LLB10152TRANSCEIVER FOR METER READING

Page 1 of 5 April 21, 2006 Hexagram, Inc 23905 Mercantile Rd. Cleveland, OH 44122 216-896-8536 FCC ID: LLB 10152 PREVIOUS TYPE ACCEPTANCE The radio transceiver submitted (LLB 10152 ) herein is used as a telemetry device for the reading of utility meters. An operationally identical device (LLB8877P) was previously submitted for Type Acceptance and received a Grant of Type Acceptance on March 2, 2004. This earlier version has been in field service since the grant was issued. Later, identical Hexagram transmitter (LLB6327) received a Grant of Type Acceptance. The product described in this application (LLB10152) is modified version of LLB8877P. The block diagram and basic circuit configuration of the new product is identical to that of the original LLB6082 (and LLB6372). As detailed in “Description of Operation, the semiconductor lineup has been changed from LLB8877P device in order to accommodate new application requirements, such: • Efficient RF power Amplifier • 2-way communication • New form of Enclosure, • PC Board layout to accommodate new enclosure 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 LLB6082 device. Page 2 of 5 STATENET 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 remove utility metering sought reconsideration of this provision to allow alternative showings of spectrum efficiency for low power frequency reuse systems. 2 The 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 MTUa 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 1 47 C.F.R. para 90.203(j)(3). This provision governs Part 90 type acceptance applications filed from August 1, 1996, through December 31, 2004. 2 Replacement of Prt 90 by Part 88 to revise the private Land Mobil Radio Services, 11 FCC Rcd 17676, 17686 (1996). 3 Id., 11 FCC Rcd at 17687 (emphasis added). Page 3 of 5 error rate, an individual MTU transmits at rate of 1200 bits/sec. The system achieves spectrum 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 d…

Text truncated - open the document above for the full version.

May 17, 2006 HEXAGRAM, Inc. 23905 Mercantile Rd. Cleveland, OH 44122 216-896-8536 Federal Communications Commission Office of Engineering and Technology Equipment Approval Services RE : Request for Confidentiality Attached Form 731 – Application FCC ID: LLB10152 Dear Sir or Madam: Hexagram Inc. does not wish to publicly disclose certain technical information which is enclosed with this application. This material contains critical trade secrets and we request that the Commission withhold this information from public inspection pursuant to the provisions of Section 0.457(d) and 0.459 of the Commissions Rules, and Section 552(b)(4) of the Freedom of Information Act. This letter summarizes previously sent to request for confidentiality. MATERIAL TO BE HELD CONFIDENTIAL: File Name Description Pages LLB10152-Internal photos.pdf Internal Circuit Board Photos Four page LLB10152-Schematic.pdf Circuit Schematics Two Pages LLB10152-Operation Desc.pdf Description of Operation Three Pages LLB10152-Installation.pdf Installation manual Four pages LLB10152-BlockDiagram.pdf Block Diagram of the device One page LLB10152 Bill of materials.pdf bill of components and materials Seven pages LLB10152 Tune Up.pdf Field calibration and tune up One page The LLB10152 electronic assembly is permanently sealed inside of an electrical meter which cannot be opened without destruction of the seal. The above listed material is confidential and is not available to the public or end user. Sincerely, Lazar Feldman Principal Engineer RF and microwave systems 216-896-8536 [email protected]

April 21, 2006 HEXAGRAM, Inc. 23905 Mercantile Rd. Cleveland, OH 44122 216-464-1057 Federal Communications Commission Office of Engineering and Technology Equipment Approval Services RE : Application for obtaining a transmitter approval Attached Application Form 731 FCC ID: LLB10152 Dear Sir or Madam: Hexagram Inc. wishes to obtain an approval for a telemetry transceiver (MTU) with the FCC ID LLB10152. The specifics of this transceiver: the LLB10152 transceiver is installed within a solid-state Landis & Gyr “FOCUS” family of electrical meters. Previously, identically transmitters of Hexagram are approved by FCC. The differences in a current application are: • The current MTU is 2-way communication device, which includes a Transmitter and a Receiver. • The transmitter section has no principal difference compare to previous one. Much efficient power amplifier is used to prolong product life and enhance product quality. • A new microcontroller is applied to increase accuracy of meter reading and perform 2-way communication. • Consequently, the PCB and imbedded software are redesigned to fit new RF circuitry. Complete information about LLB10152 device is documented in the attached circuit schematics and photographs. The LLB10152 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 LLB10152 was found to be in conformance with all technical requirements of 90.201. Sincerely, Lazar Feldman Principal Engineer RF & Microwave Technology Hexagram Inc. 216-896-8536 [email protected]

