Method and apparatus for an electric meter

A meter comprising:

• a microcomputer (MCU);
• memory coupled to the MCU to store metering data;
• at least one analog transducer coupled to the MCU to supply real time data to the MCU;
• and
• a secondary power source to provide power to the MCU such that at least of portion of the MCU's functionality when main power is off including detecting tampering of the meter, wherein the meter has at least three modes of operation comprising:
• a normal mode wherein when in the normal mode all components of the meter are fully powered, a real-time clock is generated, and a main power source for the meter is main power;
• a watch mode wherein when in the watch mode the MCU is the only active component fully powered, a real-time clock is generated, and the power source for the meter is the secondary power source;
• and
• a stop mode wherein when in the stop mode the MCU is the only active component powered, clocks used by the MCU are turned off, and the power source for the meter is the secondary power source.

A meter comprising:

• memory to store metering data;
• and
• a microcomputer (MCU) coupled to the memory, wherein the meter has at least three modes of operation comprising:
• a normal mode wherein when in the normal mode all components of the meter are fully powered, a real-time clock is generated, and the power source for the meter is main power;
• a watch mode wherein when in the watch mode the MCU is the only active component fully powered, a real-time clock is generated, and the power source for the meter is a secondary power source;
• and
• a stop mode wherein when in the stop mode the MCU is the only active component powered, clocks used by the MCU are turned off, and the power source for the meter is a secondary power source.

A metering apparatus comprising:

• a microcomputer (MCU);
• a transceiver unit coupled to the MCU to transmit and receive power line communications (PLC) between the metering apparatus and a remote device;
• memory coupled to the MCU to store metering data;
• a communication device coupled to the MCU;
• at least one analog transducer coupled to the MCU to supply real time data to the MCU;
• an electronically operated relay coupled to the MCU to disconnect the metering apparatus from one or more line outputs;
• and
• a battery to provide power to the MCU such that at least of portion of the MCU's functionality when main power is off including detecting tampering of the meter,
• wherein the meter has at least three modes of operation including, a normal mode wherein when in the normal mode all components of the meter are fully powered, a real-time clock is generated, and the power source for the meter is main power;
• a watch mode wherein when in the watch mode the MCU is the only active component fully powered, a real-time clock is generated, and the power source for the meter is a secondary power source;
• and
• a stop mode wherein when in the stop mode the MCU is the only active component powered, clocks used by the MCU are turned off, and the power source for the meter is a secondary power source.