E32+RS-485 Communication Module for a Smart Electricity Meter

• Overview

A compact communications module for installation inside an existing electricity meter. The project combines the existing E32-based radio/power platform with an additional RS-485 interface and auxiliary circuitry.

• My Contributions

I developed the hardware integration and PCB design, excluding the firmware. This included schematic design, component placement, routing, connector positioning, 3D/mechanical verification, and manufacturing documentation.

• Engineering Highlights

The electrical portion of the project is relatively straightforward; the main engineering challenge was the geometry. The module had to fit seamlessly into the existing meter architecture and properly connect to the surrounding boards and connectors. Therefore, the PCB outline, connector placement, component height, and interboard spacing were determined by the mechanical constraints of the finished device.

• Results

The project was prototyped and put into production.

• Tools/Technologies

Altium Designer, RS-485, E32 radio module, compact PCB design, board integration, 3D verification, manufacturing documentation.