Maxim's G3-PLC™ chipset provides the confidence of prestandard compliance, while built-in robustness mechanisms substantially reduce infrastructure costs over other narrowband approaches
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Maxim introduces the MAX2992, an OFDM-based powerline communication (PLC) modem that pairs with the MAX2991 analog front-end (AFE) to provide a complete PLC chipset for smart grid communications. This chipset complies with the emerging IEEE® P1901.2 standard for OFDM-based communication over power lines and offers guaranteed interoperability. This standards compliance is critical to enabling smart grid deployments, as it helps utilities safeguard their substantial infrastructure investments.
Maxim's G3-PLC technology provides the speed, robustness, and range demanded by large-scale powerline networks. G3-PLC employs advanced broadband communication techniques to achieve speeds up to 300kbps in the noisy powerline environment. It uses OFDM technology to transmit data over multiple carriers, allowing designers to avoid interference at specific frequencies. Additionally, G3-PLC features a robust operating mode, bandwidth-efficient channel coding, and built-in error-correction mechanisms to guarantee reliable transmission—even when noise is stronger than the signal.
This robustness substantially reduces deployment costs for utilities. Unlike other protocols, G3-PLC can communicate across transformers, allowing utilities to connect more users to each data concentrator. This reduces the number of concentrators, saving equipment, installation, and maintenance costs. In addition, G3-PLC can communicate over long-distance medium-voltage lines at high speeds. Tested over 10km, this capability saves the expense of multiple repeaters, giving G3-PLC a significant cost advantage over other wired and wireless technologies.
The G3-PLC specification uniquely supports the IPv6 Internet-protocol standard to enable Internet-based energy management systems. IPv6 greatly expands the number of addresses available to grid-connected devices, ensuring that utilities can support new applications such as smart appliances and electric vehicle charging.
The MAX2992 is a system-on-chip (SoC) solution that combines the physical (PHY) and media access control (MAC) layers using a 32-bit microcontroller core. The MAX2991 is a state-of-the-art AFE that features two-stage automatic gain control (AGC) with a 62dB dynamic range and on-chip programmable filters.
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The Chipset Includes
- Worldwide compliance with regulatory bodies such as CENELEC, ARIB, and FCC (10kHz to 490kHz)
- Plug-and-play architecture to reduce installation cost
- Support for IPv6 to allow Internet-based energy management systems
- Enhanced CSMA/CA and automatic repeat request, together with mesh routing protocol, to support all common MAC services for various network topologies
- Fast CCM authentication coprocessor with AES-128 encryption/decryption to enhance data security
- Adaptive tone mapping for optimal bandwidth utilization
- Robust mode of operation to improve communication under noisy channel conditions
- Two layers of forward error correction (FEC) for robust data communication in harsh channels