MXPA99003674A - Energy meter with power quality monitoring and diagnostic systems - Google Patents

Abstract

An electronic meter which automatically detects the service type and voltage to which the meter is installed and which either automatically configures its own programming to the detected service is disclosed. An electronic energy meter that permits the addition of new measurements or testing capabilities without requiring factory modifications to effect such functionality changes is also disclosed. The meter includes firmware which measures the characteristics of electrical energy supplied to the meter and which generates characteristic signals reflective of the measured characteirstics of the electrical energy. A processor is connected to receive and process the characteristic signals. The processing of the characteristic signals includes selecting and manipulating certain of the characteristic signals and generating characteristic information in response to the selection and generating additional characteristic information in response to the manipulation. It is preferred for the meter to include a memory having reference information stored therein. In such an embodiment, the manipulation of characteristic signals includes retrieving certain of the reference information and generating the characteristic information in response to the selected signals and the reference information.

Description

ENERGY METER WITH SUPERVISION OF QUALITY OF POWER AND DIAGNOSTIC SYSTEMS Details of the related request The present application claims priority of the provisional application with serial number 70 / 028,986, filed on October 22, 1996.

Field of Invention The present invention relates in general to electronic energy meters, and more particularly to highly functional programmable electronic energy meters with systems for service identification and power quality analysis.

Background Programmable electronic energy meters are rapidly replacing electro-mechanical meters due to the increased functionality that is achieved by using programmable logic integrated into solid-state electronic meters. Some of these meters can be used to measure different electrical services without equipment modification. For example, meters that have a voltage operating range between 98 Vrms to 526 Vrms, are capable of operation with either 120 volt or 480 volt services. U.S. Patent No. 5,457,621 dated October 10, 1995, entitled SWITCHING POWER SUPPLY HAVING VOLTAGE BLOCKING CLAMP, assigned to ABB T &D Company describes examples of these meters. In addition, some meters are constructed for use with any three wire or any four wire service, also described in U.S. Patent No. 5,457,621. Unless meters that have this versatility are used, installers must be careful to install the correct meter in relation to both the configuration and the electrical service provided at the installation site. Unfortunately, meter installers are not always trained to detect or notice service features that could indicate that the meter to be installed is not properly configured for a particular installation. For this reason, some installations configure the meters themselves to ensure better control over which meters are installed and in which installation sites. However, this configuration activity adds cost to the installation and does not always reduce the risk that a meter configured for a service could inadvertently be installed at the intended site for a different service. Therefore, there is a need for an electronic meter that automatically detects the type of service and voltage for which the meter is installed and which automatically configures its own programming for the detected service or provides a simple means for manual configuration in the installation site. In addition, many new electronic energy meters have begun to take advantage of their programming capabilities to provide limited diagnostics and / or power quality tests. These capabilities are provided by the programming stored in a read-only memory (ROM). In this way these meters are currently limited in their operation for the previously defined programming, such as the previously defined sets of tests. Significantly, these meters are also limited to the measurement of only a previously determined set of parameters that have been programmed into these meters, ie, stored in the read-only memory, during manufacture. Consequently, any change to measurements or tests supported on the meter must be carried out by replacing the read-only memory of the meter, ie by factory modification. Therefore, there is also a need for a more flexible electronic energy meter that allows the addition of new measurement or testing capabilities without requiring factory modifications to effect these functionality changes.

Even more, the performance of the power quality tests requires knowing the type of service and the service voltage before installation so that the programming of the meter can be blocked for the appropriate service depending on the thresholds used in relation to the tests of particularized power quality. Therefore, for this additional reason, there is a need for an electronic meter that automatically detects the type of service and the voltage at which the meter is installed and which either automatically configures its programming for the detected service or provides a means simple for manual configuration in the installation.

Compendium of the invention. The above problems are overcome and the advantages of the invention are achieved in methods of apparatus for measuring electric power in an electronic meter which automatically detects the type of service and voltage for which the meter is installed and which automatically configures its own programming for the detected service. The electronic energy meter also allows the addition of new measurements or testing capabilities without requiring factory modifications to effect these changes in functionality. The meter includes inalterable software which measures the characteristics of the electrical energy supplied to the meter and which generates characteristic signals that reflect the measured characteristics of the electrical energy. A processor is connected to receive and process the characteristic signals. The processing of the characteristic signals includes the selection and manipulation of certain of the characteristic signals and the generation of characteristic information in response to the selection and the generation of additional characteristic information in response to manipulation. It is preferable that the meter includes a memory that has reference information stored therein. In this mode, the manipulation of the characteristic signals includes retrieving certain reference information and generating the characteristic information in response to the selected signals and the reference information.

Brief description of the drawings. The present invention will be better understood, and its numerous objects and advantages will be made apparent by reference to the following detailed description of the invention when taken in conjunction with the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a block diagram showing the functional components of the meter and their interfaces according to the present invention; Figure 2 is - a functional block diagram showing the logic that can be employed by the digital signal processor to drive the potential indicators according to the present invention. Figure 3 is a diagram showing the functional grouping of the data in tables and the ratio of the meter between the tables as implemented in a preferred embodiment of the invention, - Figure 4 is a state diagram showing the measurement states within a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 is a functional diagram showing the architecture of the system for performing instrumentation measurements and monitoring the power quality as it is increased according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 is a context diagram showing the processing of measuring machine using internal flags according to the present invention; Figure 7 is an example of a state transition diagram for the measuring machine according to the present invention, - Figures 8A-8E are more detailed functional flow charts showing the steps carried out by the measuring machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 is a context diagram showing the processing of the power quality test machine using internal flags according to the present invention, - Figure 10 is a series of state diagrams showing resource processing scenarios of the power quality machine according to the present invention, - Figures 11A-11I are more detailed functional flow charts showing the steps carried out by the power quality test machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, - Figure 12 is a flow diagram showing the steps carried out by the microcontroller according to the present invention to automatically and electronically identify the definition of the service; Figure 13 is a detailed flow chart showing the search in the service phase table according to the present invention, - Figure 14 is a detailed flow chart showing the search in the table of service voltages in accordance with the present invention, - Figure 15 is a state diagram showing the states for service blocking processing according to the present invention; Figure 16 is a flow diagram of the service and deployment test characteristics according to the present invention; Figure 17 is a flow diagram of fluctuation determination and deployment characteristic according to the present invention.

Detailed description of the invention. A. Operational overview. The present invention provides comprehensive power quality monitoring and diagnostic features in relation to measuring "single-phase and poly-phase electric power" Figure 1 is a block program showing the functional components of the meter and their interfaces according to with the present invention As shown in Figure 1, a meter for measuring three phase electric power preferably includes a display deployment of liquid crystal 30, an integrated circuit (IC) meter 14 which preferably comprises analog to digital converters and a programmable digital signal processor, and a microcontroller 16. The analog voltage and the current signals propagating over the power transmission lines between the power generator of the electric service provider and the users of the electric power are captured. by voltage dividers 12A, 12B, 12C and power transformers or diversions 18A, 18B, 18C, respectively. The outputs of the resistive dividers and current transformers, or the captured voltage and current signals, are supplied as inputs to the integrated circuit meter 14. The analog to digital converters in the integrated circuit meter convert the captured voltage and the current signals in digital representations of analog voltage and analog current signals. In a preferred embodiment, analog-to-digital conversion is carried out as described in U.S. Patent 5,544,089 dated August 6, 1996 entitled PROGRAMMABLE ELECTRICAL METER USING MULTIPLEXED ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTERS, assigned to the ABB T &D Company. The digital voltage and current signals are then input to the programmable digital signal processor in the meter integrated circuit to generate driven signals 42, 44, 46, 48 representing various energy measurements, ie, each pulse represents the Ke value. associated with watts, VA or VARs. These driven signals can be processed by the microcontroller 16 to perform income measurement functions for billing purposes. Although the microcontroller, in accordance with the present invention, performs numerous input measurement functions, it also performs instrumentation functions. The instrumentation functions, in comparison with the input functions, are intended to help the technician evaluate a service based on almost instantaneous conditions in the meter. Instrumentation measurements can include system parameters such as frequency, Watts, VARs, and VAs, and information per phase such as voltage, current, phase angles, power factor, current-to-voltage angle, KWatts, KVARs, KVA, and parameters related to harmonic distortion. The following is a more detailed list that describes some examples of the instrumentation parameters that can be calculated by the present invention.

TABLE 1 Parameter Description Frequency Measurement in Phase A voltage, rounded to two decimal places. System kWatts Sum with sign of the kW measurement in each phase taken at separate moments. System kVARs (Arithmetic) Magnitude root of square difference of the system kVAs (arithmetic) and system kWatts.

System kVARs (Vectorial) Sum with sign of the kVAR measurement of each phase taken at separate moments. System kVAs (Arithmetic) Sum of the kVA measurements in each phase taken at separate moments. System kVAs (Vectorial) Magnitude root of sum to the square of the system kWatts and of the system kVARs (Vectorial) Factor of power of the system System kWatts divided by the (Arithmetic) system kVAs (Arithmetic) System power factor Kwatts system divided by the (Vector) kVAs system (Vector) Voltages and Phase Amperes The measurements are true RMS, each voltage and phase current is measured simultaneously, rounded to two decimal places. Phase voltage angle Each phase angle is measured in relation to the zero crossing ratio of Phase A to Phase A, rounded to 30 degrees.

Phase power factor Phase kWatts, divided by, - Phase kVAs (measured simultaneously), rounded to two decimal places. Note: The phase power factor is set to 1.00PF if the kVA Phase is less than 5VA. Phase current for angle Inverse cosine of the phase-power phase voltage factor (before rounding), rounded to 0.1 degrees. Phase current for angle Phase current for phase voltage angle plus phase voltage angle, plus; the voltage in relation to the phase voltage voltage angle of a nominal Phase A related to the voltage of Phase A for the service. Phase kWatts, kVAs Each Phase kWatts and kVAs are measured in the same way, rounded to two decimal places. Phase kVARs Magnitude root difference square of the Phase kVAs and Phase kWatts.

Distortion Indication Square root of total harmonic sum (THD) squares from the second to the fifteenth fundamental value of the phase voltage or phase current; divided by the fundamental quantity of the phase quantity. Distortion indication of The voltage magnitude of the voltage of 2o. harmonic second harmonic of the phase quantity, divided by, - the fundamental quantity of the phase quantity. General Harmonic Magnitude The measurements are true n-th RMS voltage, rounded to two decimal places. Harmonic general magnitude n- The measurements are true RMS th, rounded to two decimal places.

