Abstract

Latching relays are critical components in smart meters, susceptible to performance degradation over time. This paper investigates these degradation mechanisms and proposes zero-cross detection (ZCD) circuit integration as a mitigation strategy. Various tests identify dominant failure modes during switching operations. Electrical and thermal performance are evaluated. A ZCD circuit is designed for seamless integration with existing smart meter architecture. The analysis explores the economic viability, performance gains, and technical challenges (integration complexity, power consumption impact, and potential functionality limitations) associated with ZCD implementation. This work offers valuable insights for optimizing latching relay performance and extending its lifespan within smart meter systems, ultimately contributing to improved reliability and efficiency of smart metering infrastructure.