Powerline Communcation Modem (PLC)

Power line modem is useful to send and receive serial data over existing AC mains power
lines of the building. It has high immunity to electrical noise persistence in the power line
and built in error checking so it never gives out corrupt data. The modem is in form of a
ready to use circuit module, which is capable of providing 9600 baud rate low rate bidirectional data communication. Due to its small size it can be integrated into and become
part of the users power line data communication system.
Features
Transmit and Receive serial data at 9600 bps
Data Tx/Rx LEDs
Powered from 5V
Low Cost & Simple to use
Built in Error Checking
Direct interface with microcontroller uart txd, rxd pins
Applications
Home Automation
Automatic Meter Reading
Process Control
Heating & Ventilation, Air conditioning Control
Lighting Control
Status Monitoring and Control
Low Speed Data Communication Networks
Intelligent Buildings
Sign and Information Display
Fire and Security Alarm System
Remote Sensor Reading
Data/File Transfer
Fire & Security Alarm System
Power Distribution Management
Application Diagram

Specs Overview

Embedded ready-to-go Power Line Carrier Modem module with SMT components
Small form factor for easy of system integration
Bi-directional half-duplex data communication over the mains
Applicable to universal mains voltage and frequency up to 250v, 50 - 60 Hz

Protocol independent, data transfer transparent to user's data terminals

High noise immunity and reliable data communication
Simple serial interface to user's data devices of 9600 bps
Built-in on board AC coupling circuit with direct connection to mains
Built-in carrier generation and detection
Multiple units can be connected to the power line of the distribution transformer
TTL level serial interface to user's data devices
Built with industrial grade components for operation under harsh environment
Indicates Transmit and Receive with LEDs
Built in Error Checking so it never gives out corrupt data.

Digital Remote Thermometer Circuit With Receiver and Transmitter

Remote sensor sends data via mains supply, Temperature range: 00.0
to 99.9 C.
This circuit is intended for precision centigrade temperature measurement,
with a transmitter section converting to frequency the sensor's output voltage,
which is proportional to the measured temperature. The output frequency
bursts are conveyed into the mains supply cables. The receiver section counts
the bursts coming from mains supply and shows the counting on three 7segment LED displays. The least significant digit displays tenths of degree and
then a 00.0 to 99.9 C range is obtained. Transmitter-receiver distance can
reach hundred meters, provided both units are connected to the mains supply
within the control of the same light-meter.

Transmitter circuit operation:

IC1 is a precision centigrade temperature sensor with a linear output of
10mV/C driving IC2, a voltage-frequency converter. At its output pin (3), an
input of 10mV is converted to 100Hz frequency pulses. Thus, for example, a
temperature of 20C is converted by IC1 to 200mV and then by IC2 to 2KHz.
Q1 is the driver of the power output transistor Q2, coupled to the mains supply
by L1 and C7, C8.
Circuit diagram:

Transmitter parts:
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6
R7
R8
R9

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

100K 1/4W Resistors

47R 1/4W Resistor
100K 1/4W Resistors
5K 1/2W Trimmer Cermet
12K 1/4W Resistor
10K 1/4W Resistor
6K8 1/4W Resistor
1K 1/4W Resistors
1K 1/4W Resistors

C1
C2
C3
C4
C5
C6
C7
C8
C9

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

220nF 63V Polyester Capacitor

10nF 63V Polyester Capacitor
1F 63V Polyester Capacitor
1nF 63V Polyester Capacitors
2n2 63V Polyester Capacitor
1nF 63V Polyester Capacitors
47nF 400V Polyester Capacitors
47nF 400V Polyester Capacitors
1000F 25V Electrolytic Capacitor

D1
D2
D3
D4

=
=
=
=

1N4148 75V 150mA Diode

1N4002 100V 1A Diodes
1N4002 100V 1A Diodes
5mm. Red LED

IC1 = LM35 Linear temperature sensor IC

IC2 = LM331 Voltage-frequency converter IC
IC3 = 78L06 6V 100mA Voltage regulator IC
Q1 = BC238 25V 100mA NPN Transistor
Q2 = BD139 80V 1.5A NPN Transistor
T1 = 220V Primary, 12+12V Secondary 3VA Mains transformer
PL = Male Mains plug & cable
L1 = Primary (Connected to Q2 Collector): 100 turns
Secondary: 10 turns
Wire diameter: O.2mm. enameled
Plastic former with ferrite core. Outer diameter: 4mm.
Receiver circuit operation:
The frequency pulses coming from mains supply and safely insulated by C1, C2
& L1 are amplified by Q1; diodes D1 and D2 limiting peaks at its input. Pulses
are filtered by C5, squared by IC1B, divided by 10 in IC2B and sent for the
final count to the clock input of IC5. IC4 is the time-base generator: it provides
reset pulses for IC1B and IC5 and enables latches and gate-time of IC5 at 1Hz
frequency. It is driven by a 5Hz square wave obtained from 50Hz mains
frequency picked-up from T1 secondary, squared by IC1C and divided by 10 in
IC2A. IC5 drives the displays' cathodes via Q2, Q3 & Q4 at a multiplexing rate
frequency fixed by C7. It drives also the 3 displays' paralleled anodes via the
BCD-to-7 segment decoder IC6. Summing up, input pulses from mains supply
at, say, 2KHz frequency, are divided by 10 and displayed as 20.0C.
Circuit diagram: Receiver Circuit Diagram
Receiver Parts:
R1
R2
R3
R4
R5
R6

