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e-terrapowercom
Broadband power line communication

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.

Key Benefits
  • Easy and fast installation using existing power cables with compact footprint and no additional infrastructure cost.
  • High bandwidth providing multiple services in Ethernet IP for seamless network integration. Low latency compared to cellular technologies for real time applications.
  • Dedicated and owned network eliminates dependency on telecom providers, coverage problems and leased line fees, allowing full priority and control of the data channel.
  • Extends network coverage to places that radio frequencies cannot reach, such as underground chambers and substations.
  • Supports a variety of network topologies such as rings, string lines and point-to-multipoint matching most of power grids architectures.
Applications

Remote control and monitoring

  • Remote Terminal Unities (RTU) IEC104 and Goose IEC61850
  • Smart sensors and detectors
  • Remote controlled switchgears
  • Access control

Advanced metering infrastructure

  • Medium voltage metering
  • Low voltage metering data backhauling

Extended use networks

  • LAN extension
  • Channel redundancy
  • Backhauling for Local access Wi-Fi

Multimedia connectivity

  • VoIP
  • Video Surveillance
  • Infrastructure network access
 
GE Advantage Utility Application Industrial Application Product Overview Technical Specification
GE Advantage

Superior transceiver design with proven field performance providing high signal power resulting in optimal performance

  • Up to 200Mbps* throughput and low latency data channel
  • Superior signal amplifier design for long distance coverage going up to several hundred meters without repeaters
  • Configurable frequency bands for optimal spectrum reuse
  • Flexible modulation with configurable notches to prevent interferences with other systems

Flexible switching features enabling a variety of applications

  • Built-in Ethernet switch reducing deployment costs by eliminating the need for additional network infrastructure
  • Integrated GUI for configuration and maintenance
  • Embedded monitoring and measurement tools for quicker deployment and simplified maintenance
  • Fast deployment mode utilizing default pre-configurations
  • Cyber security features to prevent local and remote unauthorized access

Ruggedized design for harsh environments with lower cost of ownership

  • Industrial hardened IP-40 enclosure with no cooling fans for extended operating life
  • Wide range built-in AC and DC power supply
  • DIN mountable and compact footprint design for small cubicles and voltage cell
  • EMC certified for high voltage environments and class II electrical safety

* Maximum bandwidth depending on signal noise ratio and external factors

Compact and rugged design for harsh environments
Compact and rugged design for harsh environments Suitable for a variety of environmental conditions Suitable for a variety of environmental conditions
Utility Application Example

Delivering cost effective communications solution for utilities on medium voltage networks

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.

Utility Application Example
Industry Application Example

A flexible and cost-effective alternative for telecom infrastructure for industrial applications

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.

Industry Application Example
E-terrapowercom Components

Long Range Version

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.

Coupling Options

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.

E-terrapowercom overview diagram
Technical Specification
BPL Long Range
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
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
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
AC Operating voltage 80 to 265 Vac 50/60Hz
DC Operation voltage 24 to 40 Vdc
Power consumption 6 W (Peak 12 W)
Standards
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