Specifications

PL 3120/PL 3150/PL 3170 Power Line Smart Transceiver Data Book 5
Forward Error Correction
Many noise sources interfere with power line signaling by corrupting data packets. The PL Smart Transceivers use a
highly efficient, low-overhead forward error correction (FEC) algorithm in addition to a cyclical redundancy check
(CRC) to overcome packet errors.
Powerful Output Amplifier
The external, high performance amplifier design developed for use with the PL Smart Transceivers provides a 1 ohm
output impedance and 1Ap-p current capability to drive high output levels into low impedance circuits, while
maintaining the extremely low signal distortion levels necessary to meet stringent international EMC regulations. For
applications requiring even more output power an optional higher power design is available that provides up to 2Ap-p of
output current.
Wide Dynamic Range
Dynamic range relates to the sensitivity of the receiver. The PL Smart Transceivers have a dynamic range of > 80dB. On
a quiet line the Power Line Smart Transceivers can receive signals that have been attenuated by a factor of more than
10,000.
Low Current Consumption
The PL Smart Transceivers and their associated power amplifier circuitry are powered by user-supplied +8.5 to
+18VDC (V
A
) and +5VDC (V
DD5
) power supplies. Built-in power management features, combined with a wide supply
range, are key benefits when designing inexpensive power supplies. Power management is especially useful for high
volume, low cost consumer products such as electrical switches, outlets, and incandescent light dimmers.
Very low receive mode current consumption of just 350µA typical from the V
A
supply and 9mA typical from the V
DD5
supply reduces power supply size and cost.
The PL Smart Transceivers communicate at a raw bit rate of 5.4kbps (C-band) or 3.6kbps (A-band), corresponding to
the following maximum packet rates.
Band
Packets
Per
Second
Collisions
Minimum
Input Clock
Priority
Slots
Oscillator
Accuracy
Average
Packet
Size
Minimum
Backlog
C-band 15 None 10MHz 4 200 PPM 15 bytes 1
A-band 10 None 6.5536MHz 4 200 PPM 15 bytes 1
This high throughput makes the transceivers well suited for residential, commercial, and industrial automation
applications.
Compliant with Regulations Worldwide
The PL Smart Transceivers are designed to comply with FCC [1], Industry Canada, Japan MPT, China, and European
CENELEC EN50065-1 regulations [2], allowing them to be used in applications worldwide. The CENELEC
communications protocol is fully implemented by the PL Smart Transceivers, eliminating the need for users to develop
the complex timing and access algorithms mandated under CENELEC EN50065-1. Additionally, the PL 3120 and 3150
Smart Transceivers can operate in either the CENELEC utility (A-band) or consumer (C-band) bands.