1

Chapter 1
INTRODUCTION

1.1 GENERAL DESCRIPTION

GSM based Automatic meter reading, or AMR, is the technology of automatically
collecting data from energy meter and transferring that data to a central database for billing
and/or analyzing. The Transmitter is connected to the meter and it counts the pulses from it
and displays it over the LCD display. An GSM modem is also connected to the kit so that
anybody can call to the number and get back the Meter readings as SMS.Now-a-days
technology has developed to a large extend. At the same time the need for systems with
automation and high security are preferred. So, by using one of the best technologies
available i.e. GSM we are designing an automatic power meter reading system for
commercial and domestic purposes. Traditional meter reading for electricity consumption and
billing done by human operator from houses to houses and building to building. This requires
huge number of labor operators and long working hour to achieve complete area reading and
billing. Human operator billing are prone to reading errors as sometime the houses
electricity power meter is placed in location where it is not easily accessible. Labor billing
job is sometime also restricted and is slowed down by bad weather conditions. By using this
project we can avoid such problems.
In this project we can use pic (Peripheral interface controller) microcontroller.
PIC (Peripheral interface controller) is the IC while was eveloped to control the
peripheral device, dispersing the function of the main CPU. PIC has the calculation function
and the memory like the CPU and is controlled by the software. However the throughput, the
memory capacity isnt big. It depends on kind of PIC but the maximum operation clock
frequency is about 20MHZ and the memory capacity to write the program is about 1K to 4K
words. The clock frequency is related with the speed to read the program and to execute the
instruction. Only at the clock frequency, the throughput cannot be judged. It changes with the
architecture in the processing parts for same architecture; the one with the higher clock
frequency is higher about the throughput. The point, which the PIC convenient for is that the
calculation part, the memory, the input/output part and so on, are incorporated into one piece
of the IC. The efficiency, the function is limited but can compose the control unit only by the
PIC even if it doesn't combine the various IC's so, the circuit can be compactly made. More
information please refer Data sheet 0f PIC 16F873.


2


1.2 SAILENT FEATURES
Fully micro controller based interface using PIC16F873 RISC MCU
Working Voltage 12V AC/DC
Operating Current - 500ma Approx
Relay Contact Rating 230V AC / 500W
On board 16 x 2 LCD display
Fully Isolated electric meter interface for data input using optocoupler(Active Low
Input)
On board relay Status LED
On board Flash EEPROM to store the update data and relay status (No require battery
backup)
Diode protection for reverse polarity connection of DC supply to the PCB
Onboard regulator for regulated supply to the kit
Extremely easy to install
TRI-Band GSM Modem Interface for SMS Sending& receiving
Microcontroller based design for greater flexibility


1.3 Components Required

1.3.1 Hardware Component
Microcontroller
Power supply
GSM
Relay
Energy Meter
LCD
Buzzer
Opto coupler
Keys
1.3.2 Software tools
PBP
Embedded C









3

Chapter 2
Hardware Component Description

2.1 Block diagram

In fig2.1 shows the how we are connecting the required hardware components to the
pic 16F873 microcontroller .In this project we are use different component like opto-coupler,
lcd display, relay, gsm modem, power supply .The detail description of this components we
will see in next concepts.



Fig2.1-Block digram of power meter reading using GSM

2.2 Pic 16F873

PIC (Peripheral interface controller) is the IC while was eveloped to control the
peripheral device, dispersing the function of the main CPU. PIC has the calculation function
and the memory like the CPU and is controlled by the software. However the throughput, the
memory capacity isnt big. It depends on kind of PIC but the maximum operation clock
frequency is about 20MHZ and the memory capacity to write the program is about 1K to 4K
words. The clock frequency is related with the speed to read the program and to execute the
instruction. Only at the clock frequency, the throughput cannot be judged. It changes with the
architecture in the processing parts for same architecture; the one with the higher clock
4

frequency is higher about the throughput.Followingfigure shows the pin digram of 16F873
microcontroller.There are 28 pins for this microcontroller.

