PLC (Power Line Communication) is a general technological term for high-speed power line communication. PLC uses power lines, which until now were only used to transfer electricity, to transmit and receive data that may normally be exchanged over the internet.
This system sends complicated data through cables that transfers electricity. Electricity is carried through power lines in big waves at relatively low frequency, around 50 Hz (50 cycles/sec.) to 60 Hz (60 cycles/sec.). On the other hand, data is carried in small waves at high frequency from 2 ～ 30 MHz. “Mega” is 10 to the 6th power, meaning 1 million, therefore, the waves of electricity are a million times bigger than that of data. Because of this big difference, the waves will never mix and interfere with each other.
Given this fact, how much data can be transmitted with this system? It is approximately 90 Mbit per second. To give an example, this is enough power to transmit hi-definition television signal so navigating the internet can be done with much ease.
PLC: Three Standards for Personal Use
Currently, there are 3 industry standards of PLC for personal use: HD-PLC *, mainly promoted by Panasonic Group in Japan, Home Plug, promoted mainly by Intel Corporation in the U.S., and UPA (Universal Powerline Association), backed mainly by European companies. Equipments using each system are on available on the market, but data transfer between equipments of the different systems is not possible. Standardization of the different systems is now in the works to alleviate this problem.
PLC Adaptor: Making Home Networks more personal
When setting up a home network, sometimes there are problems receiving radio signals between the first and the second floor when using a wireless LAN. Since radio signals are invisible, there are security concerns that the data can be picked up by others. But then again, a hard-wired LAN connection using cables can become very unsightly.
PLC, on the other hand, can be set up easily. It does not require professional knowledge of networking systems, and it also takes the security risks into consideration. With a PLC adaptor, as long as there are power outlets in the room, you can build a home network by connecting personal computers or internet-ready home appliances. No need to live with cables running all over the room just to build a home network.
PLC: Endless Possibilities
There are benefits that come from having home appliances connected to power outlets. In other words, with the PLC system, home appliances in the whole house, such as door intercoms, refrigerators and TVs, can be turned on and off, and data can be transmitted and controlled between appliances. For example, from the comfort of your office PC, you can turn of the light in your room, or turn off the air conditioner you left running. PLC has endless possibilities that and can lead to various new and great things.
This website will mainly highlight HD-PLC, one of the systems of PLC. We are pleased to present what kind of great impact HD-PLC will give to the world as it spreads all over the world.
HD-PLC Magazine Editorial Dept
*HD-PLC is a communication system with power lines, which enables to build network easily by using the existent power lines.
PLC Home Network Configuration
Electrical signals come in slow and big waves, as seen in (1) (figure above). On the other hand, waves carrying data such as information from the internet, are fine and small, as seen in (2) (figure above). As seen in (3), electrical signal waves and data waves are combined together, travel on the same power line, and sent to power outlets. Finally, as seen in (4), necessary data can be isolated by using an adaptor (This figure was reproduced from HD-PLC Alliance website at: http://www.hd-plc.org.)
