PLC-232 - a New Module for Serial Communication

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PLC-232 is a new module for serial communication that transmits and receives RS232 serial information over house, office or factory power wiring by modulating and demodulating the data at high frequencies. Fully-compatible with a PC’s serial COMport, PLC-232s are sold in pairs. Long a traditional communication standard, RS-232 is widespread in a variety of applications, mainly due to its low cost and stable data transfer. The concept of Power Line Communication has been adopted globally, applied frequently in home and small office network systems - so PLC-232 is compatible with the standard Homeplug 1.0.1 specification. Using existing wiring as the medium of communication, signals are sent at high frequency (between 100kHz to 30MHz) saving extra cables, wiring problems and installation costs.

Capable of transmitting data to 500 meters at up to 230kbps, PLC-232 offers secure 56-bit DES data encryption for RS232 signals, including all modem signal line controls. PLC-232 is based on a 32-bit RISC processor with 8 MB SDRAM and 4 MB Flash Memory. Weighing only 300g, the small metal housing (115mm x 75mm x 30mm) includes status LEDs for Power, Link, DTE, DCE, Tx, Rx. PLC- 232 can work on 110V or 220V supplies and features a built-in Surge Protector and is also DTE/DCE selectable. Signals are received by separating the communication signals from the electric power with a high-pass filter. The high frequency signals from PLC-232 are low in h.f. output, and have no effect on the performance of any electric device on the power network. PLC-232 has a DB-9 serial port on one end, and a 110/220V power cable slot on the other.

Communication takes place over an existing power line that is already built into almost all buildings, so all there is to do is simply plugging in the power cable and the work is finished. This can cut installation costs dramatically. The universally-available power line can easily be exploited in establishing home networks or subscriber networks. When PLC-232 technology is applied in outdoor networks, it can provide a subscriber network that connects each household to central points such as a telephone office or transformers within a specific region. Minimizing alterations to old or historic buildings or those with possible asbestos insulation is an ideal application for PLC-232.

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