Fig2.2-pin diagram of 16F873 microcontroller

2.3 16 x 2 LCD Display
HD44780 based LCD displays are very popular among hobbyists because they are
cheap and they can display characters. Besides they are very easy to interface with
microcontrollers and most of the present day high-level compilers have in-built library
routines for them. The interface requires 6 I/O lines of the microcontroller: 4 data lines and 2
control lines.
Control pins
The control pin RS determines if the data transfer between the LCD module and an
external microcontroller are actual character data or command/status. When the
microcontroller needs to send commands to LCD or to read the LCD status, it must be pulled
low. Similarly, this must be pulled high if character data is to be sent to and from the LCD
module.


Fig2.3 - LCD Display

5

The direction of data transfer is controlled by the R/W pin. If it is pulled Low, the
commands or character data is written to the LCD module. And, when it is pulled high, the
character data or status informationfrom the LCD registers is read. Here, we will use one way
data transfer, i.e., from microcontroller to LCD module, so the R/W pin will be grounded
permanently.The enable pin (E) initiates the actual data transfer. When writing to the LCD
display, the data is transferred only on the high to low transition of the E pin.

2.4 LCD INTERFACE
The dot-matrix liquid crystal display controller and driver LSI displays alphanumeric,
characters, and symbols. It can be configured to drive a dot-matrix liquid crystal display
under the control of a 4 or 8-bit microprocessor. Since all the functions such as display RAM,
character generator, and liquid crystal driver, required for driving a dot-matrix liquid crystal
display are internally provided on one chip, a minimal system can be interfaced with this
controller/driver. A single HD44780U can display up to two 8-character lines (16 x 2).


Fig2.4 - LCD interface
A LCD module, to display the information. Micro controllers send the data signals
through Pin 11 through 18 (RC0 RC3) and control signal through 4, 6 and 7 of the micro
controller. Pin no 3 of the LCD is used to control the contrast by using preset PR1.

2.5 Opto Coupler
In electronics, an opto-isolator, also called an opto-coupler, photo-coupler, or optical
isolator, is "an electronic device designed to transfer electrical signals by utilizing light waves
to provide coupling with electrical isolation between its input and output. The main purpose
of an opto-isolator is "to prevent high voltages or rapidly changing voltages on one side of
the circuit from damaging components or distorting transmissions on the other side.
In electronics, an opto-isolator, also called an opto coupler, photo coupler, or optical
isolator, is a component that transfers electrical signals between two isolated circuits by using
light. Opto-isolators prevent high voltages from affecting the system receiving the signal.
Commercially available opto-isolators withstand input-to-output voltages up to 10 kV and
voltage transients with speeds up to 10 kV/s. A common type of opto-isolator consists of an
LED and a phototransistor in the same package. Opto-isolators are usually used for
transmission of digital (on/off) signals, but some techniques allow use with analog
(proportional) signals.

6




Fig2.5 opto-coupler



2.6 GSM Modem
The GSM Modem will accept serial data from the micro controller at any time. The
signal ground is connected to the circuit ground and the remaining signals are sent to the
micro controller. The communication between the micro controller and the GSM Modem
requires an RS-232 interface which serves to convert the CMOS TTL output voltage of the
micro controller (0-5 volt) into a voltage of+/- 12 volt. The converter uses the MAX232
converter IC.
A modem (modulator-demodulator) is a device that modulates an analog carrier signal
to encode digital information, and also demodulates such a carrier signal to decode the
transmitted information. The goal is to produce a signal that can be transmitted easily and
decoded to reproduce the original digital data. Modems can be used with any means of
transmitting analog signals, from light emitting diodes to radio. The most familiar example is
a voice band modem that turns the digital data of a personal computer into modulated
electrical signals in the voice frequency range of a telephone channel. These signals can be
transmitted over telephone lines and demodulated by another modem at the receiver side to
recover the digital data.
Modems are generally classified by the amount of data they can send in a given unit
of time, usually expressed in bits per second (bit/s, or bps), or bytes per second (B/s).
Modems can alternatively be classified by their symbol rate, measured in baud. The baud unit
denotes symbols per second, or the number of times per second the modem sends a new
signal. For example, the ITU V.21 standard used audio frequency shift keying with two
possible frequencies corresponding to two distinct symbols (or one bit per symbol), to carry
300 bits per second using 300 baud. By contrast, the original ITU V.22 standard, which could
transmit and receive four distinct symbols (two bits per symbol), handled 1,200 bit/s by
sending 600 symbols per second (600 baud) using phase shift keying.