=
=
=
=
=
=

100K 1/4W Resistor

1K 1/4W Resistor
12K 1/4W Resistors
12K 1/4W Resistors
47K 1/4W Resistor
12K 1/4W Resistors

R8 = 12K 1/4W Resistors

R9-R15=470R 1/4W Resistors
R16 = 680R 1/4W Resistor
C1 = 47nF 400V Polyester Capacitors
C2 = 47nF 400V Polyester Capacitors
C3 = 1nF 63V Polyester Capacitors
C4 = 10nF 63V Polyester Capacitor
C7 = 1nF 63V Polyester Capacitors
C5 = 220nF 63V Polyester Capacitors
C6 = 220nF 63V Polyester Capacitors
C8 = 1000F 25V Electrolytic Capacitor
C9 = 100pF 63V Ceramic Capacitor
C10 = 220nF 63V Polyester Capacitors
D1
D2
D3
D4
D5
D6
D7
D8

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

IC1
IC2
IC3
IC4
IC5
IC6
Q1
Q2
Q3
Q4

1N4148 75V 150mA Diodes

1N4148 75V 150mA Diodes
1N4002 100V 1A Diodes
1N4002 100V 1A Diodes
1N4148 75V 150mA Diodes
Common-cathode 7-segment LED mini-displays
Common-cathode 7-segment LED mini-displays
Common-cathode 7-segment LED mini-displays

=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=
=

4093 Quad 2 input Schmitt NAND Gate IC

4518 Dual BCD Up-Counter IC
78L12 12V 100mA Voltage regulator IC
4017 Decade Counter with 10 decoded outputs IC
4553 Three-digit BCD Counter IC
4511 BCD-to-7-Segment Latch/Decoder/Driver IC
BC239C 25V 100mA NPN Transistor
BC327 45V 800mA PNP Transistors
BC327 45V 800mA PNP Transistors
BC327 45V 800mA PNP Transistors

PL = Male Mains plug & cable

T1 = 220V Primary, 12+12V Secondary 3VA Mains transformer
L1 = Primary (Connected to C1 & C2): 10 turns
Secondary: 100 turns
Wire diameter: O.2mm. enameled

Plastic former with ferrite core. Outer diameter: 4mm.

Notes:

D6 is the Most Significant Digit and D8 is the Least Significant Digit.

R16 is connected to the Dot anode of D7 to illuminate permanently the

decimal point.

Set the ferrite cores of both inductors for maximum output (best
measured with an oscilloscope, but not critical).

Set trimmer R4 in the transmitter to obtain a frequency of 5KHz at pin 3

of IC2 with an input of 0.5Vcc at pin 7 (a digital frequency meter is required).

More simple setup: place a thermometer close to IC1 sensor, then set
R4 to obtain the same reading of the thermometer in the receiver's display.

Keep the sensor (IC1) well away from heating sources (e.g. Mains
Transformer T1).

Linearity is very good.

Warning! Both circuits are connected to 230Vac mains, then some parts
in the circuit boards are subjected to lethal potential! Avoid touching the
circuits when plugged and enclose them in plastic boxes.
From Extremecircuit.net

Simple Tachometer Circuit or Revolution Counter Circuit

The explained idea of a simple tachometer circuit can be used as a revolution counter
tester for determining or setting the correct optimal engine speed which may ensure
maximum engine efficiency from the vehicle.
The pulses emanating from the contact breaker are shaped and limited by Fl2/R5/
D2. Transistor T2 conducts only when the contact breaker is open, because the full
battery voltage is then present at the input (PL2) of the rev counter (see figure 48).
Capacitor C2 is then discharged rapidly through R6 and T2. When T2 is cut off when the
contact breaker closes, C2 charges only slowly via R4. This ensures that the trailing edge
caused by the closing of the contact breaker is applied to the next stage as a steep
pulse, while the noise spikes are suppressed by the slow charging of C2. It follows that
C2 must be carefully matched to the particular carengine. Diodes D4 and D5 protect the
trigger input of IC1 against too high positive and negative voltages. The real heart of the
circuit is C1: this versatile counter is connected as a monostable multivibrator (MMV).
After every trigger pulse at pin 2 (negative voltage jump applied via C4) it generates an
output pulse of constant period which may be preset with P1. Unfortunately, the
counter auto-triggers if pin 2 is still logic low after the output pulse period has lapsed,
and because of that R8 ensures that C4 can only pass very narrow trigger pulses.
The resistor and capacitor form a so called differentiating network (see figure 49). It
would now be possible to connect a suitable moving-coil meter to the output (pin 3) of
IC1. Because of the inertia of thisinstrument, the individual output pulses (pulse width =
O.7C7 (P1+R11) sec) are averaged (integrated). The meter reading corresponds exactly
to the average value of the pulse height (see figure 50) and is therefore provided Pl has
been adjusted correctly proportional to the instantaneous engine speed.
The comparator, A3, following IC1 has no inertia and the output pulses from IC1 must
therefore be 'smoothed: this is effected by two integrating networks, R7/C5 and R9/C8
(see figure 51). Across C8 there exists therefore a reasonably constant direct voltage
(the remaining ripple caused by the original pulses may be ignored) which is directly
proportional to the engine speed (see figure 52). This direct voltage is set to 5 V at
maximum engine speed during the calibration which follows later.The following image
shows the simple tachometer circuit design

The waveform images can be verified from the folowing images.

