This document is identified by three numbers, MC1218-2009, ANSI C12.18-2006 and IEEE 1701-200X. The standard details the criteria required for communications with a Utility End Device by another device via an optical port. The other device could be a hand held reader, a laptop or portable computer, a master station system, or some other electronic communications device. It shall provide the optical port lower layers communication protocol for the Utility metering Industry including specifically Water, Gas, and Electric.The Standard provides details for a complete implementation of an OSI 7-layer model in accordance with ISO/IEC 7498-1. The protocol specified in this document was designed to transport data in Table format. The Table definitions are in ANSI C12.19 (MC1219, IEEE 1377) Utility Industry End Device Data Tables.
Purpose
The Utility Industry has need for a standard that provides an operable "plug and play" environment for field metering devices. The purpose of this standard is to define the means to transport the Utility Industry End Device Data Tables via an optical port such that multi-source environment and End Device interchangeability is possible.
Abstract
New IEEE Standard - Active.This standard provides multi-source and "plug and play" environment for the millions of metering devices in the field now and the future using the ANSI Type 2 optical port interface. It solves the problems associated with single source systems and with multi-source systems based upon proprietary communications protocols. Electric, water, and gas utilities and corresponding vendors can realize cost savings which ultimately shall benefit the client consumers of the utilities.