The International Telecommunications Union (ITU) approved a new protocol for low-frequency, narrowband powerline communications standard developed by Maxim Integrated Products. Based on orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM), Maxim’s new NB-PLC standard extends the use of OFDM to narrowband frequencies that make it suitable for powerline communications.
Sunnyvale, CA-based Maxim developed the standard in collaboration with France’s Electricite Reseau Distribution France (ERDF) and Sagemcom to facilitate openness and interoperability among smart grid implementations, according to a company press release.
At present, G3-PLC specification is the only NB-PLC standard supporting IPv6. It also optimizes bandwidth usage, corrects demand response errors, and provides a higher data rate that support two-way communication for demand response and other smart grid application. The result is an increase in performance and reliability of crossing transformers, which enables a “dramatic reduction in deployment costs,” according to Maxim.
The added credibility of internationally recognized standards from international certification organizations such as the ITU provides critical assurance for utilities and power providers looking to make what amount to large-scale investments in adopting smart grid solutions and integral communications systems, Maxim noted.
“The approved ITU NB-PLC family of international standards will be a fundamental building block for realizing a robust smart grid anywhere in the world, and will allow utilities to start immediate deployment of NB-PLC on a worldwide basis,” stated ITU Secretary-General Dr. Hamadoun Touré.*
Maxim introduced the MAXX2992 PLC modem-MAX2992 analog front-end pair, the first G3-PLC chipset solution on the market, last year. Several manufacturers now offer ITU G3-PLC-compliant based on this chipset, according to Maxim, one already in deployment in France.
Maxim and 11 other companies founded the G3-PLC Alliance last year to support deployment of the G3-PLC protocol.
“The rapid ITU standardization and industry support for the G3-PLC Alliance are testaments to the advantages of G3-PLC and its ability to meet the speed, robustness, and ranges demanded by large-scale powerline networks,” commented Michael Navid, executive business manager for Powerline Products at Maxim.
