ClairPLC PLC Extender

Power Line Communication Extender for Signal Control

ClairPLC Power Line Communication Extenders utilize High-speed Power Line Communication (HPLC) technology combined with IoT capabilities to transmit traffic signal control signals and monitor their status over two-core power lines. This upgrades traditional star topology power line signal control systems into intelligent bus-network-based control solutions, significantly reducing cabling costs by 70% and shortening installation time by 25%. For older systems where trenching and conduit installation are not feasible, this solution enables the expansion of lighting and equipment without additional cabling.

ClairPLC-Master serves as the primary device for data transmission, collecting signal outputs and RS422/485 data from the traffic controller. It connects to the signal controller’s output backplane to acquire traffic light control signals, countdown timer signals, and RS485/RS422 signals for devices like green wave displays. The processor encodes all collected data, which is then superimposed onto the power lines via a carrier module for transmission.
ClairPLC-Slave, the data transmission receiver, connects to a power line for both power and data access. Using a carrier module, it receives and decodes data from the power line via its processor. Once decoded, it controls the traffic lights and related devices while transmitting data back as needed.

Key Features

Reduced Cabling and Construction Costs:
Supports the transmission of multiple data types, including RS485, RS422, and TCP/IP, over power lines.
Minimizes cable usage, eliminating the need for additional trenching and other civil works.
Enables the retrofitting and upgrading of old power line infrastructures.
For new intersections, this technology reduces cable usage by over 70% on average.
High Security and Reliability with Dual Communication Redundancy
Ensures communication security with advanced encryption methods.
Automatically destroys sensitive data after passing through isolation and voltage regulation modules.
Isolates communication within a single intersection for enhanced safety.
Provides accurate leakage detection for live and neutral wires, minimizing the risk of electrical accidents.
Enhanced Scalability and Compatibility for Traffic Signal Systems
Supports future advancements in detection and control technologies without requiring new cable installations.
Introduces a new hardware foundation to create a communication network for end devices without adding additional cables.
Simplifies system expansion by enabling both power supply and data transmission via the main power bus, ensuring better compatibility with evolving traffic signal systems.

Application Scenarios

Two-core wires are used to achieve one-light-one-control functionality
1. All signal lights are connected in series using two-core cables, enabling individual control output for each light.
2. By transforming the signal cable wiring from a radial layout to a bus-type layout, the system enables faster installation and significantly reduces cable usage.
3. Achieves individual control of each light, previously only possible with a radial wiring structure.

The reuse of existing cables enables quick repair of signal light faults
1. A fault in a single core causes the failure of a specific signal light at the intersection.
2. Damage to a conduit in one direction results in the failure of multiple signal lights.
Traditional fault repair methods:
• Temporary wiring (fly lines).
• Slot cutting and laying new cables.
• Re-excavation and repair.

Reusing existing signal light cables enables data transmission
By utilizing the two-core cables from the original power supply lines as data communication lines, and adding an ClairPLC-Master unit along with two slave units, the system can parse and identify the corresponding signals of the signal lights. This enables individual control of the green light for straight-through traffic and the collection and publishing of the signal status for green wave control. This method significantly expands the scalability of the signal control system and reduces the hassle of roadwork and construction.

Technical Documents

ClairPLC Datasheet

PDF file, 1.6M

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ClairPLC User Manual V1.0

PDF file, 2.5M

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ClairPLC PowerInside Debugging Tool

Zip file, 537K

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