Mannheim, May 10, 2023: Under the motto “Smart & Secure at the Edge,” PPC is launching the SMGW 2.0—the next-generation smart meter gateway—at E-world. The trade show will also focus on improved solutions for the rollout as well as new, innovative CLS solutions.
SMGW 2.0 – The Next Generation of Smart Meter Gateways
Building on its experience with 400,000 SMGWs shipped, PPC has developed the next generation of smart meter gateways. The new SMGW 2.0 has been successfully certified by BSI and PTB and is the most reliable and high-performance platform for the iMSys rollout. After the new smart meter gateways were successfully tested with pilot customers, PPC is presenting them to the general public for the first time at E-world.
During development, particular emphasis was placed on porting field-proven functions to a new hardware platform. Built on a new generation of high-performance chipsets and expanded storage capacity, the SMGW 2.0 provides a future-proof and powerful foundation for all future use cases. With the SMGW 2.0, PPC offers a highly scalable platform for expanding SMGW functionality to support an agile rollout in accordance with GNDEW, which can be easily retrofitted via software updates. As with the first generation, the Smart Meter Gateway 2.0 features a modular design and supports the LTE (including the 700 MHz band), LTE450, and broadband powerline communication networks. In addition, the new SMGW 2.0 units are compatible with all GWA and EMT systems and support the proven features. This ensures communication with more than 150 meter types from more than 20 manufacturers right from the start. “With the SMGW 2.0, we offer proven functionality on a powerful and scalable new platform,” said PPC CEO Ingo Schönberg, adding, “We are ready for the agility required by GNDEW.”
Interoperability in Practice Through a Multi-Vendor Approach for “1:n” Operation.
With the “1:n” approach, all SMGW generations support TAF7 implementation via the OMS compact profile, enabling the connection of more than 35 meters from various manufacturers and utility sectors (electricity, gas, heat, and water). This not only offers valuable new application scenarios for the primary metering point operators but also provides highly scalable business models for competitive offerings in the housing sector and for submetering providers.
Innovation at CLS with “HKE on Board”
With our CLS solutions, we have further simplified access to the energy sector for all users—from charging station operators to energy data managers—through collaborative partnerships. The dual-pronged approach here consists, on the one hand, of our comprehensive CLS solutions for submetering or data communication and, on the other hand, of our fully interoperable approach featuring the “HKE on Board” enabler for any application solution.
Network Management and Installation App Boosts Rollout Efficiency
With the momentum provided by the GNDEW, the rollout of smart meter gateways will continue to accelerate in 2023. The new version of the PPC Network Management System and app supports installers in setting up the SMGWs and helps meter operators with day-to-day operations by providing real-time information on communication disruptions or connection quality, while also enabling updates throughout the entire lifecycle. At the exhibition booth, all visitors can thoroughly test the app and the new NMS features with geolocation. The PPC booth is located in Hall 3, Booth 132. Every day starting at 4:00 p.m., we welcome our partners to a relaxed end to the day with snacks and drinks.
