cd00004437

AN1714
Application note
ST7538Q FSK powerline
transceiver demonstration kit description
Introduction
The advantages in the implementation of a communication network using the same
electrical network that supplies all the elements of the network are evident. In the presence
of new wideband LANs using an RF system, for example Bluetooth, a narrowband
communication system using the mains has considerable advantages also.
It is widely accepted that in residential or industrial areas, in parallel to a wideband network
for audio/video streaming and Internet, having a narrowband LAN is useful to carry simple
information such as measurements, commands to actuators, system controls and so on.
Many applications can be covered by a narrowband communication system in a residential
structure, outside the house or in industrial applications (see Figure 1 below).
Figure 1.
Typical powerline modem applications scenario
For example in houses or commercial buildings possible applications are power
management, lighting control, heating or cooling system management, remote control of
appliances (by internet or telephone), and control of alarm systems.
Considering external applications, the main areas concern communication with meters, in
particular automatic measuring and remote control, prepaid supply systems, meter or inhome remote displays. Another relevant industrial segment could be street lighting
management.
February 2008
Rev 4
1/46
www.st.com
Contents
AN1714
Contents
1
Powerline communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
1.1
1.2
2
The electrical network . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
1.1.1
Impedance of powerlines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.1.2
Noise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
1.1.3
Typical connection losses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
1.1.4
Standing waves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
ST7538Q FSK powerline transceiver description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Demonstration board for ST7538Q . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.1
Main features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.2
Signal coupling interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
2.3
2.2.1
Transmitting section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.2.2
Receiving section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
2.2.3
Voltage regulation-current protection loops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Board power management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
2.3.1
L6590 regulator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
2.3.2
ST7538Q power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
2.4
Crystal oscillator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
2.5
Burst and surge protections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
2.6
ST7 microcontroller and RS232 interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
2.6.1
2.7
3
4
Modem / microcontroller interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Bill of material . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Demonstration board characterization . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
3.1
Conducted disturbance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
3.2
Narrowband conducted interference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
3.3
Output impedance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Design ideas for auxiliary blocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
4.1
Zero-crossing detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Appendix A Documentation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4.2
2/46
ST7538Q . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
AN1714
Contents
4.3
L6590 integrated power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4.4
ST7 microprocessor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
4.5
Surge and burst protections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
5
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
6
Revision history . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
3/46
List of figures
AN1714
List of figures
Figure 1.
Figure 2.
Figure 3.
Figure 4.
Figure 5.
Figure 6.
Figure 7.
Figure 8.
Figure 9.
Figure 10.
Figure 11.
Figure 12.
Figure 13.
Figure 14.
Figure 15.
Figure 16.
Figure 17.
Figure 18.
Figure 19.
Figure 20.
Figure 21.
Figure 22.
Figure 23.
Figure 24.
Figure 25.
Figure 26.
Figure 27.
Figure 28.
Figure 29.
Figure 30.
Figure 31.
Figure 32.
Figure 33.
Figure 34.
Figure 35.
Figure 36.
Figure 37.
Figure 38.
Figure 39.
Figure 40.
Figure 41.
Figure 42.
4/46
Typical powerline modem applications scenario. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Mains signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Aggregate European powerline impedance (by Malack and Engstrom). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Voltage spectra of a 100 W light dimmer, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a CFL lamp,
a TLE lamp, all working with a 50 Hz/~220 V supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
FSK modulation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
ST7538Q transceiver block diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
ST7538Q demonstration board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Demonstration board layout . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Demonstration board schematic: microcontroller and PC interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Demonstration board schematic: line coupling interface and power supply . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Demonstration board ST7538Q powerline interface. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Demonstration board ST7538Q transmission coupling circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Simplified schematic of the transmission filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Simulated characteristics of the transmission coupling filter. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Coupling circuit with a 2nd order band pass butterworth. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Demonstration board ST7538Q receiving circuits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Measured filtering characteristic of the demonstration board at the RAI pin in receive
mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Powerline output characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Voltage regulation and current protection components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Voltage regulation/current protection loop logic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Current protection loop characteristic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Voltage regulation and current protection feedback signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Power supply EMC disturbances filter circuit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Noise generation in resistive supply or ground path . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
A recommended oscillator section layout for noise shielding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Common mode and differential mode spikes example . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Microcontroller/RS232 interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
ST7538Q / microcontroller interface . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Conducted disturbance setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
Output signal spectrum, channel 132.5 kHz, mains 220 V~, fixed tone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Output signal spectrum, channel 132.5 kHz, mains 220 V~, random sequence . . . . . . . . 38
Output signal spectrum, channel 132.5 kHz, mains 110 V~, random sequence . . . . . . . . 39
Output signal spectrum, channel 110 kHz, mains 220 V~, random sequence . . . . . . . . . . 39
Narrowband conducted interferences setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Signal/noise ratio for the 132.5 kHz channel, signal level 85 dBuV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Signal/noise ratio for the 132.5 kHz channel, signal level 85 dBuV, mains 110 V~ . . . . . . 41
Signal/noise ratio for the 110 kHz channel, signal level 91 dBuV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Output board impedance measurement setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Output demonstration board impedances (CN1) in receiving condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Output demonstration board impedances (CN1) in transmitting condition . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Zero-crossing coupling circuit, nonisolated solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Zero-crossing coupling circuit, isolated solutions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
AN1714
1
Powerline communication
Powerline communication
Although the concepts of power line communication and home automation, as well as the
development of different devices dedicated for power line communication, have been
present for several years, the market segment for this kind of application has only recently
been growing.
The three main factors that have contributed up to now to the field of the powerline
communication are:
a)
The slow development of international norms and standards
b)
Some technical constraints related to the electrical network
c)
General consideration of costs
The first point concerns standards and norms. A general consideration in an open
communication system is to have mandatory rules and guidelines to guarantee that every
node, whatever the manufacturer, does not compromise the characteristics of the entire
network and the performance of the communication system.
For residential products this aspect is quite relevant considering the presence of many
different appliances and manufacturers, and also the concern for a common language (the
protocol) which is mandatory.
In 2002 the CENELEC (European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardizations)
published or updated a series of regulations about communication on low-voltage electrical
installations. We refer in particular to the EN50065-1, concerning general requirements,
frequency bands and electromagnetic disturbances; the EN50065-4-2 about the low-voltage
decoupling filter and safety requirements; and the EN50065-7 about the impedance of the
devices.
A preliminary version (1999) of the EN50065-2-1 about immunity requirements is also
available.
There has been a certain alignment among the appliance manufacturers on the EHS
(European Home System) protocols, even if a lot of customized protocols are present,
mainly in proprietary mains. More information on EHS protocol is available in the EHS
booklet.
The second critical consideration concerns the technical problems regarding the specific
topology of the electrical network.
Figure 2 shows what happens to a signal transmitted on an electrical network. For several
reasons that are listed in the next paragraph (low impedance, different kind of disturbances,
etc.) the received FSK signal has a very low level and it is mixed with a great level of noise.
5/46
Powerline communication
Figure 2.
AN1714
Mains signals
MAINS
Rx
Tx
ST 7538
ST 7538
Received Signal
Transmitted Signal
f
fc
f
f
fc
The aspects of noise and low impedance are more critical in a residential house where
many different appliances are present.
Every entity of the network has to be able to manage reliable communication also under
these critical conditions. To achieve this goal all aspects of the application design have to be
to carefully considered, from the coupling interface to the power management, from the type
of microprocessor to the powerline transceiver, as well as considering their mutual
influences.
Last but not least, we must consider the economic point of view. It isn’t a simple calculation
of the node cost with respect to an equivalent wireline or wireless solution, but a
consideration of other aspects such as the installation and configuration cost of the entire
network.
Another economic issue that has to be considered is the power consumption of a single
communication node. The power consumption of each communication unit has to be lower
as possible because every unit must always stay on ready to receive commands from a
remote transmitter. This constraint is even more relevant in applications with a huge number
of nodes. Consider for example the control of a street lighting system with thousands of
lamps or a metering system with several thousands of electricity meters.
The ST7538Q has been designed considering all issues previously listed. With this device it
is possible to obtain highly efficient and reliable applications for powerline communication,
characterized by low power consumption, low cost, and compliance with the main norms
and protocol currently in place.
1.1
The electrical network
The communication medium consists of everything connected to power outlets. This
includes house wiring in the walls of the building, appliance wiring, and the appliances
themselves, the service panel, the triplex wire connecting the service panel to the
distribution transformer and the distribution transformer itself. Since distribution transformers
usually serve more than one residence, the loads and wiring of all residences connected to
the same transformer must be included.
6/46
AN1714
1.1.1
Powerline communication
Impedance of powerlines
A powerline has very variable impedance depending on several factors such as its
configuration (star connection, ring connection) or the number of entities linked.
Extensive data on this subject has been published by Malack and Engstrom of IBM
(Electromagnetic Compatibility Laboratory), who measured the RF impedance of 86
commercial AC power distribution systems in six European countries (see Figure 3).
These measurements show that the impedance of the residential power circuits increases
with frequency and is in the range from about 1.5 to 8 Ω at 100 kHz. It appears that this
impedance is determined by two parameters - the loads connected to the network and the
impedance of the distribution transformer. Recently a third element influences the
impedance of the powerline, in particular in residential networks. It is represented by the
EMI filters mounted in the last generation of home appliances (refrigerators, washing
machines, television sets, stereos). Wiring seems to have a relatively small effect. The
impedance is usually inductive.
For typical resistive loads, signal attenuation is expected to be from 2 to 50 dB at 150 kHz
depending on the distribution transformer used and the size of the loads. Moreover, it may
be possible for capacitive loads to resonate with the inductance of the distribution
transformer and cause the signal attenuation to vary wildly with frequency.
