FC-1601 Telemetry Radio RF Transceiver Module

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Specifications

• Product: FC-160X Model G3-Hybrid PLC&RF
• Applicability: FC-1601, FC-1602, FC-1603
• Description:
  • G3-Hybrid PLC&RF Module for Single-phase Meter
  • G3-Hybrid PLC&RF Module for Three-phase Meter
  • G3-Hybrid PLC&RF Center Module

Product Overview

This document introduces the FC-160X Model G3-hybrid PLC&RF
module, which combines G3-PLC and radio frequency (RF) technology.
It covers the characteristics, features, and practical applications
of the module.

1. Features

The FC-160X Model G3-hybrid PLC&RF module offers the
following features:

• Combines G3-PLC and RF technology

• Standards hosted by the International Telecommunication Union
  (ITU) – ITU-T G.9903

• RF [IEEE 802.15.4] support

2. Application Scenarios and Advantages

The module is suitable for various application scenarios due to
its hybrid nature, providing advantages such as:

• Enhanced communication capabilities
• Improved reliability and performance
• Compatibility with different meter types

3. Network and Protocol Architecture

The FC-160X Model G3-hybrid PLC&RF module utilizes a network
and protocol architecture that integrates G3-PLC and RF
technologies for efficient communication.

4. Technical Product Spec

The technical specifications of the FC-160X Model G3-hybrid
PLC&RF module are as follows:

• Board Dimension: Defined in the manual (refer to Section
  4.1)

• Physical Image: Detailed images provided (refer to Section
  4.2)

• Interface Definition: Clearly outlined (refer to Section
  4.3)

FAQ

Q: How do I install the FC-160X Model G3-Hybrid PLC&RF

module?

A: To install the module, follow these steps:

1. Refer to the installation dimensions provided in Section 4 of
   the manual.

2. Ensure proper alignment of the module with the meter or center
   unit.

3. Connect the interfaces according to the defined
   specifications.

4. Securely fasten the module in place to prevent movement.

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Friendcom America Inc.

FC-160X Model G3-Hybrid PLC&RF Product Manual

VersionV1.0

Applicability Table

Product
FC-1601 FC-1602 FC-1603

Description
G3-Hybrid PLC&RF Module for Single-phase Meter G3-Hybrid PLC&RF Module for Three-phase Meter G3-Hybrid PLC&RF Center Module

Copyright Statement

Friendcom America Inc.

All rights reserved © Friendcom America Inc., 2024. Without the written consent of Friendcom America Inc., no organization or individual may excerpt or copy any part or all of the contents of this document, or distribute it in any form.

is a trademark owned by Friendcom America Inc. Other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
Note The product corresponding to this document is FC-160X Model G3-Hybrid PLC&RF Module. The intended users of this document are system engineers, development engineers, and testing engineers. This manual provides support for customer product design. Customers must design and debug product software in accordance with the specifications and processes in this document. Friendcom is not responsible for any personal injury or property damage caused by improper operation of the customer. Due to product version upgrades or other reasons, the content of this document may be updated periodically without prior notice. Unless otherwise agreed upon, all statements, information, and suggestions in this document do not constitute any express or implied warranty.
Friendcom America Inc. provides customers with comprehensive technical support. For any inquiries, please contact your account manager directly or contact Friendcom America Inc. through the following information.
Address 20955 Pathfinder Road Ste# 120 Diamond Bar, CA 91765 https://friendcom.us Customer Service Tel0755-86026600 Customer Service Fax0755-86026300 Customer Service Email: info@friendcom.us

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Document title

Document history
FC-160X Model G3-Hybrid G3-PLC&RF Product Manual

Version Prepared by

Document history Date

Modified content (terms)

V1.0

Liu Zhiqiang 2023-10-10 First version of new module description

Notice Due to product version upgrades or other reasons, the content of this document will be
updated from time to time. Unless otherwise agreed upon, this document serves as a user guide only, and all statements, information and suggestions in this document do not constitute any express or implied warranty.