The integrated circuit meter 14 and the microcontroller Each one is preferably connected to one or more memory devices through the busbar IIC 36. An electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) 35 is provided for storing revenue data as well as programs and program data. When the power is raised after the installation, a power failure or a data alteration communication, for example, selected programs and program data stored in programmable read-only memory and electrically erasable can be loaded into direct access memory Program RAM and Direct Data Access memory associated with the integrated circuit meter 14 as shown in Figure 1. The digital signal processor under the control of the microcontroller processes the digital voltage and current signals in accordance with the loaded programs and the data stored in the respective program and data direct access memories. To perform the instrumentation functions the microcontroller 16 may require both voltage and current measurement information from the digital signal processor 14. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention the integrated IC 14 monitor circuit voltage signals digital phase signals and digital phase current signals over two line cycles (at approximately 50 or 60 Hz, two line cycle measurements are defined here as RMS measurements even if they are "almost instantaneous") and then the RMS values for instrumentation purposes. It should be understood that the line cycle number is preferably programmable and a different number of line cycles can be used for designated measurements. The RMS parameters calculated for each phase, A, B, and / or C, are stored in register in the data direct access memory. The microcontroller 16 recounts data in these registers via the busbar IIC 36 for the processing of the instrumentation. Because instrumentation measurements are almost instantaneous in the preferred embodiment, no memory storage is required for instrumentation data that includes phase angle data. The digital signal processor in the integrated circuit meter 14 also drives the potential indicators 27, 29 and 31 which are preferably designated sections in the liquid crystal display 30. The phase potential for each phase is presented in both the indicator of corresponding potential remains on. Figure 2 shows a functional block diagram for the logic that can be employed by the digital signal processor in the integrated circuit 14 to drive the potential indicators 27, 29 and 31 according to the present invention. Although only the logic for a phase is shown, it should be understood that the logic is preferably replicated for each phase. As shown in Figure 2, the digital samples for each phase voltage are provided to the RMS measurement generator, 51. In a preferred embodiment the RMS measurement generator calculates the RMS measurements according to the following formula: where N is equal to the number of samples by a selected number of line cycle intervals. A programmable potential indicator threshold 53 is preferably loaded from the electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory to the direct data access memory in the integrated circuit 14. Although the initial programmable thresholds are charged after power-up, it is also preferable that the Potential indicator thresholds are updated after certain system tests described in detail later. The comparator 55 compares the RMS measurement with the potential indicator threshold and generates an output that is high as long as the RMS measurement exceeds the programmable potential indicator threshold. The output of the Comparator occurs towards the microcontroller 16. Referring again to Figure 1, the potential signals of Phase A, 3, • / C are produced from the integrated measuring circuit to the microcontroller 16 which in turn boosts the potential indicator so that the potential indicator remains lit when the potential signals are high. The present invention preferably utilizes three deployment modes for displaying liquid crystal 30, namely, normal, alternate, and test modes. When switching on after the installation, at a previously set time, or after a data alteration communication, programmably designed tests are preferably executed. After these tests, in a preferred embodiment, the meter sequentially and continuously runs through the display items selected for the normal display mode. The deployment items can include both income data and instrumentation parameters. Alternate mode and test mode are manually initiated in a preferred mode. The different and / or additional display items may preferably be selected for deployment in alternate and test modes. The alternate mode preferably runs through selected parameters once or can be made to manually pass through the displayed items. Items or parameters selected for deployment during the test mode are continuously traversed until the test mode ends manually. The tests performed by the present invention can be categorized as operation error tests, system tests, power quality tests and fluctuation tests. Operation error tests are used to identify conditions that may affect the revenue data, such as errors in power output, configuration errors, programmable and electrically erasable read-only memory errors and the like. These errors when detected are displayed and preferably blocked upon deployment. System tests include a voltage test of the system service (hereinafter "service test") and a system current test. Generally, the service test is used to verify that the voltage phase angles are within a previously defined range for the particular service and that the phase voltages are within a previously defined voltage range of the nominal voltages of valid services. . Current tests of the system can verify conditions of low current, overcurrent conditions, undercurrent conditions, inverse power, and / or inadequate power factor conditions. Power quality tests allow to test and evaluate the following conditions: abnormal service voltage, abnormally high or low voltage, abnormally low or high current, power factor in service or abnormal induction, and various harmonic distortions, as well as other conditions abnormal Fluctuation tests monitor signals of phase potentials to determine frequent temporary losses of phase potential. After the ignition in the installation, the service test is preferably performed to identify and / or verify the electric service. The present invention may be pre-programmed for use with a designated service or may determine the service using the service test. When the service test is used to identify the electric service, an initial determination of the number of active elements is made. For this purpose, each element (ie 1, 2 or 3 elements) is checked to determine the voltage, for example, by monitoring the outputs of the comparator 53 in Figure 2 for each phase. As soon as the number of elements is identified, many types of services can be removed from the list of possible types of services. The voltage phase angle relative to Phase A can then be calculated and compared with each phase angle for abe or cba rotations with respect to the remaining possible services, for example, within ± 15 ° If a valid service is found from of the phase angle comparisons, the service voltage is preferably determined by comparing the RMS voltage measurements for each phase with the voltages of the nominal phase for the identified service. If the rated service voltages for the identified service match the measured values within an acceptable tolerance range, a valid service is identified and the phase rotation, service voltage, and type of service are preferably displayed. The service can be blocked, that is, the service information is stored in programmable read-only memory and electrically erasable, manually or automatically. When the type of service is known in advance and is blocked, the service test preferably checks to ensure that each element is receiving the phase potential; that the phase angles are within a previously determined percentage of the nominal phase angles for the known service; and the voltages per phase are also measured and compared to the nominal service voltages to determine if they are within a previously defined tolerance range of the nominal phase voltages. If the voltages and phase angles are within specified ranges, phase rotation, service voltage and service type are displayed in the meter display. If a valid service is not found b the service test for the designated service fails, a system error code indicating an invalid service is displayed and blocked in the deployment to ensure that the failure is noticed and evaluated to correct the error . The present invention can also be programmed so that immediately after the service test after installation, ignition, etc., the alternate mode is started. In order to avoid stacking the normal display, it is preferred that the instrumentation parameters and system tests be included in an alternate display mode and not in the normal display mode. It is also preferred that the service test and system current test be specified as the first and second parameters of the alternate display, respectively. If the service test or system current test fails while in alternate mode, a system error code is displayed indicating the error in the alternate travel sequence. Examples of possible system error codes designated by an error message "SER XXXXXX" are as follows: TABLE 2 VVVIIIABCABC Service angles Ser 5 5 5 0 0 0 unknown Phase current A omitted Ser 0 0 0 1 0 0 Current of Phase B omitted Ser 0 0 0 0 l 0 Phase C current omitted Ser 0 0 0 0 0 1 Phase current A low Ser 0 0 0 2 0 0 Phase current B low Ser 0 0 0 0 2 0 Phase C current low Ser 0 0 0 0 0 2 Inadequate PF in Phase A Ser 0 0 0 4 0 0 Inadequate PF in Phase B Ser 0 0 0 0 4 0 Inadequate PF in Phase C Ser 0 0 0 0 0 4 Reverse energy in Phase A Ser 0 0 0 5 0 0 Reverse energy in Phase B Ser 0 0 0 0 5 0 Reverse energy in Phase C Ser 0 0 0 0 0 5 Excessive current in Ser 0 0 0 8 0 0 current of the Phase A Excessive current in the Ser 0 0 0 0 8 0 Phase B current Excessive current in the Ser 0 0 0 0 0 8 Phase C current If multiple test conditions fail, the system error codes associates can be added together so that a single error code is displayed in the proper sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the error codes are hexadecimal values such that an excessive current condition "8" and "an inadequate power factor" 4"would be reported as" C ". Any system test selected for the alternate deployment mode is preferably not carried out until the results are to be displayed. Therefore, measurements made in relation to system tests do not require memory storage. Similarly, instrumentation parameters selected for the deployment of the alternate mode are preferably not calculated until they are ready to be displayed. Referring again to Figure 1, the meter according to the present invention also provides remote measurement reading and reprogramming, remote power quality monitoring through optical port 40 and / or option connector 38. Although communications Optical ports can be used in connection with the optical port, the option connector 38 can be adapted for radiofrequency communications or electronic communications via modem, for example. The functions of revenue, communications, system tests, fluctuation tests, and instrumentation characteristics preferably have priority in terms of processing on the power quality tests. Thus, the power quality tests are processed in the background. Although the designated power quality tests are executed one at a time in a fixed sequence, they are only executed when processing time is available, and in accordance with the above, not at fixed intervals. However, it should be understood that certain power quality tests could have a higher priority so that other higher priority tests will. They would take place at fixed intervals. When an abnormal condition is detected by any of the designated power quality tests (which may include service tests and / or system current tests) preferably an optionally defined indicator code of an abnormal condition is injected as optional the first article in the normal travel sequence. However, since the condition is not necessarily related to a specific error, it is considered a warning or a flag condition and deployment of the previously defined code preferably does not affect the operation of the meter. If the particular abnormal conditions or do not lead to a warning in the deployment can be selected through programmable options. The warnings can be the time and date stamped and stored in an event log and the number of events and the cumulative time of the conditions can be recorded separately in an occurrence log. The registers are preferably stored in the electrically erasable programmable read only memory shown in Figure 1. The information stored in these registers can be accessed through software for subsequent diagnostic processing and external evaluation to the same meter. The systems for carrying out the system, power quality and fluctuation tests according to the present invention are preferably implemented in unalterable software, where these operations can be enabled by programming different data tables. The functional inter-relationships of these tables are shown in Figure 3. System current tests are performed using data stored in registers in the system current test table 114 which generally includes system current thresholds for each service supported by the meter. The service tests are performed using the data registers stored in the service angle table 116 and in the voltage table "of service 118. The records in the table of service angles may preferably include information of the nominal phase angle for Each service supported by the meter while the records in the service voltage table may preferably include the rated voltage and tolerances for each service and a corresponding potential indicator threshold.A separate table, the phase tolerance table 115, is preferably used in connection with the service voltage test stored in electrically erasable programmable read only memory 35. As soon as the service is blocked, the data corresponding to the service is transferred from tables 114, 116, and 118 to the table of thresholds 122. The power quality tests preferably form a previously defined set of test paration A record is stored in the power quality test table 108 for each comparison test that is to be carried out by the meter. The comparison tests and the associated registers are stored in the comparison test table 110. The power quality test table can also include information that refers to a measurement record so that the measurement is tested by comparison test referenced The power quality test table additionally refers to the threshold information for test comparisons of the threshold table. The measurement registers are stored in a measurement table 100 which preferably includes information that refers to a record in the measurement function table 102. The registers in the measurement function table identify a digital signal processing function that is will perform and may additionally refer to a record in the table of constants 104 which may include the initialization and calibration constants to perform the functions. The records in the measurement table can also refer to a record in the conversion table 106 which specifies the particular calculations to be made in relation to the specified digital signal processor function to complete the measurement required for the comparison by the power quality test. The digital signal processor program together with the hardware digital signal processor implements the fundamental measurement capabilities of the meter. The preferred embodiment has made arrangements for different versions of the digital signal processor programs to provide the ability to perform additional fundamental measurements. In the preferred mode, the address of the digital signal processor and the internal caller selector of the direct access memory 121 are provided to the power quality measuring machine to allow the machine to communicate with versions of the digital signal processor programs that they may have different IIC addresses and / or internal direct access memory addresses. The programming for the data tables shown in figure three can preferably be divided into 4 activity levels: (1) dement and test selection, - (2) adjustment of dement and test parameters, - (3) test definition; and (4) definition of measurement. The deployment selection involves inserting predefined byte sequences into a deployment table to allow the meter to display previously defined measurement quantities. The test selection involves the insertion of previously defined byte sequences in the power quality test table 108 to allow the meter to perform previously defined power quality tests.

The deployment parameter setting involves changing the number of pairs of line cycles over which a given electrical measurement is performed as indicated by the selected function. The adjustment of the test parameter involves changing the voltage, current, power factor, and time thresholds in the system current test table 114, the service phase table 116, the service voltage table 118, and the power quality test table 108 to effect the sensitivity of the different tests that can be performed. The test definition involves the creation of new power quality tests through new combinations of test parameter thresholds in tables 114, 116, and 108 with defined electrical measurements. The definition of measurement involves the creation of new electrical measurements through new combinations of functions and calculations of the digital signal processor. New hardware capabilities are added via the table of measurement functions 102 and the table of constants 104. Furthermore, new calculations can be added or defined via the conversion table 106 or by specifying a sequence of calculations from the conversion table 106 New measurements can be added by combining new functions of the digital signal processor with calculations, functions of the digital signal processor with new calculations, or functions of the new digital signal processor with new calculations in new measurement registers.

B. MEASUREMENT OF MONITOR INSTRUMENTATION AND INTERACTION. Figure 4 shows a state diagram of the measurement states within a preferred embodiment of the invention. The measurement routines are executed by a measuring machine which is described in detail below. The measuring machine remains in the passive state 140 until a measurement request is received. The measurement requests can be initiated in order to display an instrumentation parameter, perform a power quality test or to transmit a parameter measured via external communications. A measurement request in deployment 136 may be received when an amount is required for its deployment in one of the deployment modes supported by the meter. Upon receiving a deployment measurement request the measuring machine makes a transition to the deployment request processing state 144 and remains in that state until the measurement is calculated, stored in a register and retrieved for display. In a preferred embodiment, the measuring machine remains in the state of the deployment measurement process until (1) the measurement is calculated, stored in a register and retrieved for display, -. (2) until a measurement request of a higher priority is received; or (3) an error occurs as a result of processing the deployment request. As soon as the measurement is made, the display measurement processing state changes at 138 back to the passive state 140. As shown in Figure 4, as long as the background test is enabled, a measurement request can be received. of power quality at 130. The power quality measurement request designates which measured quantity will be used in a current power quality test, for example, RMS voltage from Phase B compared to a maximum acceptable voltage level for Phase B, given the service blocked. When received, the measuring machine changes from the passive state 140 to the power quality measurement processing state 146 where the measurement designated by the power quality measurement request is processed. The measurement is stored in a register which is accessed by a power quality test machine (also described further, in detail) so that the power quality test can be carried out using the measured quantity. In a preferred embodiment, the power quality test machine acknowledges receipt of the measured quantity. The measuring machine remains in state 146 until the measurement is made. When the processing of the power quality measurement is completed, the measuring machine changes to 132 to the passive state 140. An external communication request 154 can be received via optical communications or electronically from an external source in which it is requested a particular measurement for its transmission to the external source. When the request 154 is received, the measuring machine changes from the passive state 154 to the communication measurement processing state 142. The designated measurement is processed and stored in a register accessible by the communication routines of the meter. When the measurement is made, the measuring machine * changes at 152 back to the passive state 140. In a preferred embodiment, the meter communications take precedence over the measurement display functions and the power quality tests. Similarly, the deployment measurement functions take precedence over the power quality test. Thus, if the measuring machine is in the power quality measurement processing state 146 and a deployment measurement request is received, the measuring machine changes at 151 to the processing measurement processing state 144 Any calculation or measurement data generated before the change to the pre-deployment measurement processing status is not stored and therefore the power quality measurement must be restarted as soon as the measuring machine returns to the passive state after the deployment measurement processing is completed. In a similar manner, if a communication measurement request is received while the measuring machine is either in the power quality measurement processing state 146 or in the deployment measurement processing state 144, the measuring machine changes at 150 and 158, respectively, to the communication measurement processing state 142. In a preferred embodiment, no data generated either in state 146 or state 144 is stored after changing to state 142. Accordingly, a new power quality measurement or deployment measurement request request is initiated to invoke the interrupted measurement processing after the communication measurement processing is complete and the measuring machine returns to the passive state 140. The architecture of the system to perform the instrumentation measurement and the monitoring of the power quality is implemented according to a fashion preferred embodiment of the invention as shown in Figure 5. The architecture of the system is functionally divided into 2 machines, the measuring machine 50 and the power quality machine 52. In a preferred embodiment, a third machine shown as the Service blocking machine 54 is also provided.

Instrumentation measurements can be selected to programmatically display a measurement log number, format information, and phase to measure in a deployment table that defines the deployment sequence. An example of the information that could be included in a deployment table is presented in Table 3 below: MR # NAME MR # NAME Frequency 13 Second harmonic voltage percentage Current * 10, voltage 14 Total energy KVARs, * 10 KWatts (Vector) factor angle of 15 Total energy KWatts p o t e n c i a t o t a l (Vector and arithmetic) (arithmetic) 4 KBA, KW 16 Total VA (Vector) Current 17 Total PF 6 Voltage 18 Total angle PF, 7 KVAR 19 THD V 8 Angle PF 20 THD I 9 KW 21 Total energy KVA, KWatts (Arithmetic) 10 Current magnitude 22 Total VAR (arithmetic) of second harmonic 11 Angle V 23 Total PF (arithmetic), 12 Angle I 24 Single phase power factor 25 Determining the service of the electrical system 26 Current tests of the > system. Table 3: Electrical measurements and measurement register numbers (MR) The display table is preferably generated and written into the electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory of the meter so that the information can be entered both by the microcontroller and by the microcontroller. digital signal processor during the operation of the meter. As discussed earlier, instrumentation measurements may also be required for power quality tests. The power quality machine 52 allows the meter to monitor and record various conditions of the power line. A power quality test can be constructed by combining any instrumentation measurement, for example, in Table 3, with a comparison test that can use test parameters configured by the service test, ie, threshold values based on the service blocked. Records of this nature are stored in the power quality test table shown in general in Figure 3 and described in detail below. Therefore, the deployment configuration table preferably includes two input definitions, one for normal display quantities and one for power quality measurements. The definitions can be mixed within the table to obtain the desired display sequence.

