AFE031: AFE031

Hi

I think that I don't explain clearly. I don't want to have full-duplex feature. I just want to monitor Tx signal via RX output to MCU. MCU just use comparator to detect any AC signal appear. That its

Any chance?

Hi HK Woo, 

When AFE031 is transmitting Tx signal via a power line (DC or AC powerline), all receivers connected to the powerline are able to receive the signal. For instance, you have one transmitter and 3 receivers that operating at specific frequency. If the transmitter is broadcast any messages, all the receivers dialed to the specific frequency can receive the broadcast signal.If one of receiver wanted to broadcast a message (now is transmitter), other 3 users can listen and receive the message. 

MCU is used to demodulate the incoming signal, say FSK modulation, First AFE031 has to received the signal, then the incoming signal has to be filter out (has to be specific frequency band), then the received signal is converted by MCU's ADC. In the case of FSK modulation, the modulated signal is in binary. Once enough bits patterns are received, MCU can convert the binary to alphabet or number in a message.    

It is not clear what you are asking. Comparator has to compare a reference signal, say a voltage or bit patterns or message etc.. The incoming signal is typically a specific frequency in modulated sinewave in PLC communication, which represented in zero or one in FSK modulation example. MCU has to read the specific frequency via ADC. before it can decode the transmitted message. If transmitter is sending a specific binary patterns or code, sure that MCU is able to decode the pattern and then trigger an event. But it won't be operating as simple as an op amp comparator. 

Please let me know if I answered your question. Send me the Chinese paragraph if I did not explain clearly. 

Best,

Raymond 

Hi

Make it simple. Is it possible to enable TX and RX path of the IC at the same time?

Hi HK Woo, 

Hung Kai Woo1 said:

Is it possible to enable TX and RX path of the IC at the same time?

Yes, if AFE031 PLC controllers are coupled onto a particular Powerline network, all coupled AFE031 controllers are automatically enabled for both Tx and Rx features (by default). 

There is no intelligent feature in AFE031, which is simply a PLC  interfacing hardware. The intelligence resides in the MCU and its firmware. Each AFE031 controller requires one MCU and with an installed firmware that is capable to modulate Tx or demodulate Rx signals.  

The analogy is similar to radiotelegraphy when sending morse code transmitted by radio waves. Each station have the capability to send or receive coded messages, but it is operator who decides when to send a message or when to receive a message.

AFE031 controller behaves very similarly. All the interfaced AFE031 controllers are capable to receive the modulated signals via the powerline netwrok, but there is only one AFE031 module that is able to send Tx signals, while all other connected nodes are in listening or receiving mode. The MCU's firmware can decide which controller should transmit Tx information (whether it is by location, by design or  by a network protocol etc.). While the Tx information is being transmitted, all other coupled nodes shall in receiving mode or listening mode. 

AFE031 controller is equipped with both Tx and Rx features, but the user has an option not to install both features, say to leave out Rx connection or Tx connection in order to lower the cost.  The red marked location is the common node or common path where Tx/Rx's communication data is being sent or received for this particular AFE031 from an interfaced PLC network. If the AFE031 is configured as shown in the schematic below, both Tx and Rx features are installed in the IC's hardware. 

https://www.ti.com/lit/ug/sbou223/sbou223.pdf?ts=1667582752494&ref_url=https%253A%252F%252Fwww.google.com%252F

If you have further questions, please let me know. 

Best,

Raymond