I am looking for a simple single integrated-circuit solution for home automation (primarily, switching of lights and ACs and, dimmer control for fan).

What I need is a single IC transceiver (modem + controller) that can directly interface with 230V AC line.

The key retirement is that each PCB should be small enough to fit in sockets and switches and low cost and BOM.

Is there any product available out there?

 

One possibility -

https://www.cypress.com/documentati...h-voltage-120-240-vac-powerline-communication

Attachment shows IDE for project. All on chip. However line driver is external.



Regards, Dana.

 

Are you doing a hobby project or trying to develop a product for retail sale? In either case, there are already a lot of options out there.

Tread lightly discussing direct mains connected circuits on this forum. The rules prohibit it.

I'd search the web for "arduino lamp dimmer" or "raspberry pi lamp dimmer" for some ideas. Perhaps you can use some of those ideas for inspiration.

 

I need to develop a professional product. AN76458 does not have a built-in line driver which contributes to major BoM.

Yes, there are lot of "options" available, but none has line-driver + modem + controller all in one IC and very small PCB footprint.

I am wondering why major semiconductor manufacturers have not developed such a product.

 

Out of curiosity, why don't you want to use RF?

I am wondering why major semiconductor manufacturers have not developed such a product.

My first guess would be restrictions on proximity of mains voltages to the low voltage control signals. To pass safety certifications, UL and CE, mains voltages need specific clearances around and between them. In other words, when you bring your mains voltage to your circuit board, there are minimum clearances allowed between the mains trace and any low voltage control signals. You wouldn't be able to put it all in one IC.

 

I need to develop a professional product. AN76458 does not have a built-in line driver which contributes to major BoM.

Yes, there are lot of "options" available, but none has line-driver + modem + controller all in one IC and very small PCB footprint.

I am wondering why major semiconductor manufacturers have not developed such a product.

The line driver requirements, power, V, Z load of a line, are not compatible
with todays sub micron processes used on controllers and memory in par-
ticular. And market size has a lot to do with it, less than a jillion units no one
is interested. All driven by users who want to pay 2 cents for 10 million equivalent
gates on a chip . And back in the 80-'s many linear parts the package costs
exceeded die costs, I am sure thats super true of today.

And no one wants to pay for packages either.


Regards, Dana.,

 

I have seen power ICs that can take direct 230V AC input... it is not a process limitation.

 

I have seen power ICs that can take direct 230V AC input... it is not a process limitation.

They include memory and CPU and A/D......?

One can make memory and CPU in just about any process, but its not
done (generally speaking) because of the performance impact HV processes
have on performance and density hit one takes in HV process.


Regards, Dana.