TECHNOLOGY LIMITED

Embedded Power Line Modem Series: PLC101s-12, PLC103s-12

Single-phase Power Line Modem PLC101s-12

3-Phase Power Line Modem PLC103s-12

Unit 1010-12, West Tower Shun Tak Center, 168-200 Connaught Rd Central, Hong Kong.
Tel: (852)-2858 4999 Fax: (852)-3105 9871 web: www.archnetco.com
Description

The Embedded Power Line Carrier Modem is a low cost ready-to-go circuit module, which is
capable of transferring data over the power cable at the low voltage end of the power transformer
of a 3-phase/ 4-wire distribution network. A pair of Embedded PLC Modems connected on the
power line can provide bi-directional data communication at a baud rate of up to 1200 bps. The
PLC series PLC101s-12 and PLC103s-12, are built in a small form factor that can be easily
integrated into and become part of the user's power line data communication system.

The modules provide bi-directional half-duplex data communication over the mains of any voltage
up to 250v AC or DC, frequency of 50 or 60 Hz. Data communication of the modules is
transparent to user’s data terminals and protocol independent; as a result, multiple units can be
connected to the mains without affecting the operation of the others. The use of FSK modulation
technique ensures high noise immunity and reliable data communication. The carrier frequency
and baud rate is carefully selected to provide a long communication range compared with similar
devices. There is no hassle of building interface circuits. Interface to user’s data devices is a
simple data-in and data-out serial link. It has a built-in on board AC coupling circuit, which
allows direct and simple connection to the mains.

Applications of the Power Line Modem include status monitoring, control and data
communication of devices connected on the power line, such as Home Automation, Lighting
Control, HVAC control, Low Speed Data Networks, Automatic Meter Reading, Signs and
Information Display, Fire and Security Alarm, ……., and so on.

Features

• Embedded ready-to-go Power Line Carrier Modem module

• Small form factor for easy of system integration
• Bi-directional half-duplex data communication over the mains
• Applicable to universal mains voltage and frequency from 100v – 250v, 50 – 60 Hz
• Protocol independent, data transfer transparent to user’s data terminals
• High noise immunity and reliable data communication
• Simple serial interface to user’s data devices
• Simple connection to mains
• Built-in on board AC coupling circuit
• Built-in carrier generation and detection
• Long communication range compared with similar devices
• Selectable baud rate of 600 and 1200 bps
• Selectable TTL and RS232C level serial interface to user’s data devices

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Applications
► Home Automation
► Automatic Meter Reading
► Process Control
► Heating and Ventilation Control
► Air Conditioning Control
► Lighting Control
► Status Monitoring and Control
► Low Speed Data Communication Networks
► Intelligent Buildings
► Signs and Information Displays
► Fire and Security Alarm System
► Power Distribution Management

Schematic diagram

A simple schematic diagram of connecting 2 PLC modems is shown in figure 1. As an illustration, data from
customer’s device on the left are transferred to another customer’s device on the right. The PLC signal generated
by the PLC modem on the left is modulated by the data using FSK techniques. The carrier signal carrying the
data information is then coupled onto the power line. At the other end of the power line on the right, another
PLC modem detects the signal and extracts data from the PLC signal. The data will then be transmitted to the
user’s data equipment on the right through the TTL serial interface. As communication between PLC101s is
protocol independent, multiple units can be connected to the same phase and neutral line of the power network.
Address decoding and error detection will be handled by the protocol between user’s data devices.

Fig.1 Schematic Diagram for PLC101s-12

N.B.: For communication of single phase modems, make sure the live wires are of the same phase.

Figure 2 shows a 3-phase Power Line Modem connected to a number of single-phase modems on different phases.
In such configuration, the user’s device connected to the 3-phase modem can communicate with any devices on
the distribution network. However, the user’s device connected to the single-phase modem can only
communicate with the 3-phase modem as well as those devices connected to the same phase of the distribution
network.

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 Fig. 2 Schematic Diagram for PLC103s-12 and PLC101s connections

Connector and indicator layout

PLC101s-12

Pin Symbol Description Direction

1 +12V +V in Input
2 GND Ground Input
3 -12V -V in Input
4 RXD-232 RS232C level Data in Input
5 TXD-232 RS232C level Data out Output
6 RXD-TTL TTL level Data in Input
7 TXD-TTL TTL level Data out Output

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 8 NC No Connection -
Jumper setting, JP1, JP2, JP3

Symbol Description selection Connection Remark

JP1 Baud Rate 600 bps Default
1200 bps
JP2 Data in level RS232 level Default
TTL level
JP3 Data out level RS232 level Default
TTL level

Note: closed Open

AC coupling pin out assignment

Pin Symbol Description Direction

1 L AC mains in Input
2 N Neutral in Input

PLC103s-12

Pin Symbol Description Direction

1 +12V +V in Input
2 GND Ground Input
3 -12V -V in Input
4 RXD-232 Data in Input
5 TXD-232 Data out Output
6 RXD-TTL Data in Input
7 TXD-TTL Data out Output
8 NC Not used -

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 Jumper setting, JP1, JP2, JP3

Symbol Description Selection Connection Remark

JP1 Baud Rate 600 bps Default

1200 bps
JP2 Data in level RS232 level Default
TTL level
JP3 Data out level RS232 level Default
TTL level

Note: closed Open

AC Coupling Pin Assignment (MAINS)

Pin Symbol Description Direction

1 R Phase R Input
2 Y Phase Y Input
3 B Phase B Input
4 N Neutral N Input

Specifications

Description PLC101s-12 PLC103s-12

Voltage +12V/-12V +12V/-12V

Active Current per Supply Voltage 600mA 600mA
Data I/O level TTL/ RS232C TTL/ RS232C
PLC frequency 82 + 0.3KHz 82 + 0.3KHz
Signal Modulation FSK FSK
Baud rate 600/ 1200 bps 600/ 1200 bps
Data bits 8 8
Start bits 1 1
Stop bits 1 1
Data Packet Size <1 K byte <1 K byte
Indicators on board PWR, RXC, TXC PWR, RXC, TXC
Max. AC coupling voltage (L – N) 250V AC 250V AC
Max. Communication Distance (no load) >500m >500m
Dimensions (L x W x H) 78 x 52 x 25 mm 104 x 45 x 25 mm
*Specifications are subject to change without prior notice.

! Caution: Live AC Voltage on board

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An example of data transfer testing
The PLC modem is a physical layer hardware communication device. It is up to the data device (e.g. your PC) to
identify the data. If you are connecting multiple PLC modems on the power line, you should include data device ID
in your data packets for the data device to decide if the message is for it or not, i.e. you need communication protocol
for data transmission, such as device ID, acknowledgement and time out etc.

The schematic below is an example of connecting a PLC101s-12 for testing of data transfer only. To effect data
communication, two PLC modems should be connected to two data devices. The modem is connected for RS232 data
level; please remember to check the corresponding jumper settings. You may use any “dumb terminal”
communication software or download it from our website. Please remember to set the COM port, baud rate and data
format in the software.

Connection diagram

+12V

GND

-12V
External Power
PLC101s-12

RS232 (DB9 - from PC)

TxD(3)

RxD(2)
8
GND(5)