2 Getting Started

Unpack and inspect the kit carefully. The board is inside an enclosure made of ABS plastic UL 94 V-0 (150 mm x 80 mm x 50 mm).

Figure 2-1. PL460-EK Unpacked

The PL460-EK is a client board, so a host board with a specific firmware is necessary to use it. The PL460-EK must be connected to the host through the Xplained PRO connector (J2).

The PL460-EK must be powered with 15V by the DC Input connector (J4) and with 3.3V by the Xplained PRO connector (J2).
  • When the DC Input connector (J4) is connected, the power LED shines green.
  • When the Xplained PRO connector (J2) is connected, the power LED shines green.
CAUTION: Before starting to transmit, make sure that the 12V power supply is applied and stable to avoid damaging the driver. So, the DC Input connector must be connected and the shunt JP1 must be installed on J5.

For more information about the power supply of PL460-EK, see 3.3.5 Power Supply System.

To connect a host or the AC/DC wall adapter to J4, it is not necessary to open the enclosure.

Figure 2-2. Connection of AC/DC Wall Adapter and Host

The PL460-EK requires a suitable cable to be connected from the connector J1 to the mains for the PLC communication. It is necessary to open the enclosure to connect an AC power source (mains grid) or a DC bus to the J1 connector (PLC output). Once the connection is made, remember to close the enclosure before connecting it to the mains.

To make the connection with the PLC, follow the next steps to open the enclosure securely:

  1. Unscrew the four screws of the lid to open the enclosure.
    Figure 2-3. Screws of the Lid to Open the Enclosure
  2. Feed the cables through the holes of the enclosure.
    Figure 2-4. Cables through the Holes of the Enclosure
  3. Connect one wire of the 2-wire AC cable to any of the terminals of the J1 connector (PLC+) and the other wire to the other terminal of the J1 connector (PLC-). Screw the wires into the connector.
    Figure 2-5. Screw Wires into the Connector
  4. Close the enclosure and screw the four screws of the lid.
    Figure 2-6. Screws of the Lid to Close the Enclosure

Once the enclosure is closed, the AC cable can be connected to the mains grid.

Figure 2-7. PL460-EK Powered from Mains Grid with Closed Enclosure

Also, the host can be connected to the board through the Xplained PRO connector and the AC/DC wall adapter can be connected to the mains grid.

Figure 2-8. Connection of PLC, AC/DC Wall Adapter and Host
Warning: When the board is connected to the mains grid for PLC communication, there is a risk of PERSONAL INJURY OR PHYSICAL DAMAGE. Make sure that the enclosure is closed before connecting the board to the mains grid and do not open the lid.
Important: For proper PLC communication, it is necessary to open the enclosure and make the corresponding connection following the steps described in the above section. Once this is done, the enclosure must be closed at any time while PL460-EK is connected to the mains. If, for any reason, it is needed to manipulate the board, make sure that the board is disconnected from the mains before opening the enclosure.