Description
The ST-PLC-AFE is a power-line communication, analog front-end device capable of capacitive or transformer-coupled connections to the power line while under the control of a microcontroller or a DSP. The line driver is able to drive low-impedance lines, requiring up to 1.65 A, into reactive loads. It can also work in differential mode for high performance, as well as single-ended mode for a low-cost bill of materials (BOM). The integrated receiver is able to detect signals down to 20 µVrms. The system works in half-duplex mode. The AFE is protected against over temperature and short-circuit conditions. It also provides four adjustable current limits through an internal register. Through the four-wire serial peripheral interface, or SPI, each functional block can be enabled or disabled to optimize power consumption.

Features
■ Integrated, analog power-line driver and receiver
■ EN 50065-1 - CENELEC, European bands A, B, C, and D
■ Supports FSK, S-FSK, and OFDM
■ Supports PRIME, G3, and IEC 61334
■ Half-duplex mode

Applications
■ E-metering
■ Smart grid applications
■ Smart light control
■ Solar energy management
■ Building automation
■ Remote monitoring and control