PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual

Chapter 1: Applications

Features 4

Block Diagram 6

Versatile Multiplexer vMUX 7

Telephone Networks 9

Tele Control 10

Data Transmission 12

Protection Signaling 13
Chapter 1: Applications PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual

Table of Contents:

PowerLink the Versatile Solution............................................................................................................................. 3

PowerLink Developed for the Challenges of the Future.......................................................................................... 3
Overview of the Features............................................................................................................................................ 4
Designed by a Manufacturer Looking to the Future ................................................................................................... 5
Flexibility for Your Success ....................................................................................................................................... 6
Variable Transmission Power ................................................................................................................................. 6
Optimum Matching to Transmission Conditions.................................................................................................... 6
Multi Service Device .............................................................................................................................................. 6
Automatic Crosstalk Canceller (AXC) ................................................................................................................... 7
Transmission Capacity up to 320 Kbps .................................................................................................................. 7
Maximum Efficiency: The Integrated, Versatile Multiplexer (vMUX)...................................................................... 7
Voice Compression Less is More ............................................................................................................................ 8
Protection Signal Transmission System SWT 3000 ................................................................................................... 8
One Management System for all Applications ........................................................................................................... 8
Application 1: Telephone Networks ............................................................................................................................ 9
Application 2: Tele Control ....................................................................................................................................... 10
Application 3: Data Transmission............................................................................................................................. 12
Application 4: Protection Signaling .......................................................................................................................... 13
Easy to Operate the PowerLink Management System ......................................................................................... 14
PowerSys Administration Interface .......................................................................................................................... 14
Remote Administration Via the Inband Channel of PowerLink Systems................................................................. 14
Remote Administration Via Modem Link ................................................................................................................ 14
Remote Access Via IP .............................................................................................................................................. 15
Integration of PowerLink in Network Management Systems via SNMP .............................................................. 16

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PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual Chapter 1: Applications

PowerLink the Versatile Solution

PowerLink uses the high-voltage line between transformer substations as a communication path
for data, protection signals, and voice. This technology, which has been tried and tested over dec-
ades and adapted to the latest standards, has 2 main application areas:
as a communications link between substations where a fiber-optic connection does
not exist or would not be economically viable, and
as a backup system for transmitting protection signals parallel to an installed fiber-
optic link.
A basic distinction is made between analog (aPLC) and digital (dPLC) systems. Newer digital sys-
tems allow more efficient use of the frequency band, whereas traditional analog PLC systems offer
advantages in cases where transmission conditions are worse (low signal/noise ratio, for example).
With PowerLink, both operating modes are open to you. You can even combine aPLC and dPLC
services in a single communications network.

PowerLink Developed for the Challenges of the Future

PowerLink has numerous outstanding features and functional units, many of them are patented.
The real hallmark of the system, however, is its openness and flexibility, which offers you a host of
technical options for the best operation of your communication networks. You can use PowerLink
for the transmission of
Protection signals
Telecontrol signals
Voice
Fax
Data
TCP/IP communications
For this purpose, PowerLink has analog and all current digital interfaces. Because these can be
combined flexibly, you can protect investments you have already made, and continue to use the ol-
der analog terminals while you gradually switch over to the new communication technologies. At
the same time, with PowerLink you already have all the possibilities of TCP/IP communication at
your disposal, which is increasingly emerging as the standard in the power supply area as well.

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Chapter 1: Applications PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual

