MV-90 System Now Reads ALPHA® Plus Meters Over ARDIS® Network
ABB’s ALPHA STARS communications interface and American Mobile’s ARDIS network expand the public network capability for Automatic Meter Reading. The largest nationwide public data network in the U.S., ARDIS offers national coverage, free of roaming charges, through a dedicated two-way network. “With cost-effective data transmission, quick installation and no capital expenditures for infrastructure, ABB’s customers realize a lower total cost-of-ownership,” explained Dr. John Reckleff, executive vice president and general manager of ABB Electricity Metering.
In developing the MV-90/ARDIS/ALPHA STARS interface, Itron/UTS has continued its longstanding tradition of supporting communication protocols for many commercial and industrial meters in the U.S. and other countries. “The development of the ALPHA STARS TIM (Translation Interface Module), together with the MV-COMM multi-tasking communications processor, provides MV-90 users even moreflexibility in developing cost-effective data collection strategies for their commercial and industrial customers,” said Dennis Shepherd, president of UTS. “The MV-90/MV-COMM system currently supports a variety of communication technologies, including TCP/IP, telephone, CDPD, ARDIS and our own C&I Network system,” Shepherd explained. “By working closely with ABB on development of the ALPHA STARS interface TIM, Itron/UTS again demonstrates our commitment to optimize the MV-90 system in support of advanced communication and metering technologies to ensure our customers retain the flexibility of choice in meeting their data collection needs.”
ABB and Itron have a long history of working together to provide customers with cost-effective integrated solutions. Many of Itron’s data acquisition systems are integrated with ABB meters. “This offering is in keeping with ABB’s philosophy to provide a variety of customer focused solutions at the lowest cost,” said Reckleff. “As a technology leader, ABB will continue to partner with companies such as Itron/UTS and American Mobile Satellite to provide a complete integrated Automatic Meter Reading solution to its customers.”
Utility Translation Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Itron Inc., is a leading provider of software systems for the acquisition and analysis of electric and gas usage data from large commercial and industrial meters. UTS systems serve utilities throughout the United States and 24 countries throughout the world. Itron (NASDAQ:ITRI), a leading provider to the utility industry of data acquisition and wireless communications solutions for collecting, communicating and analyzing electric, gas and water usage, serves over 1,500 customers in more than 45 countries around the world. Itron employs approximately 1,200 people worldwide.
ABB Electricity Metering of Raleigh, N.C., a unit of ABB, creates information technology solutions and infrastructure for meters and meter data management systems.
ABB, with U.S. headquarters in Norwalk, Conn., serves customers in power transmission and distribution; automation; oil, gas, and petrochemicals; building technologies; and in financial services. Power generation customers are served by the joint company ABB ALSTOM POWER. ABB's U.S. operations employ about 16,000 people at manufacturing and other facilities in 41 states. Worldwide, ABB Group reported revenues of $25 billion in 1999. The Group employs about 165,000 people in more than 100 countries.