Powerline Communication ICs: Types, Vendors, Applications

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What is Powerline Communication?

Abstract PLC illustration showing power lines with a data wave, IC nodes, and application icons

One-sentence definition. Powerline communication (PLC) is a wired networking method that carries data over existing electrical power lines, avoiding new communication cabling across buildings, factories, energy systems, and vehicles. The signal shares the same conductors as power and is extracted through modulation and demodulation.

Term clarity. The powerline connection meaning is “data networking or signaling carried along power lines.” It is not the same as an industrial programmable logic controller (also abbreviated “PLC”) used in automation. In practice, PLC spans narrowband and broadband families governed by international standards.

AC / DC applicability. PLC operates on AC distribution lines (buildings, grids) and on DC buses (battery packs, PV systems, EV charging). Practical implementations pair a PLC modem (for modulation/demodulation) with an analog front end (AFE). Field results depend on noise, impedance, and distance constraints in the wiring.

Core PLC Standards — Quick Reference

IEEE 1901 — Broadband PLC (BPL): High-speed in-building/backbone PLC PHY/MAC in HF bands (region-dependent, typically >1.8 MHz into tens of MHz) with EMC notching; hundreds-of-Mbps-class PHY.
ITU-T G.9903 — G3-PLC (Narrowband): Below ~500 kHz with regional bandplans (e.g., CENELEC up to 148.5 kHz in EU; wider FCC/ARIB elsewhere); long reach, noise-resilient; common in AMI/Smart Grid; IPv6 supported via adaptation layers.
IEEE 1901.2 — Narrowband PLC framework: NB-PLC PHY/MAC family used in utility/industrial deployments; complements G3-PLC/PRIME ecosystems.
ITU-T G.9904 — PRIME (Narrowband): Alternative NB-PLC profile for metering/utility networks; sub-Mbps-class PHY in broader (e.g., FCC) bands.
ITU-T G.996x — G.hn (Broadband over power lines): Gigabit-class broadband networking over power lines (also coax/twisted pair); common for in-building distribution.

With the concept, families, and constraints in view, the next questions naturally become which applications benefit most
and how different vendors’ silicon choices realize those trade-offs.

How PLC Works

PLC signal chain: TX modem → coupling network → power line → coupling → RX AFE + modem (OFDM/FSK, notching, impedance matching)

Overview. A PLC transmitter modulates data onto a high-frequency carrier and injects it onto the same conductors that carry power, using a coupling network. At the far end, the line signal is conditioned by an analog front end (AFE) and demodulated back to data. In practice, implementations follow narrowband or broadband profiles defined by international standards.

Transmit side. Common modulation families include OFDM (multi-tone subcarriers with pilots and notching) and, in simpler systems, FSK. Emitted spectra, output power, and notches are constrained by EMC rules and regional bandplans. The coupling network injects the carrier while blocking mains frequency, matching impedance, and providing isolation/over-voltage protection.

Coupling network duties: block 50/60 Hz mains, provide impedance matching, limit surge, and shape the injected spectrum.
Typical implementations: transformer or capacitive coupling with line drivers sized for compliance masks.

Line propagation. The power line is a time-varying, noisy channel with impedance discontinuities and branching loads. Expect multipath echoes, cyclostationary and impulsive noise, and frequency-selective fading; practical reach and throughput are shaped by channel noise, impedance changes, and distance-related attenuation.

Noise types: impulsive (switching), narrowband interferers, broadband background.
Topology effects: taps/branches create reflections; load changes shift the effective impedance.

Receive side. The AFE filters and protects the input, applies automatic gain control (AGC), and digitizes the signal for the modem. Demodulation performs synchronization, channel estimation and equalization, and forward error correction (FEC), with packet recovery strategies for burst noise. Narrowband and broadband families differ in their synchronization, equalization, and FEC choices to suit their bandplans and target environments.

