PL485-EK
PL485-EK User Guide
Introduction
PL485-EK is an evaluation kit for the PL485. PL485 is a programmable System On Chip (SOC) for narrow-band
Power Line Communication (PLC) from Microchip Technology Inc, able to run any PLC protocol in the frequency
band below 500 kHz. Depending on the running firmware, PL485 is able to support applications not only for basic
connectivity (point to point or point to multi-point connectivity) but also for complex mesh network topologies.
The PL485-EK board has been conceived to communicate in the CENELEC B-Band (95 kHz to 125 kHz) and
complies with the CENELEC EN 50065 standard. It is designed to be directly connected to low voltage DC power
rails and optionally to AC mains by means of an external coupler accessory. Please refer to
for more information about the AC coupler accessory.
Contents
• Welcome letter
• Board:
– One PL485-EK board
• Cable:
– One Micro A/B-type USB cable
Kit contents are protected with anti-static foam. The PL485-EK board is shipped in an anti-static shielding bag.
WARNING
The board must not be subject to high electrostatic discharges. It is recommended to use a grounding
strap or similar ESD protective device when handling the board in hostile ESD environments. Avoid
touching the component pins or any other metallic element on the board.
Features
• PL485-EK board includes a PL485 system on chip, able to run any PLC protocol in the <500 kHz band.
• PL485-EK board implements a coupling circuit optimized for the band 95kHz to 125 kHz, compliant with
CENELEC standard EN50065.
• SWD/JTAG interface for MCU debugging and programming purposes. PL485-EK board includes as well a USB
Embedded Debugger (EDBG) for on-board debugging.
• USB 2.0 full-speed interface
• mikroBUS
™
socket connector to interface with other circuits and add-on boards.
• Xplained PRO header connector (master) to interface with other circuits and add-on boards.
• RESET push button, ERASE jumper.
• Voltage monitor circuit on the 5V rail, or alternatively on the 3.3V rail with minor modifications.
• PL485-EK board can be powered from the following sources:
– Micro-B USB connector (J5)
– Micro-B USB connector (J12)
©
2020 Microchip Technology Inc.
User Guide
DS50002954B-page 1
