TECHNOLOGY / Ariane's PLC Technology

Ariane’s PLC approach

Powerline communication technologies use different methods to encode the information, such us amplitude shift keying (ASK), frequency shift keying (FSK), phase shift keying (PSK), spread spectrum (SS), or orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM). Knowing the complexity of the power line environment and the need to overcome the communication challenges, Ariane makes available the most efficient solution for cost sensitive, medium data rate applications.

Our technology uses a patented narrowband modulation based on FSK (Frequency Shift Keying). With this technique, digital data (0 and 1) are represented by two different frequencies, narrowly shifted from the central carrier frequency. By adding a complete set of advanced processing functions to this simple form of modulation, the Ariane's technology offers superior performance in powerline communication.

Advantages

Cost-effective and highly performing solutions are critical to wide-scale adoption of PLC-based command and control systems. To achieve that goal, designers need highly reliable, configurable and affordable components.

Reliability

Efficient error detection and error correction algorithms implemented in Ariane's PLC solution make reliable communication in very noisy electrical environments possible. Up to two consecutive erroneous bits per transmitted data byte can be corrected. If more than two bits per byte are erroneous, the CRC-16 error detection algorithm avoids interpreting erroneous packets.

A CSMA/CD type collision detection and resolution algorithm is implemented for solving medium contention. Packet-priority and full transaction-type management using unacknowledged and acknowledged messages are also handled.

Flexibility

Programmable carrier frequency provides flexibility to the user and allows communicating in any of the bands allocated by the worldwide regulations (FCC, CENELEC, ARIB, etc.). Programmable transmission rate up to 30 kbps ensures maximum robustness and is consistent with emerging applications in the smart grid, intelligent lighting control and HAN (Home Area Network) markets. Protocol-neutrality allows transporting any protocol and enables applications to use more than one protocol. External MCU and Analog Front End with minimal requirements and low part count allow for maximum flexibility when designing PLC devices.

Low size, low power, low cost

Ariane's PLC technology can be integrated as full digital low gate count IP at minimal cost. FSK modulation for lowband applications allows for robust transmission in harsh environments. Ariane's technology needs roughly 22000 gates of digital C-MOS and is available as an ASIC, FPGA code or as an IP for integration in your design.

Applications

Thanks to its low cost high performance technology, Ariane Controls offers communication solutions for residential, commercial, industrial and public utilities automation applications.

Building & Home automation

Powerline communication is an essential technology for building automation, since it enables the installation of a control-oriented communication network without the need to install dedicated wiring. In commercial and residential buildings, the Ariane's PLC technology can be integrated in a wide variety of systems, such us lighting, heating and cooling, security, fire detection, access control and energy monitoring.

Utilities and Public services

Utility-service companies use Ariane's PLC solution to reduce operating costs, increase their operational efficiency, improve customer service, and develop demand response mechanisms to manage the demand from customers in response to supply conditions. Ariane's technology enables utilities to build reliable area networks for automatic meter reading (AMR), remote displays, load shedding, remote diagnostic, tariff and rate adjustment, street light monitoring, traffic light controls, etc.