Context snapshot	Typical bands (region-dependent)	Where it fits
Narrowband PLC (e.g., G3-PLC, PRIME)	Up to ~148.5 kHz in EU CENELEC; broader NB below ~500 kHz in FCC/ARIB regions	Long reach, noise-tolerant links (e.g., metering/utility)
Broadband PLC (e.g., IEEE 1901, G.hn)	HF spectrum typically >1.8 MHz into tens of MHz with EMC notching	High-throughput in-building distribution/backbone

Engineering note: practical designs follow vendor application notes and reference designs for coupling, protection, AFE settings, and compliance test setups; exact masks and achievable rates vary by region, wiring topology, and EMC rules.

These mechanisms are implemented in silicon differently across narrowband and broadband families defined by global standards.

Key Features of PLC

Key PLC features: cost savings via existing wiring, reliable wired backbone, security with link-layer crypto, hybrid PLC + Wi-Fi/Ethernet; notes on EMC notching, grid noise, topology

Cost-effectiveness. PLC reuses existing power wiring to move data, reducing new-cable pulls, installation time, and disruption in finished spaces. Total cost of ownership still depends on coupling hardware, AFE requirements, and compliance testing, including spectrum masks and EMC notching where required.

Reliability and stability. Signals do not suffer wall/ceiling attenuation the way many wireless links do, enabling stable backbone links across rooms and floors. That stability is conditional: the grid is a time-varying, noisy channel; switching events and branching loads shape the environment through grid noise, multipath, and frequency-selective fading.

Security. A wired medium limits casual over-the-air sniffing, and many PLC stacks support link-layer encryption and authentication. However, building topology, grounding, and shared circuits can create unintended leakage paths, so proper keying, access control, and segmentation remain essential.

Hybrid networking. PLC can serve as a wired backbone or backhaul for Wi-Fi/Ethernet distribution, or coexist with RS-485/serial retrofits in brownfield sites. End-to-end throughput and latency still depend on spectrum allocation and wiring topology (branches, impedance changes, segment lengths).

Feature	Where it shines	Watch-outs
Cost-effectiveness	Retrofits, finished buildings, quick rollouts	Coupling hardware cost; compliance tests; notching
Reliability / stability	Backbone links across rooms/floors; shielded spaces	Time-varying channel; grid noise; load changes
Security	Wired medium with link-layer crypto	Leakage via shared circuits; need ACLs/segmentation
Hybrid networking	PLC backhaul + Wi-Fi APs; brownfield retrofits	Topology-dependent latency/throughput; spectrum masks

Regulatory note: compliance constraints and spectrum limits vary by region and standard (e.g., CENELEC bands in the EU, FCC rules in the US). Designs should validate emission masks and any required notches for the target market.

The very characteristics that make PLC attractive also depend on electromagnetic limits and wiring topologies in the field.

Types of PLC & Standards

NB vs BB PLC overview: narrowband (G3-PLC, PRIME, IEEE 1901.2) sub-MHz bands for reach; broadband (IEEE 1901, G.hn) HF bands for throughput; regional bandplans and EMC notching

Overview. Narrowband (NB) PLC prioritizes reach and noise resilience under sub-MHz bandplans, making it a fit for AMI and utility/industrial links. Broadband (BB) PLC operates in the HF spectrum (region-dependent, typically >1.8 MHz into tens of MHz) with EMC notching, delivering in-building distribution and backbone throughput up to hundreds of Mbps or more (with G.hn reaching gigabit-class PHY). Both families are shaped by regional masks, wiring quality, and topology.

Broadband PLC

Standard	Bands & rates	Fit	Common pain points
IEEE 1901 (Broadband PLC)	HF spectrum typically >1.8 MHz to tens of MHz with required notches; hundreds-of-Mbps-class PHY for in-building distribution/backbone.	High-throughput home/building backbones and room-to-room distribution over existing wiring.	Multipath/frequency-selective fading and wiring topology affect stable rates; emission masks constrain usable bandwidth.
ITU-T G.996x (G.hn)	Operates over power lines (also coax/twisted pair) with gigabit-class PHY under favorable in-building wiring and configurations.	In-building distribution where higher peak rates and multi-media support (power/coax/twisted pair) are attractive.	Effective throughput depends on wiring quality, branches, impedance discontinuities, and distance/noise.