Mains Remote-Alert
Transmitter circuit diagram:

Transmitter parts:
R1____________220K
R2____________470R
R3____________100K
R4______________1K

1/4W
1/2W
1/4W
1/4W

Resistor
Resistor
Resistor
Resistor

C1_____________10nF
C2____________330nF
C3______________1n5
C4_____________10nF
C5____________100F

400V
400V
63V
63V
25V

Ceramic or Polyester Capacitor

Polyester Capacitor
Ceramic Capacitor (See Notes)
Ceramic or Polyester Capacitor
Electrolytic Capacitor

D1,D2________1N4007 1000V 1A Diodes

D3_________BZX79C30
30V 500mW Zener Diode
Q1,Q2_________BC546

65V 100mA NPN Transistors

L1_______________IF Transformer for AM receivers, 445-470KHz

P1_____________SPST Mains suited Pushbutton
PL1____________Male Mains plug & cable

Receiver circuit diagram:

Receiver parts:
R1____________220K
R2____________470R
R3____________150K
R4______________2K2
R5____________100K
R6_____________47K
R7______________2K2

1/4W
1/2W
1/4W
1/4W
1/4W
1/4W
1/4W

Resistor
Resistor
Resistor
Resistor
Resistor
Resistor
Resistor (Optional)

C1____________100nF
C2____________330nF
C3______________1n5
C4,C6_________330pF
C5,C7_________100F

400V
400V
63V
63V
25V

Polyester Capacitor
Polyester Capacitor
Ceramic Capacitor (See Notes)
Ceramic Capacitors
Electrolytic Capacitors

D1,D2________1N4007 1000V 1A Diodes

D3_________BZX79C12
12V 500mW Zener Diode
D4,D5,D6_____1N4148
75V 150mA Diodes
D7_____________5mm. Red LED (Optional)
Q1,Q2_________BC547

45V 100mA NPN Transistors

L1_______________IF Transformer for AM receivers, 445-470KHz

BZ1___________Piezo sounder (incorporating 3KHz oscillator)
PL1____________Male Mains plug & cable

Device purpose: Pressing the pushbutton of the transmitter, a sound and/or

light alert is activated in the receiver. The system uses no wiring or radio
frequencies: the transmitted signal is conveyed into the mains supply line. It
can be used at home, in any room from attic to cellar, simply plugging
transmitter and receiver in the wall mains sockets. Transmission range can be
very good, provided both units are connected to the mains supply within the
control of the same light-meter.
Transmitter circuit operation: Q1 and Q2 are wired as a Darlington pair to
obtain the highest possible output from a Hartley type oscillator running at
about 135KHz frequency. The 230Vac mains is reduced to 30Vdc without the
use of a transformer by means of C2 reactance, a two diode rectifier cell D1 &
D2 and Zener diode D3. The oscillator output is taken from L1 secondary
winding and injected into the mains wiring by means of C1.
Receiver circuit operation: The 135KHz sinewave generated by the
transmitter is picked-up from mains wiring by C1 and selected by the tuned
circuit L1-C3. Q1 greatly amplifies the incoming sinewave and converts it in a
12V-peak squarewave. D4 & D5 limit the input voltage at Q1 base to less than
1V-peak to avoid damaging of the transistor due to the high voltage transients
frequently occurring on the mains line. D6 eliminates any negative component
of the signal and Q2 drives the load. C7 is necessary to smooth the signal
residues appearing across the load.
The 12Vdc supply for this unit is obtained as described above for the
transmitter circuit.
Notes:

Transmitter and receiver coils L1s must be tuned regulating their ferrite
cores to obtain maximum output at C3 leads, either in transmitter and
receiver.
This setup is better done using an oscilloscope and placing the two units
as far as possible to each other.
The tuning of the coils at 135KHz frequency should be obtained with the
ferrite core almost totally inserted in its slot, if 455KHz IF transformers
are used for both L1s.
Using IF transformers different from those specified, a change in both
C3s value could be needed. The value of these capacitors may vary from
1 to 3.3nF but must be the same in transmitter and receiver.
The load can be a beeper, a LED or both. Omitting the beeper and
choosing the LED as the only load, its limiting resistor R7 should be
reduced in value to about 1K, to increase device brightness. In this case,
a 10mm. diameter LED type or greater, can also be useful.
Warning! These units are connected to 230Vac mains, then some parts
in the circuit boards are subjected to lethal potential! Avoid touching
the circuits when plugged and enclose them in plastic boxes.