HD-PLC Alliance was an exhibitor at the world’s largest home appliances/electronics exhibition, the 2010 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) held on January 7 - 10, 2010 in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S. Since the P1901 Working Group (WG) approved the new specification document (draft 2.0), many in the industry think that the standard specification will soon be issued.

• HD-PLC booth at CES 2010

Strong Interest for the World Standard awaiting approval

It has been approximately a year since HD-PLC was approved as the baseline technology for power line communication by the IEEE P1901WG. Draft 2.0, approved by the WG and released on February 14th, included feedbacks from various companies in the industry. This approval was what drew strong interest from the visitors to the HD-PLC booth. The decision process will now be underway to receive final approval from IEEE as the world standard technology. All the necessary discussions were close to being finalized before draft 2.0 was released; the final version of the standard specifications document to be submitted for approval should be close to the draft.

The details of the standard specifications are essential information to the manufacturers of HD-PLC equipment. Visitors to the HD-PLC booth gathered in front of the panel which announced the approval of draft 2.0. Developers from various manufacturers requested copies of the draft, and asked about the future roadmap. Strong attention for the plans for the Smart Grid was confirmed by IEEE’s timely announcement during CES about draft 2.0, and its press release about the IEEE Smart Grid standard specifications.
IEEE P1901 draft 2.0 can be purchased online at the IEEE SA online store.

• Presentation on the main stage

Various Equipment on Exhibit at the ‘Home’ of the Smart Grid

At the main stage, demos were given on improved accessibility to the internet via HD-PLC, with its easy set up and connections. Also on stage were: Electric Monitoring System (prototype) which visually shows the amount of electricity usage within the home, PLC Bridge Board and Electric Meter Multiplexer (both prototypes) to be used for the Smart Grid which connect the electrical information in and outside the home. Examples for Smart electricity, to adapt to new usage for electricity such as self-generators, and electric cars and more efficient energy use for Smart Grid were also introduced. There is much interest at the ‘home’ of the Smart Grid; it has attracted attention since U.S. President Obama has proposed its introduction. The release of the IEEE P1901 Draft 2.0 also heightened the interest; many visitors were taking pictures of the Smart Grid exhibit and demo on stage. Digital TVs were also connected to the internet via PLC adaptor and electrical outlets. Visitors were able to see videos on YouTube on a large screen TV.

• PLC Bridge Board for Base station. Prototype by Panasonic

• Electric Meter Multiplexer made for the Smart Grid connects to the electric meter. Multiple signals are controlled using the position of the electric meter as a station. ACN HD-PLC BPLAM Smart Grid Application (Access Multiplexer)