Standards referenced: ITU-T G.9903 (G3-PLC), ITU-T G.9904 (PRIME), IEEE 1901.2 (NB-PLC framework), IEEE 1901 (BPL), ITU-T G.996x (G.hn). Regional constraints include CENELEC (EU), FCC (US), and ARIB (JP) rule sets.

Where each family shines—and where it struggles—becomes evident once we look at real-world constraints.

Challenges & Considerations

PLC challenges: grid noise types, impedance discontinuities at branches, L–N–PE paths, distance vs throughput, regulatory masks and EMC notching

Context. The PLC channel is time-varying and shared with power delivery. Practical performance is shaped by noise, impedance changes across branches and loads, wiring topology (L–N–PE), distance/SNR trade-offs, and region-specific emission masks with required EMC notching.

Factor	What to expect	Design implications
Noise models	Impulsive transients from switching devices, narrowband interferers from radio services, cyclostationary components tied to mains, and a broadband background floor.	Use interleaving, tone maps, adaptive bit loading, FEC, and judicious notching where required.
Impedance discontinuities	Taps, connectors, and plug-in loads create reflections and frequency-selective fading.	Coupling network design and impedance matching strongly affect injection loss and usable tones, especially across branched wiring.
L–N–PE topology	Single-phase vs three-phase service, L–N versus L–L paths, grounding practices, and shared returns influence reach, leakage, and coexistence.	Cross-phase coupling may be needed; protective earth bonding alters the effective channel.
Distance vs throughput	As distance and branch count increase, attenuation and noise reduce SNR, forcing lower bit loading and fewer tones.	Narrowband profiles trade peak rate for reach; broadband profiles trade reach for higher in-building throughput. Use relays/repeaters or adjust topology to restore margin.
Regulatory masks & notching	Regional rules (e.g., CENELEC in the EU, FCC in the US, ARIB in JP) define spectrum masks and protected bands.	Honor static or dynamic notches, verify emission limits, and document compliance for the target market.

Decision checklist

Run a site noise audit (impulsive, narrowband, broadband) across operating hours.
Map branches and major loads; assess coupling options and protection needs.
Confirm L–N/L–L paths, grounding, and any cross-phase requirements.
Select profile and tone plan with realistic SNR/distance assumptions.
Plan compliance testing early (spectrum masks, required notches, documentation).

Engineering evidence: conclusions above derive from field measurements (conducted/radiated tests, grounding/loop checks) and formal compliance evaluations against regional masks and notching requirements.

These constraints shape not only where PLC fits, but how vendors tune silicon for specific applications.

Applications of PLC

PLC application collage: smart grid/AMI, building backbone, SMB industrial retrofits, lighting control, solar PV & storage on DC buses, EV charging, vertical links

Overview. Powerline communication spans narrowband links for long reach and noise resilience, and broadband links for in-building backbones. Selection is driven by target rate, distance, wiring topology, and regional compliance. Below are common deployment patterns with representative ICs (names only, details deferred to the vendor section).

Smart Grid / AMI (Tier-1, brief)

Concentrator↔meter backhaul, distribution automation, and street-lighting control typically use narrowband PLC under regional bandplans (e.g., CENELEC/FCC/ARIB) with standards such as ITU-T G.9903 (G3-PLC), ITU-T G.9904 (PRIME), and IEEE 1901.2. Focus areas are coverage, interoperability, and compliance.

Representative ICs: ST8500; PL360.

Home & Building Backbone

In multi-dwelling units, hotels, campuses, and retrofit office floors, PLC provides a wired backbone across existing power runs, often feeding Wi-Fi access points or IP endpoints without new cabling. Broadband PLC (IEEE 1901) and G.hn (ITU-T G.996x) deliver the throughput for room-to-room distribution.

Standards: IEEE 1901; ITU-T G.996x (G.hn).