For the compliance tests the normative EN50065 use two artificial mains networks
conforming to sub clause 11.2 of CISPR 16-1:1993. Measurements on real networks have
shown that this artificial network does not truly represent practical network impedance. To
better evaluate the performance of a real signaling system, an adaptive network must be
used in conjunction with the CISPR 16-1 artificial network. The design of the adaptive circuit
is included in the informative annex F of EN50065-1 (revision 2001).
Figure 3.
Aggregate European powerline impedance (by Malack and Engstrom)
IMPEDANCE MAGNITUDE (OHM)
1000.0
100.0
10.0
MAXIMUM
MEAN
1.0
MINIMUM
0.1
0.04
0.08
0.10
0.30
0.75
2.10
5.00
15.00
30.00
FREQUENCY (MHz)
1.1.2
Noise
Appliances connected to the same transformer secondary to which the powerline carrier
system is connected cause the principal source of noise. The primary sources of noise are
Triacs used in light dimmers, universal motors, switching power supplies used in small and
portable appliances and fluorescent lamps.
7/46
Powerline communication
AN1714
Triacs generate noise synchronous with the 50 Hz power signal and this noise appears as
harmonics of 50 Hz. Universal motors found in mixers or drills also create noise, but it is not
as strong as light dimmer noise, and not generally synchronous with 50 Hz.
Furthermore, light dimmers are often left on for long periods of time whereas universal
motors are used intermittently.
In the last years two other sources of strong noise have been introduced in the electrical
network. They are Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL) and the switching power supplies of
rechargeable battery (for example notebook PCs) or small appliances.
In many cases they have a working frequency or some harmonics in the range of the
powerline communication band (from 10 kHz to 150 kHz). Of course the presence of
continuous tones exactly at communication channel frequency can affect the reliability of
communication.
The Figure 4 shows some of the noise sources we refer to. The measurement setup
consists of an insulation transformer with a VARIAC, a spectrum analyzer HP4395A coupled
by a high voltage capacitor (1µF) and a 2 mH transformer (1:1).
Figure 4.
Voltage spectra of a 100 W light dimmer, a notebook PC, a desktop PC, a
CFL lamp, a TLE lamp, all working with a 50 Hz/~220 V supply
dBuV
110.0
90.0
70.0
50.0
30.0
Background
CFL 11W
Desktop PC
Dimmer 100W
TLE 22W
Notebook PC
10.0
1.00E+03
1.1.3
1.00E+04
Hz
1.00E+05
1.00E+06
Typical connection losses
The transmitting range of a home automation system depends on the physical topology of
the electric power distribution network inside the building where the system is installed.
Different connection losses can be measured. For communication nodes connected to the
same branch circuit from transmitter to receiver a typical connection loss is about 10-15 dB.
If transmitter and receiver are in different branches of the circuit, separated for example by a
service panel, there is an additional attenuation of 10-20 dB.
In some worst-case conditions (socket with very low impedance) the attenuation of the
transmitted signal can reach a value of 50-60 db.
1.1.4
Standing waves
Standing wave effects begin to occur when the physical dimensions of the communication
medium are similar to about one-eighth of a wavelength, which are about 375 and 250
8/46
AN1714
Powerline communication
meters at 100 and 150 kHz respectively. Primarily the length of the triplex wire connecting
the residences to the distribution transformer determines the length of the communication
path on the secondary side of the power distribution system. Usually, several residences
use the same distribution transformer. It would be rare that a linear run of this wiring would
exceed 250 meters in length although the total length of branches might occasionally
exceed 250 meters. Thus standing wave effects would be rare at frequencies below 150 kHz
for residential wiring.
1.2
ST7538Q FSK powerline transceiver description
The ST7538Q transceiver performs a half-duplex communication over the powerline
network using Frequency Shift Keying (FSK) modulation. The FSK modulation technique
translates a digital signal into a sinusoidal signal that can have two different frequency
values, one for the high logic level of the digital signal (fH), the second one for the low level
(fL), as depicted in Figure 5.
Figure 5.
FSK modulation
The average value of the two tones is the carrier frequency (fC). The difference or distance
between the two frequencies is a function of the baud-rate (BAUD) of the digital signal (the
number of symbols transmitted in one second) and of the deviation (dev). The relationship
is:
Equation 1
f H – f L = BAUD – dev
The ST7538Q can be programmed to communicate using eight different frequency
channels (60, 66, 72, 76, 82.05, 86, 110 and 132.5 kHz), four baud rates (600, 1200, 2400
and 4800 symbols per second) and two frequency deviations (1 and 0.5).
The device operates from a 7.5 to 12.5 V single supply voltage (PAVcc) and integrates a
differential-output PowerLine Interface (PLI) stage and two linear regulators providing 5 V
(VDC) and 3.3 V (DVdd).
Many auxiliary functions are integrated. The transmission section includes automatic control
on PLI output voltage and current, programmable timeout function and thermal shutdown.
The reception section includes automatic input level control, carrier/preamble detection and
band-in-use signaling.
Additional features are included, such as a watchdog timer, zero-crossing detector, internal
oscillator and a general purpose op-amp.
The serial interface (configurable as UART or SPI) allows interfacing to a host
microcontroller, intended to manage the communication protocol. A reset output (RSTO)
and a programmable 4-8-16 MHz clock (MCLK) can be provided to the microcontroller to
simplify the application.
9/46
Powerline communication
AN1714
Communication on the powerline can be either synchronous or asynchronous with the data
clock (CLR/T) provided by the transceiver at the programmed baud rate.
When in Transmission mode (i.e. RxTx line at low level), the ST7538Q transceiver samples
the data on the TxD line, generating an FSK modulated signal on the ATO pin. The same
signal is fed into the differential power amplifier to get four times the voltage swing and a
current capability up to 370 mA rms.
When in Reception mode (i.e. RxTx line at high level), an incoming signal at the RAI line is
demodulated and converted in a digital bit stream on the RxD pin.
The internal Control Register, which contains the operating parameters of the ST7538Q
transceiver, can be programmed only using the SPI interface. The Control Register settings
include the Header Recognition and Frame Length Count functions, which can be used to
apply byte and frame synchronization to the received messages.
Figure 6.
ST7538Q transceiver block diagram
For a more detailed and complete description of the ST7538Q device please refer to the
product datasheet.
10/46
AN1714
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
2
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
2.1
Main features
The ST7538Q demonstration board implements in a two layer PCB a complete powerline
communication node, including the powerline coupling circuits, a power supply section, a
microcontroller and a RS232 serial interface to connect the board to a personal computer
(Figure 8). This board with the related firmware load in the ST microprocessor and the PC
software is a complete reference for the mains aspects of powerline communications.
Figure 7.
ST7538Q demonstration board
Figure 8.
Demonstration board layout
LV HV
LV
Power Supply
PC Interface
ST7
Q
ST7538P
Signal Coupling
Interface
LV
LV HV
The aim of this board is to give a useful tool to develop and to evaluate a powerline
application with the device ST7538Q. So even if aspects of the board concerning size and
cost aren't optimized, its schematic gives a good design reference and a valid starting point
11/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
AN1714
to develop powerline modem applications. Moreover the board structure (a lot of jumpers,
test points, few SMD components) allows easily connecting test probes to take measures
and signal verifications, as well as customizing the application according to specific
requirements.
Figure 9.
Demonstration board schematic: microcontroller and PC interface
TXD
5V_ P
D13
1N4148
R16
4.7K
JP1
C27
100nF
C28
100nF
C29
100nF
CN7
C30
10 F
C31
100nF
5V
1
2
ISPDATA
3
4
ISPCLOCK
5
6
RESET
7
8
9
10
ISPSEL
R17
10K
ISP INTERFACE
MICRO_TXD
U3
R2OUT
T2IN
H_S
RS232_OUT
RS232_IN
R1IN_A
T1OUT_A
T1IN
R1OUT
R1IN
11
12
5
ST232
4
13
3
14
VCC
GND
7
10
T1OUT
5V_232
8
9
16
1
15
2
V+
C24 100nF
6
CN5
FEMALE
R2IN
T2OUT
C2C2+
T2OUT_A
C26
100nF
RN1
5
1
9
5
4
4
8
3
R1IN_A
3
C1C1+
7
C25
100nF
6
5V_led
R4
R3
R2
R1
T1OUT_A
2
VC32
100nF
2
COMMON
TOUT
T2OUT_A
D11
RED
CD/PD
PA4
1
D10
YELLOW
PA5
PC INTERFACE
C23 100nF
5V
OSCOUT
RESET
RS232_OUT
MCLK
ISPSEL
PA7
PA6
PA5
PA4
RS232_IN
SS
CLRT
TOUT
REG_OK
H_S
WD
REG/DATA
RXTX
5V_ P
ZCOUT
PG
VDD_2
RESET
PE0/TD0
OSCIN
ISPSEL
(HS)PA7
(HS)PA6
(HS)PA5
(HS)PA4
PE1/RDI
PB0
PB1
PB2
PB3
ANI0/PD0
ANI3/PD3
ANI4/PD4
ANI5/PD5
VDDA
PF2
MCO/PF0
VSSA
41
32
43
31
39
30
VDD_1
29
38
28
37
26
36
27
35
34
25
1
24
2
ST2334N2
23
3
20
4
19
5
18
7
16
10
9
11
8
12
6
13
21
17
22
15
33
14
40
PC5/MOSI
PC3/ICAP1_B(HS)
PC4/MSO/ISPDATA
CLRT
RXD
ISPDATA
MICRO_TXD
CN6
PC2/ICAP2_B(HS)
12
PC1/OCMP1/B
11
PC0/OCMP2/B
10
EXTCLK_A(HS)
7
ICAP1_A/PF6(HS)
6
4
OCMP1_A/PF4
PF1/BEEP
BU
8
AN2/PD2
3
AN1/PD1
5
PB4
9
VDD_0
VSS_0
2
5V_ P
5V_ P
VSS_1
VSS_2
5V_232
5V_ P
ISPCLOCK
J11
PA7
5V_led
J8
SS
PC6/SCK/ISPCLK
D03IN1450
12/46
J9
CD/PD
PC7/SS
44
42
PA6
5V_ P
PA3
D9
RED
TX
J10
U4
5V_ P
D12
GREEN
RX
1
2.2
2
1
J3
J2
C20
300nF
5V
C22
22nF
RESET
N
P
PG
REG_OK
TXD
Rx/Tx
C_OUT
RXD
CD/PD
MCLK
BU
CLRT
TIMEOUT
SW1
TXD
RxTx
C_OUT
CPLUS
RXD
CD/PD
REG_DATA
PG
GND
BU
CLRT
TIMEOUT
DVSS
DVSS
DVDD
JP35
33
9 11
8
7
2
18
10
41
12
N.C.