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Content
1. Overview ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 1 1.1 Features ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………1 1.2 Application Scenarios and Advantages …………………………………………………………………………………………1
2. Network and Protocol Architecture ………………………………………………………………………………………………………2 3. Technical Product Spec ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..3 4. Appearance and installation dimensions ……………………………………………………………………………………………….4
4.1 Board Dimension ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4 4.2 Physical Image ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5 4.3 Interface Definition …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 5
4.3.1 Connector of AC Line ………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 4.3.2 MCU Interface(Digital) …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 6 5. Transportation and storage ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….7 6. Warranty …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 7

Friendcom America Inc.

FC-160X Model G3-Hybrid PLC&RF Product Manual

1. Overview

This document intends to introduce the FC-160X Model G3-hybrid PLC&RF module which combines G3-PLC and radio frequency (RF) technology, especially its characteristics, features and solutions to practical applications. The G3-hybrid PLC&RF refers to the standards hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) (ITU-T G.9903) and RF [IEEE 802.15.4] supported by the international association – G3-PLC Appliance.

1.1 Features

The module has the following features:

Supporting G3-PLC [CENELEC-A/CENELEC-B/FCC/ARIB] and RF [863 ~870/902~928] MHz

frequency Band

Supporting zero-crossing (ZC) detection

Remote firmware upgrade

Multi-hops mesh network of maximum 15 hops

Supporting IPv6 in the network layer

Table 1. PLC Characteristics

Band plan

Frequency(KHz) No of Carriers Data Rate(kbps)

CENELEC-A 35.9375~90.625

36

44.34

CENELEC-B 98.4375~121.875

16

22.03

FCC

154.6875~487.5

72

307.53

ARIB

154.6875~403.125

54

163.84

Freq Band(MHz)
863~870 863~870 902~928

Table 2. RF Characteristics

Modulation

No of

Carriers

Operation mode #1

69

Operation mode #2

35

Operation mode #1~5

129

Data Rate(kbps)
50 100 50~300

1.2 Application Scenarios and Advantages

The G3-PLC standard supports high-speed, highly reliable IP-based communication across existing power lines, allowing data and control messages to flow in the generation, transmission, and distribution systems that make up the regional smart grid. Its main application directions are intelligent measurement, smart grid, smart home appliances, and industrial applications. However, due to the shortcomings of individual PLC and RF usage, the fusion of the two modes is a trend. Advantages of integrating dual modes: Channel Complementary
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Same protocol and address Improve reliability Lower latency Shorten networking time Reduce on-site support and operation costs

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2. Network and Protocol Architecture

The following diagram shows the network architecture of G3-Hybrid PLC&RF. The solid line in the figure represents the PLC link, and the dashed line represents the RF link. Each device in the mesh network can use PLC as well as RF for the communication. Depending on the actual conditions in the field, messages between two devices are sent over the `best’ available channel. The channel selection for each link in the network is done automatically and adjusted dynamically.

The following figure shows unified G3-Hybrid PLC&RF protocol stack. The hybrid protocol stack is built using open standards IEEE 802.15.4-2015 in addition to the existing G3-ALLIANCE protocol.
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3. Technical Product Spec
STANDARDS IEEE 802.15.4g IEEE 1901.2 G3-PLC Alliance certificated MCU & MEMORY FEATURES ARM Cortex M4 32-bit MCU 2 MB Flash, 2 MB SDRAM AES-128/192/256 Crypto Accelerator SPI x 1, UART x 4, I2C x 1 G3-PLC / IPv6 RF CHARACTERISTICS Frequency Bands
·ISM: 315, 433, 490, 868, 915, 920 MHz ·Licensed: 230, 600, 839-847 MHz Max Data Rate: 400 kbps ·Modulation: OOK, (G)FSK, 4(G)FSK and GMSK Built-in Power Amplifier: Tx Power +20 dBm Built-in Rx Sensitivity -109dBm/50 Kbps
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Frequency Hopping
PLC ANALOG FRONT-END CHARACTERISTICS Supported frequency Band: 0-500KHz Modulation: BPSK, QPSK, 8PSK and 16QAM Integrated patented 4-Amp high current Line Driver
Power Supply DC 12V (Max 13.5V, Typical 12V, Min 10.5V)
Power Consumption PLC RX mode: RF 50kbps Data Rates in TX mode, 43.3mA PLC RX mode: RF 50kbps Data Rates in RX mode, 39.7mA PLC RX mode: RF 50kbps Data Rates in IDLE mode, 35mA PLC RX mode: Without RF, 34mA PLC TX mode: RF 50kbps Data Rates in TX mode, 373mA PLC TX mode: RF 50kbps Data Rates in RX mode, 390mA PLC TX mode: RF 50kbps Data Rates in IDLE mode, 379mA PLC TX mode: Without RF, 381m
4. Appearance and installation dimensions
4.1 Board Dimension

