OBIS names, what are they?
OBIS stands for Object Identification System. OBIS provides standard identifiers for all data within the metering equipment, both measurement values and abstract values. OBIS names are used for the identification of COSEM objects and also for identification of the data displayed on the meter and transmitted through the communication line to the data collection system.
The need for standard identification systems has been identified with the advent of complex multifunctional meters, when a great number of data had to be read and transmitted. Some countries have created their own standards, but most manufacturers used proprietary systems. One of the widely recognised systems was the Energy Data Identification System (EDIS) defined in Germany. This system has been picked as the basis of OBIS.
OBIS uses six value groups in a hierarchical structure. Value group A identifies the energy type measured. A=0 identifies abstract codes. Value group A has reserved space for future extensions. Value group B identifies the measuring channels. Value group C identifies the physical quantity measured, while value group D identifies the processing methods and country specific codes. Value group E is used for identifying rates or can be used for further classification. Value group F is used for identifying historical values or can be used for further classification. Groups B to D have code space for manufacturer specific identifiers.
Standard codes for electricity, cold water, hot water, gas, heating and cooling are defined in the DLMS UA Blue book. A list of full standard OBIS codes, valid combinations of standard values in each group, is maintained by the DLMS UA. The list is available on the DLMS UA web-site and it is regularly maintained. The DLMS/COSEM conformance tool checks the logical name of each object found in the meter under test based on this table.