Initially, work is focused on a joint certification program for the Inter-System Protocol (ISP) in the IEEE P1901 standard that allows coexistence between Power Line Communications (PLC) technologies. The coexistence standard allows physical devices that are compliant with different variants of the IEEE P1901 standard to operate without interference, enabling high-speed communications across shared electric power connections.

The ISP certification testing is now being finalized with an interoperability "plugfest" scheduled for May 2010 to certify the first compliant silicon chips.

"We are pleased to work with HomePlug Powerline Alliance to ensure coexistence of our PLC technologies," said Michimasa Aramaki, president of the HD-PLC Alliance. "The collaborative environment provided by IEEE-SA will allow us to work together to expand the marketplace for IEEE P1901-compliant products and contribute to accelerated Smart Grid rollout."

Rob Ranck, president of the HomePlug Powerline Alliance, commented: "Now is the right time for this joint certification program with HD-PLC Alliance, with momentum growing for Smart Grid development worldwide. Our cooperation with HD-PLC will make IEEE P1901 even more robust and useful in the Smart Grid and other applications."

A wide variety of industries and markets stand to benefit from the ability for PLC technologies to coexist with one another. In the Smart Grid, for example, wide adoption of standards such as IEEE P1901 is seen as one of the critical steps necessary to encourage the production of low-cost Smart Grid-ready home appliances.

Related links:

www.homeplug.org

www.hd-plc.org

www.ieee.org