Representative ICs: G.hn PLC chipsets.

Commercial & SMB Industrial Retrofits

Sensors, submeters, and controllers in warehouses, workshops, and older buildings can report over existing wiring, coexisting with or replacing RS-485. Narrowband PLC favors reach and noise tolerance; broadband variants fit small zones needing higher data rates. Site noise audits and coupling choices are key.

Standards: ITU-T G.9903 / G.9904; IEEE 1901.2 (NB); IEEE 1901 / G.hn (BB).

Representative ICs: PL360; AFE031 (AFE).

Lighting Control & Smart City

Zonal lighting, corridor control, and municipal street-lighting leverage narrowband PLC for long runs and robust links, often integrating with AMI/utility infrastructure for management and billing.

Standards: ITU-T G.9903 (G3-PLC); ITU-T G.9904 (PRIME); IEEE 1901.2.

Representative ICs: ST8500; PL360.

Solar PV & Energy Storage on DC Buses

PLC on DC strings connects inverters, optimizers, BMS, and gateway controllers. Designs must account for DC noise spectra and impedance changes as strings reconfigure. Narrowband PLC is common; compliance still follows regional masks.

Standards: ITU-T G.9903 / G.9904 (NB); regional CENELEC/FCC/ARIB rules.

Representative ICs: AFE031 (AFE); PL360.

EV Charging (EVSE ↔ EV)

For high-level communication between charger and vehicle, HomePlug Green PHY (derived from IEEE 1901) underpins ISO 15118 and DIN 70121 signaling over control pilot/earth lines (per IEC 61851 context). Priorities include interoperability, grounding integrity, and installation noise.

Standards: ISO 15118; DIN 70121; IEC 61851; HomePlug Green PHY.

Representative ICs: Green PHY transceivers; automotive-grade AFEs.

Elevators / Vertical Links (optional)

Camera/intercom/status backhaul within shafts or risers uses broadband PLC where short distances and fixed cabling favor higher rates without new pulls.

Standards: IEEE 1901; ITU-T G.996x (G.hn).

Representative ICs: G.hn PLC chipsets.

Standards mapping: AMI → G.9903/G.9904/IEEE 1901.2 (NB); building backbone → IEEE 1901/G.hn (BB); EV charging → ISO 15118 / DIN 70121 over Green PHY; regional constraints → CENELEC (EU), FCC (US), ARIB (JP). Deployments should validate spectrum masks/notches and perform field noise/coupling tests.

Those patterns mirror how each vendor positions their PLC silicon portfolios.

Vendor Solutions — Neutral Comparison

Vendor comparison: protocols (G3-PLC, PRIME, IEEE 1901.2, IEEE 1901, G.hn, Green PHY), typical apps, strengths, trade-offs, auto-grade

Scope. The vendors below cover different PLC families and integration roles—from narrowband modems and broadband chipsets to AFEs, protection, and automotive integration. The matrix gives a quick scan; the brief notes provide context and a hint at where each portfolio tends to fit.

Vendor	Protocol families	Typical apps	Strength	Trade-offs	Auto-grade
STMicroelectronics (ST)	G3-PLC / PRIME / IEEE 1901.2 (NB)	AMI, street lighting, industrial NB backhaul	Mature NB ecosystem; tools & refs	BB use cases need system integration	PARTIAL
Microchip	G3-PLC / PRIME (NB)	AMI, SMB industrial, building retrofits	Low-power NB designs; reference designs	BB requires third-party integration	PARTIAL
Renesas	G3-PLC / PRIME (NB)	Metering, distribution, lighting control	MCU+PLC platforming; utility track record	BB needs system integration	PARTIAL
Texas Instruments (TI)	AFE/line drivers; ecosystems for NB/BB/Green PHY	Industrial backhaul, building, EV charging	Strong analog/AFE/power; rich ref designs	Relies on partner PLC modems/stacks	YES
NXP	ISO 15118/DIN 70121 stacks; Green PHY ecosystem	EVSE/EV comms, security & control	Automotive + security (SE) integration	Uses external Green PHY PHY/modems	YES
onsemi	AFE/power/TVS/isolators (system support)	EV charging protection, industrial PSU fronts	Wide automotive-grade power & protection	Not a PLC modem provider	YES
Melexis	Automotive sensors/interfaces (system support)	In-vehicle monitoring/diagnostics layers	Strong automotive sensing portfolio	Not a PLC modem provider	YES

