CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
OVERVIEW
Quadlogic Controls Corporation manufactures a line of revenue-grade electricity meters and
metering systems that utilize our patented, two-way Power Line Communications
technology. For over 25 years, Quadlogic systems have used this patented technology to
transmit advanced meter data over the existing power lines in a building or service territory.
No additional communication wiring is required to transmit metered data to the Scan
Transponder (Quadlogic’s data collector). Because the system is read remotely via various
public or private communication means, meter readers are also not required. Building and
facility owners, property managers, and utility companies depend on Quadlogic meters to
provide all the data needed to bill customers, allocate energy costs, manage loads, and
make smart energy decisions.
POWER LINE COMMUNICATIONS (PLC)
Power Line Communications, or PLC, is a method of transferring meter data via the existing
electric power wires that serve each tenant in a building or customer on a utility grid.
Quadlogic employs a patented method of PLC to move large amounts of metered data for
residential and commercial and industrial (C&I) customers to a central collection point. This
robust technology dynamically responds to the varying electrical noise conditions normally
found on power lines or electrical distribution grids by changing frequency, phase etc. and is
therefore able to maintain highly reliable data communication, including passing through
distribution transformers. (Consult Quadlogic or local representative for project layout
assistance.) The MiniCloset-5c includes PLC communications as a standard feature. In most
installations, the meter data from the MiniCloset-5c is read remotely via PLC.
SCAN TRANSPONDER-5 (PLC DATA COLLECTOR AND COMMUNICATOR)
When the MiniCloset-5c is read via PLC, one or more Scan Transponder-5’s are required. The
Scan Transponder-5 is the central data collector for Quadlogic metering systems. It
communicates with Quadlogic meters over the existing electric wires that serve each tenant
in a building or customer on a utility grid.
The Scan Transponder-5 collects a data block from each meter in the system. The block
contains all previously uncollected meter readings, interval readings and event logs. This
data is stored in a non-volatile memory buffer. At regular intervals, the billing system
communicates with the Scan Transponder-5 and uploads all of the information for billing or
analysis purposes.
The Scan Transponder-5 is a separate product and requires its own installation.
