SiConnect is sampling two integrated powerline modem chips. The PLi050A is for high fidelity real time distribution of uncompressed audio, while the PLi050 targets data-centric consumer electronics applications including online gaming, IPTV distribution and in-home Voice over IP solutions. Both products integrate SiConnect’s PLT050 digital transceiver with a powerline specific analogue front-end to create single chip solutions, enabling reliable self-install in-home connectivity to be embedded into consumer electronics for a total cost that is under $10 per endpoint. The PLi050A also integrates on-chip a pair of I2S interfaces for real-time audio streaming. To create a complete powerline modem solution, each chip needs just a simple coupler circuit, an optional host interface PHY (Ethernet or USB), and an EEPROM. No external RAM is required.
The modem chips embed the company’s POEM technology to deliver all digital modem, baseband signal and control processing functions. The technology has already brought a unique set of technical benefits to powerline communication in the home including high fidelity uncompressed audio streaming, simultaneous running of multiple applications on the same powerline network, Whole Home Coverage mesh networking, global EMC compliance and a consumer electronics cost point.
