Innovation Hub: Power Line Communication

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PLC · Power Line Communication

Data over the wires you already have

Power Line Communication (PLC) is a communication technology that lets electronic devices exchange digital data through existing electrical power wiring. Instead of installing separate communication cables for every connected device, PLC uses the same two conductors that deliver electrical power to carry both power and data.

Power Line Communication: two devices, each with a microcontroller, PLC modem and coupling circuit, exchange high-frequency data over the same two live and neutral wires that carry 50/60 Hz power — Two devices communicating over only the power supply wires. Each device's coupling circuit injects and extracts the high-frequency data signal, which shares the line with the 50/60 Hz power. Click the image to enlarge.

Why PLC

Simpler wiring architecture
Less cable complexity
Communication between distributed electronic controllers

PLC in railway coaches

Modern passenger coaches have many electrical devices and control systems spread along their length. PLC offers a way to simplify onboard connectivity by letting these systems talk over the coach's existing power wiring.

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