Overview of the Features

Feature dPLC aPLC

Universally applicable in analog, digital, or mixed operation X X
Carrier frequency range 24 kHz to 1000 kHz X X
Bandwidth selectable
2 kHz to 32 kHz X
4 kHz to 32 kHz X
Data rate up to 320 Kbps@32 kHz X
Operation
non adjacent band X X
adjacent band with adaptive crosstalk canceller X X
Transmission power
20 W / 50 W / 100 W, Fine adjustment through software X X
Digital interface
Asynchronous RS232 (max. 8) X
E1 (2 Mbps) for voice compression (max. 8 timeslots) X
ITU-T G703.1 64 Kbps X
Synchronous X.21 (max. 2) X
Ethernet (2 x electrical, 1 x optical) X
Analog interface
VF (VFM, VFO, VFS), max. 8 for voice, data, and protection signal X X
Asynchronous RS232 (max. 4) via FSK X
Adaptive dynamic data rate adjustment X
TCP/IP Layer 2 Bridge X
Integrated versatile multiplexer for voice and data (vMUX):
Max. 5 compressed voice channels via VF interface X
Max. 8 voice channels via E1 interface X
StationLink bus for the cross connection of max. 4 PLC transmis- X
sion routes (compressed voice and data)
(no voice decompression/compression on repeater station neces-
sary)
Reverse FSK analog RTU / modem data via dPLC (2 x) X
Protection signal transmission system SWT 3000:
Integration of 2 SWT 3000 devices X X
Remote operation via cable X X
Remote operation via fiber-optic cable (identical scope of opera- X X
tion to the integrated version)
Single-purpose or multi-purpose / alternate multi-purpose mode X X
Element Manager based on a graphical user interface for the control and X X
monitoring of PLC and teleprotection systems
Remote access to PowerLink
Via in band service channel X X
Via TCP/IP connection X X
SNMP compatibility for NMS integration X X
Flexible time synchronization feature (USYNC, IRIG, NTP) X X
Non volatile event memory with time stamp X X
Simple feature upgrade through software (ease-up!) X X

2
Feature Remarks Status

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PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual Chapter 1: Applications

Designed by a Manufacturer Looking to the Future

Phone analog Fax Remote teminal Computer Protection Router Modem

unit (data transmission) relay connection

Siemens calls itself the global network of innovation. And when it comes to meeting the needs of
the power network communications industry, thats exactly what we are.
Weve taken the considerable input provided by our customers, partners, and employees around
the world and developed the next generation of PLC technology. PowerLink incorporates a number
of leading-edge components and features, many of which Siemens has patented.
You can use PowerLink to transmit:
Protection signals
Voice
Faxes
Data

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Chapter 1: Applications PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual

PowerLinks innovative design can be used in a wide range of network configurations, and with
both analog and digital interfaces. But even more important, PowerLink by ensures seamless inte-
gration in your next system configuration, smoothing the way when its time to change your com-
munication networks.

CSPi

VF Voice frequency iSWT integrated SWT 3000 CFS-2 Carrier frequency section
VFO VF interface FXO iMUX integrated MUX PLPA PowerLink power amplifier
VFS VF interface FXS iFSK integrated FSK channel CSPi Central Signal Processing
VFM VF interface E&M DP Data Pump AMP50 Power amplifier 50W
X.21 syn. digital interface AGC autom. gain control RXF Receive filter
RS232 async. digital interface ATT attenuator TXF Transmit filter
vMUX versatile Multiplexer fE1 fractional E1
s

Flexibility for Your Success

Versatility is one of the great strengths of the PowerLink system. PowerLink can be matched flexi-
bly to your infrastructure.

Variable Transmission Power

You can, for example, set the system power via the system software in 2 ranges (20 W to 50 W or
40 W to 100 W) according to the exact requirements of the transmission route. As far as the trans-
mission itself is concerned, PowerLink operates with variable transmission rates and bandwidths in
the frequency band between 24 kHz and 1000 kHz, making it easy to comply with specific fre-
quency requirements of customers.

Optimum Matching to Transmission Conditions

PowerLink matches the transmission rate to changes in ambient conditions. This guarantees op-
timum transmission power in the network at all times. Due to PowerLinks integral prioritization
function, which can be configured for each channel, routing of the most important channels is as-
sured even in bad weather conditions.

Multi Service Device

PowerLink offers the necessary flexibility for transmitting every service the customer might want in
the available band. All services can be combined in any way within the available bandwidth/bit rate
framework.

