Analyst Insight: Second-Generation Advanced Metering Infrastructure

Nearly all smart meters installed around the globe still classify as first-generation devices. They lack the technical requirements (sufficient computation, memory, programmability) and data capture capabilities (high resolution waveform data) to constitute second-generation or next-generation devices. Although these embedded capabilities have been a constant source of product evolution since the dawn of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), only recently have industry-leading manufacturers achieved a paradigm-shift-level progression in smart meter technology.

The ability to capture high resolution current and voltage waveform data, which was previously only possible with additional hardware, is revolutionary. The analysis of waveform data enables device and pattern recognition capabilities in real time, which is not available with existing on-premise or cloud-based architectures. High resolution waveform data and edge computing enable new applications to be run inside the meter itself.

Three major capabilities are required for smart meters to become second-generation, powerful edge-computing devices: high resolution waveform data with sample rates capable of enabling real-time device identification; edge computing in the meter itself with access to raw data streams; and low latency Wi-Fi or cellular networking to support real-time insights.