that what we should be looking at instead is GR765, FG’s next-generation radiation-hardened multi-processor SoC (and hence prepare ourselves for a much longer time frame):

Just my two cents. I’d be happy to have some people with a technical background (which I don’t have) comment on this.


Thank’s for the slide from that Frontgrade October 2024 presentation, by the way, which I hadn’t been aware of (green arrow and highlighting is mine).

https://indico.esa.int/event/532/contributions/9838/attachments/6373/11025/ADCSS%20presentation.pdf

From a February 2022 Position Paper:

https://www.frontgrade.com/sites/default/files/documents/Position-Paper-LEON-NOELV-SoC-Architectures-2022-02-22.pdf?

 

[Frangipani]

Hi again @Baisyet,

hmm, I gave you a 2.5 hour head start, but since you haven’t reacted and it is already past midnight on parts of the East Coast, you are possibly already asleep. So let me share this then, before somebody else does:

Yesterday, I spotted this LinkedIn post by Pablo Miralles Roure:

View attachment 70808




… and sometime later these comments:


View attachment 70809


When I went back earlier today to check out any replies by Laurent Hili, I did indeed find one, but also a new question for Pablo:

View attachment 70814

And checking back an hour or so later - voilà, there was the reply I had been hoping for and in fact suspecting…
View attachment 70822

View attachment 70810

View attachment 70817


By the way, interesting company Pablo Miralles Roure works for:

View attachment 70818

Why suspecting, you may ask?

Because I had right away recognised the name of the BrainSat paper’s main author, Raphaël Mena Morales, formerly with Airbus Defence and Space (UK) and now with MDA Space (UK):

Paper information (83502) — IAF

iafastro.directory

(Only the paper’s first page including the abstract is accessible on this website)

View attachment 70829 View attachment 70824
View attachment 70825
View attachment 70826


Eight months ago, I drew attention to a reading-between-the-lines comment Raphaël Mena Morales had made under a LinkedIn post by EDGX from Belgium, announcing their first collaboration with ESA regarding their project “Onboard Neuromorphic Acceleration” (by then, we had already been aware of the EDGX / BrainChip collaboration for four months) and had (rightly, as it now turns out) assumed he and his potential collaborators were not exactly unfamiliar with Akida either…

View attachment 70838


Now does that mean that Pablo Moralle Roure’s reveal is solid evidence that all the co-authors’ employers are somehow involved and we should rush to add all of them to the list of companies or institutions “confirmed as being engaged with BrainChip”?

Of course not.

Five months ago, Raphaël Mena Morales posted the following about the BrainSat project, literally stressing it started out as a wild idea between friends and former [Airbus] colleagues, calling it an “entirely independent initiative”:

View attachment 70831


Obviously, it is still worthwhile to take notice of the BrainSat paper’s co-authors’ current employers, as these young engineers are now definitely confirmed to have first-hand experience with AKD1000, whether or not the companies, unis or research institutions they work for have ever been engaged with our company.

Interesting double-reference to BrainChip: Before joining BAE Systems (UK), Diviya Devani was the Mission Manager and Systems Engineering Lead for Space Machines Company’s Optimus-1, the Australian satellite that was launched on March 4, with the ANT-61 Brain (and hence Akida) onboard, which sadly got lost in space before communication could be established…

View attachment 70832
View attachment 70833




View attachment 70836
View attachment 70837

(Since I can only attach a maximum of 10 files, I will post info about the remaining co-authors in another post)

View attachment 70839
View attachment 70840

View attachment 70841


While the submitted BrainSat paper now lists Prerna Baranwal as one of the co-authors, who was also tagged in yesterday’s LinkedIn post by Pablo Miralles Roure…


View attachment 70842


… the five month old LinkedIn post by Raphaël Mena Morales didn’t tag her, but instead Alex Yiannakou:


View attachment 70843

Speaking of space research: The full version of the “Akida-inside” conference paper Brainsat: Hardware development of a neuromorphic on-board computer applied to methane detection from low earth orbit by Raphaël Mena Morales et al., which I had spotted back in October is now available for download:

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pablo-Miralles-2/publication/386550593_Brainsat_Hardware_development_of_a_neuromorphic_on-board_computer_applied_to_methane_detection_from_low_earth_orbit/links/6755f035ad10b614ef38fc66/Brainsat-Hardware-development-of-a-neuromorphic-on-board-computer-applied-to-methane-detection-from-low-earth-orbit.pdf?

 

[Diogenese]

If correct, maybe explains why no subcontractor announced yet

BrainChip engaged under US$1.8m contract with Air Force Research Laboratory

The producer of neuromorphic artificial intelligence IP, BrainChip, has been engaged in a US$1.8 million contract by Air Force Research Laboratory.

www.defenceconnect.com.au

The project focuses on a specific type of radar processing known as micro-Doppler signature analysis, which offers unprecedented activity discrimination capabilities. BrainChip is currently in negotiations to enter into a subcontractor agreement with the previously mentioned aerospace and defence company for the completion of the contract award.

BrainChip will partner with the subcontractor to provide research and development services developing and optimising algorithms for a fixed fee totalling $800,000 over the same period.

No other material conditions exist that must be satisfied for the agreement to become legally binding and to proceed. Air Force Research Laboratory will begin making milestone payments in January 2025.

Doppler shift is generated by the motion of an object relative to a receiver.

Micro-Doppler radar can detect vibrations, rotation and other self-contained relative movement in a target object.

One possible application would be in the detecetion and identification of propellor-driven drones. It can detect the rotation speed of the propellor and possibly the length of the propellor because the Doppler shift increases from the centre to the tip of the propellor.

Other targets may have characteristic vibrations providing a micro-Doppler signature.

So part of the development will include building models of characteristic micro-Doppler signatures of friend-or foe objects, just like Sheffield identified the EXocet as friendly.