Analysis

Fujitsu Announces Two New SoCs for Powerline Communication

2nd March 2010
ES Admin
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Fujitsu Microelectronics Europe has introduced two new System-on-Chip (SoC) solutions for FSK-based Powerline Communication (PLC). The MB87S2090 and MB87S2090-F have been developed in association with ADD Semiconductor, a world leader in the development of SoCs for Communication-over-Powerline and solutions for Automatic Meter Management. Both devices are pin-to-pin compatible with ADD Semiconductor’s designs.
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The MB87S2090 is a Powerline Communication SoC, which implements a full Powerline Communication node using A, B and C band FSK modulations and is IEC61334-5-2 compatible. It includes an enhanced 8051 microcontroller, a Media Access Controller (MAC) and a modem circuit. A complete set of peripherals has been developed achieving a high level of versatility and providing a compact, low-cost solution for automated meter reading / automated meter management (AMR & AMM) applications using narrowband Powerline Communications.



Based on the MB87S2090 a single-phase smart meter can be realised without the need for additional microcontrollers. It includes an LCD driver as well as a range of serial communication interfaces to connect to a metering front-end device as well as to the outside. It also includes several timer-based peripherals and GPIO-pins that can be used to control / switch the power line (AMM).



For modular metering devices, the MB87S2090 can assume the complete Powerline Communication role and act as a Powerline Communication module, communicating with the measurement device via its serial interfaces.



The MB87S2090-F is a full Powerline Communication SoC, which implements a full Powerline Communication node using FSK C-band modulation and is compliant to EHS and Konnex standards for building automation as well as IEC61334-4-32. The device has been designed to target and simplify Powerline-based building automation, safety, security and control applications as well as energy-saving applications such as intelligent street lighting or solar panel management.



Like the MB87S2090, the MB87S2090-F integrates an enhanced 8051 microcontroller, a hardwired Media Access Controller (MAC) and a CENELEC FSK modem on one chip. As the MAC is hardwired, the integrated CPU can be used to perform application tasks. The many on-chip peripherals support these tasks. Five serial communication interfaces (3 UARTS, 2 SPI) secure communication to the outside, while integrated PWM timers can be used to switch or dim lights or manage other loads.The device only needs a simple coupling circuit and significantly reduces the number of components required for a Powerline Communication application making the employment of Powerline Communication as a control network affordable for a wider range of applications.



By integrating the MCU, MAC and Modem into single-chip devices and shifting the front-end filtering into digital filters Fujitsu’s new Powerline Communication solutions not only significantly reduce the number of components needed for line coupling but also improve the sensitivity with better noise suppression compared to analogue transceivers. The effect is much more stable communication even in harsh conditions.

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