Renesas will release an updated version of its power line communications-based (PLC) Renesas Ubiquitous Network - Metering (RUN-M) network layer software. Designed for automatic meter reading (AMR) applications, the software will incorporate wireless extensions that conform to the IEEE 802.15.4 MAC layer standard. Using a wireless approach will now allow AMR applications to not only meter electricity consumption but to combine gas and water usage using a single network protocol. The RUN-M (RF) layer provides the mechanism for metering nodes on the network to self-configure, thus avoiding the need for pre-configured devices. Also, should additional nodes be introduced or removed the dynamic features of the layer will automatically adjust the network structure. Algorithms within the RUN-M (RF) layer ensure that the low power requirements of the IEEE 802.15.4 specification are met, allowing all reading nodes in the network to be purely battery operated.