Power quality measurements are considered instrumentation quantities as opposed to billing amounts. If a power quality measurement is selected that is not available on a given meter or installed service, the meter will preferably skip the deployment without warning or error. This is considered desirable so that a single predefined deployment table will work in multiple applications regardless of the regime for which the program was generated. Referring again to Figure 5, the power quality meter 52 retrieves the measurement record number 74 from the next power quality test record and generates a power quality measurement request 66. The request 66 makes reference to one of the measurement records of the measurement table. A measurement record generally comprises a function / constant index, a conversion routine index, and a flag for the next measurement record. The function index refers to one of a previously defined set of measurement functions that the digital signal processor can perform. The constant index refers to the initialization constants and to the service-dependent constants that are based on the blocked service. The conversion routine index refers to one of a set of previously defined conversion routines that operate on the data manipulated and returned by the digital signal processor. Examples of conversion routines include calculation routines such as scaling, square root or trigonometric functions, system test routines, iteration routines, expansion routines, and power measurement computation routines, to name a few. To better understand the measurement process, consider the situation where the phase angle for current Iß is required for deployment. The microprocessor refers to a measurement register and invokes the function of the digital signal processor designated in that register via the bus 36 for the digital signal processor. In this example, the function of the digital signal processor is to return Watts and VA in Phase B over a designated number of line cycles. When the digital signal processor completes these measurements, the measurements are stored in the back registers in the data direct access memory. The microcontroller counts these measurements and recovers them on the busbar 36 when they are available. Then the microcontroller performs the conversion routine referenced by the measurement. In the present example, the conversion routine will ask to divide the Watts measurement between the VA measurement to calculate the power factor for Phase B. The next registration field would then reference the next measurement record to be processed. That record would include a "reference to the conversion routine to determine the cosine arc of the power factor that reaches the phase angle associated with the Phase B current. In Figure 5, the measuring machine is shown processing a record of measurement for power quality monitoring purposes although the measurement log processing is preferably the same for deployment processing In any case, the measurement log number is shown in 67, the conversion rate is shown in 58, and the function index is shown at 56. The measuring machine thus performs the designated digital signal processor function and the calculation routines specified by the respective function and conversion indices of the measurement register identified by the quality measurement request of power 66. The measuring machine then processes the next measurement record designated in the following field d e measurement record of the current measurement register. Figure 6 is a context diagram showing the processing of the measuring machine using internal flags according to the present invention. In a preferred embodiment the digital signal processor is capable of being programmed to perform several different types of measurement functions such as voltage, current, energy, apparent energy, frequency, harmonic content, etc., at the inputs of the meter. Of course, the digital signal processor could be replaced by any type of device, or system that is capable of producing a fundamental measurement. For this description the production of any fundamental measurement by such a system is known as a digital signal processor conversion. The measuring machine provides the ability to combine sequences of fundamental measurements and mathematical calculations (known as conversion routines) to produce an instrumentation measurement. The context diagram in Figure 6 shows that a measurement requestor 110 such as the power quality monitoring machine starts the measuring machine 120 by providing a measurement registration number, a description of the phase or phases of the meter to be measured, a flag indicating whether the intermediate work record RO should be saved before starting or not, and a flag indicating whether or not the digital signal processor conversion will take place before the execution of the conversion routine. The measuring machine responds by clearing the terminal measurement flag 130 and returning a flag that indicates that the measurement has been initiated. The measuring machine will then operate independently of the requestor to interpret a linked list of measurement records in the measurement table to produce a measurement result for the requestor. In a preferred embodiment if the measuring machine is started before a previous measurement request has been completed the first measurement request will abort and the second request will be carried out. The containment of the measuring machine has been avoided by a priority scheme. Three priority levels have been selected and are called background priority, foreground priority, and communication priority. The power quality monitoring machine operates in the background priority, the meter deployment operates in the foreground priority, the devices that communicate via a communications protocol operate in the communications priority. Other modes could provide other elements for handling multiple measurement requests such as but not limited to: requesting a measurement request to be completed before another is started, or allowing additional measurement requests to be queued and processing one to the other Once, or interrupt the measurement request in process until the new request is processed, or until processing the measurement requests in parallel. Figure 7 is an example of a state transition diagram for the measuring machine according to the present invention. Figures 8A-8B are more detailed functional flow diagrams showing the steps carried out by the measuring machine according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. Referring to Figure 8A it can be seen that the measuring machine has two entry points of the start background test 210 and the start test 220. The start background test is used by the quality monitoring machine of power to send a measurement request to the measuring machine. The in-process flag background test (140) provides feedback to the power quality monitoring machine to indicate that the test is still in process. The start test is used by the meter display and communications functions to send priority priority measurement requests and communications to the measurement machine. If the measurement machine receives a measurement request via the start test at the entry point then the background test on the process flag will be cleared and the measuring machine operating on the higher priority flag will be set. When a measurement request has been completed and the requestor has read the measurement of instrumentation the measuring machine that operates on the highest priority flag will always be clarified. The power quality monitoring machine will not issue a measurement request while the measuring machine that operates with the highest priority flag is set. If the flag is not set, the energy monitoring machine will start its quality supervision test again if the background test on the process flag is cleared. In a preferred embodiment, the measuring machine will perform all specified actions up to the conversion routine specified by the last measurement record in the linked list. The measuring machine will then set the measurement flag finished. When the measurement requestor observes that the finished measurement is set, then the measuring machine will order the last conversion routine and return the final measurement to the measurement requestor. Other modalities could complete all actions specified by the linked list before setting the completed measurement flag provided that the resulting final measurement is left uninterrupted until it has been read by the requestor of the measurement. A measurement record will preferably specify zero or a processor conversion of digital signals to be performed, a conversion routine to be performed, and whether the next record is interpreted or an indicator that the end of the link list has been reached. . The machine will continue the operation in the next measurement record and so on until the "next measurement record" field contains a code indicating the end of the linked list. The measurement records define what the measuring machine should do to produce a requested measurement. Each measurement register comprises 24 bits. From bits 8 to 13 the pointer to the conversion function associated with a measurement record is represented. Depending on the purposes of the conversion function, the fields of the measurement record can be interpreted in different ways by the measuring machine. In the preferred embodiment the conversion functions cause the fields to be interpreted in four different ways designated as types 1, 2, 3, and 4 as shown in the following table 4 below: TABLE 4 Bitfield definitions of the measurement register T ipode Bit # 23 - 22 21 - 20 19 - 16 15 - 14 record Type 1 Change of Pre conv Index of Pre xfer phase function Type 2 Change of Steps of iteration-1 Pre xfer phase Type 3 Dependent rate of constant Pre xfer of phase Type 4 XX Function expanded Pre xfer Measurement register bit field definitions-continued Bit type # 13-18 7 6 5-0 register Type 1 Function of r0- > dsp sav S or 1 or Next conversion conversion measurement record index Type 2 Function of r0- > dsp sav S o l or iteration index conversion iterated m e d i ction Type 3 function of r0- > dsp sav S or l or Next conversion conversion index with index measurement record Type 4 rO-> expansion dsp sav S or l or Next conversion measurement record index Measurement record field descriptions In a preferred embodiment the measurement record fields have the following meanings. Other modalities can choose different field definitions, field sizes and record sizes. Next index of measurement record. The pointing to the next measurement record in the measurement table. Measured measurement record index Indicator to the first measurement record for an iterated measurement record sequence. This measurement log sequence will be executed for the number of iteration steps specified. After the last iteration, the execution will continue in the iterated measurement record index +1. Change_phase I indicated that the phase to be recorded in your measurement should be modified before the digital signal processor conversion begins. Change_phase = 00 for no change 01 to select Phase A 10 to select Phase B 11 to select Phase C Function_indica The index for the function record in the function table. Pre_conv Indicates the actions that will be taken after the digital signal processor conversion values have been scaled but before the conversion routines are executed. Pre_conv = 00 for none 01 Clamp0_Low_VA 10 Clampl_Lo _Va 11 for none (free) Cons t_ £ ndi ce Used as an index for the table of constants and the table of service thresholds. Dependent on the phase The constant index is dependent on the phase if the bit is set. In the preferred embodiment, the phase-dependent bit indicates for certain conversion functions that alternative actions can be carried out depending on which service phase was performed by the digital signal processor conversion. Preconversions 0 0 without transfer 0 1 dsp_sav- > rl 1 0 rl - > dsp_sav 1 1 dsp_sav - > r0, 0- > dsp_sav Conversion Routines Conversion routines are defined to operate on the data produced by the digital signal processor measurements. Thirty-one routines were required to satisfy the basic requirements for a preferred mode of the meter. You routines are specified by the appropriate value in the func_index field. The actual purpose of each conversion routine is not important for the understanding of the measuring machine except for the iteration routine. Table 5 below lists exemplary routines executable by the present invention TABLE 5 Func_index Name 0 Read false 1 Scale data 0 2 Data 0 by data 1 3 Make RMS 4 Make RDS 5 Add square data 0 data l 6 Expanded function 7 Test of I service 8 ArcCos 9 ArcTan A Pack B Test pf service C LLArcCos D LLArcTan E Find service F End service 10 Add Frec_Const 11 Add normal 12 Iterate 13 Multiply factor 14 * Terminate THD 15 Divide factor 16 Total power 17 Scale rl 18 Pack energy 19 Clr rO if rl 0 A Set rO if rl It Nominal IB Scale up 1C Mod 360 ID Clamp Low VA 1E Clamp Low vAa 1F Total VAW expanded function index Forty-nine additional routines perform basic operations on the Energy tool work records. They are provided to support new functions. TABLE 6 Expanded function code Name E HiLoRatio F Set LL Make RmS 10 XOR Signs LL 11 xor Signs 12 Data 0 for data 1 fix Signs LL 13 Data 0 for data 1 fix LL 14 Set LL 15 Read data 16 Add factor 17 Get Frec Const 18 Smult 19 Square root rO 1A Square data 0 data 1 IB ag rO 1C mag rl ID Ajust index 1E Divide 1F Div Scaled 20 Root square 21 Denied 22 SwaprOrl 23 rO for dsp sav 24 dsp sav for rO 25 dsp sav for rl 26 dsp sav for templ 27 fi for rO 28 rO for rl 29 rO for templ 2A rl for rO 2B rl for r3 2C rl for f2 2D rl for templ 2E rl for dsp sav 2F r3 for rl 30 r3 for rO 31 r3 for templ 32 r3s for rO 33 r3s for rl 34 templ for rO 35 templ for rl 36 f2 for rl 37 sub rl rO 38 sub rl r3 39 sub r3s rO 3A Add r3 for rO 3B Add sav a rO 3C Add sav b rl 3D Add r3s for rO 3E Add dsp sav for rO 3F Add r3 5 dsp sav Definitions Data 0 The digital signal processor is capable of producing two conversion results in parallel. Data 0 represents the primary natural value read from the digital signal processor. The data 0 is always multiplied by a specific conversion / calibration factor for the type of digital signal processor measurement performed to obtain a calibrated value. Data 1 Represents the secondary natural value read from the digital signal processor. Data 1 is always multiplied by a specific conversion / calibration factor for the type of digital signal processor measurement performed to obtain a calibrated value. R0, R1 General work records. The contents of the record will be preserved through digital signal processor measurements or while waiting for the display or communication routines to read a result from the measuring machine. DSP_SAVE Work record defined specifically for use by the functions of the measuring machine. The content is preserved until it is cleared or overwritten by a power quality measurement machine function. Iteration Routine The effect of this routine is to provide energy tools with a capacity to REPEAT ... UNTIL. The iteration step, and any step that can be linked, can be done and then the iterator will be decreased. This sequence will continue until the iterator decreases from 0 to $ FF. The operation will then continue to the next step following the iteration step. Phase_Sequelator, Phase_to_Measurement The contents of f_the_meter and phase_detector encode a phase designator; phase_a, phase_b, phase_c, end / start and a multiphase test flag. In general, if the multi-phase test flag is then set on the measurement magnet, the phase designator will advance the phase marker to the next phase (in the final order / start, A, B, C, end / start) supported for the service to which the meter connects before interpreting the measurement record indicated by the measurement index. After the conversion routine has been executed the measuring machine will automatically advance to the phase designator and interpret the measurement record. This sequence of advance and repeat continues until the last service phase has been converted and the measuring machine advances the phase designator towards the end / start designator, if the measurements were made in accordance with the phase designator. If the phase designator specified a phase that is not defined to which the present service to which the meter is connected then the measuring machine will not start and will return the measurement started = false to the measurement requestor. In the preferred embodiment the measurement of the records is interpreted as shown in Figures 8A-8E. Any entry point of the bottom test (210) or the start test (220) is convenient to start the measuring machine. I read difference between the entry points simply is the implementation of the priority method of the preferred modalities at 230. The ability to abort the measurement requests in process is carried out by ensuring that the iteration capacity (240) is restored and the parameters measurement record number, convert_only and phase_to_measure overwrite the respective internal data of areas of storage, measurement, convert_only (250) and indicator_ phase (260). That of the input point queue test (270) used by the measuring machine to process special instrumentation measurements such as service_voltage and service_current. Just after 240 and before the entry point of queue_test the measuring machine tests the measurement record number for the reserved code indicating the verification of service_voltage or the verification of the service current. These checks require additional processing to establish or verify the necessary preconditions before the normal functions of the measuring machine can be performed. If any type of verification is found then the required processing is performed which includes changing the measurement record number to specify a measurement sequence that the measuring machine is capable of performing. Then the control returns to the measurement machine in queue_test. The measurement of the measuring machine will be the requestor and it will be called using the entry point test_queue (270). As soon as the parameters that pass the measuring machine have been saved the processing continues as shown in Figure 8C. If the save_R0 (310) flag was received fixed then the content of the work record RO is transferred to the record_log_record (320). The measurement record fields to be interpreted are denoted MR at 330. MR is the measurement record in the measurement table located by the index_measure. If the flag is set to convert_only (340) then the flag convert_poder_ej ecutar (370) is set and the measuring machine lightens the completed measurement flag and returns to measurement_commended TRUE (3120). If you do not set the _convert_only, then the change overrides the phase designation of the driver_phase. The signaling phase will be validated in step 360 to ensure that the designated phase is supported by the service and the phase. Note that in cases where the service has not been determined the phases supported are determined to be phases that the meter has been configured to be able to measure. If the designated phase was not supported by the service or autoavance of the phase designator resulted in the final / start designation (380) then the measuring machine returns the measurement initiated FALSE (90) to the measurement requestor. If the indicator_phase is designating a valid phase then the conversion function index of the MR is tested to see if the MR is a type 2 (iterated) record (3110). If the MR is a type 2 then convert_2 power_execut is set to ie370 and the measuring machine returns measurement_commended TRUE to the measurement requestor. All other types of measurement registers require a conversion of the digital signal processor to start before returning (3100). Note that while it is possible for type 3 or type 4 measurement records that are erroneously processed in step 3100 (erroneous because type 3 and type 4 do not specify a processor conversion of digital signals) in practice this will not happen because the requestor has set the convert_only flag. If the preferred embodiment, the digital signal processor conversion begins as shown in Figure 4. FR demotes the function register, classified by the func_index field in the MR, or the function table (410). The FR together with the phase designator is the signaling phase represents a complete specification of which conversion of the digital signal processor to start, what phase to perform the conversion, how many pairs of line cycles to perform the conversion, what initialization data should be provided to the digital signal processor and what scale factors should be used to scale or calibrate the digital signal processor conversion results in known units of measurement. This information is used at 420 to start the digital signal processor conversion. As soon as the conversion begins, the flag. of measurement_terminal (130) is clarified (430) and the measuring machine returns measurement_commended TRUE (440). It can be seen from the previous discussion that when the measuring machine returns to the measurement requestor either the measurement did not start, or the measurement started and the measurement completion flag is cleared and either the convert_power_flag flag is set and the digital signal processor was not started, or the measurement started and was not set convert_poder_ej ecutar and the digital signal processor conversion started. The measuring machine responds to the measurement requestor as discussed above to begin the instrumentation measurement. Once started, the measuring machine runs independently of the measurement requestor as shown in Figure 5. Decision block 510 shows that the process of measurement is in a passive cycle while the finished measurement is true or while the processor Digital signals is becoming. If none of these cases is true then the indicator_step (560) is tested to see if this was the last measurement that is made to produce the instrumentation measurement. -If the end-of-chain designator is found, then the step_ iteration is tested to see if an iteration instruction is in process (5130). If not, then the completed measurement flag is set to notify the measurement requestor that the measurement of instrumentation is ready to be read. The measurement requestor can read the instrumentation measurement by referring to the reading conversion function shown in Figure 6. After the measurement requestor has obtained the result the requester clarifies the measuring machine by executing it on a higher priority flag. If it is determined that an iteration instruction is in process at 130 after finding the end_of_string at 560 the conversion function signaled by the MR will be executed by the process of executing_conversion in Figure 6. After the conversion function has been completed the iterator value will be decreased. If it was the last iteration then it will change the index_measure to the content of iteration_step for signal_phanel indicates that this is a multiphase measurement then the signal_phase will be reset to the final designator / start so that after the autoavance is presented in 360 the next phase measurement will be Phase A. Processing continues at 530 to begin the next iteration. The continuous test is requested to begin the first measurement of the iteration sequence. After the continuous test returns either the measurement did not start or was started, converted_can_ be true or false. If the measurement was not started when the conversion routine for the MR corresponding to the index_measure will not be executed Instead the processing will continue at 51340. If the measurement was started and convert_can- execute is false then a digital signal processor conversion was started and the measuring machine must wait for the conversion to complete (5100). If convert_can_ be true then the digital signal processor conversion was not started. The MR conversion routine is executed by the execute_conversion_function (5110). After the conversion function has completed the following_index_measure of the MR it is checked to determine the end_code of the chain. If the chain_code is discovered then the processing begins again at 5130 as described above. Otherwise the processing will continue at 51340. At 5140 the following banner__convert_only from the MR is transferred to the flag of convert_only and the next_index_index field of the MR is transferred to the index_measure to select the next MR. The processing continues at 5170 as described above. At 560 if the following index_measure was not the end_code of the chain then the conversion routine specified by the MR will be executed by calling the run_conversion process (590). After the conversion routine has been completed then the processing will continue at 5140 as described above. At 520 if the indicator_phase can be self-advanced to another phase supported by the service then the conversion routine specified by the MR will be executed by a call to execute_conversion (540). After the conversion routine has been completed the processing will continue at 550 as described above. The flow diagram of the run_conversion routine is shown in Figure 6. The preconversions field of the MR processed in 610 provides registration operations with general purpose to all conversion functions. If the MR caused a digital signal processor conversion to be performed (620) the results of the digital signal processor conversion are read and scaled by designated scaling factors to make the function register selected from the function table according to with the func field of the MR index (530). The pre_conv function specified in the MR is then performed on the scaled data (64C). Finally, the conversion routine specified by MR is called (650) and then execute_conversion returns to its caller. If at 620 it is determined that no digital signal processor conversion has been performed the processing will continue at 650 as described above. In a preferred embodiment at least 14 different power quality tests are programmed for concurrent operation. Referring again to Figure 5, the power quality tests also known as background tests can make use of the following resources: occurrence records 86, event records 78, active warnings 76, load control relays 84 and deployment warnings 88. Preferably there are the same number of occurrence records as power quality tests. An occurrence record consists of a registration flag, a binary occurrence counter, and an occurrence timer. The funds warning start and stop times can be recorded in the event log if the background check has a specified occurrence record. Event codes are based on the occurrence record number associated with the background test. Each background warning condition can be programmed to assert the load control relay. The relay will only be challenged if no function within the meter has requested an affirmation. The use of these power quality resources is explained in detail later. Figure 9 is a context diagram showing the processing of the power quality test machine using internal flags according to the present invention. The power quality tests are verifications of the instrumentation values to determine unusual conditions in the electric service that could indicate power quality, equipment failure, or tampering problems. These usual conditions are scored against a threshold of magnitude for a minimum duration. For example, voltage above 120% of the rated voltage could damage electrical equipment, but short-term transitions at this level have little effect and are relatively common. In this way, a magnitude and minimum duration is typically required to qualify a condition as an abnormal condition. These qualifying tests are called power quality events. The thresholds of magnitude can be minimum thresholds as well as maximum thresholds. Thresholds can also define acceptable or abnormal operating bands. Because the meter can operate in several services and over several voltages, the thresholds for many of the monitors are better defined in terms of the service locked in the meter. Other tests need thresholds that are absolute numbers. Both methods are supported in the present invention. The duration can be defined in terms of seconds or minutes. In accordance with the present invention any number of quantities can be monitored to determine abnormal conditions within practical restrictions imposed on the processing of the background and the desired time frame for repeating the tests. These quantities can be defined for a particular phase or can be treated generically for all measurement phases. The power quality test is preferably performed, in sequence one at a time. The quantities are requested and obtained from the integrated circuit meter 14 on the serial bus IIC 36 using the instrumentation characteristic (power quality measurement) of the integrated circuit meter when they are not using other operations with higher priority. characteristic of the integrated circuit meter. These deployment and communication routines have priority over the power quality monitors. Because the power quality measurements vary in duration and other routines have a higher priority than the power quality tests, the time between the samples is not consistent or predictable. monitor as described in more detail later. When a power quality event is identified the meter has to carry out several actions. The meter can count the event and accumulate the duration of the event. The meter can also set a warning that may appear on the meter display. The meter can also set a warning that is definable by the utility company, but is only available through optical or remote communications. The meter can also operate a relay. The meter can also record the start and end time and the date of the event in the event log. The exact measurement of the meter is defined by the meter configuration. The operation and interactions of the power quality monitor can be better understood by viewing THE POWER QUALITY MONITOR CONTEXT DIAGRAM in Figure 9, the state diagram in Figure 10 and the associated flow charts in Figures 11A-11I . Certain conditions must be met before they are operational. If these are not satisfied, the meter continues to count these conditions to see if they have been satisfied. THE BACKGROUND ENABLE FLAG switches the power quality test feature on or off within the meter, and in this way, this flag must be set before the tests are carried out by the meter. As stated above, the thresholds for many of the power quality tests are defined in terms of the service blocked on the meter, thus, the SERVICE BLOCKING FLAG is also preferably fixed.

