High speed multimedia and smart energy PLC applications based on adaptations of HomePlug AV

Abstract

Broadband powerline communication systems are continuing to gain significant market adoption worldwide for applications ranging from high speed multimedia to Smart Grid applications. HomePlug AV is the most successful high speed PLC protocol and in fact was adopted as a major component of the IEEE 1901 standard. This paper provides an overview of the unique design choices made in the development of the MAC and PHY subsystems of HomePlug AV and describes how these capabilities were adapted and augmented for incorporation into the IEEE 1901 Standard. The paper also discusses an example of IEEE 1901 used as a Smart Grid enabler. The paper then proceeds to explain how HomePlug AV was adapted to form the recently released HomePlug Green PHY specification that uses robust HomePlug AV communication modes at 10 Mbps for Smart Energy applications. Finally the paper shows how HomePlug AV was augmented and enhanced to produce HomePlug AV 2.0 using MIMO and other capabilities to achieve speeds of up to 1.5 Gbps.