LLB10001LLB10001 TRANSCEIVER MODULE

ACLARA RF SYSTEMS Former HEXAGRAM, Inc. 30400 Solon Road. Solon, OH 44139 440-528-7200 April 26, 2011 Users Manual FCC ID: LLB10001 The LLB10001 has no user adjustment or controls and are installed by factories trained personnel at the manufacturing facility .Aclara RF Systems formally Hexagram LLB10001 devices are shipped to the customer in the sealed LLB10001 enclosures. Thus, NO operational access can be made in the field, without breaking the factory sealed enclosure. The FCC wants you to know..... This equipment has been tested and complies with Part 15 and Part 90 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy, and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: • Reorient or relocate the equipment. • Increase the separation distance between the affected equipment and receiver. • Consult Hexagram, Inc. for help. Any changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the Hexagram, Inc. could void the authorization to operate the equipment. FCC RF Exposure Guidelines Hexagram’s low power RF devices and their antennas must be fixed- mounted on indoor or outdoor permanent structure(s) providing a separation distance of at least 20 cm from all persons during normal operation. This device is not designed (and it has no external connection) to operate in conjunction with any other antennas or transmitters. No other operating instructions for satisfying RF exposure compliance are needed. This unit has no user or installer serviceable parts, and requires no field adjustment or calibration. Units are sealed at the factory, and disruption of this seal could void the authorization to operate the equipment. Sincerely, Siva Jambulingam Principal Engineer 440-528-7200 [email protected]

ACLARA RF SYSTEMS Formerly HEXAGRAM, Inc. 30400 Solon Road. Solon, OH 44139 440-528-7200 April 26, 2011 Federal Communications Commission Office of Engineering and Technology Equipment Approval Services RE: Application for obtaining a transmitter approval Attached Application Form 731 FCC ID: LLB10001 Dear Sir or Madam: Aclara RF Systems, Formerly Hexagram Inc. wishes to obtain approval for a telemetry transceiver with FCC ID LLB10001. The LLB10001 transceiver is used to transmit data from a utility meter to a data collection unit. The LLB10001 Transceiver device is the 2-way communication device, which includes a transmitter and a receiver. Complete information about LLB10001 device is documented in the attached application documentation including schematic, bill of material, photographs, block diagram, user manual, operation description, The LLB10001 transmitter was tested for conformance to the technical requirements of 90.201 Subpart I- General Technical Standards. Results of tests are attached to this application. The LLB10001 was found to comply with all technical requirements of 90.210. Sincerely, Siva Jambulingam Principal Engineer 440-528-7200 [email protected]

ACLARA RF SYSTEMS Former HEXAGRAM, Inc. 30400 Solon Road. Solon, OH 44139 440-528-7200 April 26, 2011 Field Calibration and Tune-Up Procedure FCC ID: LLB10001 Hexagram’s low power RF devices have passed through extensive testing and calibration procedures while in the factory. Therefore, no additional calibration, tuning, or adjustment is required in the field. Hexagram’s low power RF devices are shipped to the customer in the sealed enclosures. Thus, no adjustments or tuning can be made in the field, without breaking the factory sealed enclosure. Sincerely, Siva Jambulingam Principal Engineer 440-528-7200 [email protected]