Also, if the power quality tests are enabled to run, the service is not blocked, and the service checks are not enabled to run (disable), the meter has not been configured correctly because the service can not be blocked. In this condition a warning must be posted. In this invention this is the same warning as that which is displayed for the active power quality monitor events ('POWER QUALITY MONITOR WARNING FLAG') other warnings are also within the scope of the invention. Because the test mode is used when the meter is being verified, the service conditions may be abnormal while several tests are running. Thus, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the power quality tests are disabled while in the test mode (the meter is set to the TEST MODE FLAG). It should be understood, however, that the power quality tests can be enabled using the operation of the test mode. Thus in a preferred embodiment, if any of these flags is fixed, the power quality tests are not executed. In addition, certain conditions may suspend power quality tests while higher priority routines are in service. Because the power quality tests preferably use the same resources within the meter as the communication routines 14 or the routines of their deployment, the power quality monitor is suspended while the measurements are made for these priority routines. high (MEASUREMENT MACHINE EXECUTING A HIGHER PRIORITY FLAG) and while previous measurements are in progress (PROOF OF PROCESS FLAG). If the measurement is not completed successfully, it will. sets an error flag (MEASUREMENT ERROR FLAG), and in the present invention we advance to the next test. This is done in such a way that the measurement error caused by improper configuration or- by equipment failure does not prevent the power quality monitors from running. When the pending measurements have been successfully completed (FINISHED MEASUREMENT FLAG) and the conditions previously described in this paragraph have been satisfied, the power quality monitors are free to start a measurement sample. Because the time between power quality measurements will vary, a TRANSFERRED SECONDS account and a FREE PERFORMANCE MINUTE TIMER is used to provide the time base. The power quality test machine needs to know what text is next to execute. This is controlled by a flag to the next BKGNDJEC record known as BKGND_INDEX. The monitor defines the measurement to make a (NUMBER OF RECORD OF MEASUREMENT) and the phase or phases to be measured (PHASE_A_MEDIR). In this way, the POWER QUALITY MONITOR MACHINE knows the next measurement to be made. (The BKGND_INDEX is not normally 0). The monitor machine starts the test by setting (TRUE) the FLAG IN FUND-PROOF PROCESS and clearing other flags that will be used in the machine. The monitor can then execute in a single phase specified in the monitor record, or all the valid phases that perform the test in each phase, or in all the valid phases that perform the test once in the combination of the phases. The PHASE_CODE in the register is examined and based on its value it is assigned to the variable PHASE_A_MEDITION and for a monitor which tests all the phases valid individually, the variable PROBE DE MULTIFASE is set to (TRUE). This information and the MEASUREMENT REGISTRATION NUMBER are provided to the POWER QUALITY MEASUREMENT MACHINE to begin the measurement. The POWER QUALITY MEASUREMENT MACHINE provides information on the status of the measurement by setting the MEASUREMENT ERROR FLAG. If the measurement does not start, the power quality monitor machine clarifies the BOTTOM TEST ON THE PROCESS FLAG and the MEASUREMENT ERROR FLAG, and advances to the next power quality monitor. Because the deployment warning code can be driven by multiple monitors, a state is required to verify that not all events are active. In this invention the test index equal to 0 allows this state. This state could have occurred in other test index (or multiple) numbers. When the test index is equal to 0, the power quality monitor machine assumes that an event is active (fixed BACKGROUND WARNING FLAG). The assigned background warning flags are examined and if all those intended to trigger a deployment warning are cleared (POWER QUALITY MONITOR WARNING FLAG), the BACKGROUND WARNING FLAG is cleared. And if the SERVICE VERIFICATION ERROR FLAG is not set, the QUALITY MONITOR WARNING FLAG is cleared. Otherwise, the POWER QUALITY MONITOR FLAG is set. The BKGND_INDEX is now set to 1 and the background warning flags are cleared waiting for them to be set at the detection of an event. When the measurement is completed, the upper and lower thresholds may need to be calculated from the nominal threshold identified in the monitor record. The quantity is compared using the test defined within the record of the power quality monitor against the natural threshold or calculated by the POWER QUALITY MONITOR MACHINE. If the threshold test indicates a possible event (test criteria fail), the event may be qualified against a minimum duration and warnings and other event records may be required. The routine in this invention that determines when and what actions to take is the REGI TRO_FALLA routine. The RUN_ROCTRICT routine passes the CODE OWNER which defines if the high or low threshold was exceeded, the REGÍSTRO_NUMERO which is the registration number in the monitor register corresponding to the exceeded threshold, and the WARNING_NUMERO which is the warning code in the monitor record corresponding to the threshold exceeded. In the routine, LOG_FUL, if the minimum duration (ALARM TIME) in the monitor register is 0, the event does not need to be qualified against a minimum duration and can be registered immediately. This is done by checking the monitor log to see if the POWER QUALITY MONITOR WARNING FLAG should be set (this causes a warning to be displayed on the liquid crystal display of the meter), and the FUND WARNING BIT assigned in the record of the monitor is fixed. Based on the CODE OWNER, either the variable USAR_ALTO or USAR_BAJ0 (TRUE) is set. These variables are used to identify the owner of the record. If REGISTRO_NUMERO does not point to a real occupation record, the routine of REGISTRATION_FALLA can not do more, and in this way, it returns. If the REGISTER_NUMERÓ points to an occurrence record in the present that is in use (set REGISTER FLAG), the routine does not need to do anything else, and thus returns. If the REGISTER_NUMBER signals an occurrence record that is not currently in use, the routine increases the event number (RECORD OF OCCURRENCE), and sets the REGISTRY FLAG. If the RELAY REQUEST FLAG is set in the monitor register, then the BKGND RELAY FLAG is set and it is noted that this register has set the relay flag (BK_RELE). This is necessary to ensure that this record has set the relay flag (BK_RELE). This is necessary to ensure that the BKGND_RELE is only cleared if all records in which the BKGND_RELE can be set have ceased to have active events. If the event record (time and date of occurrence in the event log) is enabled in the monitor log, the start condition for this event is generated by adding hex '80 to the registration number and sending this event code to the event registration routine. If the minimum duration (ALARM TIME) in the monitor record is not zero, the event needs to be qualified against a minimum duration. The units of the minimum duration (TIME BASE), the minimum duration value (ALARM TIME VALUE), and the timer to use it to count the minimum duration time (alarm timer) are also defined in the record of Power quality monitor. 16 ALARM CHRONOMETERS are available to choose from. Multiple monitors can use the same timer. However, if the monitor record does not refer to an actual alarm timer, this rating may not be displayed, and thus, the warnings for the event are set as described above, and the routine returns. If reference is made to an actual alarm timer, this timer is checked to see if it is at zero (not working). If it is zero, the alarm timer is assigned to the CODE OWNER. The monitor activates the TIMER ALARM remains (PROPIETARIO_CODIGO) so that the machine monitor power quality know against what time minimum duration comparing stopwatch elapsed time alarm and which monitor can terminate the measurement time one condition. The stopwatch is started using a time base defined in the monitor record. When a chronometer is started, an ALARM TIMER STATUS is set indicating that the chronometer is in use. The routine can then come back. If the alarm timer is working (the timer is not equal to zero) an event is currently clocking. If this event (CODE OWNER) is not the same event as the currently timed event, the routine returns. Otherwise, based on the CODE OWNER, either the variable USAR_ALTO or USE_BAJO is set to (TRUE). The alarm timer is tested. If the timer is still running (REGISTER FLAG, true), then the routine returns. If the timer is suspended indicating that the timer was used to qualify an event but an occurrence record is not being used then the warnings for the event are set as described above and the routine returns. If the timer has satisfied the minimum duration requirement (deadline), the event warnings are set as described above and REGISTER_NUMBER is verified. If the REGISTER_NUMBER points to an occurrence record currently in use (fixed registration flag) then the alarm timer must have the time expired at least once before and was recharged to measure its largest possible time interval. In that case the routine adds the longest interval to the stopwatch to record the elapsed interval and then again starts the alarm timer to measure its longest interval and selects the minute timer as the time base, and returns . If the REGISTER_NUMBER signals an occurrence record that is not currently in use, the routine increases the number of events (RECORD OF OCCURRENCE), and sets the REGISTRY FLAG. If set FLAG relay request in recording monitor, then the flag Bkgnd relay is fixed and it shows that this record has set the flag relay (BK_RELE) only clarifies whether all records that can set the BKGND_RELE They have stopped having active events. If the event record (time and date of occurrence in the event record) is enabled in the monitor record, then the start condition of this event is generated by adding hex '80' to the record number and this code is sent event to the event registration routine. The routine then increments the occurrence timer by the alarm time value specified in the monitor record minus the time elapsed in the minute timer, reset the alarm timer to measure its largest interval and select the minute timer as the time base, and return. In this way, the chronometers start to work properly and any warning has been flagged. As soon as faults are registered, the MULTI-PHASE TEST flag is checked. If this is a multiphase test, PHASE_A_MEDIR advances to the next phase supported by the blocking service. If this is not the last phase, the previous measurement is repeated on the new phase and the previous operation is repeated again at this point. If it was not a multiphase test or was the last phase of the multiphase test, the status of the event is verified by the verification test status routine. Since a power quality monitor test definition can only cause multiple phases to be tested and possibly recorded, the power quality monitoring machine does not attempt to change a record of occurrence of registering or not registering or clearing a timer. alarm until all the phases specified by the power quality supervision test have been tested. The Verification Test Status is responsible for inspecting the test conditions and making the decision to make the transition from registering and / or timing an event to waiting for the next event. This transition operation is known as closing the record. If the performance quality monitoring test specifies the same occurrence records for both high and low events then USAR_HIGH or USE_BAJO is set. The occurrence record and the alarm timer should be left in their present state and the Verification Test Status returns. . If both USAR_ALTO and USAR_BAJO are clarified, then the call to Clarify_Registration called with parameters warning_detain_detection will be the number of the occurrence record. Clarify_Registration will perform the transition steps required to close the record specified in registration_to_close. If an alarm timer that was used by the test is clarified in preparation to time the next occurrence of an event as the verification test status will return. If the Verification Test Status determines that different occurrence records are specified for high and low events then the conditions will be verified to see if each record can be closed. If USAR_BAJ0 is not set then the low register can be closed. The alarm stop code will be set to low stop code and the cleared record will be called to ensure that the low register is closed. After the cleared record returns or if USAR_BAJ0 is true then USAR_ALT0 is tested. If USAR_ALT0 is set then no additional action is required and the Verification Test Status returns. Otherwise the alarm stop code will be set to high alarm code and cleared log will be called to ensure that the high log is closed. At this point if USING_BAJO is clear then neither the high nor low events are being recorded. If the alarm timer was used for the test it is clarified in preparation to time the next occurrence of an event. It will then return the test verification status. If USAR_BAJO is set then the alarm timer should remain as is and the Verification Test Status will return. As previously stated, Aclarar_Registro will perform the transition steps required to close the record specified in registro_a__cerrar. The antecedent warning bit classified by the past warning code is always clarified. If the record_to_ close does not indicate an actual occurrence record then no additional action is required and returns to Clarify_Registration. Otherwise, the occurrence record referenced by record_to_ close closes ensuring the flag of the record is cleared. Yes an alarm timer was in use for the power quality monitoring test then the time since the alarm timer was reset last and the seconds elapsed since the minute timer last ran are added to the occurrence timer. If the relay request flag is set for the power quality supervision test then the relay request flag corresponding to the record to be closed will be clarified. If it is determined that the relay request flags are cleared then the background relay flag will also be clarified to indicate that no power quality supervision test requires the relay announced with the background test to be clarified. If the event record is enabled for the power quality supervision test then an event code of hex $ CO + record_to_ close is sent to the event record to record the transmission from open record to closed record. Finally, go back to Aclarar_Registro. So in summary: if the condition does not persist for the minimum duration, the STATUS OF ALARM CHRONOMETER is clarified, and the event is not qualified and treated as if the condition never existed. If the condition persists for the minimum duration, a new STONUS STOPWATCH is set ALARM and several measurement operations can be presented depending on the configuration of the power quality monitor. If the monitor is configured to have an event impulse one of the fourteen RECORDS OF OCCURRENCE, the ACCOUNT OF OCCURRENCE is increased in the appropriate OCCURRENCE REGISTER and the registration status is set for that RECORD. When the event ends, the elapsed time of the ALARM TIMER is added to the TIME OF OCCURRENCE and the registration status is cleared (NOT REGISTRATION STATUS). If the monitor is configured to drive the EVENT LOG, the start time and event date are recorded with the EVENT CODE in the EVENT LOG. When the event ends, the final time and date of the event are recorded with the final EVENT CODE in the EVENT RECORD. (The EVENT CODE is defined by the Power Monitor number so that the actual monitor that causes the event is known, but other methods of assigning the event code can be used). If the monitor is set to boost a specific frequency (ASSIGNED BACKGROUND WARNING FLAGS) that defined warning is set to the POWER QUALITY MONITOR WARNING FLAG for the duration of the event. This warning becomes clear when the event ends. If the monitor is configured to trigger the deployment warning for the power quality monitor events (BACKGROUND WARNING FLAG) this flag is set for the duration of the event. Eeta warning becomes clear when all the events that are driving this warning end. If the monitor is configured to drive the load control relay, the BACKLIGHT FLAG is set for the duration of the event. This flag is cleared when the event ends. The relay pulse routine monitors this flag and handles the actual impulse of the relay. Power quality monitors can configure any combination of these clarifications.

