Universal PLC technology for building reliable and cost-effective networks using existing Power Lines.

Universal PLC technology for building reliable and cost-effective networks using existing Power Lines.
e-terrapowercom is a broadband power line modem with integrated switch designed for communications on medium and low voltage grids. The solution is based on broadband PLC technology with additional networking capabilities, to build reliable and cost-effective communication networks utilizing existing power cables. e-terrapowercom provides a ruggedized design with superior performance allowing for a diverse range of applications such as metering, automation, asset monitoring, video surveillance and IP telephony.
e-terrapowercom is a broadband power line modem with integrated switch designed for communications on medium and low voltage grids. The solution is based on broadband PLC technology with additional networking capabilities, to build reliable and cost-effective communication networks utilizing existing power cables. e-terrapowercom provides a ruggedized design with superior performance allowing for a diverse range of applications such as metering, automation, asset monitoring, video surveillance and IP telephony.
* Maximum bandwidth depending on signal noise ratio and external factors
e-terrapowercom uses power cables as a medium for digital communication necessary for automation and control of the power grid. The solution delivers a transparent IP network with Quality-of-Service (QoS) to prioritize critical applications, and uses Virtual LANs (VLAN) to separate data streams of each distinct service. In order to improve asset control and maintenance, IP video cameras and telephones can be deployed in key substations due to the exceeding bandwidth provided. The communication system can be rolled out over a large number of substations starting from High Voltage (HV) substation to several kilometers over the grid, as it does not require heavy civil works and additional infrastructure.
Industries can take advantage of the power grid built to supply energy to production and machinery to create IP communication channels, using the e-terrapowercom solution. This data channel can provide backhauling for operating local networks, telemetry on remote devices, and supervision of the assets connected to the control center. In addition, environments like underground facilities often have limited radio coverage and Broadband Power Line enables connecting such areas.
The e-terrapowercom is also available in a long range version, which has a higher power density in shorter frequency channel to attain longer distances or overcome noisier environments. The maximum bandwidth is reduced and it is dedicated to specific cases.
The e-terrapowercom modem is connected to the electrical grid through inductive or capacitive coupling devices. Inductive is used over insulated cables while capacitive requires a connection to a live part of the grid. Inductive is easy and fast to install, especially in cubicles and small rooms. Capacitive is mainly dedicated to overhead lines.
BPL | Long Range | |
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Maximum raw bandwidth | 200 Mbps | 40 Mbps |
Frequency range | 2 to 34 MHz | 1 to 17 MHz |
Frequency modes | 16 | 16 |
Modulation | OFDM | OFDM |
Encryption | 3DES / AES 128bits | 3DES / AES 128bits |
BPL power spectral density | -35 dBm/Hz | -30 dBm/Hz |
Internal filters | Selectable | Selectable |
Networking | ||
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Mode | Layer-2 / Layer-3 | |
Features | Real-time monitoring Remote ping (ICMP) Static NAT MAC address filtering VLAN Access / Trunk DHCP client DHCP server QoS IPSec client SNMP v3 NTP client | |
Web GUI | HTTP / HTTPS | |
Network standards | IEEE 802.3 IEEE 802.1p IEEE 802.1q |
Hardware | |
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Ports | 2x BPL 50 Ohm 4x FEth RJ-45 auto-sensing AC power cord connector DC terminal block |
Operation temperature | -20°C to 65°C 5% to 95% non-condensing |
Weight | 680 g |
Dimensions (W x H x D) | 60 x 146 x 150 mm |
DIN mount | Top hat rail |
Ingress Protection Level | IP-40 |
Electrical | |
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AC Operating voltage | 80 to 265 Vac 50/60Hz |
DC Operation voltage | 24 to 40 Vdc |
Power consumption | 6 W (Peak 12 W) |
Standards | |
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EMC | IEC 61000-6-2:2005 IEC 61000-6-4:2006 IEC 61000-6-5:2001 ANSI C37.90.1/2/3 |
Operation environment | IEC 60721-3-3: 3K5 / 3M4 |
Safety | EN 60950 (LV Directive) / Class II |
GE Vernova’s Gridcom T390 is an integrated system, combining high performance and flexibility, which allows utilities to reliably transmit voice, data, teleprotection and other services over HV transmission lines.
GE Vernova’s Gridcom T390 is an integrated system, combining high performance and flexibility, which allows utilities to reliably transmit voice, data, teleprotection and other services over HV transmission lines.
Offering superimposed mode and teleprotection over QAM for the highest LAN to LAN performance for your applications
High speed transmission for RTU: Some RTU's may require higher communication capabilities for SCADA. Some substations have to provide communication capabilities to perform remote operations such as configuration, telemaintenence, and monitoring. Since these services are mainly over IP, they require up to several hundred kbits/s for transmission.
Equipped with an Ethernet interface, Gridcom T390 can transmit LAN and WAN information from one end to the other. This feature, designed to support IP traffic transmission on energy company networks, implements an L2 bridge at network level (full transparent bridging) with advanced capabilities, compliant with 802.1q for VLAN transport, capable to go upto 320kbits/s @ 48 kHz total bandwidth in superimposed mode.
Gridcom T390 superimposed mode is desigend to allow transmission (TX) and reception (RX) to share the same frequency band. Superimposed mode is vital for digital PLC applications as it allows optimal bandwidth optimization, and can reduce the total bandwidth occupation by half.
Secure & Reliable Solution
The Gridcom T390's RADIUS Remote User Authentication and SSH encryption adapts to your centralized user management topology with guaranteed communication confidentiality and data integrity between the PLC and the user.
Offering a powerful, embedded HMI configuration, commissioning, and test tool.
The Windows based HMI provides a comprehensive set of features including: | Numerous operations are available in maintenance (TEST) mode: |
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Gridcom T390 integrates:
Each unit can be installed separately for a specific function, and can be configured to customer requirements, offering a high level of flexibility without any factory returns. All connections, including the power supply, are on the front of the unit for easy access for maintenance and checks.
Offering perfect operational flexibility, GE Vernova’s Gridcom T390 supports Analog, Digital, and mixed transmission on the same hardware platform. Customers can purchase an analog PLC, then upgrade with a simple firmware key activation, if the condition and application allow it. Compared to a conventional chassis, the number of interfaces is not restricted by the size of the chassis.