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PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual Chapter 1: Applications

Automatic Crosstalk Canceller (AXC)

PowerLink can be operated with or without space between the transmission and reception bands.
Band to band operation usually requires manual adjustment to minimize the influence of the trans-
mitter on the receiver. AXC automates this adjustment process, thereby optimizing the transmis-
sion quality. Developed and patented by Siemens, AXC automatically subtracts the interfering
transmission signals from reception signals (RX-TX). With changing characteristics of the transmis-
sion channel, the quick adaptation of the AXC ensures optimum transmission quality at all times,
without time-consuming manual adjustment.

Transmission Capacity up to 320 Kbps

PowerLink offers a transmission capacity of 320 Kbps, and an integrated TCP/IP interface is
available. This means that many different types of IP terminals can use the power line communica-
tions network effectively.

Maximum Efficiency: The Integrated, Versatile Multiplexer (vMUX)

A large number of conventional communication interfaces today (for example a/b telephone, V.24,
X.21, etc.) and in the foreseeable future must be operated in a switching station. For this purpose,
PowerLink uses an integrated versatile multiplexer that bundles these communication forms to-
gether and transmits them by PLC. The vMUX is a statistical multiplexer with priority control. Asyn-
chronous data channels can be transmitted in guaranteed or best effort modes, to guarantee op-
timum utilization of available transmission capacity. The priority control ensures reliable transmis-
sion of the most important asynchronous and synchronous data channels and voice channels even
under poor transmission conditions. Naturally the vMUX is integrated in the management system of
PowerLink, and is perfectly equipped for the power line communication requirements of the future
with extended options for transmitting digital voice and data signals.

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Chapter 1: Applications PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual

Voice Compression Less is More

Voice compression is indispensable for the efficient utilization of networks. Naturally, quality must
not suffer, which is why PowerLink offers comprehensive options for adapting the data rate to indi-
vidual requirements. PowerLink offers different compression stages between 5.3 Kbps and 8 Kbps.
To prevent any impairment of voice quality, the compressed voice band is routed transparently to
PowerLink stations connected in line, without any further compression or decompression.

Protection Signal Transmission System SWT 3000

A maximum of 2 independent SWT 3000 systems can be integrated into each PowerLink. This
means that no connection components are needed. SWT 3000 systems are also fully integrated
into the user interface of the PowerLink administration tool.

One Management System for all Applications

PowerLink not only simplifies your communications, but also makes communications cost-
efficient. The PowerSys software administers all integrated applications of PowerLink under a
standard user interface. This ensures higher operating security while cutting training times and
costs to the minimum.

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PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual Chapter 1: Applications

Application 1: Telephone Networks

Analog interface Analog interface

Analog connection of individual telephones Analog connection of telephone systems

Digital interface TCP/IP interface

Digital connection of telephone systems Connection of telephone via TCP/IP
If you want to set up a telephone network using PLC units, PowerLink is the reliable way to do this
by simply using your existing TC systems and telephones. PowerLink is designed for the connec-
tion of all different kinds of telephone systems or for individual telephones (from analog to IP). The
graphics above provide an overview.
The compressed voice band is routed transparently with no additional compression or decom-
pression, so that the voice quality at PowerLink stations connected in between is not impaired. This
StationLink functionality for voice channels is shown in the following graphic.

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Chapter 1: Applications PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual

Application 2: Tele Control

Polling of RTU data via integrated FSK (frequency shift keying) channel with a bit rate of up to
2400 Bd.

Polling of RTU data via PowerLinks data pump and vMUX with a bit rate of up to 19.2 Kbps

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PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual Chapter 1: Applications

Telecontrol with modem via the rFSK channel

Use of RTU with integrated modem. The VF (voice frequency) interface of the RTU (modem) can
be connected directly to the VF interface of PowerLink.

The functions of a power system control center include the regular retrieval of the event data from
the telecontrol units, which are usually combined into groups. This point-to-multipoint retrieval of
data is implemented in a substation between the PowerLink systems by means of the StationLink
function.

