M-Bus IoT převodník – ACRIOS Systems s.r.o. | IoT development, Embedded Systems, Linux, Hardware Design

Remote data readings from M-Bus meters

The M-Bus to LoRaWAN or NB-IoT converter finds its application mainly in meter and calorimeter readings, typically in heating plants and district heating stations.

In the field of district heating stations, effective monitoring and management of heat meters play a vital role in heat production, optimizing energy consumption and increasing overall operational efficiency.

Integrating meters, typically with M-Bus, into LoRaWAN or NB-IoT networks is a solution that facilitates the acquisition of relevant data for consumption overview at 15-minute intervals.

The ACRIOS M-Bus to LoRaWAN or NB-IoT converter supports connection of up to 5 UL (Unit Loads) and communication is based on the M-Bus protocol EN 137 57-3. Thanks to the support of the M-Bus protocol, it can read any M-Bus meter without the need for further modifications.

The converter can be supplied with one or two batteries, or in an externally powered version, depending on the requirements of the application.

Specification
Technical parameters
Documentation
Ordering code
Accessories
Packaging

Communication over LoRa network using LoRaWAN 1.0.3 protocol or over NB-IoT network using UDP protocol
Device type: Master
The bus is powered by the device itself
Communication speed 300 - 9600Bd
Maximum of connected devices 5UL
External antenna with SMA connector for the possibility of outputting the antenna or using the antenna with higher gain
Power supply by D-cell battery, 2x D-cell batteries or external 220V AC power supply
Battery life up to 5 years, depending on frequency of communication. Battery is replaceable
Integrated LUA scripting interface for modifying device logic without changing the firmware
Connection of any meter supporting M-Bus communication
Primary meter addressing capability
Secondary meter addressing capability
Data filtering based on the VIF & DIF values on the hardware level
WAGO clamps for easy and quick installation
Downlink message configuration
Firmware update over the air (FUOTA) supported in the NB-IoT network
Connection and reading of several meters with the addressing
Possibility to send control commands via M-Bus communication - for example to the valve

Length: 145 mm
Wide: 90 mm
Height: 55 mm
IP coverage: IP65
Operating temperature: -30 °C to +60 °C
Montage: wall or pole
Weight: 395 g / 450 g

Integration manual - LoRaWAN

Case study

WIKI

Battery powered M-Bus to NB-IoT datasheet ENG

Battery powered M-Bus to LoRaWAN datasheet ENG

Externally powered M-Bus to LoRaWAN datasheet ENG

Externally powered M-Bus to NB-IoT datasheet ENG

ACR-CV-101N-M-D - D-cell battery powered M-Bus to NB-IoT
ACR-CV-101L-M-D - D-cell battery powered M-Bus to LoRa
ACR-CV-101L-M-EAC - Externally powered M-Bus to LoRa
ACR-CV-101N-M-EAC - Externally powered M-Bus to NB-IoT

Configuration cable ACR-CONFIG

1x IoT converter
1x Antenna
1x Battery - for battery-powered version

The converter communicates via UDP protocol over NB-IoT network or LoRa network with LoRaWAN 1.0.3 protocol.

You can connect up to 5 devices to the IoT converter and use primary or secondary addressing to get data from all meters at once.

The device is capable of operating on battery power at fifteen-minute intervals. We also offer an externally powered version.

The WAGO terminal block is one of the features that makes the device a scalable solution with regard to installation.

The device logic is determined by the LUA scripting interface, which allows, for example, VIF DIF filtering of M-Bus data at the device level.

Support for any M-Bus meter

Thanks to our approach and implementation of the standard M-Bus protocol, we can connect and read any M-Bus meter. Whether it be electricity meters, heat meters or water meters.

For a successful installation it is important to be able to connect any meter. How many times have you come to an installation expecting to connect a particular meter only to find that you end up needing to connect different meter, or needing to connect 2 meters at once instead of one?

Our solution is designed with this in mind.

Functional design for quick, tool-free installation

In our designs, we aim for the most robust design that can withstand rough handling. All sensitive components are on the underside of the board where there is no risk of damage. The SMA connector is not in the form of a pigtail (cable) but is a one-piece part. The circuit board is coated and only those components that the user should come into contact with are on the top of the board.

The meter is plugged into WAGO terminals, which do not require tools for connection. The whole installation is done in a few minutes and there is no searching for screws on the ground, finding a suitable screwdriver, etc.

These are details that have a big impact on the durability of the overall solution and the speed of installation.