CONNECTIVITY MODULES

G3-PLC Power Line Module

Microchip PL460 · G3-PLC CENELEC B · 80–305 VAC · Plug-in module

Communicate over existing power wiring — no new cabling, no RF spectrum, no interference. The same Host API works across all ARG comm modules: switch from Power Line to cellular or Wi-Fi with zero host firmware changes.

ARG CONNECTIVITY MODULES

Power line networking. No new wiring.

The ARG G3-PLC Module is built around the Microchip PL460 OFDM modem, implementing the G3-PLC CENELEC B standard (95–125 kHz) for narrowband power line communications. It operates over 80–305 VAC lines, supports up to 255 nodes per mesh network with auto-commissioning and self-healing, and exposes the ARG Common Host API — the same UART binary interface used by every ARG comm module. Deployed in the iAQ-Pro-D HVAC monitor and GSB-01 gas sensor module.

G3-PLC

CENELEC B — worldwide standard

255 nodes

Auto-mesh, auto-healing network

80–305V

AC input, single & three phase

256-bit ECC

Private network encryption

THE ARG COMM PLATFORM

One host board. Any connectivity.

ARG products are designed around a common comm module footprint and a hardware-agnostic Host API. The same host firmware runs unchanged whether the module inside is cellular, Wi-Fi, Power Line, or Modbus. This means you can build one product and decide connectivity technology at production time — or even swap modules in the field.

🔌

Same Form Factor

Samtec plug-in headers, common ARG module footprint. Every ARG comm module — cellular, Wi-Fi, Power Line, Modbus — fits the same pinout on the host PCB.

📄

Same Host API

A single UART binary protocol — PUBLISH, STATUS_GET, RECEIVED — works identically across all module types. The host sends a payload and receives data without knowing the underlying medium.

🌐

Any Technology

Power Line where wiring exists. Cellular for remote field sites. Wi-Fi for campus deployments. Modbus for BMS integration. Select the module for each deployment — the product board never changes.

✈️

OTA Firmware Updates

3.5MB NOR flash staging partition allows full over-the-air module firmware updates. The host streams the new image over UART; the modem validates, self-programs, and reboots autonomously.

CAPABILITIES

G3-PLC networking over your existing infrastructure.

The Microchip PL460 implements the full G3-PLC CENELEC B stack — a proven standard used in smart metering and building automation worldwide. No RF permits, no spectrum congestion, no new wiring runs.

⚡

G3-PLC CENELEC B

Microchip PL460 OFDM modem. G3-PLC standard in the CENELEC B band (95–125 kHz). Bi-directional data transfer between the power line and the host UART. Worldwide regulatory acceptance.

🕸️

Self-Healing Mesh Network

Up to 255 nodes per network. Automatic network commissioning — nodes discover and join without manual configuration. Mesh auto-healing reroutes traffic around failed nodes automatically.

🔒

Private Network Security

Network PAN ID and private pre-shared key (PSK) prevent cross-network interference. Optional ECC 256-bit encryption for secure private network commissioning and end-to-end payload protection.

🏗️

Wide AC Input Range

Operates over 80–305 VAC, 50/60 Hz — single and three phase. The AC input is capacitively coupled with an isolation transformer; no active power is consumed on the AC rail.

SPECIFICATIONS

Technical Specifications

Module Specifications
PLC Chipset	Microchip PL460 OFDM Power Line Modem
PLC Standard	G3-PLC, CENELEC B band (95–125 kHz)
Modulation	OFDM (G3-PLC)
Data Rate	Up to 40 kbps (G3-PLC narrowband)
AC Input Voltage	80 – 305 VAC, 50/60 Hz (single & three phase)
AC Coupling	Capacitive coupling + isolation transformer; zero active power on AC rail
Network Size	Up to 255 nodes per network
Network Topology	Auto-commissioning mesh with auto-healing
Security	Network PAN ID + private PSK; optional ECC 256-bit encryption
15V Power Rail	14.5 – 15.5 V, 70–150 mA (analog front end)
3.3V Power Rail	3.25 – 3.35 V, 56–65 mA (digital section)
Digital IO	3.3V UART (TX, RX), active-low reset, 2× digital outputs
Connector	Samtec plug-in headers, 0.38mm board-mount pins
Storage Temperature	−40°C to +120°C
Operating Temperature	−40°C to +85°C

Host API Interface
Protocol	ARG Binary Frame Protocol v0.1
Physical	UART, 460,800 baud, 8N1, hardware flow control (RTS/CTS)
Signals	TX, RX, RTS, CTS, nRST, PWR_EN
Frame Format	SOF (0xAA) + VER + TYPE + LEN[2] + PAYLOAD[0–512] + CRC16-CCITT[2]
Max Frame	519 bytes \| Max payload: 512 bytes
CPU Burden	Zero — DMA + hardware flow control on both host and modem; CPU wakes only on complete frame
Compatibility	Protocol-identical across all ARG comm modules — cellular, Wi-Fi, G3-PLC, Modbus

RESOURCES

Product Documentation

📄

Module Datasheet

Coming soon

📑

Host API Specification