Vendor briefs

STMicroelectronics (ST)

Focus on narrowband PLC (G3-PLC/PRIME/IEEE 1901.2) with mature toolchains and reference designs for AMI and municipal lighting.

Strength: Established NB ecosystem and utilities experience. Trade-offs: For broadband backbones, system-level integration is typically required.

Where it fits: Utility-grade links that prioritize reach and robustness over peak PHY.

Microchip

Narrowband PLC modem families (e.g., PL-series) covering G3-PLC/PRIME with low-power operation and solid reference designs.

Strength: Long-reach NB implementations and application notes. Trade-offs: Broadband scenarios rely on third-party chipsets.

Where it fits: AMI and SMB retrofits needing resilient NB links.

Renesas

MCU + NB-PLC platforming for G3-PLC/PRIME with utility deployments across metering and distribution automation.

Strength: Integration with MCU portfolios and reliability focus. Trade-offs: Broadband backbones require external chipsets.

Where it fits: Metering/control networks with tight MCU integration.

Texas Instruments (TI)

Analog front ends, line drivers, isolation, and power for PLC; integrates with partner modems/stacks for NB, BB, and Green PHY.

Strength: AFE/power breadth and reference designs. Trade-offs: Depends on ecosystem partners for full PLC PHY/MAC.

Where it fits: Industrial backhaul and EV charging where analog robustness and protection are critical.

NXP

Automotive-grade controllers and security elements with ISO 15118/DIN 70121 stacks, pairing with Green PHY physical layers.

Strength: Automotive integration and security. Trade-offs: PLC PHY typically sourced from Green PHY partners.

Where it fits: EVSE/EV communications and secure charging ecosystems.

onsemi

Automotive-grade power, protection (TVS), and isolation devices that support PLC systems, especially in charging and industrial fronts.

Strength: Broad AEC-Q portfolio for protection/power. Trade-offs: No native PLC modem offering.

Where it fits: EV charging front ends and harsh industrial environments.

Melexis

Automotive sensors and interfaces aiding diagnostics/monitoring layers around PLC deployments inside vehicles or chargers.

Strength: Automotive sensing/diagnostics expertise. Trade-offs: Not a PLC modem vendor.

Where it fits: In-vehicle monitoring and supporting electronics around PLC links.

Evidence types: comparisons reflect publicly available datasheets, errata, application notes, reference designs, and compliance-test documentation; device availability and features vary by region and standard (CENELEC/FCC/ARIB).

Choosing among them depends on your use case, constraints, and supply realities.

IC Selection Guide by Use Case

How to use this guide. Start from your application, then shortlist recommended ICs and cross-brand alternates. Check package/thermal, compliance (bandplans, masks, notching, safety), SDK/stack support, and supply status before committing.

Smart Grid / AMI (Tier-1)

Recommended family: Narrowband PLC — ITU-T G.9903 (G3-PLC), ITU-T G.9904 (PRIME), IEEE 1901.2.

Recommended ICs: ST8500; Microchip PL-series (e.g., PL360); Renesas NB-PLC families.

Cross-brand alternates: TI AFE031 (AFE) + compatible NB modem stacks.

Notes: CENELEC/FCC/ARIB bandplans and notching; interoperability profiles; temperature grade and isolation.

Home & Building Backbone

Recommended family: Broadband PLC — IEEE 1901; ITU-T G.996x (G.hn).

Recommended ICs: G.hn PLC chipsets (multi-vendor).

Cross-brand alternates: NB PLC with repeaters for low-rate telemetry; Ethernet/PoE as a fall-back where cabling exists.

