Powerline Communications
Introduction to Powerline
Communications
Existing Powerline Communications
Standards
Other Resources on Powerline Communications
Standards
Manufacturers of Powerline Communications
Equipment
Introduction to Powerline Communications
The term powerline communications refers to a not-quite-so-wireless form
of wireless communications. Specifically, powerline or "carrier-current"
systems employ existing ac power lines to transfer information which would
normally require additional hard wire installation.
Carrier current systems are attractive because they re-use existing electrical
connections within a building. Typical applications include remote control,
security systems, and low speed data networking. For the most part, the devices
which employ powerlines for data communication are intended for use in a
single building and are restricted to fairly low speed information. This
is primarily because powerlines encounter very large inductances at the main
transformers. This phenomenon tends to attenuate all but very low frequencies.
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Existing Powerline Communications Standards
There are four major powerline standards in use today: X-10, CEBus, LONWorks,
and Smart House. It is important to note that while all of these standards
support powerline communications, most of them also support other communications
media, such as Infrared (IR) and Radio Frequency (RF). Some of the key features
of these standards, along with the media which they support are summarized
in the table below.
|
X-10 | CEBus (EIA IS-60) |
LONWorks | Smart House |
Developer |
X-10 (USA-Corp.) |
Electronics Industry Association (EIA). Further developed by
CEBusIndustry Council
(CIC) |
Echelon Corp. Testing and certification programs led by LONMark Interoperability Assoc.
|
Smart House Limited Partnership (Smart House LP) for the National Association of Home Builders
|
Media Supported |
Powerline. X-10 manufactures devices for other media, but there are no standards for them |
Powerline
Twisted Pair
Coaxial Cable
RF
IR
Eventually Fiber Optic |
Powerline
Twisted Pair
RF
Third party transcievers support others. |
Custom-made wiring available from three sources |
Max. Data Rate |
60 bps | 10 kbps, Add'l. support for video, audio, and data |
610 bps to 1.25 Mbps | 50 kbps, Add'l. support for coaxial distribution |
Licensing
Requirements |
Proprietary, company does not license others to use it. |
Public domain, does not require a license. Certification required to use the CEBus logo. |
License required. Certification required to use the LONMark logo. |
License required. |
Relative Cost |
Low | Low to moderate | Low to moderate | Moderate to high |
Target Applications |
Existing and new homes | Existing and new homes |
Existing and new homes, commercial and industrial buildings, industrial automation, automotives |
Mostly new homes, some light commercial buildings |
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Other Resources on Powerline Communications Standards
-
Strassberg, Dan. "Home-Automation Buses: Protocols Really Hit Home." EDN,
April 13 1995, pp. 69-80.
-
Wright, M. "Low-Cost Control LANs Add Automation to Homes, Autos, and Offices."
EDN, July 20 1992, pp. 182-188.
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Manufacturers of Powerline Communications Equipment
