We are a Portuguese startup and we recently completed an R&D project involving power line communications between several modules installed on site, in a master / slave star configuration. The solution is for irrigation management, and our hardware is connected to tree-phase power networks, 450 VAC.
The objective is to achieve a minimum range of 3 km, but in the tests carried out we noticed that the communication is very affected by the loads introduced by the water pumps.
So, we want to develop a new power line modem with the higher range possible, without the need of high baud rates, and we want to do this asap...
Looking at TI website we saw "Power Line Communications (PLC) Lite™ Reference Design for Industrial Applications - TIDM-INDUSTRIAL-PLC: TMDSCNCD28035: F28035 Piccolo control CARD”. Is this kit the best solution for us?
Our main questions:
1 - The development kit can be connected to 450 VAC?
2 - If not, we can develop the AC coupling pcb, but we would like to know if you can give us some feedback about our design regarding possible interference in the communication?
3 - Can you give us some indication regarding the best PLC solution for our propose?
4 – How can we get the "System on Module for Industrial Power Line Communication (CENELEC Frequency Band) - TIDM-SOMPLC-INDUSTRIAL-CENELEC"?
Thanks for the support
Best regards
Miguel
