3.3.1 PL360

The PL360G55CF-EK board is equipped with a PL360 device in 48-pin QFN (0.4 mm pitch package).

PL360 is a multi-protocol (G3-PLC, PRIME 1.3 and PRIME 1.4) modem for Power Line Communication implementing a very flexible architecture, which allows implementation of standard and customized PLC solutions.

PL360 transceiver has been conceived to be easily managed by an external Microchip MCU through a 4-line standard Serial Peripheral Interface (SPI) accessing the internal peripheral registers. Two additional signals are used by the host microcontroller to control the PL360 transceiver: LDO enable and NRST.

Figure 3-4. PL360 PLC Modem
Important: Some GPIOs of PL360 device must be connected to the external MCU for the right implementation of the firmware of the PLC standard. G3-PLC requires a GPIO for an external interrupt line (EINT) and PRIME requires two GPIOs for an external interrupt and carrier detect indication lines (EINT and CD). Please check this point with the firmware user guide.
Remember: The PL360 control lines from MCU perspective (SPI lines, EINT in GPIO3 and CD in GPIO0) are accessible via test points.

Microchip provides highly efficient, reduced BOM reference designs for different coupling options, targeting common configurations in all PLC bands (<500 kHz) complying with existing regulations.

Figure 3-5. PLC Bands Supported by PL360

For a further description of the PL360 device, please refer to the PL360 datasheet.