In the new year, Hi-Link has made a good start. Not only has it frequently received large orders, but the new product module HLK-B40 has achieved mass shipments in less than three months after its launch. As Hi-Link's first master-slave Bluetooth module, HLK-B40 has successfully attracted customers' attention with its advantages of long transmission distance, small size, and low price. Hi-Link Official WeChat: HLKtech09

HLK-B40 is also the main Bluetooth module promoted by Hi-Link. It has a wide range of applications and has mature application cases in the field of smart meter reading. In the previous article, we have talked about several solutions for smart meter reading, infrared, WiFi, Lora, NB-IOT, these types of data transmission methods Hi-Link can provide above all complete solutions. Especially last year The hot NB-IOT and Lora have always been seed players in the field of smart meter reading, but the launch of HLK-B40 brings customers a lower-cost solution, allowing electric meters to achieve smart meter reading at a lower cost.

Automatic meter reading program

One of the current mainstream automatic meter reading methods, is to use infrared transmission to transmit the consumption information of the digital meter, to the receiving end through a telephone line or a local area network. However, this scheme has obvious disadvantages. Firstly easy to interfere, secondly not possible Real-time, thirdly the high installation cost. Using HLK-B40, compared with the high cost, high power consumption and limited distance of WiFi, the Bluetooth solution is cheaper, longer battery life, and wider radiation range. Compared to the remote meter reading solution of NB and Lora HLK-B40 is more suitable for near-field use, with a use range of 100 meters, and is more suitable for meter management in a cell, so that both in terms of reforming the meter and in use, it achieves a lower cost.

The application principle of HLK-B40 in electric meters: integrate a B40 module (BLE slave) in the electric meter, so that the electric meter has the ability to send and receive data wirelessly via Bluetooth, and integrate a B40 module (BLE master) in the handheld meter reader or concentrator. Through configuration, the handheld meter reading device or concentrator can be connected to the meter through Bluetooth, and wireless data transmission can be performed between the meter and the meter, and the data in the meter can be read to realize wireless meter reading. At the same time, the meter can be connected to the meter through the meter reading APP on the mobile phone to realize the direct meter reading by the mobile phone. Usually an electric meter (slave machine) is paired with a meter reader/mobile phone (master), which is a pair, which avoids data interference and data confusion, and it is easier to upgrade later.

The role of BLE in smart meter reading

HLK-B40 has a small size of only 14×9.5×2mm, which can be directly embedded in a digital meter. Its work uses the 2402～2480MHz frequency band. There is no fixed signal interference from other systems in this frequency band. At the same time, the frequency band is open to the public, and the frequency band is effective on a global scale.

In addition to being used in smart meter reading, the HLK-B40 master-slave integration has a broad application basis, which provides the possibility for the expansion of the Bluetooth module. There are a large number of applications in smart homes, smart wearable devices, consumer electronics, and automotive electronics. 

HLK-B40 can quickly occupy the market: firstly, low cost; secondly, the module supports master-slave integration, using the BLE5.1 protocol; thirdly, small size and easy to use; fourthly, the transmission distance is as long as 100 meters. Hi-Link will continue to bring modular products that meet market needs. Customers in need are welcome to contact us, and we will provide you with the best solution.