PLC Tracer

The budding electro mobility provides great opportunities but equally presents new and nameless challenges. Especially the charging process of electro cars and the related issue of "Power Line Communication" (PLC) between the numerous electro vehicle brands and models at the one end of the charging cable and the various types of charging infrastructure at the other end call for solutions. Apart from standardisation matters, one of the most important challenges the diverse players in electro mobility are facing is more efficient PLC management in order to enable smooth charging and transmission of data between the e-car and the charging station. 

By providing a solution for issues related to the data transmission between electro vehicles and charging stations the Altran PLC Tracer enables automotive manufacturers as well as suppliers of automotive parts and charging stations to assure that their components comply with latest standards. The device is activated during the charging process and monitors the trouble-free data transfer between the connected components, thus ensuring the optimal charging of the batteries. 

Function

The PLC Tracer is a mobile test environment for 

• analysing

• simulating and 

• fixing

the data transmission between the charging station and the e-car to warrant a smooth charging process. 

The PLC Tracer meets all current standards:

• IEC 61851:2001 

• SAE J1772:2001 / ISO 15118 

Design

The PLC Tracer consists of two modules: The control and analysis module is accommodated in the front part and the charging current module in the back part of the housing. Strict separation of the charging current module with its high currents and voltages from the control and analysis module provides maximum operator safety. 

Using Type 2 Standard and COMBO DC, all present plug systems can be employed. 

The PLC Tracer is controlled by means of an integrated PC based on Windows 7. An integrated LCD touch screen allows for user-friendly and clear menu navigation, making additional control computers obsolete. Software updates are enabled via a large number of interfaces at any time. 

Application

The PLC Tracer can be applied in the fields of development, production and service. 

Variants

Apart from the portable standard device a laboratory device as well as special DC and AC charge station testers are available.