7


Fig2.6 - Modem
2.7 Relay
It closes the voltage less point of contact while the remote control works to control the
equipment outside. The relay takes advantage of the fact that when electricity flows through a
coil, it becomes an electromagnet. The electromagnetic coil attracts a steel plate, which is
attached to a switch. So the switch's motion (ON and OFF) is controlled by the current
flowing to the coil, or not, respectively. A very useful feature of a relay is that it can be used
to electrically isolate different parts of a circuit. It will allow a low voltage circuit (e.g.
5VDC) to switch the power in a high voltage circuit (e.g. 230 VAC or more). The relay
operates mechanically, so it cannot operate at high speed.



Fig2.7 - Relay

2.8 Crystal oscillator
A crystal oscillator is an electronic circuit that uses the mechanical resonance of a
vibrating crystal of piezoelectric material to create an electrical signal with a very precise
frequency. This frequency is commonly used to keep track of time (as in quartz
wristwatches), to provide a stable clock signal for digital integrated circuits, and to stabilize
frequencies for radio transmitters/receivers.
The most common type of piezoelectric resonator used is the quartz crystal, so
oscillator circuits incorporating them became known as crystal oscillators, but other
piezoelectric materials including polycrystalline ceramics are used in similar circuits.
Quartz crystals are manufactured for frequencies from a few tens of kilohertz to
hundreds of megahertz. More than two billion crystals are manufactured annually. Most are
8

used for consumer devices such as wristwatches, clocks, radios, computers, and cellphones.
Quartz crystals are also found inside test and measurement equipment, such as counters,
signal generators, and oscilloscope



Fig2.8 - Crystal oscillator


2.9 Transformer
A transformer is a four-terminal device that transforms an alternating current (AC)
input voltage into a higher or lower AC output voltage. Transformers are not designed to
raise or lower direct current (DC) voltages. A transformer is composed of electrical
equipment designed to transfer energy by inductive coupling between its winding circuits. A
typical transformer has two or more coils that share a common laminated iron core. One of
the coils is referred to as the primary (containing N
p
turns), while the other coil is called the
secondary (containing N
S
turns). A varyingcurrent in the primary winding creates a
varyingmagnetic flux in the transformer's core and thus a varying magnetic flux through the
secondary winding. This varying magnetic flux induces a varying electromotive force (emf)
or voltage in the secondary winding. Transformers can be used to vary the relative voltage of
circuits or isolate them, or both.


Fig2.9-Transformer


9

2.10 Diode
In electronics, a diode is a two-terminal electronic component with asymmetric
conductance, it has low (ideally zero) resistance to current flow in one direction, and high
(ideally infinite) resistance in the other. A semiconductor diode, the most common type
today, is a crystalline piece of semiconductor material with a pn junction connected to two
electrical terminals. A vacuum tube diode has two electrodes, a plate (anode) and a heated
cathode. Semiconductor diodes were the first semiconductor electronic devices. The
discovery of crystals' rectifying abilities was made by German physicist Ferdinand Braun in
1874. The first semiconductor diodes, called cat's whisker diodes, developed around 1906,
were made of mineral crystals such as galena. Today most diodes are made of silicon, but
other semiconductors such as selenium or germanium are sometimes used


Fig 2.10 Diode
2.11 Capacitor
A capacitor (originally known as a condenser) is a passive two-terminal electrical
component used to store energy electrostatically in an electric field. The forms of practical
capacitors vary widely, but all contain at least two electrical conductors separated by a
dielectric (insulator); for example, one common construction consists of metal foils separated
by a thin layer of insulating film. Capacitors are widely used as parts of electrical circuits in
many common electrical devices.
When there is a potential difference across the conductors, an electric field develops
across the dielectric, causing positive charge to collect on one plate and negative charge on
the other plate. Energy is stored in the electrostatic field. An ideal capacitor is characterized
by a single constant value, capacitance. This is the ratio of the electric charge on each
conductor to the potential difference between them. The SI unit of capacitance is the farad,
which is equal to one coulomb per volt.
The capacitance is greatest when there is a narrow separation between large areas of
conductor, hence capacitor conductors are often called plates, referring to an early means of
construction. In practice, the dielectric between the plates passes a small amount of leakage
current and also has an electric field strength limit, the breakdown voltage. The conductors
and leads introduce an undesired inductance and resistance.
Capacitors are widely used in electronic circuits for blocking direct current while
allowing alternating current to pass. In analog filter networks, they smooth the output of
power supplies. In resonant circuits they tune radios to particular frequencies. In electric
power transmission systems they stabilize voltage and power flow.