N.C.
34
N.C.
44
D6 1N4148
13
VDC
C14
10 F
JP16
JP13
24
ZCIN
5V
16
23
14
15
32
26
27
20
22
25
6
30
8
ATO
CL
WD
ZCOUT
RAI
XOUT
XIN
PAVSS
PAVCC
AVSS
GND
WD
ZCOUT
ATO
R12
50K
TRIM
JP36
R13
5K
TRIM
C19 18pF
R10
5.1Ω
C_R9
100nF
C37
100pF
P10V
C38
10 F
C13 220nF
SOLD CRYSTAL CASE
TO GND
C18 47pF
R14
1K
R2
2.2K
J1
P10V
D5
GREEN
LC12 10 H
C4
C5
470 F 470 F
16V
16V
L3 10 H
C17
5.6nF/63V
C21
100nF
1x
16MHz
TEST2 JPTIN
VSENSE
RXFO
ATOP1
ATOP2
29
31
19
21
C15
100nF
TEST3
C10
1 F
3
1
TR1
RADIOHM 69E16H1B
4
D3
D2
BZW06STPS160ASMA
171
7
D4
STTA106
2
C34
100nF
RL6 10 D7 1N4148
U2
AVDD
C16
100nF
L8
10 H
R7
910
R5 3.3K
R3 10
43
39
28
L2 220 H
C2
C3
4.7 F 4.7 F
400V 400V
ST7538P
Q
17
N.C.
MCLK
35
5V
C6
22 F
50V
D1
1.5A W04
42
36
5
4
40
38
3
1
37
TEST1
C8
1 F
VFB
CMINUS
5
DRAIN
L1 42V15
2 x 10mA
0.3A RADIOHM
VCC
REG_OK
4
U1
3
1
R15 4.7K RSTO
REG/DATA
5V
8
7
6
VCOMP
GND
GND
GND
L6590
C1
47nF
400V
L5 1mH R1 16.2 2W
C7
2.2nF/Y1
F1 TR5-F 0.5A
ACLINE
85VAC to 256VAC
CN1
J7
L7
330 H
D16
P6KE6V8A
C36
4.7nF
CN4
1T
D03IN1451
CL
VSENSE
C11 33nF
220V X2
L4 22 H
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
VAC T604034096-X046
T2
ATO
RXFO
ATOP2
ATOP1
ZCOUT
ZCIN
D17
1T
SM6T6V8A
D15
P6KE6V8A
C33
10nF
R11
750
2
1
CN2
R8
4.7M
J6
J5
J4
2
1
CN3
P
N
AN1714
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
Figure 10. Demonstration board schematic: line coupling interface and power
supply
Signal coupling interface
The line signal interface links the application board to the mains, obtaining a highly efficient
coupling circuit for the received and transmitted FSK signals and a reliable filtering system
for the mains voltage (220 V~/50 Hz or 110 V~/60 Hz), for noise and for bursts or surges.
13/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
AN1714
It is possible to implement different topologies of coupling circuits. A first classification is
between an isolated solution with a line transformer or a double capacitor and a nonisolated
solution with a single high-voltage decoupling capacitor. The last one is simpler and
cheaper, while the first one achieves better performances using efficiently the differential
power output of the devices.
The differential solution has been also preferred for the advantage in reducing the even
harmonics of the transmitted signals.
Figure 11. Demonstration board ST7538Q powerline interface
ST7538Q
Rx Band Pass Filter
C33
RAI
R11
32
L7
C36
Tx Band Pass Filter
L4
ATOP1
C11
19
1:1
C13
R10
D16
MAINS
D17
R8
CR9
ATOP2
21
D15
T1
LC12
Protections
Tx Band Pass Filter
In the design of the coupling interface many technical and standard constraints have to be
considered that are different in a receiving condition with respect to a transmitting status.
Following is a list of design specifications for signal coupling for the European market:
●
High selectivity in receiving mode (EN50065-2-1)
●
Output impedances as great as possible (EN50065-7)
●
Low noise in receiving mode
●
Wide voltage and current signal compatibility in every condition (EN50065-1)
●
Very low distortion in transmission mode (EN50065-1)
●
High coupling efficiency in transmission mode (also with high loads)
●
High reliability to burst and surge spikes (EN50065-2-1)
A series of constraints listed in EN50065-4-2, "Low voltage decoupling filters - Safety
requirements", have to be guaranteed by the decoupling elements (transformer or
capacitors) in order to be compliant with a 4 kV or 6 kV class.
The solution implemented in the demonstration board is an isolated circuit with a 1:1
transformer and a X2 class capacitor. In the chosen topology the transmission sections
components do not have any relevant influences on the receiving circuits, so the two
structures can be analyzed separately. The component values that consitute the passive
filters have been dimensioned for the 132.5 kHz channel, but also with the 110 kHz
communication frequency, the performances of the board meet the requirement for reliable
communication.
14/46
AN1714
2.2.1
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
Transmitting section
The function of the transmitting coupling circuits is to inject the transmitted signal coming
from the power amplifiers (ATOP1/ATOP2) to the mains with the maximum efficiencies and
filter noise and spurious signals over the Cenelec mask (EN50065-1, section 7:
disturbances limits).
The critical frequencies of the conducted disturbances emitted are the 2nd and 3rd
harmonics of the transmitted signal (265 kHz and 497.5 kHz for the channel at 132.5 kHz)
the harmonics of the working frequency of the power supply regulator and two spurious
tones centered at 1.3 MHz (+/- the channel frequency) produced by the direct synthesis
technique used for the transmitted signal generation.
The configuration used for the transmitted circuit uses a 4th order band pass filter (four
poles and two zeros). In order to have good immunity to the components spread (accuracy
and temperature) and to the load variation, the filter has a band of about 60 kHz (see
Figure 14). To obtain this characteristic two poles can be put at a frequency of about 100
kHz and the other at a frequency of about 160 kHz.
Figure 12. Demonstration board ST7538Q transmission coupling circuit
ST7538Q
RAI
C33
32
100K Ω
C36
R11
L7
Transmission
Coupling Section
2.5V
ATOP1
L4
19
C13
R10
D16
Artificial Network
CISPR 16-1
C11
1:1
50 µ H
50Ω
5Ω
50Ω
5Ω
D17
R8
ATOP2
CR9
21
D15
T1
LC12
50 µ H
For a correct dimension of the filters the mutual influence of the various components has to
be considered, as well as the influences due to the other elements: the leakage inductance
of the transformer (from 0.1 µH to 10 µH), the capacitance of the transil diode (about 2 nF),
the ESR of the series components C13, LC12, T1, L4, C11 (from 100 mΩ to 1 Ω).
For a first approximate rate of the components’ values, only the reactive components are
used in the simplified circuit of Figure 13 and the transformer (1:1 ratio) is considered ideal.
For the correct dimensioning of the filter it is better to consider the typical impedances
expected for the mains network (usually an inductive load). If an impedance characterization
of the network is not available it is possible to use a reference load like the artificial network
CISPR16-1 (50 ohms parallel 5 Ω plus 50 µH). In the simplified circuit only the reactive part
of the CISPR 16 artificial network (2 x Lc = 100 µH) has been considered
15/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
AN1714
Figure 13. Simplified schematic of the transmission filter
C13
LC12
L4
CISPR
Load
C11
Lc = 50µH
1st Loop
CR9
2nd Loop
Lc = 50µH
The formulas for the two couples of poles are:
Equation 2
1
ƒ p1 = ƒ p2 ≅ -------------------------------------------------------- ≅ 160kHz ,
2 ⋅ π ⋅ L C12 ⋅ C A
1
ƒ p2 = ƒ p3 ≅ ------------------------------------------------ ≅ 100kHz
2 ⋅ π ⋅ LB ⋅ CB
Equation 3
11 - = ----------1 - + ---------------;
CA
C R9 C 13
1 1 - + ---------1-----------= ----------CB
C R9 C 11
The peak value of the signal current can reach with heavy load a current peak value greater
than 1 A so all the components of the coupling interfaces in series to the signal (in particular
the inductors LC12, L4 and the transformer T1) have to be guaranteed for this current without
saturation or overheating problems. The maximum current of the inductive elements, as well
as the series resistance, are proportional to the value of the inductance.
In any case the ESR of these inductive elements has to be as low as possible to obtain a
good coupling interface. In fact with a global impedance series greater than 2 Ω the coupling
losses of the transmitted signal with heavy loads could be excessive.
For these reasons an LBC (Large Bobbin Core) inductor with values small as possible (LC12
= 10 µH and L4 = 22 µH) has been chosen in this circuit.
