Power Line Carrier
GARD 8000 SYS RFL Electronics
April 23, 2015 10-1 973.334.3100
SECTION 10. POWER LINE CARRIER
10.1 INTRODUCTION
The Single Function PLC Module (module set) is a protection module for use in the GARD 8000
system. The PLC Module consists of two plug-in modules: 1) a Digital Module which plugs into the
front of the GARD 8000 chassis, and 2) an Analog module which plugs into the rear of the GARD
8000 chassis. The module set can be used in a GARD 8000 3U or 6U chassis.
The PLC Module is capable of transmitting and receiving a single PLC channel. The channel can be
configured for two modes of operation: 1) FSK, or 2) On/Off. In FSK mode, it can be configured to
support either 2F or 3F operation. In On/Off mode, it can be configured to support both Normal
Checkback and Hard Carrier Checkback.
In addition to performing the normal PLC functions, the Module will monitor the transmit interface to
measure transmit power, reflected power, trans-hybrid loss, and receive signal strength.
10.1.1 PLC MODULE SOFTWARE COMPATABILITY CONSIDERATIONS
The PLC Module Software is used with the GARD Custom System Logic to meet each user’s specific
application needs. The PLC Module Logic and GARD PLC System Logic have both been updated and
both logic versions need to agree.
Beginning in October 2011, new PLC software (indicated as V17) has been released to improve the
functionality of the unit. Although these changes are transparent to the end user, certain compatibility
issues with the new PLC software and older System Logic should be noted.
Units shipped after October 2011 will have updated default PLC System Logic, however if GARD
units are modified in the field and have either new PLC software with old PLC System Logic or the
reverse, the units may not perform as expected. The two scenarios are described below:
New PLC software/Old system logic
New System Logic/Old PLC software
The function to disable the Transmitter from an external input will not function.
The security against unwanted operations
in FSK mode will be slightly reduced.
The unblocking feature in FSK will not work.
The RX SNR alarm will not work.
Because of these differences, care must be taken when swapping modules or reusing the “Whole
Chassis Configuration” files from different versions.
The following is invalid:
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