Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) is a system that provides Meter readings automatically. It provides remote collection of data from utility meters in peoples homes using a number of different communication technologies. AMR was first realised in the mid 80’s when a number of water and gas companies began implementing AMR on water and gas meters in customers homes.

AMR systems consist of three primary components:

Meter Interface module (MIM): also known as Meter Transmission Units, connected to the meter, with a power supply, sensors, controlling electronics and some form of communication interface which can transmit data from the unit to a central location.

Communications system: which is used to transmit the data from the MIM using telephony, radio frequency, power-line or satellite communications technology.

Central system equipment: generally consists of modems, receivers, controllers and a host computer (or Network Control computer). This equipment collects the information sent from the MIM’s and enables the company to monitor all meters automatically.

The remote MIM devices require batteries to provide power and due to the nature of these devices, the batteries used need to deliver long life through low self-discharge rates under wide temperature ranges. They also need to have enough capacity to handle the unique demands of high current pulse AMR devices. The majority of AMR equipment utilises lithium chloride batteries due to their long life, high energy density and extended operational temperature range.

We currently supply Lithium batteries from a number of manufacturers including Sonnenschein, Saft and Tadiran.