Smart anti-tampering algorithm design for single phase smart meter applied to AMI systems

An anti-tampering function is an essential part in a smart meter applied to AMI systems. It effectively helps the power utility to detect tampering events in order to reduce revenue loss, and prevent the smart meter from non-technical damages. In this paper, we have proposed a smart anti-tampering algorithm for a single phase smart meter by using a single chip solution. The single chip solution is not only able to detect multiple tampering events, but also has a special measuring capability of neutral current. Essentially, the smart anti-tampering algorithms is implemented to help the smart meter overcoming the tampering events of bypassing the main line and neutral line, reverse connection of input and output of the smart meter, connecting for avoidance of billing calculation, and cover frame or cover terminal opening. As a result, the proposed algorithm offers a wide dynamic range of tampering event detection, a low-probability of false detection, and a fast speed of tampering detection. Furthermore, in the case of small energy measurement, the proposed algorithm still yields a precise and accurate tampering detection capability.