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U-SNAP (Utility Smart Network Access Port) is a utility industry initiative whose primary objective is to create a low-cost protocol-agnostic, interoperable communications card standard for connecting HAN (Home Area Network) devices to Smart Meters.
This standard resembles the popular USB standard for attaching hardware devices in a computer. U-SNAP defines a standard connector, PCB interface and serial interface enabling consumer products to support a variety of communication protocols.
Why do we need new standard, doesn’t something already exist?
With the utility industry already overwhelmed with communication standards, and new protocols forthcoming, it is unlikely that the industry will adopt a common set of communication standards. The U-SNAP solution solves this problem, while allowing manufacturers to design and build a family of energy-aware products, that can easily integrate and interoperate with the native communications standard of the individual Utility’s AMI network. Such products can either be fitted in the factory or in the field, utilizing the U-SNAP modules that support the utility’s desired protocol.
How much more will it add to the cost of a product?
While the additional component cost for the universal U-SNAP hardware is estimated to be less than $0.10 for the connector and related plastic packaging (optional), the overall cost to build and deliver products should be significantly reduced. The most significant module cost continues to be the communication chip and related circuitry required to support a particular communication protocol. Device manufacturers will benefit from this standard by being able to offer a family of products that are protocol independent, rather than supporting duplicate products for each supported protocol. The communications vendors will benefit from being able to build a very few radios at much higher volumes, while being able to support a large ecosystem of Smart Grid devices.
Who is backing U-SNAP?
U-SNAP is an open industry forum backed by a growing list of key industry stakeholders. Please continue to visit our website for an updated list of active members.
How will U-SNAP support legacy appliances?
Legacy appliances can be addressed in two categories, which are not necessarily mutually exclusive.
- Millions of legacy load control devices exist as byproducts of older (mostly 1-way communications) Demand Response (DR) programs. These devices may be either replaced by or integrated with new 2-way communicating U-SNAP modules, potentially eliminating the unnecessary stranding of millions of dollars of valuable utility assets.
- Tens of millions of legacy appliances (devices without intelligent energy aware features), from hot water heaters to pool pumps, can now be connected to new smart meters, forming a responsive network of energy consuming devices. These device networks can be turned-off or cycled in response to critical peak pricing and demand response signals provided by utilities, as well as to threshold settings determined by individual consumers. The U-SNAP based module would likely be installed to the power wiring of the appliance by a utility service professional, or similar. Such modules may provide on/off control, cycling, status, remote monitoring & control, and energy measurement providing useful information to both consumers and utilities.
How will U-SNAP modules interface to simple appliances such as water heaters?
Simple appliances, such as water heaters, will support two possible scenarios. For those products already installed utilities will likely install a U-SNAP enabled load control module directly in-line to the power cord attached to the water heater. This will allow on/off control of the device, and perhaps, energy measurement if the additional circuits are provided. In the case of new water heaters, adding a U-SNAP interface directly into the unit would enable the product to connect to any utility sponsored demand response or conservation program, regardless of the protocol used. Consumers will ultimately be able to acquire the communications module compatible with their smart meter and insert it into the product without requiring a professional installer.
How will U-SNAP support new features in white goods?
The U-SNAP interface is an ideal solution for enhancing products in the field. Every product containing a U-SNAP interface can be a member of a network. Depending upon the network configuration, the product can be updated or upgraded in the field. Not only can new features can be downloaded to the product, but also service personnel can query the product remotely for troubleshooting. Products can even be programmed to send out alerts to consumers or service providers regarding maintenance issues before the problem becomes critical.
What protocols are supported by the U-SNAP standard?
The first implementations of the U-SNAP interface support ZigBee, Z-Wave, RDS (Radio Data System), WiFi and FlexNet.
Can U-SNAP work with power line protocols?
U-SNAP modules will likely support popular power line protocols such as LonWorks and HomePlug, but further investigation is required. At a minimum, there will be U-SNAP modules that bridge to popular power-line standards.
When can we see the U-SNAP licensing agreement?
The U-SNAP licensing agreement is tied to the membership agreement.
When can we see the U-SNAP specification?
Release 1 of the U-SNAP specification is available now. Release 2 is under development and is available to members only during the review period.
How does the U-SNAP organization intend to address interoperability testing?
The U-SNAP organization is dedicated to ensuring product interoperability. Specific details regarding interoperability testing processes have yet to be fully defined.
Will there be a cost to test products?
There will likely be a cost associated with interoperability testing, but the goal is to keep the cost as low as possible. The U-SNAP organization is committed to reducing product development, integration, interoperability (testing included), deployment and support costs.
How much memory will be required to support U-SNAP firmware?
The U-SNAP interface is a lightweight protocol based on an industry-standard SPI-compatible serial interface. The memory required is available internally in most inexpensive micro-controllers.
What will the pin-outs be for the U-SNAP connector?
The U-SNAP interface connector consists of a 10 pin, 2mm pin header. This supports a 2mm receptacle, Harwin Part Number M22-7131042 or equivalent. The current U-SNAP connector supports 10 pins in the following configuration:
| Pin |
Signal |
| 1 |
24VAC Return |
| 2 |
24VAC Common |
| 3 |
SELECT*, must be held high when not communicating with UCD |
| 4 |
ATTENTION* |
| 5 |
SCLK |
| 6 |
MOSI |
| 7 |
MISO |
| 8 |
RESET* |
| 9 |
+3.3V Power |
| 10 |
Signal Ground |
| 11 |
Reserved (Factory Test) |
| 12 |
Reserved (Factory Test) |
Will U-SNAP have to reinvent each device class as ZigBee & other protocol standards have already done?
The U-SNAP interface is a lightweight protocol based on an industry-standard SPI-compatible serial interface. The memory required is available internally in most inexpensive micro-controllers.
Where does the intelligence exist: in the module or device?
The Smart Grid itself is based upon the principal of distributed intelligence; therefore both U-SNAP modules and energy-aware devices will possess significant functionality. Additionally the backend software management systems will provide a nearly limitless intelligence capacity at the applications and services level.
What will the U-SNAP organizational structure look like?
The U-SNAP organization is member-based organization, consisting of Promoter Members, Contributor Members and Influencer Members. Committees are currently being assembled to address product device classes, interoperability testing and market awareness.
How can we learn more about U-SNAP?
The best way to learn more about U-SNAP is to visit www.usnap.org.
How much of physical area are you going to define?
See diagram below for specific dimensional details.
Do U-SNAP modules interoperate physically as well as electrically?
All U-SNAP modules will support a similar form factor, making them physically interoperable across participating manufacturer’s devices and AMI vendor’s communications protocols. Think of this as PCI or USB for devices, whereby the physical package is compatible across all products.
What about security?
Security is managed by the U-SNAP radio using the native security of the communication network. For example, Zigbee uses IEEE 802.15.4’s security model including access control, data encryption, frame integrity and replay prevention.
Is certification of the module provided?
A U-SNAP certification program will be implemented to ensure compatibility among third party products. At this point in time the certification program remains undefined.
What has been done to-date as far as testing and certification?
No work has been performed to define testing or certification at this point in time. We encourage companies to join the U-SNAP consortium to help define this program.
How does this relate to the work underway through ANSI C12.22?
The ANSI C12.22 standard is a complimentary technology to U-SNAP and is designed to achieve a different goal. ANSI C12.22 provides TCP/IP access to ANSI C12.19 tables in smart electric meters. The C12.19 standard is large and complex, and provides very specialized, detailed and flexible management of all aspects of electric metering. Consequently, the cost of implementing C12.19 is cost prohibitive for the U-SNAP card.
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