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== DCW (Device Control Word) by Landis+Gyr==

=== What is a Device Control Word?==='''Device Control Word (DCW)''' is a term used by Landis+Gyr for a small program or script that runs on their smart grid devices (such as RF radios and meter communication modules). Despite the name, a DCW is not literally a single “word” of data, but rather a custom program written in Landis+Gyr’s proprietary Gridstream/UtiliNet programming language . These programs execute on top of the device firmware and can direct the device’s behavior, enabling functions beyond the default firmware capabilities . In essence, DCWs provide a way to embed custom logic at the device level, allowing the device to perform tasks like rebooting itself, processing data, or controlling hardware interfaces in response to conditions or commands .

Device Control Word (DCW) === Purpose and Use Cases ===DCWs were created to give utilities more flexible control over network devices in the field. A DCW’s primary purpose is a term used by Landis+Gyr for a small program to extend or script that runs on their smart grid devices (such as RF radios and meter communication modules)customize device functionality without altering the core firmware. Despite the nameKey use cases include automating network operations, integrating with external systems, a DCW is not literally a single “word” of and performing local dataprocessing. For example, but rather a custom program written in Landis+Gyr’s proprietary Gridstream/UtiliNet programming language . These Gyr radios can run one or more DCW programs execute on top of the device firmware to send, receive, and can direct the device’s behaviorprocess network packets, enabling functions beyond the default firmware capabilities or to handle data exchange with attached equipment (like meters or sensors) . In essence, DCWs provide This means a DCW can enable a way to embed custom logic at the device level, allowing the field device to perform tasks like rebooting itselfact on incoming messages, processing datagather sensor readings, or controlling hardware interfaces in response to conditions or execute control commands autonomously.

Purpose and Use Cases DCWs were created to give utilities more flexible control over network devices '''Examples of DCW applications''' in the field. A DCW’s primary purpose is to extend or customize device functionality without altering the core firmware. Key use cases practice include automating network operations, integrating with external systems, and performing local data processing. For example, Landis+Gyr radios can run one or more DCW programs to send, receive, and process network packets, or to handle data exchange with attached equipment (like meters or sensors) . This means a DCW can enable a field device to act on incoming messages, gather sensor readings, or execute control commands autonomously.:

Examples of DCW applications in practice include : • * Radio Configuration & Queries: Automating device setup, periodically polling device status, or resetting modules remotely. A DCW can query a radio or meter for its ID and status, or even trigger a device reboot as needed . • * Data Collection & Processing: Gathering meter readings or sensor data locally and preprocessing it. For instance, a DCW might periodically collect usage data from a meter and only send updates when certain thresholds are crossed, reducing unnecessary communication . • * Protocol Translation (Gateway Functions): Acting as a bridge between different communication protocols. One notable use was in a Landis+Gyr Zigbee gateway module, where a DCW identified incoming Zigbee-formatted messages on the mesh network, stripped away the mesh network framing, and passed the messages to the Zigbee radio module for home area network devices . This allows the utility’s mesh network to interface with in-home devices seamlessly. • * Communication with End Devices: Enabling direct interaction with devices connected to the radio. A DCW can facilitate communication with a meter’s interface or with industrial equipment on an RS-232 port . This might be used to retrieve data from a legacy device or transmit commands to it via the Landis+Gyr radio. • * Peer-to-Peer Control: Implementing distributed control logic where field devices talk to each other. DCWs can allow one node to send a command directly to another node upon certain events, enabling fast local actions (e.g. a fault sensor radio telling a switch controller radio to open a breaker without waiting for a central command) . This peer-to-peer capability is valuable in distribution automation for rapid response to local conditions.