Another constraint concerns the value of the capacitor C11. This is an X2 class capacitor
that has the primary function to uncouple the transformer from the mains. It is better to use a
value as low as possible for economic reasons, as well as to obtain a 50 Hz mains current in
the secondary coil of the transformer as low as possible in order to reduce saturation effects.
The value chosen is 33 nF.
Considering that all the mains voltage drops across the C11 capacitor, the current value in
the transformer coil is about:
Equation 4
I rms ≅ 220V rms ⋅ 2 ⋅ π ⋅ 50Hz ⋅ C 11 = 2.3mA rms
Using Equation 2 and Equation 3 the values of CR9 (100 nF) and C13 (220 nF) can be rated.
The requirements for this type of capacitor are accuracy, the temperature compensation and
a low ESR value. Polyester capacitors or polypropylene capacitors (better temperature
coefficient) are suggested. The accuracy should be at least ±10%.
16/46
AN1714
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
Figure 14. Simulated characteristics of the transmission coupling filter
dB VDB (OUTC2)
10
0
-10
-20
-30
-40
-50
-60
-70
-80
1e+U4
1e+U6
1e+U5
2e+U6
Hz
Using components with standard values the real values of the poles are:
Equation 5
ƒ p1 = ƒ p2 = 192kHz ,
ƒ p2 = ƒ p3 = 91kHz
The values obtained are very close to the spec values and in agreement with the simulated
results (see Figure 14). In any case for a better result we suggest using a simulator or an
equivalent specific program to design filters.
The R10 resistor has been added to fit the output impedance requirement in receiving mode
(EN50065-7).
An alternative solution for the transmission coupling circuit is shown in Figure 14 above. It
implements a 2nd order band pass Butterworth filter centered at the channel frequency.
The advantage of this solution is the symmetrical structure that compensates the nonlinearity of the components (lower level for the even harmonics).
Also in this case a correct dimension of the filter has to take in account the parasitic
elements of the various components, as well as the load influence.
17/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
AN1714
Figure 15. Coupling circuit with a 2nd order band pass butterworth
Transmission 2nd order
Band Pass Butterworth
ST7538Q
33nF X2
ATOP1
19
220nF
10 µ H
4.7 Ω
100nF
ATOP2
1:1
MAINS
47 µ H
21
220nF
10 µ H
One of the most critical components of the application is the signal transformer. In order to
have a good power transfer and to minimize the insertion losses it is recommended a
transformer with a primary inductance greater than 1 mH and a series resistance lower than
0.5 Ω. Another constraint concerns the saturation current: a DC or low frequency current (50
Hz) should be present.
Another parameter to take in consideration is the leakage inductance. If it has a relevant
value (from 10 µH to 50 µH) the inductance L4 can be avoided. The drawback is that this
parameter has great variation that influences the output filter characteristics. For this reason
in the demonstration board a transformer with a very low leakage inductance (lower than 1
µH) is used .
The European normative (CENELEC) gives another constraint regarding the voltage
insulation resistance and dielectric strength of the application that influences the
transformer. Two classes are indicated, a 4 kV and a 6 kV class. The classification and
measurement criteria are codified in the EN50065-4-2 CENELEC document.
In case of heavy load a smart solution is to use a 2:1 transformer. The equivalent
impedance of the load referred to the primary coils of the transformer has a value four times
bigger than with a 1:1 ratio transformer. Also the current supplied by the power interfaces
has half value. The only critical point is that in order to have the same output signal level on
the mains, the ST7538Q power interfaces has to generate a double signal (more problems
with odd harmonics).
Seldom a low amplitude signal at high frequency (greater than 10 MHz) can be present on
the output signal. It should originate by a resonance from the leakage inductances and the
parasitic capacitance of the board and of the ST7538Q output stage. Usually the series
inductor LC12 stops this kind of oscillation.
2.2.2
Receiving section
The receiving circuit of the coupling interface has the main function to filter noise tones from
the network that can overcome the maximum absolute rates of the RAI pin, or in any case
degrade the demodulation performances of the device (EN50065-2-1, section 7.2.3:
narrow-band conducted interference).
The solution adopted in the demonstration board consists of a resonant parallel circuit that
implements a 2nd order passive filter (C36, L7 R11). The C33 capacitor is a decouple
component that saves the DC value on the RAI pin (2.5 V). This DC value obtains the
maximum voltage input signal (2Vrms) compatible with the absolute of the devices.
18/46
AN1714
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
Figure 16. Demonstration board ST7538Q receiving circuits
ST7538Q
RAI
C33
R11
32
100KΩ
Receiving
Coupling Section
L7
2.5V
C36
22
PAVCC
60KΩ
ATOP1
L4
C11
19
60KΩ
C13
R10
1:1
D16
D17
R8
CR9
ATOP2
21
D15
T1
LC12
In the receive mode the ATOP1 pin has a high impedance and a DC polarization at PAVcc/2
while the ATOP2 pin is tied to ground internally into the device with a power MOS (few
milliohm resistance). With this configuration the two resonant series L4, C11 and LC12, CR9,
R10 can be considered as first approximation neglected (L4/C11 has the resonance at the
channel frequency while the LC12/CR9 has the resonance at an higher frequency). The only
effect of these components is to attenuate the amplitude of the received signal, about 6 dB
with the used values of CR9 and R10.
According to these considerations the dimension of the input filter frequency depends
mainly on the choice of C36 L7 and R11.
These components implement a 2nd order band pass filter. The center band frequency of
the filter is the channel frequency:
Equation 6
1
ƒ 0 ≅ -------------------------------------------------- = 132.5kHz
2 ⋅ π ⋅ L 7 ⋅ C 36
The other parameter to take in account for the receiving filter design is the Quality factor (Q).
Its value is a tradeoff between the selectivity requirements (high Q values) and the
component and temperature spreads. Using a polypropylene capacitor with a 5% tolerance
and a BC inductor with a tolerance of 10%, a Q value betweens 2 and 3 is acceptable.
Equation 7
Q ≅ R 11 ⋅
C 36
----------- = 2.85
L7
In order to not influence the transmitting section and to reduce the DC current through the
primary coil of the transformer, the value of R11 should be as high as possible. The
drawback of a greater value for this resistor is that it produces a higher white noise. A value
of 750 Ω satisfies these opposite requirements for all communication channels. Fixing the
resistor value and using the previous equations, it is possible to rate the values of C36 and
L7.
19/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
AN1714
Table 1 shows some possible commercial values for these components in reference to
different communication channels.
Table 1.
Parallel resonance Rx filter components
Rx filter
C36
L7
F0
Ch 132.5 kHz
6.8 nF
220 µH
130.1 kHz
Ch 110 kHz
10 nF
220 µH
107.3 kHz
Ch 86 kHz
10 nF
330 µH
87.6 kHz
Ch 82.05 kHz
8.2 nF
470 µH
81.1 kHz
Ch 76 kHz
10 nF
470 µH
73.4 kHz
Ch 72 kHz
22 nF
220 µH
72.3 kHz
Ch 66 kHz
18 nF
330 µH
65.3 kHz
Ch 60 kHz
22 nF
330 µH
59.1 kHz
The resonance frequency of the filter is strictly linked to the spread of these components
and an excessive spread can produce an excessive attenuation on the received signal. The
accuracy of L7 and C36 has to be great.
For the same reason the Q factor has a relevant part in the design of the Rx filter. Some
application can use more than one communication channel at the same time, in this case
the best choice is to have a resonance frequency at a mean value of used frequencies and
a Q factor not too high.
Figure 17. Measured filtering characteristic of the demonstration board at the RAI
pin in receive mode
RxFilter
0.00E+00
-1.00E+01
dB
-2.00E+01
-3.00E+01
-4.00E+01
-5.00E+01
1.00E+04
1.00E+05
1.00E+06
Hz
For the receiving filter a passive solution is preferred to an active filter. The experience has
shown evidence that an active filter introduces white noise comparable with the received
signal level.
Some receiving circuit interfaces, for example with a 2:1 signal transformer, can have a gain
greater than 0dB (unit gain). In this case, if the band-in-use function level of the ST7538Q is
used, an attenuation of the received signal (for example with a resistors divider) is
necessary to have the same level of the signal present on the mains to be compliant with
Cenelec specifications.
20/46
AN1714
2.2.3
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
Voltage regulation-current protection loops
A powerline network requires an appropriate driving circuit able to adapt the output signal
characteristic to the different and low values of the mains impedance.
Figure 18. Powerline output characteristics
V
V0
Signal
Amplitude
I zone
V zone
Z0
z
Line load (ohm)
Figure 18 shows the characteristic of a coupling circuit. The characteristic has a range with
constant voltage amplitude of the transmitted signal. When the line impedance has reached
a critical Z0 value, corresponding to the maximum power, the amplitude of the output signal
is decreased in order to have a constant current.
The value of Z0 depends mainly on the network impedance, while the maximum value of V0
depends on the norm (EN50065-1) and on the maximum current capability of the powerline
interface.
The ST7538Q integrates a control voltage / current protection circuit. It is possible to
program the values of Z0 and V0 with external resistors. The R13 trimmer sets the current
protection limit and the R14 and R12 trimmers the peak voltage level. The dimension of
these external components influences the design of the coupling interfaces and of the power
management, too. For example all the components in series to the signal (transformer, filter
inductors, decoupling capacitors, fuses) have to guarantee a maximum current or a
saturation current greater than the maximum current programmed with R13, as well as the
dimension of the current capability of the power supply. The capacitors on the supply line
have to be chosen according to the programmed current values.
The control loop circuit inside the devices is obtained by a Voltage Controlled Amplifier
(VCA) with a logic circuit that implements the following control (Figure 20). The current
protection has the priority with respect to the voltage loop regulation, so if an output current
greater than the programmed value (Iref > IH) is detected, the digital control acts on the VCA
to reduce the output signal voltage. When the current reaches the programmed value, the
gain of the VCA is frozen.
