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REMPLI D1.2 - PLC System Specification
Ref: HURRAY-TR-030301       Publication Date: 1, Mar, 2003

Abstract:
The focus of the REMPLI project is on the operation of energy distribution networks where an envisaged communication infrastructure is supposed to provide functionality like management of distribution networks, registration of energy consumption, detection of energy loss in the network and tariff management. The related communication infrastructure has to provide connections from the utility companies or other companies to the end user.
In this context, powerline communication (PLC) is deployed to cover the distance between utility company’s Private Network and end user. Medium-voltage lines are used for communication between primary transformers, which are usually already linked to the Private Network, and secondary transformers, and lowvoltage lines are used for communication between secondary transformers and the end user’s premises. For this purpose, PLC is used by different types of units within the network, in the following referred to as REMPLI PLC units. These units are
• the REMPLI Access Points that make up the interface between the company’s Private Network and the powerline network
• REMPLI Bridges that connect medium-voltage and low-voltage lines
• REMPLI Nodes that connect the end customers to the powerline.
This document is aimed at specifying the PLC system used within the REMPLI project which mainly comprises the physical layer (PHY), the medium access layer (MAC) and parts of the data link layer.
First, an overview is given over the communication structure of the complete network where the REMPLI PLC units are integrated. The next chapter provides background information on powerline communication with focus on both the different types of PLC systems and the characteristics of the transmission channel itself. Furthermore, the transmission concept is presented with special regard on the use of the single frequency network (SFN) concept. Then two different protocol concepts are described where the first one is the favourite type and based on the SFN concept. The second one is based on an already existing and well tested system and is ready for deployment if simulations of the first one suggest that operation will not be as good as anticipated. The next chapter introduces the concept for the chipset that consists of ASICs for the lower layers integrating an analog ASIC, a digital ASIC, and respective DSP software, and a second ASIC working as a communication processor which is responsible for the higher protocol layers. Finally, the hardware concept is presented where first the single components are described before specifying the REMPLI PLC units which are built from these components.

Gerd Bumiller

,

Filipe Pacheco

,

Peter Maas