Power Line Communication and Home Automation System

A typical PLC control system used for home automation consists of the following: A PC-based host station, a PLC transceiver and a number of control interface units. Host Station The host station with the Windows based software is the "brain" of the Home Automation System. It can operate independently, or it can be configured as a workstation of an existing local area network. It can also be remotely controlled via the Internet. Thus, you can turn on your security alarms or monitor the situation in your house even if you are on business trip overseas. PLC Transceiver The PLC Transceiver is a communication device, supporting the communication between the host station and the Appliances Interface Units (AIU) in a Home Automation System. It has a RS232 or USB interface connecting to the host station end, and on the other end, a PLC coupling interface connecting to the AIUs via the power line. Appliances Interface Units (AIU) The Appliances Interface Units (AIU) are used to control the appliances in a Home Automation environment. A number of Application Interface Units is available for different control and applications as described below: ◆ Programmable Controller Plug the controller into any existing power sockets and you can program it to control other modules over your AC wiring. You can program all the switch modules in the house in a single unit and you can remotely switch lights, televisions, Audio-visual equipment and other appliances on and off with a touch of a button --- A handy controller for Home Automation. The unit comes with 16-key numeric keypad with ON, OFF, Dim, Bright, and Status keys. The Programmable Controller and the corresponding Switch Modules are configurable at the host station. An LCD screen shows the operating status of the modules under control. ◆ Wall-mounted, Remote Controlled Power Socket Replace your existing power outlets with the module, and you can control the power at the outlet. It comes with an override switch, when it is on, power is always on and the socket functions as a normal power outlet. A LED indicator shows and the host station monitors the ON/OFF status of the socket. It is a basic component for Home Automation. ◆ Remote Controlled Plug-in Power Socket The Plug-in Power Socket controls any 220V high-wattage appliance such as air conditioners, electric heaters and water heaters rated up to 20A. It plugs into a regular 220V outlet. It comes with a override switch and a LED indicator. ON/OFF status can be monitored by the host station. It is a convenient way to implement Home Automation without changing any sockets in the house. ◆ Wall-mounted Remote Controlled Switches As a first step in Home Automation, you may replace your light switches or switches for other appliances with the module, and you can turn on the light, the fan or other appliances from the host station or from a programmable controller. The switch can also function manually, ON/OFF toggles depending on the present status. A LED indicator accompanying each switch shows the ON/OFF status of that switch. The ON/OFF status can also be shown at the host station. ◆ Contact Input and Output Modules The module provides 4 sets of independent dry relay contact output terminals, and 4 sets of independent dry contact input terminals. The output contacts are rated at 220v, 5A and the input terminals are opto-isolated. The input and output terminals are independently Programmable at the host station. It provides the necessary status inputs and control outputs for a Home Automation System. ◆ Data Transmission Unit It is a Half-duplex bi-directional data transmission unit. It facilitates data communication between the user equipment and the host station. RS232 or USB interface at the user end and PLC connection to the AC wiring at the host station end. Data rate up to 9600 bps. It is the communication device of the Home Automation System.