PLATYPUS PLC MODEM

Flexible firmware

The on-board ARM Cortex-M3 runs a proprietary and modular firmware targeted at communications and authentication applications. Built upon the industry-standard FreeRTOS multi-tasking kernel, Theobroma Systems has added USB-connectivity as an RNDIS device, a network stack featuring both IPv4 and IPv6 connectivity, a 6LoWPAN implementation, routing, integration to smartcard-based authentication tokens and COAP-based management and sensor/actuator endpoints.

The Platypus module combines easy customization for user-defined applications and interfaces with industrial-grade nPLC networking.

Future-proof architecture supports evolving nPLC standards

The Platypus module features a future-proof architecture that ensures easy adaptability to evolving nPLC standards:

1. nPLC transceiver fully managed by the on-board ARM Cortex-M3 to allow local (via USB) and remote (via nPLC) firmware-upgrade
2. DSP-based programmable nPLC transceiver with multi-protocol support via firmware swap (G3-PLC, PRIME, IEEE 1901.2) Devices are preconfigured to communicate according to the G3-PLC standard:
3. IPv6 packet format on the wire
4. Integrated forward error correction (FEC)
5. Frequency bands: 100–150 kHz (CENELEC B, C and D)
6. A maximum raw data rate of 77.7kbit/s when combining the CENELEC B and C bands in IEEE1901.2 mode using 16QAM
7. Adaptive modulation automatically lowers the data rate under harsh channel conditions
8. Hardware-accelerated acknowledgment and retransmission
9. Listen-before-talk for multi-peer access

Flexible IO ports to match diverse applications

The Platypus module features multiple digital and analog IOs:

1. RS485 port with built-in RS485 transceiver
2. micro-USB port to allow attachment to host computers as an RNDIS-class device
3. 0-10V analog output for light dimming

Easy to integrate

The Platypus module can be used in multiple communication configurations to adapt to different application requirements:

1. Configured as a transparent serial bridge, it functions as a simple line-extender (with configurable baud-rate) for serial communication
2. Operating in structured mode it provides a number of IPv6 endpoints for IO and management functionality While the transparent serial bridge provides a low learning curve for the implementation of nPLC in customer applications, the full benefits of the device architecture become apparent in structured mode: all devices in an nPLC network deployment are easily addressable through IPv6 and is accessed from USB-connected host computers.