The meter can be programmed to increase event counters, total event times, set warning indicators, close relays, and record event start and voltage times when a measurement fails a test. These tests can also be qualified by chronometers so that a measurement fails a test for a programmable amount of time (for example, from one second to 60 minutes) before the scheduled action occurs. These parameters are stored in electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory in a power quality test table shown in Figure 3. The power quality test table comprises a previously selected record set. Each power quality test definition specifies the electrical measurement to be performed, the phase or phases of the test, the type of comparison to be made after the measurement, the value against which the measurement is compared, the amount of time that the test must fail before an action is taken, and the action to be taken in the event that a measurement exceeds a threshold. In the preferred embodiment the records comprise the following field descriptions. Field 1: Comparison test number - This field is an index only that specifies which of several possible types of comparison tests to perform on the measured value during a given background test and the threshold values specified by the background record. Field 2: Specifies actions to take if a test fails against a low threshold. Field 3: Specifies actions to take if a test against a high threshold fails. Field 4: Initial alarm time value Specifies the time in which a warning condition would preferentially exist before a fault is declared. If the value is zero then a delay time will not take effect and the warning conditions are consequently recorded immediately upon detection. Field 5: Stopwatch number - Specifies the alarm timer to be used if the value of the initial alarm time is not zero. Field 6: Low registration number - Specifies which occurrence record to use to record low warnings, Field 7: High registration number - Specifies which occurrence record to use to record high warnings. Field 8: This field provides the natural data used to calculate a high umbra'l value to test against a background measurement. The field is interpreted as either a normal immersed value, an immersed percentage value or a percentage below the nominal value depending on the value of the Nominal Code in field 10. Field 9: This field provides the natural data used to calculate a threshold value low to test against a background measurement. The field is interpreted as a Normal Immersed value, an Immersed Percent value or a Percent value below the nominal value depending on the value of the Nominal Code in field 10. Field 10: Specifies the Nominal Code and the phase code designating either phase A, B or C which are described in more detail later. Field 11: The digital signal processor measurement registration index - Specifies the measurement registration number necessary for the background test to be performed. An index of zero indicates the end of the background test list if fewer background tests are defined than the maximum. When setting any background test index, the background test and all subsequent tests will not be performed. The background test sequence will start again in test 1. Note that setting DSP_Test_Identification = 0 is a way to disable background tests. Referring again to Figure 5, the power quality machine performs the designated comparison test after receiving measurement 60 from the measuring machine. The returned measurement is then tested according to the comparison tests specified by the power quality test record using specific service thresholds 70 which are referenced by the power quality test records. The following lists some exemplary power quality tests and describes how these tests use the service threshold information. PQ Test 1: Abnormal service voltage: - Defined by the service test (repeated later). Voltage phase angles measured outside a band of nominal voltage angle plus minus 15 °; and voltages measured outside of a nominal phase voltage band of plus minus 10%. Duration: Any condition or combination of conditions for more than 60 seconds. PQ Test 2: Abnormally low voltage. Measured voltage less than 6% of the nominal service voltage (limit B ANSI) in any phase. Duration: Condition in any phase or combination of phases for more than 60 seconds. PQ Test 3: Abnormally high voltage. Measured voltage greater than 6% of the rated service voltage (limit B ANSI) in each phase. Duration: Condition in any phase or combination of phases for more than 60 seconds. PQ Test 4: Abnormal service current (power factor and inverse power) - Defined by the service current test (repeated below).

Power factor measured in service or by induction less than 0.25 in single phase and services in Y, and 0.00 in delta services. Negative measured power (current) in any phase. Duration: Condition- or combination of conditions for more than five minutes. PQ Test 5: Abnormally low service current - Defined by the service current test. Measured current less than 0.1% of phase current in any phase, but not in ALL phases. Duration: Condition in any phase or combination of phases for more than 5 minutes. PQ Test 6: Abnormal power factor. Measured power factor less than 0.45 in any phase in single phase and services in Y, and 0.2 in delta services. Duration: Condition in any phase or combination of phases for more than five minutes. PQ Test 7: Excessive second harmonic current - measured second harmonic current greater than 0.5 amperes in any phase. Duration: Condition in any phase or combination of phases for more than fifteen minutes. PQ Test 8: Excessive total harmonic current distortion - measured total harmonic distortion greater than 30% fundamental in any phase.

Duration: Condition in any phase or combination of phases for more than sixty seconds. PQ Test 9: Excessive total harmonic voltage distortion - total harmonic measured distortion greater than 30% fundamental in any phase. Duration: Condition in any phase or combination of phases for more than sixty seconds. Based on the output of the specified power quality test, one or more power quality resources 76, 78, 80, 82, 84, 86, 88 in Figure 5 are activated by the power quality machine as described in detail later. The individual power quality monitor comparison tests are specified exactly in which way fields 6, 7, 8 and 9 are used. In general, the low register numbers indicate the register to be used if a test against a low threshold fails . Likewise, high register numbers are used when testing against high thresholds. This implementation allows a single measurement to be tested against one or more thresholds but defining a single test. Statistics are known about the time the test failed. However, for multiple threshold tests information is not recorded about which threshold was crossed most frequently or for longer periods of time preferably. The use of two registers supports band type tests where a measurement can be required between two thresholds or outside two thresholds. This allows you to produce statistics to collect them for each threshold. Each power quality test is able to select a value from the table of service thresholds shown in Figure 3. The selected value is considered to be a nominal value to be used to create test thresholds. High and low thresholds are calculated by scaling the nominal value up and down by high and low percentage threshold values which are preferably labeled as high_natural_threshold and low_natural_threshold or in the power quality test table. The service threshold table has been implemented as a packed arrangement of words and records. The array is classified using the index_table_nominal. The index_of_table_nominal is stored in the nominal code subfield of field 10. As an example, consider a nominal code represented by a value of 5 bits. If the 5 bits representing values from $ 00 to $ 1F are considered then.- the values in the range of $ 00 to $ 1C are considered to be indexes of limit words in the table of service thresholds, - the value $ 1D is used for specify that the factor_bk of the special six-byte value should be used as a nominal value; the value $ 1E "is used to specify that the high and low thresholds should be generated by treating the high and low threshold percentage values as packed word values for the high and low thresholds that each represents in the range of 0 to 100%; value $ IF is used to specify that the high and low thresholds should be generated by treating the high and low threshold percentage values as values of packed words for the high and low thresholds that each represents the range of 0 to 1.