Notes: Floor-to-floor topology, multipath, notching; backhaul planning for Wi-Fi APs.

Commercial & SMB Industrial Retrofits

Recommended family: Narrowband for reach/noise tolerance; localized BB where higher rate is needed.

Recommended ICs: Microchip PL360; ST8500; Renesas NB-PLC; TI AFE031 (AFE).

Cross-brand alternates: Keep RS-485 for noisy segments; mix NB PLC for backbone with local BB islands.

Notes: VFD/motor noise, coupling choice and protection, realistic SNR survey across shifts.

Lighting Control & Smart City

Recommended family: Narrowband PLC — G3-PLC/PRIME/IEEE 1901.2.

Recommended ICs: ST8500; Microchip PL-series; Renesas NB-PLC.

Cross-brand alternates: Complement with sub-GHz wireless where segments are sparse or discontinuous.

Notes: Long runs with many branches, surge/ESD robustness, nighttime noise profiles.

Solar PV & Energy Storage on DC Buses

Recommended family: Narrowband PLC (G3-PLC/PRIME) with DC-appropriate coupling.

Recommended ICs: TI AFE031 (AFE); Microchip PL-series; Renesas NB-PLC.

Cross-brand alternates: Use CAN/RS-485 runs on particularly noisy or HV segments.

Notes: DC noise spectrum and common-mode behavior; isolation and safety; package thermal limits.

EV Charging (EVSE ↔ EV)

Recommended family: HomePlug Green PHY (derived from IEEE 1901) carrying ISO 15118 / DIN 70121 within IEC 61851 context.

Recommended ICs: Green PHY transceivers; NXP controllers/secure elements; TI/onsemi power, isolation, protection; automotive-grade AFEs.

Cross-brand alternates: Follow local interoperability lists; validate with target vehicle fleets.

Notes: Grounding and cross-phase paths, EMC/ESD/surge, AEC-Q qualification where appropriate.

Elevators / Vertical Links

Recommended family: Broadband PLC (G.hn) for short, high-throughput vertical runs.

Recommended ICs: G.hn PLC chipsets; TI/onsemi for power, isolation, and protection.

Cross-brand alternates: Coax/twisted-pair fall-back where PLC faces extreme EMI.

Notes: Metallic shaft multipath, maintenance access, EMI exposure from motors/drives.

Step-by-step selection

Define traffic: peak/average rate, latency/jitter, reliability targets.
Map wiring/topology: distance, branch count, L-N-PE path, any cross-phase needs.
Noise audit: measure impulsive, narrowband, and broadband noise across operating hours.
Pick family: NB for reach/noise, BB for in-building throughput, Green PHY for EV charging.
Short-list ICs: recommended + cross-brand alternates; verify package/temperature/auto-grade and SDK/stack/refs.
Compliance plan: region (CENELEC/FCC/ARIB), masks/notches, ISO 15118/DIN 70121 where relevant.
Supply check: lifecycle, lead time, second sources, pin-compatibility or re-layout impact.

Evidence basis: recommendations reflect parameter envelopes, regional compliance constraints, and ecosystem maturity (SDKs, protocol stacks, reference designs). Validate with site surveys and target-market testing before release.

A few recurring questions usually decide the short list.

FAQs

What is powerline communication?

Powerline communication (PLC) carries data over the same conductors that deliver electricity, using modulation/demodulation and coupling networks. Families include narrowband (e.g., ITU-T G.9903 G3-PLC, G.9904 PRIME, IEEE 1901.2) and broadband (IEEE 1901, ITU-T G.996x G.hn). See Introduction and How PLC Works. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

What does powerline connection mean?

It means a data link established over power wiring rather than a separate Ethernet cable or RF link. The modem injects a carrier through a coupling network; the receiver’s AFE filters, gains, and demodulates it. See How PLC Works. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

What is an example of power line communication?

Utility AMI (smart meters to concentrators) uses narrowband PLC under regional bandplans; in-building backbones use broadband PLC (IEEE 1901 / G.hn). EV charging uses HomePlug Green PHY (from IEEE 1901) to carry ISO 15118 / DIN 70121. See Applications. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

What is the maximum distance for power line communication?

