PLC Standard for France Revealed by ERDF
Electricite Reseau Distribution France (ERDF), part of EDF, has announced the release of an OFDM-based PLC (powerline communication) specification designed to facilitate global smart grid implementations. This specification supports the IPv6 internet-protocol standard to promote interoperability among global smart grid implementations. The specification can be downloaded from ERDF’s website.
Working with Maxim and Sagem, the new protocol has been evaluated against competing technologies in real world conditions and scenarios. These tests included long-distance communication over medium-voltage lines, two-way communication across medium-to-low-voltage transformers, coexistence with older FSK deployments, smart network routing/commissioning capability (mesh network), and many others. Through these advanced field trials, ERDF concluded that Maxim‘s PLC technology offers the most robust data communication over the PLC network compared to others.
ERDF is preparing to conduct an industrial pilot program in the rural area around Tours. Using G3-PLC technology, ERDF will deploy an AMM infrastructure to enhance grid operations and promote energy conservation. Upon the successful completion of these trials, ERDF’s goal is to implement an AMM network across France to serve its +35M customers.
The G3-PLC specification supports the IPv6 internet protocol. Both globally accepted and license-free, IPv6 enables an open standard available to all implementers.
The G3-PLC specification includes OFDM-based PHY/MAC layers and a 6LoWPAN adaptation layer to transmit IPv6 packets over powerline channels. The specification also includes innovations such as coexistence with older S-FSK systems, adaptive tone mapping for optimal bandwidth utilization, and a robust mode of operation that improves communication under noisy channel conditions. These capabilities allow implementers to achieve fast, reliable data communication over the long distances required by large-scale smart grid infrastructures.