In case of no current protection condition (Iref < IL), the voltage regulation loop assumes the
control and modifies the gain of the VCA until the output signal reaches the programmed
values.
The VCA changes its gain at steps of about 1dB (10%). The logic samples the current and
voltages values with an internal clock of 5 Hz, so the transmitted signal is updated every 200
µsec at steps of 1 dB.
21/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
AN1714
Figure 19. Voltage regulation and current protection components
ST7538Q
Voltage
Controlled
Signal
VR PK
Vout
ATOP/ATO
Iout
R12
C 17
VSENSE
VCL HYST
VCL HYST
R14
VCL TH
CL
1.865 V
C37
R13
Feedback
Signal
The value of the transmitted signal is programmed using the resistors divider R12/R14 (the
capacitor C17 has a decoupling function for the DC value on the VSENSE pin).
The regulations loop changes the VCA amplifier gain until the sinusoidal signal on the
VSENSE pin reaches the values of VCLTH (see datasheet values) with a tolerance of about
±10% (VCLHYST hysteresis value).
The following simplified formula calculates the resistors divider ratio.
Equation 8
VR
R +R
VCL
=190mV
14
12
TH
≅ ---------------------------- ⋅ ( VCL
± VCL
)⇒
PK
TH
HIST
R
VCL
=19mV
14
HIST
For a more precise rate in the formula, the input impedance of the VSENSE pin (~36 KΩ) and
the decoupling capacitor C17 (for values of some nanofarads this capacitor can be
neglected) have to be considered also.
Figure 20. Voltage regulation/current protection loop logic
Current
Control
Iref < IL
Iref > IH
Test
Reduce
Gain
Constant
Gain
Voltage
Control
Vref < VL
Vref > VH
Test
Increase
Gain
22/46
Constant
Gain
Reduce
Gain
AN1714
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
In the demonstration board it is possible to link the feedback signal (top of R12 resistor) to
the ATOP1 or to the ATOP2 pin through jumper J36. The choice of the feedback connection
point depends on the network coupling circuit topology.
If a big noise coming from the mains is present disturbing the voltage control loop, a
possible solution is to connect the feedback to the ATO pin. In this case the output signal
has half the value with respect to the ATOP pins, so the R12 resistor has a half value (or the
R14 resistor has to be doubled).
In the demonstration board it is possible to change the output signal voltage level acting on
the R12 trimmer. Table 2 gives the values of the trimmer to assume some standard output
values.
Table 2.
Voltage regulation loop (divider and R12 resistors values)
Vout (Vrms) (1)
Vout (dBuV)
(R14+R12)/R14
R12 (KΩ) (2)
0.150
103.5
1.1
0.1
0.250
108.0
1.9
0.9
0.350
110.9
2.7
1.7
0.500
114.0
3.7
2.6
0.625
115.9
4.7
3.6
0.750
117.5
5.8
4.7
0.875
118.8
6.6
5.4
1.000
120.0
7.6
6.4
1.250
121.9
9.5
8.3
1.500
123.5
10.8
9.5
1. The regulated Vout voltage is the point linked to the voltage feedback divider (top of R12).
2. The rate of R14 takes in account the input resistance on the VSENSE pin (36 KΩ). The decoupling capacitor
(C17) has been neglected.
The resistor connected to the CL pin (the trimmer R13 in the demonstration board) has the
function to program the current protection threshold. The capacitor C37 in parallel to the
resistor has a filtering function for noise and spikes.
A mirrored current (ratio 1:5000) of the p channel power Mos of the powerline interface of
the device (both ATOP1 and ATOP2) is present on the CL pin. The voltage on the CL pin is
proportional to the output current and to the resistor connected to the pin.
The peak value of this voltage is compared with an internal reference of the device. If the
signal overcomes the threshold, the loop acts on the VCA reducing the transmitted signal
and therefore the output current.
The resistor value determines the output signal that the interface is able to supply. In
conjunction with the programmed output voltage V0 the maximum current level fixes the
minimum value of driving impedances (Z0).
23/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
AN1714
Figure 21. Current protection loop characteristic
Current Protection
mA (rms)
350
325
300
275
250
225
200
175
150
125
100
2.0
2.5
3.0
3.5
4.0
4.5
5.0
5.5
R13 (Kohm)
Figure 21 above gives the value of the CL resistor to program the maximum current value.
Figure 22 shows all the main signals of the control loop feedback, i.e. output signal, load
current, VSENSE voltage and CL voltage.
Figure 22. Voltage regulation and current protection feedback signals
2.3
Board power management
The demonstration board has a mains supply with a flyback converter using the monolithic
switching regulator L6590. The regulator can have both a 220 V or an 110 V supply voltage
of the mains.
It is possible to use an external power supply connected to CN2, too. In this case the
jumpers J4 and J5 have to be removed and the connector CN3 has to be used instead of the
standard socket CN1.
24/46
AN1714
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
The correct supply of the board is indicated by the green LED D5. It is possible to turn off
this LED by removing the J1 jumper.
The 5 V internal regulator of the ST7538Q (VDC pin) supplies the microcontroller ST7, the
ST232 interface device and the LED (D9, D10, D11, D12). Using the jumper connections J8
(ST7), J9 (LEDs) and J10 (ST232) it is possible to monitor the current of these components
or remove the supply to these demonstration board parts.
The 5V supply is available also on pin #1 of the CN6 connector.
A typical power consumption of the powerline application (switched regulator excluded) is
about 18mA in receiving mode, 120 mA in transmitting mode without load. Every LED ON
increases the current consumption by 4 mA.
The current consumption of the RS232 interface is about 12 mA, which means that the
overall current consumption of the microcontroller plus the ST7538Q in receiving mode is
about 6 mA.
The current consumption depends also on the clock frequency selected. There is a variation
of 5 mA from a 4 MHz clock to a 16 MHz clock.
2.3.1
L6590 regulator
The flyback converter configuration using the L6590 regulator has a specific topology that
implements the feedback on an auxiliary winding of the primary side of the flyback
transformer. With this configuration it is possible to save the cost of an optocoupler. The
drawback of this solution is the wide load range of the regulated voltage. In a condition of
low current consumption (20mA) the value of the supply voltage is about 12 V, in
transmission the value is about 10.5V.
The maximum power of this configuration is about 3 W. The dimension of the maximum
power consumption of the regulators is related to the current limit of the powerline interface
programmed with the R13 resistor on the CL pin.
If an external power supply is used, the designer must carefully verify that also in a
continuous transmission condition the supply is able to supply the requested current.
Another aspect that has to be considered with attention in a continuous transmission
condition is the overheating condition of the devices with the thermal protection activation
(transmission aborted and signal TOUT high).
In the demonstration board a socket for the ST7538Q is used, therefore the slug of the
package cannot be soldered to a dissipating surface as recommended. For this reason, in
presence of a heavy load during a continuous transmission, the thermal protection threshold
is reached in a shorter time.
A critical point common to all switching solutions, especially for this kind of application, is the
electromagnetic noise and the conducted disturbance generated. In particular the main
noise frequencies are due to the switching frequency and to the resonance of the leakage
inductance with the drain capacitance.
25/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
AN1714
Figure 23. Power supply EMC disturbances filter circuit
R1
L5
L1
D1
MAINS
C1
In the demonstration board these critical values are at 20 kHz or 66 kHz (switching
frequencies respectively with low and high load condition) and at about 800 kHz for the
resonance.
It is important that the resonance of the input filter is at a frequency far from the
communication bands used, otherwise its low impedance attenuates the communication
signals.
For the demonstration board the resonance frequency is from 10 kHz to 20 kHz.
The 15 Ω resistor R1 has the double function to protect the input stage of the supply from
surge or burst and at the same time to make the application board compliant with the
EN50065-7 standard.
Another consideration concerns the frequencies noise generated by the supply. Even if the
noise generated is compliant with the normative mask limit, it is mandatory to choose a
value of switching frequency (and its lower order harmonics) far from the communication
channel frequency. In fact the modem is able to demodulate very low amplitude signals
(500uVrms). Noise, also with a low amplitude value, can degrade the communication.
This consideration is valid only in a receiving condition, during the transmission a little noise
at the same frequency of the transmitted signal (2Vrms) can be neglected.
The working frequencies of the L6590 are 20 kHz with a low value current (receiving
condition), and 66 kHz with high current, i.e. in a transmission condition (220 AC MAINS).
In the transmission case the 2nd harmonic at 133 kHz (communication channel 132.5 kHz)
has an irrelevant influence.
The value of the supply voltage is related to the amplitude of the output signal (see the
ST7538Q datasheet), so usually a voltage of at least 10 V is mandatory to avoid distortion
problems. The same voltage value does not occur in a receiving status. In case of strong
constraints regarding the power consumption, it is possible to use two different power supply
values. For example possible values are 10.5 V during the transmission, and 7.5 V in the
receiving status. This can be done easily by changing the feedback resistor divider of the
regulator using a switch controlled by the RxTx signal (pin #4) of the ST7538Q.
For more detailed information about the L6590 and other possible configuration please refer
to the product datasheet and related application notes.
2.3.2
ST7538Q power supply
A fundamental aspect of the board design is the configuration of the ST7538Q supply
system.
26/46
AN1714
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
It is recommended to connect all grounds of the device to a common ground node,
connected to the copper plate of the slug.
During transmission a high current (up to 0.3Arms = 0.85App) at the signal frequency is
present through the supply rail and the ground plane. In case of ground or supply paths with
a "high" resistance (even a few mΩ can be critical), the high current could produce a ripple
at the second harmonic of the signal frequency that should be coupled onto the mains:
Equation 9
0.85A pp ⋅ 0.002 Ω = 1.7mV pp ≅ 56dB µV
As the rate above shows, the noise contribution has a relevant value with respect to the
Cenelec mask.