10


Fig2.11 - capacitor
2.12 Full-wave rectification
A full-wave rectifier converts the whole of the input waveform to one of constant
polarity (positive or negative) at its output. Full-wave rectification converts both polarities of
the input waveform to pulsating DC (direct current), and yields a higher average output
voltage. Two diodes and a center tapped transformer, or four diodes in a bridge configuration
and any AC source (including a transformer without center tap), are needed.
[3]
Single
semiconductor diodes, double diodes with common cathode or common anode, and four-
diode bridges, are manufactured as single components.


Fig 2.12 Bridge rectifier: a full-wave rectifier using 4 diodes



2.13 RS-232 Interface
In telecommunications, RS-232 is the traditional name for a series of standards for
serial binary single-ended data and control signals connecting between DTE (data terminal
equipment) and DCE (data circuit-terminating equipment, originally defined as data
communication equipment). It is commonly used in computer serial ports. The standard
defines the electrical characteristics and timing of signals, the meaning of signals, and the
physical size and pinout of connectors. The current version of the standard is TIA-232-F
Interface Between Data Terminal Equipment and Data Circuit-Terminating Equipment
Employing Serial Binary Data Interchange, issued in 1997.
An RS-232 serial port was once a standard feature of a personal computer, used for
connections to modems, printers, mice, data storage, uninterruptible power supplies, and
other peripheral devices. However, the low transmission speed, large voltage swing, and large
standard connectors motivated development of the Universal Serial Bus, which has displaced
RS-232 from most of its peripheral interface roles. Many modern personal computers have no
RS-232 ports and must use either an external USB-to-RS-232 converter or an internal
expansion card with one or more serial ports to connect to RS-232 peripherals. RS-232
devices are still found, especially in industrial machines, networking equipment, and
scientific instruments.

Fig2.13-A DB-25 connector as described in the RS-232 standard
11





Pin Signal Pin Signal
1 Data Carrier Detect 6 Data Set Ready
2 Received Data 7 Request To Send
3 Transmitted Data 8 Clear To Send
4 Data Terminal Reedy 9 Ring Indicator
5 Signal Ground
Table-RS232 interface Pins


12

Chapter3
Design And Working

3.1 Circuit Diagram
Fig3.1-circuit diagram of automatic power meter reading using GSM


The fig3.1 shows the how we are connecting the devices with the microcontroller
pins.In this figure the microcontroller pin no.21 that is RBO/INT is connected to the opto-
coupler.pin no.22 that is RB1 is connected to the relay driver for the purpose of ON/OFF
switching.The pin no.17 and 18 that is RX and TX is connected to the GSM modem for the
purpose of transmit and receive purpose.The pin no.11 to 16 is connected to the LCD for the
display purpose.The LCD display consist of three control pins. Also in figure the power
supply is used required for the above circuitary diagram. It consist of 12volt and 5volt power
supply.

13


Fig3.2- shows connection setup between GSM modem and meter.







14

Chapter 4
Integrated Development Environment
4.1 PBP (PIC Basic Pro)
Micro Code Studio is a powerful, visual Integrated Development Environment (IDE)
with In Circuit Debugging (ICD) capability designed specifically for micro Engineering Labs
PIC Basic PRO compiler. The code explorer allows you to automatically jump to include
files, defines, constants, variables, aliases and modifiers, symbols and labels that are
contained within your source code. It's easy to set up your compiler, assembler and
programmer options or you can let Micro Code Studio do it for you with its built in auto
search feature. Compilation and assembler errors can easily be identified and corrected using
the error results window. Micro Code Studio even comes with a serial communications
window.
The In Circuit Debugger (ICD), enables you to execute a PIC Basic Program on a host
PIC micro controller and view variable values, Special Function Registers (SFR), memory
and EEPROM as the program is executing. You can toggle multiple breakpoints and step
through your PIC Basic code line by line. The graphical interface is built on micro
Engineering Labs debug architecture, which is both efficient and robust.
Micro Code Studio is an easy to use code editor for micro Engineering Labs PIC
Basic compilers. The main editor provides full syntax highlighting of your code with context
sensitive keyword help and syntax hints. The code explorer allows you to automatically
jump to include files, defines, constants, variables, aliases and modifiers, symbols and labels
that are contained within your source code. Full cut, copy, paste and undo is provided,
together with search and replace features. Its easy to set up your compiler, assembler and
programmer options or you can let Micro Code Studio do it for you with its built in auto
search feature. Compilation and assembler errors can easily be identified and corrected using
the error results window. Micro Code Studio even comes with a serial communications
window, allowing you to debug and view serial output from your micro controller.
Micro Code Studio also has an In Circuit Debugger (ICD), enabling you to execute a
PIC Basic Program on a host PIC micro controller and view variable values, Special Function
Registers (SFR), memory and EEPROM as the program is executing. You can toggle
multiple breakpoints and step through your PIC Basic code line by line. The graphical
interface is built on micro Engineering Labs debug architecture, which is both efficient and
robust.


