Flexible PLC modem streamline deployment of smart energy equipment

Microchip has released a flexible PLC modem supporting multiple standards and proprietary protocols used globally in smart grid infrastructure. The PL360B allows manufacturers to react to the utilities’ demand to enhance the reliability and performance of smart meters and to meet multiple markets, end-customer regulations and operational requirements. The single device can be modified simply with firmware, significantly decreasing development costs and time to market. Designed to support PLC protocols in the frequency band up to 500kHz, such as ITU G.9903 (G3-PLC) and ITU G.9904 (PRIME), as well as CENELEC, FCC and ARIB compliant applications, the device is the newest device in the company's portfolio of smart energy products. The modem comes with reference designs for combining a PLC interface to any end-customer application needing connectivity, including smart meters, home automation, lighting, building automation and remote control. Further benefits of using the modem is its efficient use of power, giving up to a 25% improvement in power consumption over prior generations, and a Class D amplification scheme that optimises the modem transmission efficiency further.