Figure 24. Noise generation in resistive supply or ground path
Noise
ST7538Q
22
2 mΩ
PAVcc
ATOP1
19
ZL
ATOP2
21
PAVss
18
2 mΩ
Noise
Concerning the odd harmonics, generally they are produced by high current (high load) and
are generated by saturation problems of external components or of the power section of the
device.
Another origin of the odd harmonics with high amplitude of the voltage output signal could
be a low power supply value on the PAVCC pin.
A critical aspect of the device power supply is the high peak current requested at the startup
phase of the transmission. The peak value requested from the supply from the low
impedance present at the ATOP pins can reach 2 A. For this reason it is mandatory to use a
storage capacitor (C38) with a value of at least 10 µF and an ESR as low as possible. For
example a tantalum capacitor or a smoothing ceramic capacitor (TDK C series) could be
used.
The linear low drop voltage regulator of the ST7538Q supplies all the low voltage parts of
the demonstration board, including the digital and analog (pin DVDD and AVDD) parts of the
device itself. On the regulator output VDC (pin #33) a low ESR 10 µH capacitor (C14) is
recommended.
In some conditions a noise present on the analog supply AVDD (pin # 28) can be transferred
to the internal modulation and demodulation blocks. To avoid this situation it could be useful
27/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
AN1714
to filter this supply pin adding an inductor (L8) in series to the capacitor (C16) or using a
specific EMC component (for example a TDK chip beads series MMZ1602C).
2.4
Crystal oscillator
The ST7538Q crystal oscillator circuitry is based on a MOS amplifier working in inverter
configuration.
This circuitry requires a crystal having a maximum load capacitance of 16 pF and a
maximum ESR of 40 Ω.
It is very important to keep the crystal oscillator and the load capacitors as close as possible
to the device.
The resonant circuit must be far away from noise sources such as:
●
Power supply circuitry
●
Burst and surge protections
●
Mains coupling circuits
●
Any PCB track or via carrying a signal
To properly shield and separate the oscillator section from the rest of the board, it is
recommended to use a ground plane, on both sides of the PCB, filling all the area below the
crystal oscillator and its load capacitors. No tracks or vias, except for the crystal
connections, should cross the ground plane.
It is also recommended to use a large clearance on the oscillator related tracks to minimize
humidity problems, see Figure 25.
Connecting the case to ground is also a good practice to reduce the effect of radiated
signals on the oscillator.
Figure 25. A recommended oscillator section layout for noise shielding
ST7538Q
25
26
SGND XOUT
27
XIN
TOP Layer
Clearance
BOTTOM Layer
It is possible to provide an external clock with the requested characteristics at the XOUT pin.
Probably in this case the global power consumption of the application will have a relevant
increase.
28/46
AN1714
2.5
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
Burst and surge protections
The environments encompassed by this application include residential, commercial and
light-industrial locations, both indoor and outdoor. For this reason a series of immunity
specification standards and tests have to be applied to the powerline application to simulate
the environment.
The requirements include EN610000-4-2, EN610000-4-3, EN610000-4-4, EN610000-4-5,
EN610000-4-6, EN610000-4-8, EN610000-4-11 and ENV50204. All these tests are listed in
the EN50065-2-1 document (part 7, immunity specifications).
These standards include surge tests, both common and differential mode (1 kV/0.5 kV,
Tr=1.2u sec) and fast transient burst tests (2kV, Tr=5n sec, Th=50n sec, repetition frequency
5 kHz).
The specific structure of the coupling interface circuit of the application is a weak point with
respect to the high voltage tests. In fact an efficient coupling circuit with low insertion losses
consequently obtains a very low impedance path from the mains to the power circuit of the
devices that can destroy the internal power circuits of the ST7538Q.
For this reason is recommended to add some specific protection on the path that links the
ATOP pins to the mains.
Figure 26. Common mode and differential mode spikes example
ST7538Q
ST7538Q
22
19
22
19
D16
1:1
D16
1:1
D17
D17
D15
21
Differential Mode
21
Common Mode
A solution that uses three transil diodes (P6KE6V8A or SM6T6V8A) connected in a star
configuration has been implemented in the demonstration board. A bidirectional transil was
not used because for common mode surge it is better to have a discharge path to ground
external to the devices.
In receiving mode the ATOP2 pin polarizes the coupling interface to ground. In this condition
without the diode D17 all the external signals greater than 1.4 V peak-to-peak are clamped
by D15 and D16.
In some conditions the transil diodes may not be reliable in presence of fast transient bursts.
In this case it is possible to add some fast response ESD diodes as ESDA6V1L (two
components) connected in parallel to the transil with the same star configuration.
The solution used for the demonstration board can give some general guidelines but can't
be generalized to all types of powerline communication applications.
Considerations about surge and burst protections depend on several factors such as
coupling interfaces, the board layout or the characteristics of the components used. Every
application needs a specific analysis.
29/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
AN1714
For some general considerations or a protection components list refer to the annexed
application notes and documentation.
2.6
ST7 microcontroller and RS232 interface
To complete an application for the powerline communication a microprocessor must
manage the upper layer of the communication protocol and eventually process other signals
related to the application (signal from sensors, current measures, driving actuators, and so
on). A different type of microcontroller can be required depending on the specific
application.
The demonstration board has a ST72C334J2 or ST72C334J4 microprocessor. This
component is connected to the ST232 driver interface and to the ST7538Q.
The loaded firmware has the function to receive from the PC program interface (through the
standard RS232 serial port) some commands to manage the control register writing and
reading procedures as well as the transmitting and receiving functions of the modem. The
results of the executed command come back to the PC program interface and are displayed
on the monitor.
Figure 27. Microcontroller/RS232 interface
5V_led
ST72C334
RN1
1k
1k
1k
1k
37
PA7
36
PA6
D9
D12
35
PA5
D10
34
PA4
D11
CN5
PC INTERFACE
ST232
44
11
1
12
PE0/TD0
PE1/RDI
7
ANI0/PD0
10
T1IN
R1OUT
T2IN
14
2
13
3
7
1
T1OUT_A
T1OUT
R1IN
T2OUT
R1IN_A
T2OUT_A
The ST7 microprocessor controls also the LED diodes D9, D10, D11, D12. The D9 (red) is
turned on during a transmission condition; the green LED D12 is turned on when the
receiving mode is activated. The D10 yellow diode is switched on when the Band-in-Use
signal is active. The D11 LED (red) is on when a Timeout event occurs. To save power
consumption the LEDs are turned off by removing jumper J9.
The ST7 firmware can be customized. Some of the I/O digital pins or analog input pins of
the microprocessor, that can be used to monitor some external signal or sensors and to
drive relays or other external devices, are available at the connector CN6.
The connector CN7 is used for ST7 memory in-situ programming. For a correct
programming procedure the ST7538Q has to be supplied, we suggest using an external 10
V supply from the connector CN2. The jumper J11 has to be opened.
30/46
AN1714
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
If an emulator is linked to the board we recommend programming a 4 MHz clock in the
ST7538Q internal register.
For more accurate and complete information on the features, characteristics and issues
concerning ST microprocessors, please refer to the attached documentation or to the
reference documents or go to the site www.stmcu.com.
2.6.1
Modem / microcontroller interface
The interface signals between modem ST7538Q and the ST2C334 microcontroller can be
divided in three categories: the control signals, the communications signals and the auxiliary
signals.
The first group consists of the clock signal (MCLK/OSCIN) the reset signal (RSTO/RESET)
and the watchdog signal (WD/PD3).
The clock signal of the microcontroller is provided by the ST7538Q from the MCLK pin. The
default is 4Mhz but it is possible to increase this value (8 Mhz or 16 MHz) by programming
the ST7538Q control register.
The reset of the microcontroller is provided by the modem. The reset line is connected to the
manual reset (C22, R15 and SW1) and to the reset pin of the CN7 connector for the In-Situ
Programming mode procedures.
The watchdog signal has to be managed from the microcontroller (PD3 output port). If the
ST7538Q doesn't detect any activity on the WD pin, it generates a reset signal on the RSTO
pin. It is possible to disable this function through the modem control register.
The second group of signals consists of the links necessary for the modem/Micro Controller
Unit communication. These include the data signals RXD (from the modem to the MCU) and
TXD (from MCU to the modem), the transmitting/receiving status selection signal (RX/TX),
the internal ST7538Q register control access signal REG/DATA, and the recovery clock
signal CLRT.
The ISP (In Situ Programming mode) signals coming from the CN7 connector are also
linked to the communication wires and to the RESET. Remember to open the jumper J11
during the programming phase.
The simplest interfacing mode is the synchronous mode. In this case it is possible to use the
SPI interface of the MCU. The PC5/MOSI (Slave In Data) is connected to the RXD pin, the
PC4/MISO pin (Slave Out Data) is connected to the TXD pin and the PC6/SCKI (SPI serial
clock) pin is connected to the CLRT pin. The SPI Slave select (PC7/SS) is controlled by the
MCU itself through the PB0 I/O port.
The CLRT signal is connected to the PB1 I/O pin too.
It is also possible to implement an asynchronous interfacing mode, and for this reason the
pin RXD is also connected to the PC3/ICAP1_B pin (timer B input capture).
In this modality of communication the CLRT signal isn't considered and the recovered clock
has to be rebuilt internally by the MCU. If the ST7538Q control register has to be changed
from the default configuration, the first access has to be done at baud rate of 2400.
The idle state of the RXD output is the low state, so an asynchronous interface could be
necessary to invert externally this signal.
