Abstract: The PLM-1 transceiver is a modem without micro-controller core. The customer can select the appropriate host to implement his PLC application at a higher level. In a high volume production, Ariane Controls can implement any micro-controller within the PLM-1 chip.
The PLM-1 transceiver uses logic gates rather than a micro-controller core. Typical low-cost micro-controllers are too slow to implement stringent transceiver functions in real time (medium access control logic, error correction, CRC calculation, etc.). Complex PLM-1 applications use an external micro-controller to implement the higher levels of the application. These applications are quite diverse and can demand any given combination including an A/D converter (eight, ten, or more bits), a serial communication port, an LCD display drivers, RAM/ROM space, etc.
Some PLC technologies offer an on-board micro-controller along with their PLC transceiver but do not, unfortunately, include an LCD driver, an A/D converter, etc. The PLM-1 allows you to choose the exact micro-controller the application requires. For volume production, it is possible to integrate your micro-controller on the PLM-1 transceiver die, thus reducing physical volume and implementation and testing costs, all the while increasing reliability.
Simpler applications may not require a micro-controller at all. For example, you can implement a receive-only light-dimmer application without the need of a micro controller. For volume production, we can also integrate user-specific functions on the PLM-1 die. Contact us for more information.
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