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Chapter 1: Applications PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual

Application 3: Data Transmission

The versatile multiplexer integrated in PowerLink provides the following functions:

Asynchronous data transmission
Up to 8 data terminal equipment can be connected to the PowerLink via the RS232 interface.
These asynchronous data channels can be transmitted in the guaranteed or best effort modes,
and thus guarantee optimum utilization of the available transmission capacity.
Synchronous data transmission
PowerLink provides 2 X.21 or 1 G703.1 interfaces for the data link between plesiochronous (PDH)
or synchronous (SDH) transmission systems.
LAN connection
PowerLink permits establishing a LAN connection between substations in the high-voltage net-
work. As well as connecting routers via the X.21 interface, PowerLink also provides an integrated
Ethernet interface. This allows IP-enabled data terminal equipment to be connected directly at low
cost.
Transparent analog data transfer
When PowerLink is used in analog mode, a maximum of 4 conventional asynchronous data
channels up to 2400 bit/s can be transmitted transparently by means of FSK modulation.

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PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual Chapter 1: Applications

Application 4: Protection Signaling

Protection signal transmission with external SWT 3000

Protection signal transmission with integrated SWT 3000

The protection signal transmission system SWT 3000 can be operated as an integrated system
(max. 2 systems) or adapted with PowerLink. Every SWT 3000 system can transmit up to 4 protec-
tion commands. Above graphic shows an overview of the various connection options.
The SWT 3000 system offers you a unique and varied range of operating options:
Single-purpose mode:
In this operating mode, the PowerLink transmission channel is used exclusively for transmitting
protection signals. Maximum transmission ranges with greatest reliability in the case of pulse noise
and the minimum signal propagation delay are attained in this mode. A 2-kHz-variant allows the
best possible utilization of frequency space in the 4-kHz band.
Multi-purpose mode:
In this mode, voice and data are transmitted parallel to protection signals.
Alternate multi-purpose mode:
In this mode, the entire transmission capacity is used for voice and data as long as it is not nee-
ded for protection purposes. The PowerLink pilot tone is used as the guard tone in this mode. If a
protection command needs to be transmitted, voice transmission is interrupted for the duration of
transmission of the protection command. Data transmission may also be interrupted if the relevant
parameter is set.

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Chapter 1: Applications PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual

Easy to Operate the PowerLink Management System

When analyzing the costs of an infrastructure investment, the expense of training employees can-
not be disregarded. The gratifyingly low costs for training in PowerLink are due to the easy-to-learn,
intuitive user interface, standard for all system components. All applications in PowerLink, such as
the versatile multiplexer and the integrated and external SWT 3000 devices, use a standard user
interface. Your employees everywhere can familiarize themselves quickly, so training times and
costs are minimized.

PowerSys Administration Interface

Intuitive and easy to operate, the Windows-based PowerSys system software runs on all standard
PCs. Apart from local operation, PowerLink also offers 3 options for remote administration. This
makes it possible to meet a wide range of different infra-structure requirements of customers. Re-
gardless of the chosen solution, the user has complete system functionality in the same way as
with a direct local connection.

Remote Administration Via the Inband Channel of PowerLink Systems

LCT

PLC transmission path

RM link in the substation
RM Remote maintenance interface
LCT Front service interface
RM Addr. Remote administration address

Remote Administration Via Modem Link

LCT LCT LCT LCT

RM2 RM2 RM2 RM2
RM1 RM1 RM1 RM1

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PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual Chapter 1: Applications

Remote Access Via IP

PowerLink helps you simplify your operating processes thanks to the latest technologies. Admini-
stration can be carried out easily via the corporate LAN network using the common TCP/IP network
protocol. The system can be connected with its own network protection equipment and a firewall to
ensure the necessary security level in the company.

TCP/IP TCP/IP TCP/IP TCP/IP

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Chapter 1: Applications PowerLink 50/100 Equipment Manual

Integration of PowerLink in Network Management Systems via SNMP

PowerLink systems can also be integrated in higher level management systems via the IP access
by means of the SNMP protocol (Simple Network Management Protocol). System and network
state data are transferred, for example, to an alarm, inventory or performance management sys-
tem.

Joint SNMP interface for PowerLink and the integrated SWT 3000

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