IEEE P1901.2 standard for low-frequency, narrowband power line communications enters letter balloting

2012 International CES, LAS VEGAS, USA: IEEE, the world's largest professional association advancing technology for humanity, announced that IEEE P1901.2 – Standard for Low Frequency (Less Than 500 kHz) Narrow Band Power Line Communications (PLC) for Smart Grid Applications – has entered its final approval process in the Working Group. Letter ballot on the draft standard supporting indoor and outdoor communications over low-voltage power lines opened 20 December 2011 and will continue through 25 January 2012.

“Smart Grid projects worldwide are moving ahead, and broad adoption of flexible, globally applicable standards such as IEEE P1901.2 for low-frequency, narrowband PLC (power-line communications) are needed now to accelerate wider-scale rollout,” said Jim LeClare, chair of the IEEE P1901.2 Working Group.

“More than 30 semiconductor manufacturers, meter and systems manufacturers, software developers, service providers and utilities have contributed to the work of the IEEE P1901.2 Working Group since its inception in fall 2009, and this broad base of participation has been crucial in helping us grow industry consensus and develop a globally meaningful and useful standard.”