A new partnership regarding the new powerline communication protocol G3-PLC is scheduled to be announced in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from October 4 to 6. Unlike the existing powerline communication PLC, which is broadband PLC, G3-PLC is a narrowband PLC based on IEEE Free Standard 1902.2. It seeks stable transmission over long distances and in the absence of noise, with a particular focus on communication between EV vehicle chargers and with power suppliers.

The companies participating in the key partnerships of this Metering Europe Conference include Enexis, ERDF, Maxim Integrated Products, STMicroelectronics, Texas Instruments, Cisco, Itron, Landis & Gyr, Nexans, Sagemcom, and Trialog.

In particular, Scott Robertson (hereinafter Scott), Head of Powerline Communications at Maxim headquarters, who visited Korea on September 7, cited the current forecasts of the U.S. Department of Energy, JD Power, and Peak Research, stating that 1.22 million electric and hybrid vehicles are expected to be sold annually in the U.S. by 2015, and that more than 5 million units are expected to be sold annually by 2020. It was also stated that 4.5 million electric charging stations would be installed by 2015, which is ten times the current number of gas stations in the United States.

In this regard, the most important aspects were mentioned regarding the billing of electric vehicles and the appropriate regulation of electricity usage by electric power suppliers, which further emphasized the importance of communication through power lines. To this end, Maxim announced that it has developed a more stable and reliable G3-PLC chipset using Maxim's proprietary OFDM (orthogonal frequency division multiplexing) technology and error collection technology, and stated that the MAX2991/2 is currently available for immediate mass production and supply.

MAX2991/2 Compliance Solution
-Operating temp: -40 ~ +105 C, Automotive grade AEC-Q100 qualification
-Smart Grid tested in USA, FRANCE, JAPAN, SPAIN, PORTUGAL, CHINA, TAIWAN
-IPv6 compatible with data rates up to 300kbps
-MAC-level security with AES-128 encryption for secure authentication
-Built-in Mesh support increases robustness & eases deployment

In addition, Mr. Scott Robertson stated that while using conventional AC charging for EVs requires at least 4 hours to over 12 hours, DC charging allows for a charge in just 20 minutes, and MaximIt was stated that the MAX2991 is the industry's only chipset to have passed the DC charging environment test.

Finally, it was added that while Maxim's G3-PLC is currently focused on the electric vehicle sector, it can also be used in all areas of the smart grid, and for example, Maxim's G3-PLC-related devices can be used in everything from data outlet rates connected to high-voltage lines to meters, air conditioners, lighting controls, solar panels, and all other parts on low-voltage lines.


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