In a preferred embodiment, the thresholds are calculated and stored using 48-bit arithmetic with 16 bits of resolution to the right of the binary point. Field 10 also contains a 3-bit subfield called phase-code to indicate the phases that the power quality test will test. The phase code field values are defined as follows: Phase_code = 0..7 0 = Measurement test Phase A 2 = Measurement Test Phase B 4 = Measurement Test Phase C 1 = Measure all service phases and perform a test in the result 7 = Test all service phases one at a time. The power quality monitor machine is responsible for interpreting the phase code field and constructing correct measurement requests to the power quality measuring machine. Referring again to Figure 10, each power quality test will be in a state that depends on whether an alarm timer is assigned to the test or not, if an occurrence record is assigned to the test or not, and in the condition that is being monitored in relation to the limits of the programmable test. If no alarm timer or event record is assigned to a power quality test then the power quality test will be in the status if or s2. The power quality test will declare whether as long as the measurement defined by the test passes the test. If a measurement defined by the test fails the test, then the warning bit assigned to the power quality test will be set, the warning flag of the test quality monitor will be set if it is programmable enabled for the power quality test and the power quality test will be declared s2. The power quality test will remain in state S2 until the measurement defined by the test passes and the power quality test returns to the if state. During transition to status if the warning bit assigned to the power quality test will be cleared. If no alarm timer is assigned to a given power quality test but an occurrence record is assigned then the power quality test will be in the s3 or s4 state. The power quality test will be in the s3 state as long as the measurement defined for the test passes the test. While in the s3 state if a measurement defined for the test fails the test then the warning bit assigned to the power quality test will be set, the power quality monitor warning flag will be set if it is programmablely enabled for the power quality test, the flag will be set to register the occurrence record, the binary occurrence record will be increased, the relay request flag will be set corresponding to the occurrence record, if it is programmable enabled, to request the activation of the load control relay, a power quality monitor start event code corresponding to the occurrence record number will be sent to the event record if it is programmable enabled, and the power quality test will be declared s4. The power quality test will remain in the s4 state until the measurement defined for the tests passes and the power quality test returns to the s3 state. During the transition from state s4 to s3 the warning bit assigned to the power quality test will become clear, the relay request flag corresponding to the occurrence record number will be clarified, if enabled programmatically, to indicate that this test Power quality does not require activation of the load control relay and will clear the flag to record occurrence record.

