The new standard for interoperable, energy-efficient,
and robust communication
OMS® v5 is the latest generation of the Open Metering System, defining a powerful LPWAN wireless standard designed specifically for stationary metering applications and IoT scenarios requiring long range, low power consumption, and reliable data transmission. This technology is ideal for smart meters (gas, water, electricity, heat) as well as smart city and building applications where robust communication and extended battery life are critical.
The standard is based on the established M-Bus protocol and is fully compatible with the existing OMS® architecture – including all security profiles and upper M-Bus layers.
Compared to previous specifications such as OMS® v4.5.1, OMS® v5 introduces a new MAC layer with enhanced link and time management functions, as well as an optimized frame format (Frame Format C) to support the new Physical Layer Burst and Splitting modes. These improvements increase robustness against interference in the license-free sub-GHz band and reduce communication overhead – without compromising security.
A key feature of OMS® v5 is the introduction of two new operating modes: Burst Mode and Splitting Mode, along with the discontinuation of the wM-Bus S and T modes. Only the C-Mode will continue to be supported.
The new specification is clearly aimed at stationary systems with moderate transmission frequency – precisely matching the requirements of modern metering infrastructures. For use cases with very frequent transmissions (e.g., walk-by or drive-by), the new OMS® v5 modes are not intended. By combining OMS® v5 with wM-Bus in C-Mode, both fixed networks and walk-by/drive-by scenarios can be implemented efficiently and reliably.
High interoperability
Comprehensive specification of all protocol layers ensures cross-vendor compatibility.
Long battery life
Especially suited for battery-powered meters and sensors with low to moderate transmission rates.
Flexible trough different operating modes
C-, Burst-, and Splitting-Modes provide the optimal balance between energy consumption, robustness, and range depending on the application.
Robust and reliable communication
The TS-UNB-based Splitting Mode offers exceptional interference resistance, ensuring reliable data transmission even in heavily congested radio environments.
OMS® v5 expands traditional Wired and Wireless M-Bus specifications with two new wireless modes designed specifically for LPWAN applications: Burst Mode and Splitting Mode. Both technologies are optimized for smart metering and smart sensor use cases, focusing on energy efficiency, range, and robustness.
With OMS® v5, Wireless M‑Bus exclusively supports C‑Mode. The previous S and T modes have been discontinued, as modern RF transceivers enable more efficient and reliable communication in C‑Mode. This reduces complexity and increases interoperability. C‑Mode is ideal for stationary networks as well as walk‑by and drive‑by applications, ensuring robust transmission at moderate sending frequencies.
Advantages of C-Mode
Ideal for battery-powered devices and gateways, Burst Mode enables reliable wireless transmissions with low power consumption. It offers:
Based on TS-UNB technology according to ETSI TS 103 357 (“EU1 Profile”), Splitting Mode is developed by the OMS® Group for stationary meter applications, focusing on:
Bidirectional communication in Splitting Mode requires an SDR-enabled receiver (Software Defined Radio) in both gateway and end device. Combining Splitting in uplink and Burst in downlink (or vice versa), or integrating with C-Mode, is supported and standardized by OMS®.
The two new operating modes – Burst Mode and Splitting Mode – support multiple submodes for uplink (UL) and downlink (DL). These differ in chip rate, frequency, transmission type, and energy consumption, allowing application-optimized configuration in stationary smart metering and IoT systems.
Smart Metering / Submetering
Burst Mode, C-Mode
Fast, energy-efficient remote reading of meters in buildings or shafts with good radio coverage — ideal for stationary networks.
Building Management
Burst Mode, C-Mode
Wireless sensor integration (e.g., smoke detectors, thermostats, leakage sensors) with low energy consumption — optimal for periodic status updates.
Utility Networks
Splitting Mode, C-Mode
Long-range transmission of measurements from extensive water, heat, gas, or electricity grids — even in high interference environments.
Smart Metering
Splitting Mode, C-Mode
Fail-safe communication in difficult-to-access, underground, or remote metering points due to high interference robustness.
We are OMS®-Group member.
STACKFORCE has been an active member of the OMS® Group since 2011, contributing exten-sively to the ongoing development of the interoperable M-Bus protocol. Our expertise flows into multiple technical working groups to help future-proof the specifications and seamlessly integrate them into our protocol stacks. This ensures our customers always benefit from up-to-date, OMS®-compliant solutions.
STACKFORCE is a pioneer in developing OMS®-compliant communication solutions and your reliable partner for OMS® v5 implementation. As an active OMS Group member, we have been involved in the specification’s evolution since its early drafts – committed to delivering a future-proof and technologically leading solution for smart metering and IoT communication.
Shortly after the specification’s release in early 2025, we launched our first OMS® v5-based protocol stack. Additional product variants are already in development. Our experts actively contribute to multiple technical working groups within the OMS® community, ensuring our solutions are not only strictly standard-compliant but also practical, robust, and maintainable over the long term.
Choose STACKFORCE for a seasoned OMS® v5 specialist who masters both technology and specification – delivering stable, interoperable, and sustainable product designs.
Flexible stack architecture for tailored solutions
Hardware-agnostic integration
We maintain strong partnerships with leading semiconductor vendors to maximize flexibility.
Proven market expertise
A reliable partner with long-standing experience in industrial communication development.
Long-term support & maintenance
Professional product support and continuous stack maintenance by our experts.
Expertise with latest chips and toolchains
Years of experience with modern chipsets and development environments for optimal performance.
