Understanding HomePlug Technology: AV and GP

This article explores the fundamentals of HomePlug technology, covering both HomePlug AV and HomePlug GP (Green PHY) versions, which are frequently used in the IoT (Internet of Things). HomePlug technology provides a way to network devices using the existing electrical wiring in your home.

This powerline communication standard is developed and maintained by the HomePlug Powerline Alliance. The following standards have evolved under the HomePlug umbrella:

• HomePlug 1.0
• HomePlug AV
• HomePlug AV2
• HomePlug Green PHY
• HomePlug Access Broadband Power Line

The initial version, HomePlug 1.0, offered a data rate of 14 Mbps. HomePlug AV boosts this to a peak physical layer (PHY) data rate of 200 Mbps. HomePlug GP (Green PHY) provides a peak physical layer (PHY) data rate of 10 Mbps.

The next sections detail the differences between the HomePlug AV and HomePlug GP versions.

HomePlug AV

• Frequency Spectrum: 2 to 30 MHz
• PHY Modulation: OFDM
• No. of subcarriers: 1155
• Subcarrier spacing: 24.414KHz
• Modulation types: BPSK, QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM, 256QAM, 1024QAM
• FEC techniques: Turbo code Rate 1/2 OR Rate 16/21 (punctured)
• Data rates: 4 Mbps to 10Mbps(ROBO), 20Mbps to 200Mbps(Adaptive Bit Loading)
• Channel Access: CSMA/CA with optional TDMA
• Channel Estimation: Adaptive bit loading per subcarier via pre negotiated tone maps

HomePlug GP (Green PHY)

• Frequency Spectrum: 2 to 30 MHz
• PHY Modulation: OFDM
• No. of subcarriers: 1155
• Subcarrier spacing: 24.414KHz
• Modulation types: QPSK only
• FEC techniques: Turbo code Rate 1/2 Only
• Data rates: 4 Mbps, 5Mbps, 10Mbps(ROBO)
• Channel Access: CSMA/CA Only
• Channel Estimation: ROBO eliminates need for pre-negotiated tone maps.
• Bandwidth Sharing: ROBO eliminates need for pre-negotiated tone maps.
• CCo capable: Yes, limited modes