LLB10152 External Photo

LLB10152 FCC Label

SMITH ELECTRONICS, INC. ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY LABORATORIES RADIO-FREQUENCY EMISSIONS TEST REPORT FOR HEXAGRAM, INC. FOCUS METER TRANSMITTING UNIT (MTU) (DIGITAL DEVICE) Model 10152 FCC ID: LLB10152 April 24, 2006 Prepared by: Prepared for:Hexagram, Inc. 23905 Mercantile Road Cleveland, OH 44122 Smith Electronics, Inc. 8200 Snowville Road Brecksville, OH 44141 Phone: (440) 526-4386 Fax: (440) 526-9205 James R. Pollock TEST REPORT INTRODUCTION The Hexagram Model 10152 transceiver is a designed to provide remote meter reading capability with the Landis & Gyr “FOCUS” family of electric meters. The transceiver is connected to the meter circuitry and mounts within the meter enclosure. An on-board battery provides power when AC power is not available. The transmitter provides a very short, intermittent radio frequency transmission to provide a remote reading of the meter. 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 to request a meter reading or other options available in the system. This report describes the tests performed on the digital device and receiver portions as support for verification of compliance to the FCC Rules. MEASUREMENTS PERFORMED The transceiver under test was examined for emissions from the microprocessor and receiver portions of the system with the transmitter portion inactive as it would be between transmissions. Radiated and conducted emissions were examined, as the unit receives power from the AC line under normal conditions. The circuitry uses a 10 MHz crystal in transceiver circuitry to generate the LO signal. The digital circuitry uses 4 MHz and a 32 kHz crystal for its opertion. Measurements were performed under the basic procedures of (ANSI) C63.4-1992. CONDUCTED EMISSIONS The electric meter assembly housing the transmitter was placed on a non-conducting table and positioned 40 cm from the shielded room wall with all other conducting surface at least 80 cm away. The AC power was provided through an LISN, which provides the standardized impedance required. This test was performed at 115 VAC although other voltages may be used to power the system. The frequency range of 150 kHz – 30 MHz was covered in three sweeps of the spectrum analyzer. The first was 0 – 500 kHz, the second was 0 – 5 MHz and the third was 0 – 30 MHz. The results of the sweeps are shown in Figs. 1 & 2. Both sides of the AC line were examined and are shown on each sweep along with the limits for Class B devices. RADIATED EMISSIONS The meter assembly with the transceiver attached was set upright on a non-conducting table in the shielded room. With the system powered but not transmitting, scans were made of the radiated emissions between 30 and 1000 MHz. Using broadband antennas at a 1 m test distance, the required spectrum was scanned using two spans. The first, 0 – 200 MHz was for the 30 – 200 MHz range while the second, 0 – 1000 MHz was for the 200 – 1000 MHz range. Although the test sample was not rotated, the higher sensitivity capability of the test setup permits observation of any significant signals. The results of the frequency scans are seen in Fig. 3 & 4. Each plot shows the results of both horizontal and vertical polarized measurement antennas as well as the limits for Class B digital devices as modified for gains and losses of the system. The upper plots of Figs. 3 & 4 were made with the transceiver and meter circuitry powered. The lower scans of the two figures were made with only the transceiver being powered. As can be seen from the plots, no significant emissions above the ambient are observable with the transceiver only. In view of the very low emissions level, no open field measurements were performed. RECEIVER LO EMISSIONS The receiver LO varies between about 1800 MHz and 1880 MHz for the frequency range of the system. The LO is generated on the transceiver chip and is divided by 4 to obtain the mixing signal that is 307.2 kHz below the tuned frequency. With a receiver tuned to 458 MHz, the LO was determined to be about 1803.69 MHz. This frequency and its harmonics up to the 5 th were examined in the shielded room, using the same general set-up as for the digital radiated emissions. Due to the high frequency and relatively low level of the signal, the antennas were placed at a distance of 0.25 meters. The meter assembly was rotated in an attempt to obtain the highest reading. Using a log-periodic antenna, the sub- harmonics of the LO were also looked for. At the same distance, the signals at about 458 and 916 MHz were not detected. Measurements were made with the antennas positioned both vertically and horizontally. The maximum level at each frequency is reported in Table 1. The appropriate coax and antenna factors are also shown as well as the limits for receiver emissions. CONCLUSION Based on the emissions observed and described in this report, the digital and receiver portions of the Model 10152 transceiver are within the emissions limits of the FCC as found in section 15.107 and 15.109 of the Rules and Regulations. Black = Hot Lead Red = Neutral Lead Fig. 1 10152 CONDUCTED EMISSIONS 150 kHz – 5.0 MHz Peak CISPR22 Class B Avg. Limit Peak CISPR22 Class B Avg. Limit Black = Hot Lead Red = Neutral Lead Fig. 2 10152 CONDUCTED EMISSIONS 5.0 MHz – 30 MHz CISPR 22 Class B Avg. Limit Peak Transceiver with Meter Circuits Powered Transceiver Only Black = Horizontal Red = Vertical Peak CISPR22 Class B QP Limit Peak CISPR22 Class B QP Limit Fig. 3 10152 RADIATED EMISSIONS 30 MHz – 200 MHz Transceiver with Meter Circuits Powered Transceiver Only Black = Horizontal Red = Vertical Peak CISPR22 Class B QP Limit Peak CISPR22 Class B QP Limit Fig. 4 10152 RADIATED EMISSIONS 200 MHz – 1000 MHz TABLE 1 MODEL 10152 RECEIVER EMISSIONS Freq. GHz Measured Value dBuV AF dB Coax dB Field Strength @0.25 m dBuV Field Strength @0.25 m uV FS @ 3m uV L…

