x10 - europe FYI

[dhouston]

You still haven't provided any details so I don't know whether you are dealing with 120VAC/60Hz or 230VAC/50Hz mains.

Here are URLs to several datasheets, application notes, and schematics of some X-10 PLC interfaces. They show various techniques for coupling to the powerline. While some are for FSK and/or obsolete parts, the powerline interface details still apply to X-10 and ASK modulation.

• http://www.ece.msstate.edu/courses/e...cs/design2.pdf
  http://www.st.com/stonline/products/...re/an/1751.pdf
  http://www.michat.com/pdf/GB/5051_APP.pdf
  http://www.selectronic.fr/includes_s.../NS/LM1893.pdf
  http://www.geocities.com/idobartana/...hematic_vH.pdf
  https://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/oet/f...ive_or_pdf=pdf
  http://ww1.microchip.com/downloads/e...tes/00236a.pdf

Anand Dhuru, who posts here, has designed PIC-based X-10 interfaces and may be willing to share details.

[ardhuru]

Anand Dhuru, who posts here, has designed PIC-based X-10 interfaces and may be willing to share details.

Thanks, Dave.

Yes, I can indeed give pointers in this area.

The PL513 is a transmit-only interface. The reason the schematic looks somewhat complex is, first, it has optos to isolate the controller from the mains, and secondly, it generates its own 120 khz modulatoin so that you dont have to.

I, with Darrel's help managed to modify the .lib file so that the XOUT signal on a pin comes out pre-modulated at 120 khz. Now, its a simple matter of coupling it to the mains. For this, I used a simple transformer used in AM radios (the one with a white slug).

I'm sorry I dont have a part number for the transformer; Dave with his experience in RF could perhaps specify one.

If you go the route I did (minus the optos) be *very* careful with safety aspects. My controller was completely self contained (including the pic), and so I could afford a tranformerless-opto-less design.

This circuit from Nuts'N'Volts would perhaps help.

Regards,

Anand

[ardhuru]

Digikey (among others) seem to stock this part.

http://parts.digikey.com/1/parts/666...vxa042yuk.html

Regards,

Anand

[dhouston]

I meant to mention the Nuts & Volts article but couldn't find my notes on it.

This is the three winding transformer used by X-10.

http://aeneas.com.cn/PDF/SUMIDA/GENE...nformation.htm

[eleckits]

Thanks, Dave.

Yes, I can indeed give pointers in this area.

The PL513 is a transmit-only interface. The reason the schematic looks somewhat complex is, first, it has optos to isolate the controller from the mains, and secondly, it generates its own 120 khz modulatoin so that you dont have to.

I, with Darrel's help managed to modify the .lib file so that the XOUT signal on a pin comes out pre-modulated at 120 khz. Now, its a simple matter of coupling it to the mains. For this, I used a simple transformer used in AM radios (the one with a white slug).

I'm sorry I dont have a part number for the transformer; Dave with his experience in RF could perhaps specify one.

If you go the route I did (minus the optos) be *very* careful with safety aspects. My controller was completely self contained (including the pic), and so I could afford a tranformerless-opto-less design.

This circuit from Nuts'N'Volts would perhaps help.

Regards,

Anand

Would you please give me the date of article for x10 which published at nuts and volts?