Narrowband PLC can span kilometer-class runs under favorable SNR and masks; broadband PLC is typically building-scale for high throughput. Reach depends on noise, impedance discontinuities, and spectrum masks/notching (CENELEC/FCC/ARIB). See Challenges and Types & Standards. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

How far can powerline adapters reach?

Best on the same panel/phase and across typical floor runs; performance drops over multiple breakers, RCD/GFCI devices, surge strips, or long branched circuits. Expect building-scale coverage for broadband PLC when wiring is clean; verify on-site with tests. See Challenges. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

Is powerline slower than Ethernet?

Ethernet offers consistent full-duplex rates and lower jitter; broadband PLC (IEEE 1901/G.hn) can deliver hundreds-of-Mbps PHY under good wiring but varies with noise/topology. For deterministic performance use Ethernet; for many retrofits PLC is “fast enough.” See Types & Standards and Key Features. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

Is powerline better than Wi-Fi?

Depends on environment: PLC is immune to walls and many RF issues and works well as a wired backhaul; Wi-Fi wins for mobility and convenience. Many deployments combine both: PLC backhaul + Wi-Fi APs. See Key Features. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

Can you run Ethernet through a powerline?

Yes. PLC adapters carry Ethernet frames over power wiring; use a pair (or more) to bridge between outlets. Compliance masks and wiring conditions govern throughput/stability. See Selection Guide. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

Can a powerline transmit Wi-Fi?

PLC doesn’t transmit Wi-Fi radio; it transports data over wires. A Wi-Fi access point on the far end provides wireless coverage. This hybrid (PLC backhaul + Wi-Fi APs) is common in hotels/MDU. See Applications. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

Is powerline AC or DC?

Both: PLC runs over AC distribution and DC buses with appropriate coupling. Bandplans, coupling, and masks differ by use case/region (CENELEC/FCC/ARIB). See How PLC Works and Challenges. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

How many volts are in power lines?

Household mains are typically 120 Vac (North America) or ~230 Vac (many regions); distribution/transmission operate at kV levels. PLC rides on the same conductors; designs must respect safety, isolation, and compliance limits. See Challenges. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

How many volts is a 110 outlet?

“110 V” is colloquial; modern North American outlets are nominally 120 Vac (tolerance applies). PLC equipment follows local safety and EMC requirements. See Selection Guide. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

Why can't DC travel long distances?

It can—modern HVDC moves power efficiently over long distances. For PLC, DC buses are common in PV/storage; designs address DC noise spectra, isolation, and coupling specifics. See Applications and Challenges. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

Which powerline adapter is best?

Prioritize standards (IEEE 1901/G.hn), regional notching/compliance, real-world throughput on your wiring, and vendor support (SDK/firmware). For NB utility/industrial, evaluate G3-PLC/PRIME; for BB in-building, test G.hn/IEEE 1901 on-site. See Selection Guide. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

Does powerline Ethernet need to be on the same circuit?

Same phase/circuit is most reliable; crossing phases/panels may need couplers and can reduce rate due to added impedance/filters. Verify at target outlets; consult local code and EMC constraints. See Challenges. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

Which chips support G3-PLC?

Common SoCs/modems include ST’s ST8500, Microchip PL-series (e.g., PL360), and Renesas NB-PLC families; confirm regional bandplans and certified stacks. Evidence types: datasheets, application notes, reference designs with interoperability profiles. See Vendor Solutions. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

Do I need AEC-Q100 parts?

Use AEC-Q100/Q200 parts for in-vehicle links or harsh EVSE environments; check temperature grade, isolation, surge/ESD, and reliability metrics. EV charging comms often use HomePlug Green PHY carrying ISO 15118/DIN 70121—validate via vendor reference designs and compliance tests. See Selection Guide. If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, submit your BOM.

If you already have a BOM or need cross-brand options, we can help formalize it.