4.2 PIC Kit3
Microchip has gone on to manufacture the PICkit 3, a variation of the PICkit 2 with
the same form factor and a new translucent case. It features a faster 16-bit PIC24F processor
and a wider voltage regulation range. There are some complaints of it not being as reliable as
the Pickit 2.
Both PICkit 2 and PICkit 3 have internal, switch-mode voltage regulators. This allows
them, in the case of the PICkit 2, to generate voltages from 2.5 to 5 volts, or in the case of the
PICkit 3, 2.5 to 5.5 volts, from 5V USB, at around 100mA. Both have options for calibrating
the output with a multimeter, for increased accuracy. Additionally, for some PICs, the MCLR
programming voltage can be generated, at around 13-14 volts. This voltage is required to
reprogram the flash memory.
15


Fig4.1-PIC Kit3

16


Chapter 5
Implementation




17



5.1 Operation 1
Sending sms ##1 to Automatic power meter reading system. Status of relay is ON



Fig 5.1 - sending sms ##1 to Automatic power meter reading system. Status of relay is ON

18

5.2 Operation 2
Sending sms ##2 to Automatic power meter reading system. Status of relay is OFF


Fig5.2 - sending sms ##2 to Automatic power meter reading system. Status of relay is OFF



19

5.3 Operation 3
Sending sms ##3 to Automatic power meter reading system. Gives reply status of meter
reading to the mobile.

Fig 5.3 - Sending sms ##3 to Automatic power meter reading system. Gives reply status of
meter reading to the mobile.


20

Chapter 6
Applications,Advantages and Disadvantages

6.1 Applications

Prepaid Electricity meter
Water supply meter
LPG gas pipeline
Net metering



6.2 Advantages

Accurate meter reading , no more estimates.
Improve billing.
Accurate measurement classes,true cost applied.
Less financial burden correcting mistakes
Transparency of cost to readmetering.
Improved security.
No need trained people to operate this.
Reduces human work.

6.3 Disadvantages

Meter readers losing their jobs
Loss of privacy details of use reval information about user.


21


Conclusion
Hence we conclude that the design and development of GSM power meter to
demonstrate the concept of wireless power metering and distribution control using GSM
network technology has been proved. with the development and implementation of GSM
power meter together with utilization of available GSM reading distribution control and
making fast billing system, accurate, effective and reduction of labor cost of operation.
Hence we are constructing the Automatic Power meter reading using GSM System.


22

REFRENCES

Automatic power meter reading using GSM network by H.G. Rodney Tan ,IEEE , C.H.
Lee and V.H. Mok ,IEEE
International Journal of Engineering Research and Applications (IJERA)
www.ijera.com June-July 2012.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Automatic_meter_reading
http://www.itnews.com.au/News/160398,auditor-general-slams-victorian-smart-
meters.aspx
S. Mohamed HajialiMaraicayar, G. Mohamed Riyaz , P.Mohan, "Digital Energy
MeterUsing GSM", SRM University, 2008
Huibin sui, Honghong Wang, Ming-Shun Lu and Wei-Jen Lee 2009. An AMI System
for the Deregulated electricity Markets. IEEE Transaction on Industry Application .
Yong Hoon Lim, Moon Suk Chai, Jong Mock Baek,Sang-Yeom Lee 2011. An Efficient
Home Energy Management System Based on Automatic Meter Reading. IEEE
International Symposium on Power Line Communication and Its Applications, pp: 479-
484.