Bytesnap Design has released the ZMM-01 Zigbee smart energy module that combines the features of metering and control in one, low power platform. It also provides a real-time clock, accurate up to 2ppm.
By implementing the Zigbee Smart Energy protocol, the module can use the command-set specified by the standard to control energy equipment within the home or office. Wirelessly connecting to other devices through the Zigbee mesh network, it forms a part of the smart home, helping to lower power usage by implementing building management protocols.
The module is suitable for various distributed control and monitoring systems, such as wireless charging for electric vehicles, street lighting control, data centre power monitoring and building air-conditioning control.
At the heart of the module is the Ember EM357 Zigbee radio-on-a-chip, which integrates a compliant IEEE 802.15.4/Zigbee wireless transceiver with the Arm Cortex-M3 microcontroller, able to run the Zigbee Smart Energy protocol and application code while consuming 30mA to transmit.
Closely coupled to this is the Cirrus Logic CS5467 analogue front end, developed for energy measurement applications. This incorporates on-chip functions for measuring voltage and current to calculate active, reactive and apparent power and energy with energy linearity ± 0.1% of reading over 1000:1 dynamic range.
The module simplifies working with Zigbee Smart Energy – implementing a complete Zigbee SE smart meter requires the addition of a shunt resistor and current transformer. The resulting device can form the heart of a meter that meets IEC EN62053-21 class one or 62053-23 class two.
A development kit complements the module, providing a complete platform for module evaluation and code development.
“Energy management is expected to help drive the M2M market into the mainstream over the next two years,” said Dunstan Power, director of Bytesnap Design.
“Legislation is being implemented across Europe and other regions, creating demand for solutions in this emerging market. The ZMM-01 offers OEMs and ODMs the opportunity to accelerate their entry in to this fast-moving marketplace with a pre-certified and fully compliant turn-key solution.”
