CalAmp Corp. has  introduced its WiMetry communications platform for use in Automatic Meter Reading/Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMR/AMI) applications.

CalAmp’s WiMetry is an Internet Protocol-based, bidirectional wireless data concentrator platform used for advanced metering and demand response monitoring and control applications. The platform also has other smart grid applications and facilitates real-time acquisition of critical usage and rate data from electric meters via public wireless networks and the Internet.

The WiMetry platform supports cellular 3G high-speed data communications and is backward-compatible with existing EV-DO Rev. 0 and 1x networks. WiMetry takes advantage of ongoing investments made by cellular network operators to build-out, improve and maintain ubiquitous, reliable wireless networks using the latest standards, thereby enabling utility companies to focus on their core business rather than having to establish their own proprietary wireless networks.

WiMetry uses the industry-standard TCP/IP communication protocol and is compatible with most leading software applications, including Itron's MV-90 xi. It offers wired EIA-232, EIA-485 and Ethernet connectivity as well as wireless Zigbee connectivity to remote sensors and thermostats.