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Piccolo and PLC-Lite questions

Andrew Dupree
Prodigy 40 points

Other Parts Discussed in Thread: TMS320F28035

I hope this is the right place to ask some questions about the Piccolo MCU and its implementation of PLC Lite.

I am trying to understand the TI power line communication infrastructure a little better. I have the read the literature (white papers) extensively, and still have a few questions.

1. What MCU should I use to implement the PLC-Lite protocol? Will any of the C2000 Piccolo processors work?

2. Am I correct in understanding that these processors can implement control in addition to PLC? That is, I will not need a separate control MCU (say an MSP430) for simple applications (light control, energy reporting)?

3. For PLC-Lite, is 21 kbps the data rate, or baud rate? That is, can I expect to send 21 kbps of actual data (aside from protocol overhead)?

4. Where can I learn more about implementing PLC-Lite? Is it possible to get started without the expensive developer's kit?

5. If I want instead to implement G3 or PRIME, what Concerto MCU must I use? Will any model suffice for implementing the protocol and simple control?

Thank you.

  • 0
    Guru 192875 points

    Hi Andrew,

    Check this link for the compatible C2000 controller: http://www.ti.com/product/tms320f28069

    In the same link, all the application notes and user guides are present for the above application.

    For Prime/G3 check this out: http://www.ti.com/tool/tmdsplckit-v3

    Regards,

    Gautam

  • 0 in reply to Gautam Iyer
    Prodigy 40 points

    Thank you for the information, Gautam. A further question: I am looking for the least expensive controller that can implement PLC-Lite and a small amount of control, too. Am I correct in understanding that that is this: http://www.ti.com/product/tms320f28035#TMS320F28035PAGT ?

    I notice the C2000 information page (http://www.ti.com/lsds/ti/microcontroller/32-bit_c2000/c28x_piccolo/overview.page) says that the Piccolo 2803x series starts at 2.79, but I do not see an option for less expensive than 4.80 on the sample/buy section (http://www.ti.com/product/tms320f28035#samplebuy). Why is this?

    Finally, I still cannot find documentation on PLC-Lite. I would like to understand exactly what effective data rate I can expect (minus protocol/packet overhead). Can you direct me to a specific document?

    Thank you.

  • 0 in reply to Andrew Dupree
    Guru 20525 points

    Hi, Andrew.

    At first you can download and install PLC-lite SDK package from here

    http://www.ti.com/lsds/ti/apps/powerinfrastructure/plcmodem/product.page (Software: PLC-lite Get Documentation).

    For getting more info and an example projects you can contact to  plc_support@list.ti.com.

    Regards,

    Igor

  • 0 in reply to Igor Gorbachev
    Prodigy 40 points

    Thank you, Igor. I installed the SDK but did not find any further documentation on working with PLC-Lite. Also, I e-mailed that plc_support list several days ago with still no reply. Do you know roughly their turnaround time?


    I was very excited to find TI's low-cost, good data rate PLC-Lite solution for my product, but I am growing very frustrated at the lack of resources for understanding how to use it! I hope someone can clarify.

  • 0 in reply to Andrew Dupree
    Guru 20525 points

    Hi, Andrew.

    Unfortunately, I didn't  work with PLC-lite solutions. I did testing TMDSPLCKIT-V2,V3 for PRIME & G3 protocols only. Regarding TI support I would like to warn you that sometimes you have to wait for an answer long enough (up to 2 weeks). You can try request to wonsoo.kim@ti.com also (this is a member of TI PLC team).

    Regards,

    Igor