Mobix AMI Solutions

Mobix Wireless Solution n-DNet Mesh-Hybrid Technology

Mobix Wireless Solution introduces breakthrough technology to the AMI (Advanced Metering Infrastructure) market based on the n-DNet^TM mesh hybrid it has developed. This technology provides utilities or AMI integrators with new and powerful tools to tackle future smart grid, energy, water and gas implementations.

Overview

Utilities worldwide are under constant legislative and commercial pressure to increase their distributive efficiency. Cutting operational losses, reducing overall consumption for environmental benefits and getting ready for wide spread privatization and decentralization are the main factors demanding real time situation awareness which in turn relies on accurate metering. Reduction in power over-generation through demand management and time of usage tariffs (TOU), instant availability of consumption data to end users, two way controls and billing automation for improved cash flow and alarms signaling outages and leaks are the building blocks of any AMI system.

n-DNet^TM is a patent pending development by Mobix offering unprecedented “last mile” network capabilities in connecting metering end points to the AMI system. By solving many of the inherent problems of existing communication methods n-DNet^TM delivers hitherto unachievable performance together with addressing emerging AMI requirements accompanied by significant cost reduction.

Technology

The n-DNet^TM network is based on hardware configuration combined with a dedicated protocol creating a 3-dimensional communication (3DC) mesh network. The idea is to transmit the data over power line and RF channels simultaneously, reconstructing the stream at the junction points. Data hops from one medium to another thereby creating a 3-dimensional communication pattern. The probability of losing the same data at the same time over both mediums is virtually zero; however the effects of losses on both mediums which were hitherto detrimental are thus totally eliminated. As a consequence, previously impassible barriers like concrete walls or power transformers are now transparent to the dual-medium protocol. PLC communication is thus much faster and reliable. Fewer repeaters are needed and no prior planning is required. Mesh RF solutions now demand fewer repeaters and the repeaters themselves rely on both mediums and are thus less susceptible to interferences and range limitations.

In addition n-DNet^TM protocol allows participation of purely RF based and/or non n-DNet^TM  nodes, thus being backward compatible with existing solutions. Another benefit of n-DNet^TM technology is flexibility and freedom of choice. Normally, complex architectures require both PLC and RF parts, which results in deployment, planning and logistical nightmare that requires maintenance of several types of equipment. The n-DNet^TM protocol implemented on a single low cost and ultra low power chip requires no planning or complicated logistics and is easily embeddable in various types of metering devices.