June 2017

DocID030653 Rev 1

1/4

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STEVAL-XPLM01CPL

Power line communication AC coupling circuit

Data brief

Features



Complete AC coupling circuit suitable for

use with any power line communication

(PLC) solution



Can be paired with the X-NUCLEO-

PLM01A1 to add full AC coupling capability



Tuned for transmission inside CENELEC B

to D bands



Implements isolation and protections for safe

operation



Suitable for the connection of laboratory

equipment for PLC measurement and

testing



RoHS compliant

Description

The STEVAL-XPLM01CPL is a simple yet very

useful tool for power line communication testing

on AC power networks.

It includes simple two-wire connectivity to any

PLC transmitter/receiver and a standard

connector for an AC power cord (2-pin AC plug,

8-shape female end). The main components to

achieve suitable signal coupling are:

- PLC 1:1 transformer for differential coupling and

basic electrical isolation

- SM6T15CA 600 W Transil +320 V ac varistor

for effective protection against ESD, EFT and

surge disturbances from the power line

- High voltage AC blocking capacitor with X2

safety class

- Tuning series inductor to adjust the frequency

response

The STEVAL-XPLM01CPL can be very easily

interfaced with the X-NUCLEO-PLM01A1 to test

PLC communication performance over an AC

mains network.

The frequency response of the coupling circuit is

wide enough to fit any narrow-band PLC signal

under normal test conditions. However, it can be

easily adjusted by changing only the tuning

series inductor L1.

The STEVAL-XPLM01CPL is suitable for lab

measurements using equipment like an isolated

probe for an oscilloscope or a spectrum analyzer,

or to inject a signal from an arbitrary function

generator.