Low-Cost DC Power Line Communication (PLC)

This design provides a simple alternative to a 1:1 RS-232 bus, capable of transmitting over longer distances than RS-232. The GreenPAK™ is programmed to function as a communication translator, taking serial input/output from the MCU and interposing a high-frequency signal onto the DC power line, which is in turn decoded by a second similar circuit.

System Benefits:

• Power Line Communication (PLC) eliminates the extra wires required for RS-232, reducing system costs.
• Enables communication between stations using a high-frequency signal controlled by the MCU UART Tx/Rx lines on the GPIO pins of the GreenPAK device.
• GreenPAK allows for the low-cost implementation of DC PLC.
• The DC/DC regulator supports communications over a DC power line carrying up to 36V DC, accommodating a wide variety of applications.