ACLARA RF SYSTEMS Former HEXAGRAM Inc. 30400 Solon Road . Solon, OH 44139 440-528-7200 Wednesday, April 26, 2011 LLB10001 RF Exposure calculations Based on FCC 1.1307 & 2.1091, FCC OET Bulletin 65. (1) Categorically Exclusion from RF exposure Evaluation: According to FCC regulations, RF exposure evaluation is Categorically Excluded if transmitter’s operation frequency is less than 1.5 GHz and ERP is less than 1.5 watt. (2) Absolute Maximum specifications of LLB10001 transmitter • Operational frequency band 450 MHz to 470 MHz. • The LLB10001 transmitter is measured for Max RF Power = .0.229 W. • Absolute Maximum transmission time (duration) for any Hexagram transmitters does not exceed 100 mS (0.10second). • Transmission period – Absolute maximum is 4 transmissions per hour. • All Hexagram Transmitters utilize FSK modulation. (3) Average RF Power Calculation: FCC regulations on permissible RF exposure are not based on peak envelope power (PEP), but on average power (P_ave) over a 30-minute time period for uncontrolled environments. As mentioned in (2), during any 30 minute Hexagram MTU can transmit only two times. Duration = 0.10 second. With maximum RF radiation equal to .229 W, the Average RF Power over 30 minutes is: P_ave (worst case) at 30 minute = .229 W*2* [0.10sec/((30*60)sec)] = 0.254mW (4) Maximum Radiated Power Density prediction (S): To predict power density (S) at distance R=20 cm from transmitter with P_ave = .393mW, next formula is used: S = P_ave/(4*(PI)*R^2) For the worst of the worst worst-case prediction of power density at or near a transmitter surface let’s use: S = P_ave/((PI)*R^2) = 0.254mW/(4*3.14*20cm*20cm) = 50.53 uW/cm^2. This is the worst case of the near field power density of LLB10001 transmitter. (5) Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) from LLB10001: AS FCC require, the maximum permissible exposure for general public in “uncontrolled situation” at 20 cm is: MPE = 460MHz/1500 = 1.228 mW/cm^2. By comparing results in (4) and (5), S=50.53 uW/cm^2 < MPE=0.440 mW/cm^2. We see that LLB10001 fully complies with RF safety at a distance of 20 cm. Sincerely, Siva Jambulingam Principal Engineer 440-528-7200 [email protected]