If an alarm timer is assigned to a 'given power quality test but an occurrence record is not assigned then the power quality test will be in the state s5, s6 or s7. The power quality test will be in the state s! 5 in. both the measurement defined by the test pass the test. If a measurement defined for the test fails the test then the alarm timer assigned to the power quality test will be programmed with the alarm time value defined by the power quality test. The power quality test will change to state s6 and will remain in this state until the measurement defined by the test passes or until the alarm timer indicates elapsed time. If the measurement for the test passes then the alarm timer will be disabled and the power quality test will return to state s5. If the alarm timer times out while in the s6 state then the alarm bit assigned to the power quality test will be set, the power quality monitor warning flag will be set if it is programmably enabled for the power quality test, the alarm timer will be disabled, and the power quality test will go to the s7 state. The power quality test will remain in the s7 state until the measurement defined by the test passes and the power quality test goes to the s5 state. During the transition from states s7 to s5 the warning bit assigned to the power quality test will be cleared and the power quality monitor warning flag will be cleared if it is programmable for the power quality test. If an alarm timer and an occurrence record are assigned to a given power quality test, then the power quality test will be in the state s8, s9 or slO. The power quality test will be in state s8 as long as the measurement defined for the test passes the test. If a measurement defined for the test fails the test then the alarm timer assigned to the power quality test will be programmed with the alarm time value defined for the power quality test. The power quality test will change to state s9 and will remain in this state until the measurement defined for the test passes or until the alarm timer indicates elapsed time. If the measurement for the test passes then the alarm crcnometer will be disabled and the power quality test will return to state s8. If the alarm timer marks elapsed time while in the s8 state then the warning bit assigned to the power quality test will be set, the power quality monitor warning flag will be set if it is programmable for the power quality test. power quality, the flag will be set to record the occurrence record, the binary occurrence record will be increased, the relay request flag will be set corresponding to the occurrence record number, if it is programmable enabled, to request that the relay of load control is activated, a power quality monitor start event code corresponding to the occurrence record number will be sent to the event record if it is programmable enabled, the alarm time value will be added to the occurrence timer, the elapsed seconds of the free running minute timer shall be subtracted from the chronometer of occurrence If the alarm clock is reset, the alarm timer will be reset to measure its maximum elapsed time (sixty minutes in the preferred mode using the free run minute timer as the time base of the alarm timer), and the power quality test will go to the SLO. The power quality test will remain in the slO state until the measurement defined by the test passes or until the alarm timer indicates elapsed time. If the alarm timer shows elapsed time while the power quality test is in the slO status then the maximum elapsed time that the alarm timer has measured will be added to the occurrence timer and the alarm timer will be recharged to measure its maximum time elapsed. If the measurement passes the test when the power quality test is in the slO state then the power quality test changes to the state s8. During the transition from state slO to s8 the warning bit assigned to the power quality test will become clear, the relay request flag corresponding to the occurrence record number will be clarified, if it is programmable, to indicate that this test Power quality does not require the activation of the load control relay, the power quality monitor warning flag will be cleared if it is programmable enabled by the power quality test, the elapsed time since the alarm timer was reprogrammed it will be added to the occurrence timer. The purpose of subtracting the elapsed seconds of the minute timer that runs free from the occurrence timer during the transition to the slO state and then adding the elapsed seconds of the minute timer that runs free to the occurrence timer during the transition to the s8 state is to allow the use of a single stopwatch of minutes that run free as a time base for multiple alarm timers that run asynchronously with respect to each other while maintaining the accuracy of time measurement and playback of the time base of the minute timer that run free. C. IDENTIFICATION OF THE SERVICE Figure 12 is a flow diagram showing the steps carried out by the microcontroller 16 according to the present invention to automatically and electronically identify the service. In 1000 the outputs of the DSP that drive the phase potential indicators are verified. (Figure 2). In a preferred embodiment, it is determined that the phases having an output associated with a high signal level are energized. The information representing the configuration of the measuring element is preferably stored in a memory location previously defined in the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory In a preferred embodiment, the information indicating whether the meter should use all the elements as well it is stored in a memory location in the electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory.The meter element configuration refers to how many and which phase voltages and currents the meter is capable of measuring.In step 1002 the microcontroller verifies the 'Meter element configuration data stored in electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory to determine whether the maximum measurement elements should be used or if a smaller number of elements can be used, if the maximum number of meter elements is used. must use, then the 1006 the microcontroller determines if the s correct phases, that is, the present phases coincide with the phases identified by the configuration data of the measuring element. If the correct phases are not available, the service is not determinable. If the maximum number of elements is not required to be determined in 1002,. then the microcontroller verifies valid configurations such as single-phase services in phase A, two phases (present in phases A and C), and three-phase services in 1004. Other preference configurations are considered invalid. If no service is determinable or if the configuration is invalid, then the 1008 the unknown service code, for example, "NONE" is stored in the direct access memory in relation to the status information of the service type to which it is assigned. he calls here the service byte. In step 1010, the microcontroller determines whether the service is single-phase, two-phase or three-phase service. When the service is a two-phase service, the angle for Ve is measured (the phase angle between phase C and phase A). When the service is a three-phase service, they are measured «The angles Vba and Vea (the phase angle between the voltage of phase B and the voltage of phase A). In a preferred embodiment, the voltage phase angles are measured using an FFT technique known as zero crossing of Va. As discussed above in connection with Figure 3, an electrically erasable programmable read-only service angle table is stored. The service angle table, which will be described in detail below, generally includes registers with a service byte and nominal phase angles for phases C and B. The * service byte is the first byte in the service record and defines the services for which the entry applies. For example, ee can represent the format of the service byte as follows: Bi t 7: - free not used. Bit 6: cha - defines that the rotation cba is a valid rotation Bi t 5: abe - defines that the rotation abe is a valid rotation. Bit 4; 4wd - 4wd service; 1 = 4WD, 0 = no 4 D. Bit 3: 4wy - 4wy service; 1 = 4WY, 0 = no 4WY. Bit 2: 3wy - 3wy service; 1 = 3WY, 0 = no 3WY. Bit 1: 3wd - 3wd service, - 1 = 3 D, 0 = no 3 D. Bit 0: lp - single phase service, - 1 = 1P, 0 = no 1P. The nominal phase angles are preferably in a two-byte format represented in binary in increments of 0.01 degrees. The microcontroller in step 1016 searches for registration by record of the service phase table to determine the first service that includes the measured voltage angles. This process will be described in detail later. If a service phase angle register is found for phase angles measured in step 1020, the service byte is defined to identify the phase rotation and the type of service corresponding to this register. Otherwise no service is found, for example, service byte = "NONE" as shown in step 1008. When the service byte has been defined, either because the service was determined to be a service Single phase in step 1010 or through the table search technique described in relation to steps 1016 and 1020, the service test continues in step 1018. In step 1018, each phase voltage that is present is measured. Then using these measurements, the microcontroller searches the service voltage table (described in relation to Figure 3) in step 1022 to determine a record that includes the type of service identified by the service byte and each measured phase voltage. . In a preferred embodiment, the records in the service voltage table may include a service definition byte that identifies possible services and escalation information, information that identifies the nominal service voltage, information that identifies the threshold of programmable potential to be used with the service, and information that identifies each of the maximum and minimum tolerances with respect to the nominal service voltage. As soon as the phase voltages are measured, the registers are searched to determine if the measured voltages are within the tolerance range defined for the phase and type of service. If the voltages are valid as determined in step 1024, then the nominal voltage will be returned. The service voltage register search must repeatedly find a voltage register that matches the service designated by the service byte. The high and low tolerances corresponding to the nominal voltage in the service voltage register are preferably based on a minimum and maximum percentage of the service voltage. All voltages for service preferably fall within the thresholds. Note that some types of service may require the limits of phases A, B, and C to be escalated. The voltage test procedure as well as the fields of the service voltage table records will be described in greater detail below. If the voltage test record is not identified in step 124 as a matching record, then the service byte is defined as "NONE" and the nominal service voltage is set to zero in step 108. If a voltage test register is identified in step 124 then the service byte and the service voltage identified by the match record is returned and stored in the direct access memory. Figure 13 is a detailed flow chart showing the search procedure in the service phase table according to the present invention. This procedure is best illustrated by referring to the definition of the table of service phases presented below: **************************** *****************************************; 00 00 00 00 00 00; free header; 09 C4; i eef tolerance 25 degrees * 100 _ 2500 = $ 09C4; 05 dc; eephase tolerance 15 degrees * 100 = 1500 = $ 05dc; 37; f N0 usatj0 test service; registry definition '~ byte of service information na, cba, abc, s4wd, S4wy, s3wy, s3wd, s1p __ c_nom nominal angle phase c * 100: high, low (b_nom nominal angle phase b * 100: high, low j column byte of service_information: 4 3 2 1 0 T ~ l T "I index na, cba, abc, s4wd, s4wy, s3wy, s3wd, s1p 2100 00 00 00; 1 1ph 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 62 75 30 17 70 2 3 D ABC CBA: 0 1 1 1 0 phC: 300 * 100 = $ 7530 phB: 60 * 100 = $ 1770 70 69 78 46 50 3 4WD ABC. CBA: 0 1 1 0 0 phC: 270 * 100 = $ 6978 phB: 180 * 100 = $ 4650 6C 5D C0 2E E0; 4 3WY.4WY ABC.CBA: 0 1 1 0 0 phC: 240 * 100 = $ 5DC0 phB: 120 * 100 = $ 2EE0 21 46 50 46 50 5 1 ph 180 degree 0 0 1 0 0 0 O 1 00 00 00 00 00 6: | bre 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 The phase angle tolerances are preferably stored in the programmable read-only memory and electronically erasable above as indicated. The record definition includes a "service information byte" which in the preferred embodiment includes the bit definition as indicated above. Specifically, bit 7 is empty, bit 6 defines a phase rotation cba, bit 5 defines a phase rotation abe, and bits 4 to 0 define different types of services. Each record in the service phases table includes a different byte of service information. Referring again to Figure 13, the first record in the service angle table is checked at 1032 to determine whether the service service byte includes an abe rotation bit. If so, the nominal phase angle range is then calculated at 1034 for phase C and phase B if those phases are present. Phase angle calculations are preferably carried out by adding the specified tolerance for the phase appropriate to the phase angle specified in the register to obtain the upper angle limit for the phase and subtracting the tolerance from the specified phase angle to obtain the limit lower for the phase. For example, referring to the previous service angle table, suppose the tolerance is 25 degrees. Considering the first register listed, to determine the phase angle range to compare the phase angle measured for phase C, the following calculations are carried out in hexadecimal: Upper limit = 7530 + 05dc or in decimal 300 degrees + 25 degrees . Limit; lower = 7530 + 05dc or in decimal 300 degrees - 25 degrees. If the measured phase angles are within the calculated ranges as determined in 1036, the first service bit equal to 1 going from the left to the right in the service information byte is identified as the service in 1038. example, considering the first record in the previous service angle table, the first service bit in the service information byte corresponds to a three-wire delta type service. The service byte is then updated to define the three-wire delta service in step 1040. Preferably a pointer is stored to identify the service angle register in step 1042. If it was not determined that the measured phase angles are within of the ranges calculated at 1036, then the next record with the rotation bit ABC in the service information bit is located by carrying out steps 1044, 1046 and 1032. Therefore, each record with a rotation bit abe is check to select by comparison the phase angle measurements until a match is found and the service is defined, or until more records are available to verify as determined in step 1046. When no more records are available, the bit The cba rotation of the service information byte of each record is similarly verified via steps 1044, 1046, 1048. If a register with a rotation bit cba incl uy angle ranges that match the measured ranges as determined in steps 1036, then the service bit is located in step 1038, the service defined in step 1040, if a fixed flag in the register in 1042. If no record with a rotation bit cba matches the measured phase angles as determined in 1036, then the service in the service byte will be defined as "NONE" at 1052. Figure 14 is a detailed flow diagram showing the search procedure in the service voltage table according to the present invention. This procedure is best illustrated by referring to the definition of service voltage table presented below: 1 1P, 4WY, 3WY; 69.3V, Pl = 55V = QA3D in dsp format; -10%, + 10% OF 04 BO 25 1219 9A E666; O O O O 1 1 1 1; 21P, 4WY, 3WY, 3WD; 120V, Pl = 96V ss 1225 in dsp format; -10%, + 10% B009 604B 2419 9AE666; 1 O 1 1 0 O 0 0 ; 34WD; 240V, Pl = 192V = 244B in dsp format i ; -10%, + 10% 0309 604B 2419 9A E666; 0 0 0 O 0 0 1 1 ; 41P, 3WD; 240V, Pl = 192V = 244B in dsp format; -10%, + 10% BO 12 CO 4B 2419 9A E666; 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0; 54 D; 480V, Pl = 192V = 244B in dsp format; -10%, + 10% i ODOA D20E 2A19 9AE666; 0 O OO 1 1 - 0 1; 61P.4WY.3WY; 277V, Pl s 221 ss 2A0E in dsp format; -10%, + 10% 1 0312 C0164919 9AE666; 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 ; 71P.3WD; 480V, Pl = 384V = 4916 in dsp format; -10%, + 10% C1096025 1219 9A E666; 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 * 81P *; 240V, Pl = 96V 1225 in dsp format i ; -10%, + 10% 0001 0101 0119 9AE666; 0 0 0 0 0 O 0 0 0001 0101 0119 9A E666 j 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 60; verification isuma ••• A ************************************** *********************** As indicated above, each record in the service voltage table preferably includes a one-byte field referred to as the voltage service byte, a two-byte field representing the nominal voltage for the service, a two-byte field representing the programmable potential indicator threshold to be used in relation to the service, a two-byte field which represents a factor (> 1) to multiply the nominal voltage to reach the maximum threshold over the rated voltage range for the service, and a two-byte field representing a factor (<?) to multiply the nominal voltage for reach the minimum threshold of the nominal voltage range for the service. The voltage service byte preferably includes the following bit definition: bit 7: ab.5 - scalar phase A and phase B voltages by 0.5 bit 6: c.5 - scale phase C voltage by 0.5 bit 5: c.86 - scaling phase C voltage by 0.86 bits 4-0: Each bit represents a different electrical service. Referring to Figure 14, the search procedure begins after the service is identified by the service angle search procedure. Each record of the service voltage table is checked at 1060 to determine if the voltage service byte field includes a bit that matches the same service identified in the service byte, for example, bit 1 in the byte of voltage service and the service byte equal to 1 defined in delta service, of three cables. If a match is found in step 1060, the nominal voltage ranges designated by that register are calculated at 1062. For example, the data of the nominal voltage field is multiplied by the data of the percentage field vmax (1 + vmax percent) ) and then scale according to bits 7, 6, and 5 of the volt-service byte to reach the upper threshold for the nominal voltage range. Similarly, the data of the nominal voltage field is multiplied by the data of the percentage field vmin (percentage of a vmin) and then scaled according to the scaling information contained in the voltage service byte to reach the lower threshold of the voltage. nominal voltage range. As a specific example, consider, the third record listed in the service voltage table presented above. The nominal phase voltage is designated in hexadecimal as "0960", the percentage vmax is defined in hexadecimal as "199A", and the service bits of the service byte indicate that phases A and B should be scaled by 0.5 and phase C it should be scaled by 0.86. In this way, in order to reach the upper threshold, the following calculation is carried out: 0960 multiplied by (1 + 199A / FFFF) Each measured phase voltage is then compared to the calculated rated voltage range associated with the same phase in step 1064 to determine if the measured phase voltages "match" or not, ie, fall within the nominal range. If the measured voltages match the nominal ranges, then the service byte is defined as the current service definition at 1066 and the signal is set at the current service volt- age register at step 1068. If the voltages measured are not match the nominal voltage ranges then, the procedure continues to check if there are more records available or not in the service voltage table at 1070. The same steps are carried out for each record until a valid service is found or until there are no more records to verify in the table of service voltages. If a valid service is not identified in all records that have been verified, the service byte returns "NONE" to indicate that no valid service was identified by the service test in 1072. As discussed above, the quality tests of power require thresholds dependent on the service and other data. For this reason, it is important that the correct service definition is locked in the meter. It should be understood that the power quality test and fluctuation processing can not be enabled until a valid service is identified and blocked. Figure 15 is a state diagram showing the states of the service blocking procedure according to the present invention. As shown in Figure 15, there are basically two states, locked and unlocked, each with a number of conditional state definitions. These conditional definitions can influence whether the test of the service is enabled or disabled or not, whether the power quality test is enabled or disabled or not, whether the fluctuation processing is enabled or disabled or not, whether a valid service has been defined or not, and whether a manual or automatic blocking was defined or not. When any of these conditional state definitions change, a transition to a different state is triggered. Receipt of a lock or unlock command can result in a transition from one state to another. In state 1100 shown in Figure 15, the meter is in an unlocked state with service verification enabled, manual blocking specified, both the power quality test and the fluctuation processing are disabled, and no valid service has been identified still. After detection of a valid service, state 1100 changes to state 1104. As described below, the valid service is preferably displayed in the meter display. If the service deployed is the anticipated service or an acceptable service, the meter installer or technician can press the demand reset key to manually block the service. If the demand reset key is pressed, the state changes from state 1104 to state 1102. However, if the meter installer or technician does not manually lock the meter when it is in state 1102, a transition is made again to state 1100. Therefore, the meter continues to look for a valid service until one is blocked. A command to unlock the service is generated. If the unlock command is received while in state 1102, the meter switches back to state 1100. The meter can also be reconfigured through programming changes to provide the aforementioned automatic blocking feature. If the meter is in state 1102 and is reconfigured to automatically block the service, then the service is unlocked and the meter changes to state 1112. In this state, if a valid service is defined by the service test, that service is blocked automatically and the meter changes to state 1110. If a valid service is not identified or if an unlock command is received while in state 1110, then the meter returns to state 1102. The service test can be disabled through changes of programming. If the service test is disabled while the meter is in state 1102 or state 1110, the meter changes to state 1108. While it is in state 1108, the service is blocked and only the receipt of an unlock command will activate a transition to a different state. When an unblocking command is received, the meter changes state 1108 to state 1106. If the service is blocked then via reprogramming, the meter returns to state 1108. Figure 16 is a state diagram for the service test procedure and deployment processing according to the present invention. As discussed above, several parameters and / or tests can be selected for deployment in alternative or normal deployment modes. Each selected item is measured, tested, et cetera and displayed during a previously defined period of time. In a preferred embodiment, the articles are deployed one at a time in a fixed sequential sequence. Therefore, each article selected for deployment in the normal mode is processed and displayed sequentially while in the normal display processing state 1200. If a service test is specified as one of the selected articles, a transition to the state of 1202 service test processing when the service test becomes the current article in the deployment sequence. In a preferred embodiment, the meter displays the "SYS" message in the liquid crystal display while it is in the service test processing state. If a valid service is found and blocked automatically, the service test procedure changes to the lockout deployment state 1204 and a deployment timer is started. In a preferred embodiment, the phase rotation, the service voltage, the blocking state, and the type of service are displayed during the previously defined time period. As shown in Figure 12, the phase rotation was "ABC", the service voltage was "120", the status "l" indicates that the service was blocked, and the service "? P" refers to a single phase. When the deployment timer indicates that the previously defined deployment period has elapsed, ie the deployment timer marks "elapsed time", the deployment procedure returns to the normal deployment processing state 1200. If a valid service is found but manual locking is required, the service test procedure changes to deployment status 1210 and a deployment timer is started. During the 1210 deployment state, the service can be displayed and manually locked by pressing the demand reset button. In a preferred embodiment, the phase rotation, the service voltage, and the type of service on the meter display are displayed. If the demand reset button is pressed, the service is blocked, and the service test procedure changes to the blocked deployment state 1204 with an "L" preferably displayed in relation to the service definition. If the deployed service is not locked while in the deployed state 1210 after the timer time expires in the deployment, the service test procedure changes to the service test processing state 1214 until a valid service is identified. and it's blocked. As soon as the valid service is blocked, that is, automatic blocking is enabled, the service test procedure changes from the service test processing state 1214 to the blocked deployment state 1204 and the deployment timer is reset. If a valid service is identified during the service test processing state 1214, but requires manual locking, then the service test procedure changes back to the deployment status 1210. If a valid service is not found while it is either in the service test processing status 1202, or 1214, the deployment timer is set off and the service test procedure changes to error deployment state 1206. In a preferred embodiment, the service error code "ser 555000" is displayed and locked in the measurer. If the alternative mode is invoked during the sequence of the normal deployment, for example, by pressing the ALT button, the items designated for the alternate deployment mode are processed and displayed during the alternative route processing states 1208, 1212. If the route alternative is invoked after an invalid service determination is made or when the ALT button is pressed before changing to the service test processing state 1202, then the service test procedure re-invokes the service test when the The last alternate path article has been cleared from the deployment in the alternate path processing state 1208. Similarly, if the alternative mode is invoked during the 1210 deployment state or the 1214 service test processing state, the alternative path processing 1212 is entered and completed. At the end of the alternative route sequence, the service test can be invoked again if no previous valid service was identified. However, if a valid service was identified before the alternative route processing, then the service may be blocked and the deployment timer reset. Another feature of the present invention is the provision of fluctuation detection and indication capabilities. For this purpose, it will be recalled that the processor 14, provides the outputs of phase A, phase B, and phase C. These outputs are indicative of the presence of voltage in each of the respective phases. Since the meter 10 is intended for a wide range of uses, that is, capable of being used over a wide range of voltage, the voltage levels in phases A, B and C will vary from use to use. In accordance with the above, one aspect of the present invention is the provision of programmable threshold comparators in the processor 14. These comparators can be programmed with a 6: 1 threshold suitable for a nominal service voltage. As long as the voltage remains above the programmable threshold voltage, the signals output from the digital signal processor 14 will have a logic level indicating an acceptable voltage. If the voltage falls below the threshold level the output of the digital signal processor 14 changes, thereby providing an indication to the processor 16. As shown in Figure 17, the processor 16 determines in each executive clock course the status of the outputs of phase A, B and C to determine the presence of a "peak". A peak will be "announced" by the presence of a warning PL EN 1220. For each executive clock pulse, a determination is made as to whether a peak is present. If a peak indication is present, another determination is made to determine whether the peak indication is undoubtedly a peak and not a lack of actual energy. For this purpose a peak counter is provided which is increased by 1224 for each consecutive executive clock pulse during which a warning is also present. If the peak counter is above an initial peak value (a minimum number of accounts required for a legitimate peak, stored at 1226 and determined at 1222) and lower then an extreme peak value (a number of accounts above which a peak is in fact an energy fault, stored at 1228 and determined at 1222), the peak counter is increased by one, a registration warning is generated and the record duration is generated. This operation can be duplicated for each phase. A peak has been determined, a warning and a warning flag are produced at 1230 and 1232. These warnings are used to understand the indicators., 29 and 31 in the liquid crystal display 30 (FIG. 1), depending on whether a peak is present in phase A, B or C. These warnings are also used to cause the phase ones to be displayed in the display 30 to turn on the ignition and the shutdown. TABLE 1 Meter formulas Watt formulas -3: Wa t ts = K? K? VA ^ KBVEÍIE -KcVC2IC2) -2: íVatts = K "< ? -w.v (KcVc, • s) Jc > -o: watts =? s (? Av,? - (? cv ?? iEí +? Bvc E?) +? cvC2ic -7: ^ £ t5 = I (? V? NI? - sV? OJCo + cVC2JC2) Note: The subscripts refer to the phase of the entries. The sub-subscripts refer to the alternating current / direct cycle in which the sample is taken. Going for -7 applications is currently from line to neutral. Formulas VA -3:. { C rm5JC2r, p -2: VA = K? (?? -? EvE) rmß? tB + (? cv c - V) ^ « -7: RMS measurements are made on a line cycle and preferably start at the zero crossing of each voltage. VAR Formula where the subscripts are associated with the terms I of Watts and VAs and the calculation is performed each cycle as shown below: -3: VAR = K.? K., (Vr I,) - XV '' V? In) -2: VAR = ?, d. { [? .yAn -? !! v¿_ rs? Anr - '? ^ [K? V -KBV) I) - ^. { (? cvCz-? v vr? z rs) z - (? ^? (? cvC2 -KoVz, IX¿) • 8: VAR = K? KJ (V. I Artr? T.5) 2"(S r? V. I. '? 0? "G and A" rms BQrms' l? Rero \ -. B ' For the purposes of the above formulas, the following definitions apply: -2 means an element 2 in the 3-wire delta application; -3 means an element 3 in the application and Y of 4 wires, - -8 means an element of 2 1/2 in the Y application of 4 wires; -5 means an element 2 in the delta application 3 cables; -7 is a 2 1/2 element in the delta application 4 cables Although; The invention has been described and illustrated in preference to the specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that modifications and variations may be made without departing from the principles of the invention as described hereinabove.

