ScioSense Launches Fourth-Generation Ultrasonic Flow Converter for High-Precision, Ultra-Low-Power Smart Metering Applications

In the rapidly evolving world of smart metering, accuracy and power efficiency are paramount. ScioSense, a leading developer and manufacturer of semiconductor-based environmental and flow sensors, has taken a significant step forward in this domain by introducing its latest ultrasonic flow converter, UFC23.

The demand for accurate flow calculation in modern smart metering applications has led ScioSense to develop the UFC23, which extends its ultrasonic flow portfolio with a pure front-end architecture. This design decision was made to cater to the needs of Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) who prefer specific system architectures while ensuring high-quality analogue performance.

One of the key benefits of the UFC23 is its ability to deliver single-shot standard deviation of 35ps and offset stability of ±7ps with 128-sample averaging. This level of precision and stability is essential for supporting signal quality in high-end water meter designs, including R1000-class measurement requirements.

The UFC23 provides an outstanding performance that enables accurate measurement and reduces errors in a typical DN15 water meter setup. With its optimized power consumption, the UFC23 offers an attractive power-to-performance ratio that sets it apart from other solutions in the market.

The UFC23 is designed to be highly versatile and can operate with both 3.3V single-ended drive for water applications and full-bridge drive for gas applications. This flexibility allows designers to choose the most suitable configuration for their specific requirements, ensuring optimal performance and minimizing potential issues.

To further enhance system-level efficiency and measurement robustness, the UFC23 incorporates several features that are not commonly found in other flow converters. These include:

• A programmable gain amplifier with increased gain and bandwidth to handle weak receive signals
• A programmable ultrasonic burst generator operating up to 4.4MHz and based on an external reference of up to 20MHz, allowing designers to tune operation to the transducer and application
• Monitoring of the amplitude of up to three received waves and extended pulse-width measurement for improved first-hit detection
• A batch mode that allows the sensor to collect up to 12 measurement bundles before waking the host controller, helping to reduce total system power consumption

The UFC23 also supports temperature measurement with external platinum sensors for heat meters and hot-water systems. This feature enables designers to incorporate additional functionality into their smart metering solutions while maintaining a compact design.

One of the most significant advantages of the UFC23 is its ability to support multiple designs, allowing manufacturers to reuse the same sensor across different product families. Typical applications include smart water and heat meters, smart gas meters, water heaters, pump control systems, and smart faucets.

According to Norbert Breyer, Director of Marketing and Product Management at ScioSense, “UFC23 addresses a clear requirement in the metering market for a high-precision, ultra-low-power ultrasonic flow converter that fits modern system architectures. It enables manufacturers to pair ScioSense analogue and timing performance with their chosen host microcontroller and software environment.”

The UFC23 is available now, and evaluation kits are available through key distributors at launch. With its exceptional performance, versatility, and power efficiency, this device is poised to revolutionize the smart metering industry.

ScioSense’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction has made it a trusted partner for many leading manufacturers of smart meters and related solutions. The introduction of the UFC23 further solidifies ScioSense’s position as a leader in the field of ultrasonic flow converters, providing OEMs with the tools they need to create high-quality, accurate, and efficient measurement solutions.

The UFC23 represents a significant milestone in the development of smart metering technology. Its unique blend of high precision, ultra-low power consumption, and versatility makes it an attractive solution for manufacturers seeking to improve their products’ performance and efficiency. As the demand for accurate and reliable flow measurement continues to grow, solutions like the UFC23 will play a critical role in shaping the future of smart metering.

Designers, manufacturers, and end-users can benefit from the UFC23’s exceptional features, making it an essential component in a wide range of applications. With its outstanding performance, compact design, and low power consumption, this device is poised to become the go-to solution for high-precision, ultra-low-power smart metering requirements.

The introduction of the UFC23 marks a significant step forward in the evolution of smart metering technology, offering OEMs unprecedented flexibility and performance in their measurement solutions. As the market continues to grow and evolve, solutions like the UFC23 will remain at the forefront of innovation, providing the accuracy, efficiency, and reliability that customers demand.

By integrating advanced features and technologies, ScioSense has created a device that is not only highly accurate but also energy-efficient and compact. The UFC23’s success will likely pave the way for further advancements in smart metering technology, enabling manufacturers to create even more sophisticated and reliable solutions for their customers.

In an industry where accuracy, reliability, and efficiency are paramount, the UFC23 stands out as a pioneering solution that is poised to revolutionize the smart metering landscape. With its exceptional performance, versatility, and power efficiency, this device will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of smart metering.

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