1 James R. Pollock HEXAGRAM INC. An ESCO Technologies Company 30400 Solon Road Solon OH 44139 (440) 528-7200 ENGINEERING TEST REPORT RADIO-FREQUENCY EMISSIONS TEST REPORT FOR HIGH READ-RATE METER TRANSMITTING UNIT Model 2010-001, Rev. G FCC ID: LLB10001 May 11, 2011 Report Prepared by Agency Certification Control Technician 2 TEST REPORT INTRODUCTION The Hexagram Model 2010-001, Rev. G transceiver is a “Meter Transmitting Unit” (MTU) designed to provide remote meter reading capability for gas meters. The transceiver is self-powered and mechanically connects directly to a meter. An on-board battery provides power. The transmitter provides a very short, intermittent radio frequency transmission to send a remote reading of the meter to a data collector unit. A microprocessor provides timing, control and data processing functions. The built in antenna is inaccessible to the user and no provision is made for an external antenna. The receiver can be used for upgrading firmware, requests for meter reads or other options available in the system. This report presents the data obtained in support of an application for certification under Part 90 of the FCC Rules & Regulations. Based on the measurements made and presented in this report, the Rev. G transceiver is in compliance with the FCC Part 90.210 rules for spurious emissions, the emissions mask, the frequency stability with temperature and voltage, and the transient behavior. MEASUREMENTS PERFORMED Power Output and Spurious Emissions Page 3 with test set up photographs Occupied Bandwidth Page 9 Frequency Stability vs. Temperature Page 11 Frequency Stability vs. Supply Voltage Page 12 Transient Stability Page 14 3 POWER OUTPUT AND SPURIOUS EMISSIONS Within the tuning range of 450 – 470 MHz, the transmitter portion of the Model 2010- 001 Rev. G was examined at three fundamental frequencies and their harmonics. All measurements below 1 GHz were made at a 3-meter distance on the Smith Electronics open area test site located at 8200 Snowville Road, Brecksville, OH. Data pertinent to this site is on file with the FCC (Reg. #90938). The harmonic measurements above 1 GHz were made at a distance of 1 meter over a suitable ground plane. The measurements were made using the substitution method described in TIA/EIA-603-C. Tuned dipoles were used for measurements below 1000 MHz and a wave-guide antenna was used above 1000 MHz. A spectrum analyzer was used as a receiver. The transmitter was placed on a remotely rotatable, non-conducting test stand. This general set up is shown in Pictorial 1. Because of the intermittent nature of the normally operating transmitter a larger, external battery pack was connected directly to the transmitter and the transmitter was forced to transmit on a 50% duty cycle for these measurements. A ferrite bead was placed on the battery leads to minimize emissions that might come from the leads. With the test receiver tuned to the unmodulated signal, the transmitter under test was rotated to the position of maximum signal. The receiving antenna was then varied between 1 and 4 meters in height to again maximize the signal. Measurements were made with the antennas positioned both vertically and horizontally and the maximum signals recorded. Peak detection was used for the signals below 1000 MHz and average detection above 1000 MHz. After the maximum received meter readings were obtained for each frequency and polarity, the transmitter under test was removed from the area and replaced by a signal generator and transmitting antenna. With the transmit antenna placed as close as possible to the position of the test unit, the signal generator was activated at a test frequency. With the signal detected, the receiving antenna was positioned for maximum reception. The signal generator output was then adjusted until the received signal was equal to the previously received signal from the unit under test. These measurements were repeated for each frequency and antenna orientation and the maximum values obtained are noted in Tables 1a – 1c. In order to convert the signal generator output value to equivalent radiated power from a dipole, the following equation is used: P d = P g – cable loss(dB) + antenna gain(dB d ) where: P d is the dipole equivalent power in dBm, P g is the generator output into the substitution antenna, also in dBm, and “antenna gain” is the gain of the substitution antenna with respect to a theoretical dipole. According to 90.210(d)(3) all emissions greater than 12.5 kHz from the center of the authorized band shall be attenuated below the unmodulated carrier by 50 + 10log(P). The determined power outputs, the required harmonic attenuation as well as the attenuation for each harmonic are found in Tables 1a – 1c. 4 PICTORIAL 1 HEXAGRAM MODEL 2010-001, Rev G MTU OUTPUT POWER AND SPURIOUS EMISSIONS TYPICAL TEST SETUP 5 TABLE 1a HEXAGRAM MODEL 2010-001 Rev G TRANSMITTER SUBSTITUTION METHOD 450 MHz Horizontal 3 meter measurement using tuned dipole antenna Freq. (MHz) Gen. Output (dB) Coax Loss (dB) Ant. Gain (dBd) Dipole Eq. Power (dBm) Difference (dBc) 450 21.0 2.0 -0.2 18.8 900 -35.6 2.9 -0.5 -39.0 -57.8 Horizontal 1 meter measurement using horn antenna Freq. (MHz) Gen. Output (dBm) Coax Loss (dB) Ant. Gain (dBd) Dipole Eq. Power (Dbm) Difference (dBc) 1350 -45.1 0.8 5.5 -40.4 -59.2 1800 -56.3 1.0 5.9 -51.4 -70.2 2250 -46.7 1.2 6.8 -41.1 -59.9 2700 -50.7 1.3 7.6 -44.4 -63.2 3150 -51.8 1.4 7.7 -45.5 -64.3 3600 -58.0 1.6 7.7 -51.9 -70.7 4050 -44.2 1.7 7.6 -38.3 -57.1 4500 -53.7 1.8 8.3 -47.2 -66.0 Vertical 3 meter measurement using tuned dipole antenna Freq. (MHz) Gen. Output (dB) Coax Loss (dB) Ant. Gain (dBd) Dipole Eq. Power (dBm) Difference (dBc) 450 24.7 2.0 -0.2 22.5 900 -29.2 2.9 -0.5 -32.6 -55.1 Vertical 1 meter measurement using horn antenna Freq. (MHz) Gen. Output (dBm) Coax Loss (dB) Ant. Gain (dBd) Dipole Eq. Power (Dbm) Difference (dBc) 1350 -37.3 0.8 5.5 -32.6 -55.1 1800 -50.8 1.0 5.9 -45.9 -68.4 2250 -51.0 1.2 6.8 …

