Texas Instruments creates new power line communication (PLC) modems to support all three major standards across multiple spectrum bands

Developers can now create flexible PLC products for multiple countries and regions through a single platform

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Jun 10, 2014, 09:50 ET

DALLAS, June 10, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Easing the burden of supporting multiple regions with one device, Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) today announced a new power line communication (PLC) modem platform that supports the G3, PRIME and IEEE-1901.2 standards across both CENELEC and ARIB frequency bands. The new optimized TMDSPLCKITV4 kits provide developers with a smaller low-cost design to evaluate any narrowband orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) PLC technology standard for use in a variety of industrial systems such as smart grid advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), solar energy installations, and building and factory automation systems.

TI's complete PLC solution includes all of the hardware, firmware and development tools needed to get started quickly. Developers can now use the TMDSPLCKITV4 platform to create a single PLC project with support for different regions. In addition to supporting G3, PRIME and IEEE 1901.2 PLC standards, the new modem kit will also work with TI's proprietary PLC-Lite™ software. PLC-Lite is a lower data rate PLC implementation (up to 21kbps) using OFDM modulation that supports point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communications, making it highly attractive in solar energy applications.

Features and benefits of TI's flexible PLC modem solutions:

Based on TI's proprietary system-on-module (SOM) hardware design that incorporates all of the necessary PLC modem circuitry, along with a PLC docking station that includes the circuitry required to couple the modem to the AC mains.
Small form factor PLC modules enable rapid prototyping of PLC networks; available for purchase separately so developers can customize PLC systems to meet the needs of smart grid customers.
The TMDSPLCKITV4-CEN kit supports CENELEC A (35 kHz to 91 kHz) or CENELEC B (98 kHz to 122 kHz) frequency bands in Europe using TI's C2000™ F28PLC83 microcontroller (MCU) and AFE031 PLC analog front end.
The TMDSPLCKITV4-ARIB kit supports the ARIB frequency band (154 kHz to 403 kHz) in Japan using TI's C2000 F28M35H52 MCU and AFE032 PLC analog front end.

Pricing and availability:

Developers interested in evaluating TI's PLC solutions can purchase the new TMDSPLCKITV4 kit for ARIB and CENELEC bands for USD $499 from TI's eStore or authorized distributors. The PLC SoM for CENELEC is also available for purchase from TI's eStore or authorized distributors for USD $79.

Getting started with TI's smart grid and PLC solutions:

Watch TI's smart grid videos.
TI's smart grid solutions.
Discover TI's power line communication solutions.
Learn about TI's smart metering solutions.
Find out more about TI's smart grid infrastructure solutions.
Smart grid TI E2E™ community.

TI's Smart Grid solutions

With millions of energy meter ICs shipped over the past decade, Texas Instruments is the global systems provider for innovative, secure, economical and future-proof solutions for the worldwide smart grid. TI offers the industry's broadest smart grid portfolio of metrology expertise, application processors, communication systems, wireless connectivity and analog components in readily available silicon, with advanced software, tools and support for compliant solutions in grid infrastructure, utility metering and home or building automation. Learn more at www.ti.com/smartgrid.

About Texas Instruments

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors. By employing the world's brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology. TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today. Learn more at www.ti.com.

Trademarks

PLC-Lite, C2000 and TI E2E are trademarks of Texas Instruments Incorporated. All registered trademarks and other trademarks belong to their respective owners.

SOURCE Texas Instruments