Claims (109)

1. CLAIMS 1. A meter for measuring electrical energy provided to the meter via a type of service, comprising: an element for receiving a measurement request; a memory element for storing a plurality of data in data tables; a processor element to perform a function that responds to the measurement request and to the data in the data tables, and generate output information that responds to the measurement request and to the data in the data tables; and an output element for producing output information according to a predetermined priority scheme. The meter of claim 1, wherein the processor element comprises a first processor and a second processor, and the measurement request is made by the first processor or the second processor. 3. The meter of claim 1, wherein the memory element is a programmable, electrically erasable read-only memory. The meter of claim 1 wherein the element for receiving the measurement request is an external source of optical communications or an external electronic source. The meter of claim 1, wherein the measurement request comprises a deployment measurement request, a power quality measurement request, or a request for external communications. The meter of claim 5, wherein each of: the deployment measurement request, the power quality measurement request, and the external communication request has an associated priority, the priority of the request for external communications in priority than the priority of the deployment measurement request and the priority of the power quality measurement request. The meter of claim 1, wherein the element for receiving the measurement request receives the measurement request serially or sequentially. The meter of claim 1, wherein the plurality of data tables comprises one. A system current test to test the system current, a service angle table, a service voltage table, and a phase tolerance table. The meter of claim 8, wherein the system current test table comprises a plurality of system current thresholds for a plurality of different service types. The meter of claim 8, wherein the table of service angles comprises phase angle information for a plurality of different types of service, and the service voltage table comprises a voltage in at least one tolerance, and a threshold indicator of potential for the plurality of different types of services. The meter of claim 8, further comprising an element for determining the type of service, and a threshold table for receiving data corresponding to the type of service from the system current test table, from the table of service angle, and the service voltage table. The meter of claim 8, further comprising a power quality test table for storing a result of a power quality comparison test performed by the meter. The meter of claim 12, wherein the energy power quality test table further comprises information with reference to a measurement log for the result of the power quality comparison test. The meter of claim 12, wherein the power quality test table further comprises information with reference to the threshold information in the threshold table for use in the power quality comparison test. 15. The meter of claim 8, further comprising a table of comparison tests for storing a plurality of comparison tests. 16. The meter of claim 8, which further comprises a measurement table for storing a plurality of measurement records. The meter of claim 16, wherein the measurement table comprises information that references a record in the measurement function table. 18. The meter of claim 8, further comprising a table of measurement functions for identifying a digital signal processor function to be performed. The meter of claim 18, wherein the table of measurement functions comprises information that references a record in a table of constants. The meter of claim 19, wherein the register comprises one of an initialization constant or a calibration constant. The meter of claim 18, wherein the measurement function table further comprises information that references a record in a conversion table that specifies at least one calculation to be performed with the digital signal processor function . The meter of claim 1, wherein the function comprises a selection of display and test, an adjustment of display and test parameters, a test definition, and a measurement definition. The meter of claim 22, wherein the display and test selection is for inserting a plurality of predetermined byte sequences into a table to display a plurality of predetermined measurement quantities and to allow the meter to perform a plurality of tests of predetermined power quality. The meter of claim 22, wherein the adjustment of the display parameter is to change the number of pairs of cycle lines on which an electrical measurement is made. 25. The meter of claim 22, wherein the adjustment of the test parameter is to modify the thresholds of voltage, current, power factor, and time of the tests performed. 26. The meter of claim 22, wherein the test definition is to create at least one power quality test by combining a plurality of test parameter thresholds. The meter of claim 22, wherein the measurement definition is to create electrical measurements by combining functions of the digital signal processor. 28. A system for monitoring power quality events of the electrical power provided to an energy meter via a type of service, comprising: a storage element for storing reference information that reflects a plurality of different types of services, - an element to measure characteristics of electrical energy, - and an element to recover the "reference information of the storage elements and compare the measured characteristics with the reference information for the type of service to determine the occurrence of quality events 29. The system according to claim 28, further comprising a memory element for recording a start time, a duration, a measured phase, a magnitude of a measured quantity, and a pre-interruption value for each of the power quality events 30. The system according to claim 29, wherein a to waveform in the memory element for each of the power quality events. 31. The system according to claim 29, wherein the storage element comprises a first electrically erasable programmable read-only memory and the memory element comprises a second electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory. 32. The system according to claim 28, wherein the element for measuring comprises a digital signal processor. 33. The system according to claim 28, wherein the element for retrieving and comparing comprises a microcontroller. 34. The system according to claim 28, also includes an alarm and an element to activate the alarm that responds to the occurrence of power quality events. 35. The system according to claim 28, further comprising a visual display element to indicate the occurrence of power quality events. • 36. The system according to claim 28, wherein the power quality events comprise at least one among: a normal service voltage, low voltage, high voltage, inverse power, abnormal service current, low current, factor of abnormal power, current of the second excessive harmonic, excessive total harmonic distortion in the current, excessive total harmonic distortion in the voltage, and fluctuations. 37. The system according to claim 28, wherein the power quality events to be monitored are selectable. 38. The system according to claim 28, wherein the power quality events comprise algorithms that are programmable. 39. The system according to claim 28, wherein the power quality events are monitored using predefined thresholds. 40. The system according to claim 39, wherein the thresholds are refinable. 41. The system according to claim 39, wherein the thresholds comprise at least one between time, voltage, current, and power factor. 42. The system according to claim 39, wherein the thresholds respond to the type of service that provides electrical energy to the energy meter. 43. The system according to claim 28, wherein the type of service is one between single phase and multiphase, and the power quality events are verified for each phase when the service is multiphase. 44. A process implemented by an electronic processor for monitoring electric power quality events supplied to an energy meter via a type of service, comprising the steps of: storing reference information in a memory that reflects a plurality of different types of energy. services; measure characteristics of the electrical energy provided to the energy meter; and retrieving the reference information from the memory and comparing the measured characteristics with the reference information for the type of service to determine the occurrence of power quality events. 45. The process according to claim 44, further comprising the step of recording in a second memory a start time, a duration, a measured phase, a magnitude of a measured quantity, and a pre-interruption value for each of the power quality events. 46. The process according to claim 45, further comprising the step of registering a waveform in the second memory for each of the power quality events. 47. The process according to claim 44, further comprising the step of activating an alarm that responds to the occurrence of power quality events. 48. The process according to claim 44, further comprising the step of displaying an indication indicating the occurrence of power quality events. 49. The process according to claim 44, wherein the type of service is one between a single phase and multiphase, and further comprises the step of verifying each phase of a multiphase service type. 50. A system for determining the type of service to which an energy meter having measurement elements is connected, comprising: a storage element for storing reference information that reflects a plurality of different types of service; 'an element for determining the meter elements of the energy meter which are active, - Elements for determining a plurality of relative phase angles of the measuring elements; an element for determining a plurality of phase voltages of the measuring elements, - and an element for retrieving the reference information of the storage element and comparing the relative phase angles and the phase voltages with the reference information for generating signals characteristics representative of the type of service, determining by this the type of service. 51. The system according to claim 50, wherein the element for determining the measuring elements that are active is a digital signal processor. 52. The system according to claim 50, wherein the storage element is a memory. 53. The system according to claim 52, wherein the memory is an electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory. 54. The system according to claim 50, wherein the element for retrieving and comparing comprises a microcontroller. 55. The system according to claim 50, wherein the element for determining the phase voltages comprises power quality supervision instrumentation. 56. The system according to claim 50, further comprising an element for storing the type of service in the storage element. 57. The system according to claim 56, wherein the element for storing the type of service is automatic or manual. 58. The system according to claim 57, wherein the automatic element for storing the type of service is activated by a previously programmed number of phases and a present number of phases. 59. The system according to claim 50, wherein the storage element is programmable to change the reference information. 60. The system according to claim 59, wherein the reference information includes at least one between service and scale information, a nominal service voltage, a programmable potential indicator threshold, and a maximum tolerance and a minimum tolerance. with respect to the nominal service voltage. 61. The system according to claim 50, further comprising elements for activating the system at least one of a start and at a predetermined time during the operation of the system. 62. The system according to claim 50, wherein the element for determining the relative phase angles of the elements of the meter comprises an element for determining the relative phase angles in at least one of a rotation ABC and a rotation CBA. 63. The system according to claim 50, further comprising an element for determining the number of phases present in the type of service. 64. The system according to claim 50, further comprising an element for displaying the type of service. 65. The system according to claim 64, wherein the element for displaying the type of service is a liquid crystal display. 66. A method for determining the type of service to which an energy meter that has measurement elements is connected, comprising the steps of: storing reference information that reflects a plurality of different types of services in a memory; determining the measuring elements of the energy meter that are active, determining a plurality of relative phase angles of the measuring elements, determining a plurality of phase voltages of the measuring elements; and retrieving the reference information from the memory and comparing the relative phase angles and the phase voltages with the reference information; Generate characteristic signals representative of the type of service based on a result of the comparison step, thereby determining the type of service. 67. The method according to claim 66, wherein the step of determining the measuring elements that are active comprises digital signal processing. 68. The method according to claim 66, wherein the step for determining the phase voltages comprises the monitoring of the power quality. 69. The method according to claim 66, further comprising the step of storing the type of service in memory. 70. The method according to claim 69, wherein the step of storing the type of service in the memory is automatic or manual. 71. The method according to claim 70, further comprising the step of activating the step of storing the type of service in memory in response to a previously programmed number of phases or a present number of phases. 72. The method according to claim 66, further comprising the step of changing the reference information. 73. The method according to claim 66, further comprising the step of activating the system at least one of a start and a predetermined time during the operation of the system. 74. The method according to claim 66, wherein the step for determining the relative phase angles of the measuring elements comprises the step of determining the relative phase angles at least one between a rotation ABC and a rotation CBA. 75. The method according to claim 66, further comprising the step of determining the number of the phases present in the type of service. 76. The method according to claim 66, further comprising the step of displaying the type of service. 77. A system for monitoring almost instantaneous system parameters of electric power having at least one phase provided to an energy meter via a type of service, comprising: A storage element for storing reference information reflecting a plurality of types of different services; An element to measure characteristics of electrical energy; and An element to retrieve the reference information of the storage element and determine almost instantaneous system parameters that respond to the reference information for the type of service and the measured characteristics. 78. The system according to claim 77, wherein the characteristics are the phase voltage and the phase current. 79. The system according to claim 77, wherein the features are measured for a predetermined amount of time. 80. The system according to claim 79, wherein the predetermined amount of time is programmable. 81. The system according to claim 80, wherein the predetermined amount of time comprises a predetermined number of line cycles. 82. The system according to claim 78, further comprising an element for calculating RMS for each phase. 83. The system according to claim 82, further comprising a memory element for recording the RMS parameters for each phase for each of the almost instantaneous system parameters. 84. The system according to claim 83, wherein the storage element comprises an electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory and the memory element comprises a direct access memory. 85. The system according to the claim 84, wherein the electrically erasable programmable read-only memory stores at least one threshold. 86. The system according to claim 85, wherein the threshold is programmable. 87. The system according to claim 86, further comprising an indicator and an element for activating the indicator that responds to the threshold being exceeded. 88. The system according to claim 85, wherein the threshold comprises at least one between time, voltage, current, and power factor. 89. The system according to claim 85, wherein the threshold responds to the type of service which provides electrical energy to the energy meter. 90. The system according to claim 77, wherein the element for measuring comprises a digital signal processor. 91. The system according to claim 77, wherein the element to be recovered and determined comprises a microcontroller. 92. The system according to claim 77, further comprising a deployment element for deploying two almost instantaneous system parameters. 93. The system according to claim 77, where the parameters of the almost instantaneous system comprises at least one between frequency, energy, arithmetic kVAR, vector kVAR, arithmetic kVA, vector kVA, phase angle, current to voltage angle, arithmetic system power factor, power factor of the vector system, phase voltage, phase current, phase power factor, angle of phase current to phase voltage, phase kW, phase kVA, phase kVAR, total harmonic distortion, second harmonic voltage distortion, harmonic magnitude nth of general voltage, and general nth harmonic magnitude. 94. The system according to claim 77, wherein the almost instantaneous system parameters are selectable. 95. The system according to claim 77, wherein the type of service is single phase or multiphase, and almost instantaneous system parameters are determined for each phase when the service is multiphase. 96. A system for detecting a fluctuation in electrical energy provided via a type of service to an energy meter having measurement elements, comprising: A storage element for storing a respective voltage threshold for each of a plurality of different types of energy. services, - An element for measuring a respective phase voltage for each of the measuring elements; and An element to recover the voltage threshold for the type of service from the storage element and compare the voltage of the measured phase with the voltage threshold to determine an occurrence of the fluctuation. 97. The system according to claim 96, further comprising a memory element for recording the duration of the fluctuation. 98. The system according to claim 97, wherein the storage element comprises a first electrically erasable, programmable readout memory and the memory element comprises a second electrically erasable, programmable read-only memory. 99. The system according to claim 96, wherein the element for measuring comprises a digital signal processor. 100. The system according to claim 96, wherein the element for retrieving and comparing comprises a microcontroller. 101. The system according to claim 96, further comprising an indicator and an element for activating the indicator that responds to the occurrence of the fluctuator. 102. The system according to claim 96, further comprising a display element to indicate the occurrence of the fluctuation. 103. The system according to claim 96, wherein the storage element is programmable to change the voltage thresholds. 104. The system according to claim 96, wherein each voltage threshold corresponds to the type of service that provides electrical energy to the energy meter. 105. The system according to claim 96, wherein the type of service is single phase or multiphase, and the fluctuation is verified for each phase when the service is multiphase. 106. The system according to claim 96, further comprising a counter for counting a number of consecutive clock cycle occurrences of the jitter. 107. The system according to claim 106, wherein the number of consecutive clock cycle occurrences is less than a predetermined number, it is determined that the fluctuation has occurred and when the number is at least equal to the previously determined number, it is determined that the fluctuation has not occurred. 108. A process implemented by an electronic processor for detecting a fluctuation in the electrical energy provided via a type of service to an energy meter having measurement elements, comprising the steps of: storing in a memory a respective voltage threshold for each one of a plurality of different types of service, - Measuring a respective phase voltage for each of the measurement elements; Retrieve the voltage threshold for the service type from memory; and Compare the measured phase voltage with the voltage threshold to determine an occurrence of the fluctuation. 109. The process according to the claim 108, which further comprises the step of recording in a second memory a duration for the fluctuation. 110. The process according to claim 108, further comprising the step of activating an alarm that responds to the occurrence of the fluctuation. 111. The process according to claim 108, further comprising the step of displaying an indication indicating the occurrence of the fluctuation. 112. The process according to claim 108, wherein the type of service is single-phase and multiphase, and further comprises the step of verifying each phase of the multiphase service type. 113. The process according to claim 108, which further comprises the step of counting a number of consecutive clock cycle occurrences of the fluctuation. 114. The system according to claim 113, further comprising the steps of determining that the fluctuation has occurred when the consecutive number of occurrences of the clock cycle is less than the number previously determined, and determining that the fluctuation has not occurred. presented when the number is at least equal to the previously determined number.