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ACLARA RF SYSTEMS Formally HEXAGRAM, Inc. 30400 Solon Road . Solon, OH 44139 440-528-7200 Monday, January 24 th 2011 FCC ID: LLB10001 PREVIOUS TYPE ACCEPTANCE The radio transceiver submitted (LLB10001) herein is used as a telemetry device for the reading of utility meters. An operationally identical device (LLB6082) was previously submitted for Type Acceptance and received a Grant of Type Acceptance on March 4 th 1998.This earlier version has been in field service since the grant was issued. The block diagram and basic circuit configuration of the new product is identical to that of the original LLB6082. As detailed in “Description of Operation, the block diagram of the LLB10001 is similar to LLB6082 device with difference that new device is design to accommodate new application requirements, such: • 2-way communication. • Time synchronization within a complete AMR cell. • Complete AMR cell self testing and control. • To comply with newest regulations for electrical and gas utilities. Also, attached is a “Statement Concerning Compliance with Section 90.203 (j) (3)”. The identical statement was submitted with the application for Type Acceptance of the earlier LLB9975J device. STATEMENT CONCERNING COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 90.203(J)(3) Introduction Section 90.203 (j)(3) of the Commission’s Rules on transmitters provides, in pertinent part: If the equipment [in the 150-174 and 421-512 MHz bands] is capable of transmitting data and has an overall bandwidth of 6,25 kHz or more, the equipment must be capable of supporting a minimum data rate of 4800 bits per second per 6.25 kHz of bandwidth. 1. Three parties interested in remote utility metering sought reconsideration of this provision to allow alternative showings of spectrum efficiency for low power frequency reuse systems. 2. 2The commission replied: [W]e will provide manufacturers with additional flexibility to design spectrally efficient transmitters. The commission’s Equipment Authorization Division may, on a case by case basis, grant type acceptance to equipment with slower bit rates than specified in Section 90.203(j)(3) and 90-203(j)(5) of our rules, provided that an acceptable technical analysis is submitted with the application, which demonstrate that the slower data rate will provide spectral efficiency than the standard data rate. 3. The present application is for automatic remote meter equipment, and falls squarely within the scope of this exception. When considered as part of a system, the device in question provides spectrum efficiency and channel utilization far excess of 4800 bits/sec per 6.25 kHz. Technical Analysis The device submitted for type acceptance is a Meter Transmitter Unit (MTU). When the system is implemented, an MTU is attached to each utility meter. The MTU periodically transmits meter readings Omni-directionally in transmissions lasting under one-tenth second each. Transmissions from different MTU are independent and uncorrelated. Data-collector Units (DCU) are mounted on a nominal 1 mile grid. A DCU receives and stores the transmissions from all the MTUs in its range. Once, daily, each DCU transfers the accumulated data to a central computer at the utility office via a cell phone mounted on the DCU. MTU bandwidth is 12.5 kHz, so a strict application of section 90.203(j)(3) would require the equipment to support a data rate of 9600 bits/sec. In fact, to minimize component cost and bit error rate, an individual MTU transmits at rate of 7200 bits/sec. The system achieves spectrum (emphasis added) efficiency not through a high bit rate in each individual MTU, but through a high level of frequency re-use achieved by deploying a large number of low-power short range transmitters. As detailed in the Appendix, a typical large installation of MTUs on a single 12.5 kHz channel can support data rates exceeding 100,000 bits/sec. This performance represents spectrum efficiency far in excess of that required under Section 90.203(j)(3). Where a typical commercial user of private land mobile radio spectrum, such as a delivery service, requires a pair of channels to provide two-way communication with dozens of trucks at most, the MTU is a part of a system that uses a single channel to service millions of users and to carry data representing billions of dollars in annual revenue. This is an extremely efficient use of the spectrum, and is consistent with the Commission’s purposes underlying Section 90.203(j)(3). An operationally identical MTU (LLB6082) received a grant of Type Acceptance on March 4, 1998. Automatic Meter Reading Systems incorporating this technology have been in service since March 4, 1998 and have incorporated tens of thousands of transmitters. The MTU described in this application for Certification represents an improved product. An earlier product (LLB5155) operating under the Commission rules then in effect has been in service at hundreds of locations since May of 1996. Public Interest Considerations. Public interest considerations support the development of Automatic Meter reading equipment, such as the device in question. Automatic Meter Reading equipment directly helps to keep consumer rates down in the time of rapidly increasing labor cost. The alternative, traditional door- to-door meter reading, is not only much more expensive, but dangerous for the meter readers, and necessarily exposes consumers to potential security risk in their homes. Equally important in a pro-competitive regulatory environment, Automatic Meter Reading equipment makes possible time –of-use billing, under which a customer’s utility rate varies with time of day or day of the week. Electric time-of-use billing, for example, typically requires a meter read every 15 minutes, which is not feasible without Automatic Meter Reading equipment. Frequent meter-reading is an important component of utility deregulation, because it enables new competitors to tailor service and rates to particular niche markets, profiles of demand, and competitiv…

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