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4.2 Physical Image

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4.3 Interface Definition FC-160X board is compliant with the SGCC Standard for the AC connector and digital interface.
4.3.1 Connector of AC Line

Pin# 1, 2
3, 4, 5, 6
7, 8

Type Neutral
X
Line

Mnemonic N
NC
L

Description Neutral in AC for signal coupling Add the empty pins for the safe spaces Line in AC for signal coupling

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4.3.2 MCU Interface(Digital)

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Pin#

Type

Mnemonic Direction(Module) Description

1,2

Power VCC

I

Power supply to VC6322TF module,

supplied by external power source

3,4

GND

VSS

Ground of the module

5

Signal TXD

O

UART TX signal from VC6322TF module;

Open-Drain Output pin; default HIGH

6

Reserved

Reserved

7

Signal /SET

I

It is allowed to set the communication

module when this input is at LOW.

External source should be Open-Drain

mode. Normal: HIGH state

8

Signal RXD

I

External UART signal to the module.

External source should be Open-Drain

mode. Normal: HIGH

9

Signal /RST

I

External Reset to the module.

External source should be Open-Drain

mode, Normal: HIGH

Pules width > 200ms for Reset Signal

10

STATE STA

O

Showing the state of the PLC module;

could be configured in the application

layer.

11

STATE EVENT

I

External event input to the PLC module.

External source should be Open-Drain

mode. Normal: LOW

12

Reserved

Reserved

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5. Transportation and storage
Module transportation and unpacking should not be subjected to severe impact, and should be transported and stored in accordance with GB/T 13384-2008 “General Technical Conditions for Packaging of Mechanical and Electrical Products”. The storage module should be in its original packaging, with an ambient temperature limit of -40~70 and a relative humidity of no more than 85%. There should be no corrosive gases in the air.

6. Warranty
Within 12 months from the date of self-delivery by the end user, and under the conditions that the user complies with the requirements specified in the user manual and the factory lead seal remains intact, our company is responsible for free repairs in case of quality issues. After the initial 12 months, our company ensures continued after-sales service.
Note: The terms of this clause are subject to the contractual agreement in the event of a contract.
Conclusion: Thank you for using our company’s products! The manual of this product covers all the designed functions of the product. Please use the manual correctly according to the ordered product functions. This manual is subject to updates without prior notice!

Friendcom America Inc. Warranty Card

Product name Product number Fault description
End user Contact person

Model Grade
Post code Contact number

Address3rd Floor, Building 6, Guangqian Industrial Park, 3rd Longzhu Road, Longguang

Community, Taoyuan Street, Nanshan District, Shenzhen

Post code518108

Tel0755-86026600

Warranty Statement

To better serve our users, our company provides a warranty card randomly enclosed with the product. Please keep it safe to enjoy the services we provide.

1. From the date of purchase, products that are operated normally without being

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disassembled or repaired are eligible for warranty service within one year. 2) The following situations are not covered by free repair services:
a) Damage to the terminal caused by significant fluctuations in the power grid voltage.
b) Terminal damage due to misuse or intentional actions. c) Terminal damage caused by excessive vibration during user transportation. 3) The software of this product is upgraded for free, and our company provides free training. 4) When the user does not possess a warranty card, charges may apply at the discretion of our company. 5) If repair services are needed, please fill out the warranty card carefully and return it to our company.
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References

• Friendcom IOT Module Store – Friendcom America Inc.

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