Design Article
Opting for rugged components in smart meter apps
Jean-Michel Bourin, C&K Components
10/30/2012 12:30 PM EDT
Smart card design benefits
To meet smart meter application requirements, harsh environment smart card connectors must meet IEC 512 certification and thus be resistant to shock, vibration, humidity and extreme temperatures. Smart card connectors for smart meters should be designed with a vibration frequency rating of up to 500Hz and offer a mechanical life of up to 50,000 cycles in fixed cover configurations, and 10,000 cycles for hinged cover variants.
Smart card connectors with a spoon design, such as C&K’s CCM03 Series, deliver a contact system that maximizes the contact area to optimize electrical performance, flexibility and reliability, while minimizing the electrical contact resistance and overall cost. The connector is also constructed with an insulated normally open (NO) card detection switch that increases contact forces for maximum vibration resistance.
Available in either six- or eight-contact variations, smart card connectors can feature an inlay deposit on the contact area or contain gold-plated contacts and detectable switch/blade functionality. These advanced connectors are compatible with SIM/SAM cards and are available in hinged or fixed cover designs, as well as pick-and-place and lead-free SMT soldering compatibility.
C&K's CK518 CCM03 smart meter connector
Conclusion
Smart meter applications are often subjected to harsh environments, including high temperatures, vibration, dust, moisture and other contaminants, not to mention human tampering. It is important to design systems with these environmental conditions in mind. Advanced smart meter components must combine rugged sealing, reliability and a long-operating life with a new optimized and economical design.
About the author:
Jean-Michel Bourin is Business Development Director at C&K Components
See related links:
Enabling next gen smart utility meters
Speeding the adoption of smart meters and smart appliances
Power line communications for smart meter networks
Modern power line communication for the smart grid
Global smart meter shipments up in Q2
---------------------------
If you found this article to be of interest, visit SmartEnergy Designline where you will find the latest and greatest design, technology, product, and news articles with regard to all aspects of clean technologies. And, to register to our weekly newsletter, click here.
To meet smart meter application requirements, harsh environment smart card connectors must meet IEC 512 certification and thus be resistant to shock, vibration, humidity and extreme temperatures. Smart card connectors for smart meters should be designed with a vibration frequency rating of up to 500Hz and offer a mechanical life of up to 50,000 cycles in fixed cover configurations, and 10,000 cycles for hinged cover variants.
Smart card connectors with a spoon design, such as C&K’s CCM03 Series, deliver a contact system that maximizes the contact area to optimize electrical performance, flexibility and reliability, while minimizing the electrical contact resistance and overall cost. The connector is also constructed with an insulated normally open (NO) card detection switch that increases contact forces for maximum vibration resistance.
Available in either six- or eight-contact variations, smart card connectors can feature an inlay deposit on the contact area or contain gold-plated contacts and detectable switch/blade functionality. These advanced connectors are compatible with SIM/SAM cards and are available in hinged or fixed cover designs, as well as pick-and-place and lead-free SMT soldering compatibility.
C&K's CK518 CCM03 smart meter connector
Conclusion
Smart meter applications are often subjected to harsh environments, including high temperatures, vibration, dust, moisture and other contaminants, not to mention human tampering. It is important to design systems with these environmental conditions in mind. Advanced smart meter components must combine rugged sealing, reliability and a long-operating life with a new optimized and economical design.
About the author:Jean-Michel Bourin is Business Development Director at C&K Components
See related links:
Enabling next gen smart utility meters
Speeding the adoption of smart meters and smart appliances
Power line communications for smart meter networks
Modern power line communication for the smart grid
Global smart meter shipments up in Q2
---------------------------
If you found this article to be of interest, visit SmartEnergy Designline where you will find the latest and greatest design, technology, product, and news articles with regard to all aspects of clean technologies. And, to register to our weekly newsletter, click here.
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