A diode (D13) and a pull down resistor R16 were inserted on the TXD connection line. With
these components it is possible to transmit a frame coming from an external device (for
example a BER tester). It is sufficient to configure the modem in a transmitting status and
31/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
AN1714
the MCU has to keep the PC4 pin low. The external signal can be applied at the diode
cathode.
Figure 28. ST7538Q / microcontroller interface
42
11
OSCIN
MCLK
39
R15
12
RESET
RSTO
ISP RESET
26
C22
SW1
3
RXD
PC3/ICAP1_B
27
5
PC4/MISO/ISPDATA
TXD
28
ISPDATA
PC5/MOSI
29
D13
J11
R16
8
PC6/SCKI/ISPCLK
CLRT
ISPCLOCK
10
14
ANI4/PD3
WD
11
43
ANI5/PD4
REG/DATA
12
4
31
1
ANI6/PD5
RXTX
PA3
15
42
16
9
MCO/PF0
PG
PF1/BEEP
BU
17
15
PF2
ST72C334
CD/PD
ZCOUT
ST7538Q
3
PB1
4
7
5
36
PB2
TOUT
PB3
PB0
REG_OK
2
30
PC7/SS
38
ISPSEL
ISPSEL
R17
The third group of signals consists of a series of auxiliary signals coming from the ST7538Q
linked to some standard input of the microcontroller.
The CD/PD and BU signals give information about a carrier (or preamble detection)
condition and about the BU condition (according the EN50065-1).
If the zero-crossing comparator is used, the ZCOUT signal gives a digital signal
synchronized with the mains phase.
The PG, TOUT and REG_OK signals are monitor signals. The PG signal indicates the
correct supply level of the internal 5 V regulator of the ST7538Q (VDC). If the modem
regulator supplies the microcontroller or its reset is connected to the RSTO pin, it is
recommended to monitor this signal. In fact when the PG signal goes down during a
shutdown procedure, the microcontroller can try to correctly stop the running activities (for
example a memory writing) before the UVLO threshold is reached and the entire application
is reset, or before the regulator isn't able to correctly supply the micro. When a PG down is
detected, the transmission is disabled to avoid uncontrolled access to the mains. In any
case a correct shutdown procedure has to be completed to perform a correct reset of the
application.
The TOUT signal is active when a transmission procedure is aborted, either for a time out
event or for an overheat condition.
The REG_OK signal shows corruption of the internal modem register. Pay attention that the
REG_OK function doesn't check uncontrolled control register write procedure, due for
example, to a voltage spike on the REGDATA and RX/TX pins.
32/46
AN1714
2.7
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
Bill of material
Table 3.
Power supply sections
Item
N
Name
Descriptions
1
1
CN1
Header 2
2
1
CN2
Header 2
3
1
C1
47 nF/250 V~ Y2, EVOX RIFA, PME271Y447M
4
2
C2
4.7 µF/400 V Rubycon YK, 400-YK-4R7-M-T8-10x16
C3
4.7 µF/400V Rubycon YK
C4
470 µF/16V Rubycon ZL, 16-ZL-470-M-T8-10x12.5
C5
470 µF/16 V Rubycon ZL
5
2
6
1
C6
22 µF/50 V
7
1
C7
2.2 nF/250 V~ Y1 Ceramite, 440LD22
8
1
C8
1 µF
C9
9
1
C10
1 µF
10
1
C34
100 nF/100 V
C35
11
1
D1
Rectifier 380 V/1.5 A, B380C1500M
12
1
D2
STPS160A SMA
13
1
D3
BZW06-171
14
1
D4
STTA106
15
1
D5
LED green
16
2
D6
1N4148
D7
1N4148
17
1
F1
TR5-F 250 V 500 mA, Wickmann, 370.0500.041
18
3
J1
Jumper closed
J4
Jumper closed
J5
Jumper closed
L1
2x10 mH 0.3 A, RadiΩ 42 V15
L1
2x10 mH 0.25 A, TDK UF1717V-103YR25-02
19
1
20
1
L2
220 µH series BC, Siemens Matsushita B781.8-S1224-J
21
1
L3
10 µH series BC, Siemens Matsushita B781.8-S1103-K
22
1
L5
1mH series LBC, Siemens Matsushita B82144-A2105-J
23
1
R1
15 Ω, 3 W metal film
24
1
R2
2.2 kΩ SMD
25
1
R3
22 Ω
33/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
Table 3.
AN1714
Power supply sections (continued)
Item
N
Name
Descriptions
R4
26
1
R_L6
10 Ω
27
1
R5
3320 Ω
28
1
R7
910 Ω
29
1
TR1
0.7mH, Radiohm 69E16H.1B
TR1
0.7mH, TDK SRW16ES-ExxH004
U1
L6590
30
Table 4.
1
Powerline modem section
Item
N
Name
Descriptions
1
1
CN3
Header 2
2
1
CN4
3
1
C11
Header 7
33 nF 220 V/X2
(1),
220 nF MKT
EVOX RIFA, PHE840EB5330MR17
(1),
4
1
C13
5
2
C14
10 µF TANT SMD, AVX, TPSW106*016#0600
C30
10 µF TANT SMD
EPCOS B32529-C1224-K
6
1
C38
10 µF TANT SMD, VISHAY, 293D106X_035D2_
7
4
C15
100 nF SMD
C16
100 nF SMD
C20
100 nF SMD
C21
100 nF SMD
8
1
C17
6.8 nF, ARCOTRONIX, R82EC1680AA5J
9
1
C18
47 pF SMD
10
1
C19
18 pF SMD
11
1
C33
10 nF CERAMIC
12
1
C36
4.7 nF MKP 5% (1), EVOX RIFA, PFR5-472J63L4
13
1
C37
14
1
C_R9
100 pF SMD
100 nF MKT
(1)
, EPCOS, B32520-C3104-K
D8
D14
15
34/46
2
D15
P6KE6V8A
D16
P6KE6V8A
16
1
D17
SM6T6V8A
17
3
J2
Jumper closed
J3
Jumper closed
AN1714
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
Table 4.
Item
18
19
20
Powerline modem section (continued)
N
1
1
1
Name
Descriptions
J7
Jumper closed
J6
CON3
L_C12
L4
10 µH LBC Inductor
(1)
, Siemens Matsushita B82144-A2103-K
22 µH 10% series LBC
(1)
330 µH 5% series BC
(1)
, Siemens Matsushita B82144-A2223-K
21
1
L7
22
1
L8
10 µH SMD
23
1
R8
4.7 MΩ
24
1
R10
5 Ω, 1/4 Watt
25
1
R11
750 Ω
26
1
R12
50 kΩ TRIM
27
1
R13
5 kΩ TRIM
28
1
R14
1 kΩ
29
1
T1
VACuumschmelze T60403-F4096-X046, 1.7 mH, 1:1 transformer
T1
TDK TRTT10U-E015A012, 2 mH, 1:1 transformer
T1
SECRE T15253, 1.3 mH, 1:1 transformer
T1
ETAL P2824, 1.2 mH, 1:1 transformer
T1
RADIOHM 63V192100, 2 mH, 2:1 transformer
, Siemens Matsushita B781.8-S1334-J
30
1
U2
ST7538Q (TQFP44 CTI7010 – 044)
31
1
X1
16 M, quartz crystal, Q 16.0-SS3-30-30/30-FU-T1
1. Values for 132.5KHz communication channel
Table 5.
ST7/RS232 section
Item
N
Name
Descriptions
1
1
CN5
RS232 female 9 Pin
2
1
CN6
CON12
3
1
CN7
ISP interface
4
9
C23
100 nF SMD
C24
100 nF SMD
C25
100 nF SMD
C26
100 nF SMD
C27
100 nF SMD
C28
100 nF SMD
C29
100 nF SMD
C31
100 nF SMD
C32
100 nF SMD
35/46
Demonstration board for ST7538Q
Table 5.
36/46
AN1714
ST7/RS232 section (continued)
Item
N
Name
Descriptions
5
1
C22
22 nF SMD
6
1
D12
LED green
7
2
D9
LED red
D11
LED red
8
1
D10
LED yellow
9
1
D13
1N4148 SMD
10
5
JL1
Jumper open
J8
Jumper closed
J9
Jumper closed
J10
Jumper closed
J11
Jumper closed
11
1
RN1
R_STRIP 1 kΩ 4resis
12
1
R15
4.7 kΩ SMD
13
1
R16
47 kΩ SMD
14
1
R17
10 kΩ
15
1
SW1
SW pushbutton
16
1
U3
ST232B
17
1
U4
ST72C334J4 TQFP44 SMT
AN1714
3
Demonstration board characterization
Demonstration board characterization
This chapter includes a series of tests and measurements to characterize the demonstration
board. The characterization concerns the most critical aspects required by European
standards which are:
1.
Electro-conducted disturbances
2.
Immunity to narrowband conducted noise
3.
Output impedance measurement
The results of these measures show a good match and a very close value to the measures
done according to the EN50065-1, EN50065-2-1 and EN50065-7 setup and procedures.
3.1
Conducted disturbance
The EN50065-1 standard describes the test setup and procedures for these kinds of tests.
The measures have been done with 220 V~ and 110 V~ mains voltages. The test pattern
consists of a continuous transmission of a fixed tone (symbol "0") or a repetition of random
bytes.
The output signal has a peak value of 118dBuV (output CISPR-16 measure of the not
modulated signal) that means a 1.6Vrms of signal on the mains.
The spectrum analyzer performs a peak measure instead of a quasi-peak measure. For
continuous sinusoidal signals the two types of measures give the same result.
Figure 29. Conducted disturbance setup
As shown by the spectrum plots the point that is usually the closest to the mask is the 2nd
harmonic. The borderline condition is obtained with the 110 V~ mains supply and with the
110 kHz channel.