Text truncated - open the document above for the full version.

SMITH ELECTRONICS, INC. ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY LABORATORIES RADIO-FREQUENCY EMISSIONS TEST REPORT FOR HEXAGRAM, INC. FOCUS METER TRANSMITTING UNIT (MTU) with RECEIVER Model 10152 FCC ID: LLB10152 April 18, 2006 Prepared by: ______________________________ James R. Pollock Prepared for:Hexagram, Inc. 23905 Mercantile Road Cleveland, OH 44122 Smith Electronics, Inc. 8200 Snowville Road Brecksville, OH 44141 Phone: (440) 526-4386 Fax: (440) 526-9205 FCC ID: LLB10152Page 2 of 18 TEST REPORT INTRODUCTION The Hexagram Model 10152 transceiver is a designed to provide remote meter reading capability with the Landis & Gyr “FOCUS” family of electric meters. The transceiver is connected to the meter circuitry and mounts within the meter enclosure. An on-board battery provides power when AC power is not available. The transmitter provides a very short, intermittent radio frequency transmission to provide a remote reading of the meter. 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 to request a meter reading or other options available in the system. One transmitter was tested and this report presents the data obtained in support of an application for certification. MEASUREMENTS PERFORMED Power Output and Spurious EmissionsPage 3 Occupied BandwidthPage 9 Frequency Stability vs. TemperaturePage 11 Frequency Stability vs. Supply VoltagePage 12 Transient StabilityPage 14 The microprocessor and receiver portions of the transceiver were also examined for radiated emissions per Part 15, and have been verified to comply with the appropriate sections of that part. The data used for verification of the microprocessor and receiver is presented in a separate report. FCC ID: LLB10152Page 3 of 18 POWER OUTPUT AND SPURIOUS EMISSIONS Within the tuning range of 450 – 470 MHz, the transmitter portion 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 and Industry Canada. 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-A. 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 continually transmit for these measurements. 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 signal 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 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. FCC ID: LLB10152Page 4 of 18 PICTORIAL 1 HEXAGRAM MODEL 10152 MTU OUTPUT POWER AND SPURIOUS EMISSIONS TYPICAL TEST SETUP FCC ID: LLB10152Page 5 of 18 TABLE 1a HEXAGRAM MODEL 10152 TRANSMITTER SUBSTITUTION METHOD Horizontal 3 meter measurement using tuned dipole antenna Freq. (MHz) Gen. Output (dB) Coax Loss (dB) Ant. Gain (dBd) Dipole Eq. Power (dBm) Difference (dB) 45023.11.1022.0 900-29.81.70-31.5-53.5 Horizontal 1 meter measurement using horn antenna Freq. (MHz) Gen. Output (dBm) Coax Loss (dB) Ant. Gain (dBd) Dipole Eq. Power (Dbm) Difference (dB) 1350-49.00.83.1-46.7-68.7 1800-44.11.04.9-40.2-62.2 2250-33.11.25.6-28.7-50.7 2700-43.11.36.2-38.2-60.2 3150-42.81.56.7-37.6-59.6 3600-46.21.76.6-41.3-63.3 4050-49.11.96.5-44.5-66.5 4500-41.02.17.2-35.9-57.9 Vertical 3 meter measurement using tuned dipole antenna Freq. (MHz) Gen. Output (dB) Coax Loss (dB) Ant. Gain (dBd) Dipole Eq. Power (dBm) Difference (dB) 45017.01.1015.9 900-32.21.70-33.9-49.8 Vertical 1 meter measurement using horn antenna Freq. (MHz) Gen. Output (dBm) Coax Loss (dB) Ant. Gain (dBd) Dipole Eq. Power (Dbm) Difference (dB) 1350-45.00.83.1-42.7-58.6 1800-44.11.04.9-40.2-56.1 2250-41.21.25.6-36.8-52.7 2700-43.51.36.2-38.6-54.5 3…

Text truncated - open the document above for the full version.