In the 110 kHz channel case the output board filter centered at the 132.5 kHz channel
produces lower attenuation of the harmonic.
The other critical condition is with the 110 V~ supply. In this case the switching regulator
gives a lower supply voltage. The effect is to compress the top of the output sinusoidal
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Demonstration board characterization
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signal producing higher odd harmonics. The difference is some hundreds of microvolts but
considering the strong constraints of the norm they are relevant.
Figure 30. Output signal spectrum, channel 132.5 kHz, mains 220 V~, fixed tone
dBuV
120.0
Ch 132.5 kHz, baud 2400, dev 0,5
Continuos Transmission - Fix Tone "0"
EN50065-1
110.0
10kHz -> 150kHz (Bw = 100Hz)
100.0
150kHz -> 30MHz (Bw=10kHz)
90.0
2nd Harmonic
54.3dBµV
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
3rd Harmonic
47.9dBµV
30.0
20.0 10000
100000
1000000
10000000
100000000
Figure 31. Output signal spectrum, channel 132.5 kHz, mains 220 V~, random
sequence
dBuV
120.0
Ch 132.5 kHz, baud 2400, dev 0,5
Continuos Transmission - Random Sequences
EN50065-1
110.0
10kHz -> 150kHz (Bw = 100Hz)
100.0
150kHz -> 30MHz (Bw =10kHz)
90.0
2nd Harmonic
54.3dBµV
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
3rd Harmonic
47.8dBµV
30.0
20.0 10000
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100000
1000000
10000000
100000000
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Demonstration board characterization
Figure 32. Output signal spectrum, channel 132.5 kHz, mains 110 V~, random
sequence
Ch 132.5 kHz, baud 2400, dev 0,5 - mains 110V~
Continuos Transmission - Random Sequences
dBuV
120.0
110.0
EN50065-1
100.0
10kHz -> 150kHz (Bw = 100Hz)
150kHz -> 30MHz (Bw =10kHz)
90.0
2nd Harmonic
54.0dBµV
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
3rd Harmonic
47.2dBµV
30.0
20.0
10000
100000
1000000
10000000
100000000
Figure 33. Output signal spectrum, channel 110 kHz, mains 220 V~, random
sequence
dBuV
120.0
Ch 110 kHz, baud 2400, dev 0,5
Continuos Transmission - Random Sequences
EN50065-1
110.0
10kHz -> 150kHz (Bw = 100Hz)
100.0
150kHz -> 30MHz (Bw=10kHz)
90.0
2nd Harmonic
54.0dBµV
80.0
70.0
60.0
50.0
40.0
3rd Harmonic
47.2dBµV
30.0
20.0 10000
3.2
100000
1000000
10000000
100000000
Narrowband conducted interference
The setup of the narrowband conducted interferences test consists of a first transmitting
demonstration board controlled by a BER (Bit Error Rate) tester that generates a random bit
stream. The second board demodulates the received signal that is evaluated by the linked
BER tester.
The noise is produced by a waveform generator and injected into the artificial network by a
coupling circuit connected to a low distortion power amplifier (EN50065-2-1, 7.2.3).
Two types of signal noises have been used for the test: a pure sinusoidal signal and an
amplitude-modulated signal, (modulating signal 1 kHz, modulation deep 80%).
The amplitude of the noise signal is decreased until the BER measured is lower than 10-3
(one error every 1000 transmitted bits).
The noise measure is done disconnecting the signal source and the coupling circuits from
the artificial network.
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Demonstration board characterization
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Figure 34. Narrowband conducted interferences setup
The following are different measurements with a transmitted signal of 79dBuV measured at
the CISPR-16 output (minus 6dB versus mains). A measure of the 110 kHz channel (signal
level 85dBuV) is also present even if the receiving filter of the board is tuned on the 132.5
kHz channel.
The power amplifier used represents a limit for the measure with respect to the maximum
noise voltage level. In fact for the noise tones far from the channel frequency, the BER
obtained is zero and the power amplifier isn't able to produce a higher sinusoidal noise.
Figure 35. Signal/noise ratio for the 132.5 kHz channel, signal level 85 dBuV
Ch 132.5KHz, BAUD 2400, DEV 0.5
S = 85 dBuV, BER < 10e-3 - mains 220V~
S/N
15
10
Fix Tone
5
AM 1kHz - 80%
0
-5
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
-35
-40
-45
-50
80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200
FREQ[KHz]
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Demonstration board characterization
Figure 36. Signal/noise ratio for the 132.5 kHz channel, signal level 85 dBuV, mains
110 V~
Ch 132.5KHz, BAUD 2400, DEV 0.5
S = 85 dBuV, BER < 10e-3 - mains 110V~
S/N
15
10
Fix Tone
5
AM 1kHz - 80%
0
-5
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
-35
-40
-45
-50
80 90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200
FREQ[KHz]
Figure 37. Signal/noise ratio for the 110 kHz channel, signal level 91 dBuV
Ch 110KHz, BAUD 2400, DEV 0.5
S = 91 dBuV, BER < 10e-3 - mains 220V~
S/N
20
15
10
5
0
-5
-10
-15
-20
-25
-30
-35
-40
-45
80
Fix Tone
AM 1kHz - 80%
90 100 110 120 130 140 150 160 170 180
FREQ[KHz]
3.3
Output impedance
The last characterization report concerns the output impedances of the application.
In order to not degrade the communication network it is mandatory to guarantee a minimum
value of the output impedance of each component of the system, both in the receiving and
transmitting condition. In this last case impedance constraints concern only the frequency
ranges of the other communication bands.
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Demonstration board characterization
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Figure 38. Output board impedance measurement setup
The reference standard is the EN50065-7. To simplify the measurement, the supply of the
board is obtained by a low 10 V external power supply and the impedance meter has been
connected directly to the mains connector.
Figure 39 and 40 show the normative mask for the home appliance band (95 kHz - 148.5
kHz).
Figure 39. Output demonstration board impedances (CN1) in receiving condition
Receiving Condition
ohm
1000
EN50065-7
Z_RX
100
10
1
10
30
50
70
90
110
130
150
KHz
Figure 40. Output demonstration board impedances (CN1) in transmitting condition
Transmitting Condition
ohm
1000
EN50065-7
Z_TX
100
10
1
10
30
50
70
90
KHz
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110
130
150
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Design ideas for auxiliary blocks
4
Design ideas for auxiliary blocks
4.1
Zero-crossing detector
It is possible to synchronize the beginning of the transmission with the mains voltage (phase
0). To implement this function the zero-crossing comparator has to be used and a reduced
reproduction of the mains frequency (with the same phase) has to be present on the ZCin
pin (#16). The maximum voltage of this pin is ±5 V.
In case of a nonisolated application the circuit consists of a simple resistor divider. For an
isolated system a possible solution could be a mains transformer. This solution is more
expensive and is suggested only if such a mains transformer is also used in the application
for another purpose.
It is possible to implement another isolated solution using for example an optocoupler
component also.
In both cases a bidirectional transil has to protect the pin from the burst and surge and a
capacitor have to be added to filter high frequency noise.
Figure 41. Zero-crossing coupling circuit, nonisolated solutions
ST7538Q
P
ZCout 15
10 MΩ
MAINS
ZCin
16
100 KΩ
Tx Sync
N
25
Figure 42. Zero-crossing coupling circuit, isolated solutions
ST7538Q
ZCout 15
100 KΩ
ZCin
50
MAINS
16
Tx Sync
100 KΩ
1
25
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Documentation
AN1714
Appendix A
4.2
4.3
4.4
Documentation
ST7538Q
●
ST7538Q datasheet
●
Demonstration board user manual
●
EHS Booklet
L6590 integrated power supply
●
L6590 datasheet
●
Application note AN1261
●
Application note AN1262
●
Application note AN1523
ST7 microprocessor
ST72 series datasheet
4.5
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Surge and burst protections
●
Protection guide
●
Application note AN317
●
Application note AN576
AN1714
5
6
References
References
1.
SGS-THOMSON - Power Line Modem & Applications data book - September 1994
2.
CENELEC, European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization - EN 50065-1,
Signaling on low-voltage electrical installations in the frequency range 3 kHz to
148,5 kHz. Part 1: General requirements, frequency bands and electromagnetic
disturbances - July 2001
3.
CENELEC, European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization - EN 50065-4-2,
Signaling on low-voltage electrical installations in the frequency range 3 kHz to 148,5
Khz. Part 4-2: Low voltage decoupling filters- Safety requirements - August 2001
4.
CENELEC, European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization - EN 50065-7,
Signaling on low-voltage electrical installations in the frequency range 3 kHz to
148,5 Khz. Part 7: Equipment impedance - November 2001
5.
CENELEC, European Committee for Electrotechnical Standardization - prEN 50065-21, Signaling on low-voltage electrical installations in the frequency range 3 kHz to
148,5 kHz. Part 2-1: Immunity requirements for mains Communications Equipment and
systems operating in the range of frequencies 95 kHz to 148,5 kHz and intended for
use in Residential, Commercial and Light Industrial Environments - 1999
6.
IEC, International Electrotechnical Commission, International Special Committee On
Radio Interferences - CISPR 16-1, Specification for radio disturbance and immunity
measuring apparatus and methods. Part 1: Radio disturbance and immunity measuring
apparatus - first edition, August 1993
7.
EHSA, European Home System Association - EHS specifications, version 1.3a May 2001.
Revision history
Table 6.
Document revision history
Date
Revision
21-Jun-2006
3
Minor text changes
4
–
–
–
–
27-Feb-2008
Changes
Section 1.2 added
Section 2.4 modified
ST7538 replaced by ST7538Q
Content reworked to improve readability, no content changes
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