Abstract: Now the main technologies, which are used for networking in the low-voltage power distribution spot, are the fieldbus technology, industrial ethernet technology and wireless communication technology. But they all have their own disadvantages. In order to overcome the shortages of the traditional methods, a new method based on BPLC(broadband power line communication) is introduced. Its advantages are no-wiring, high communication rate, low cost of equipment and good mobility of node. Based on the method the overall design of a new distribution automation system is given. The hardware and software design of the PLC terminal module are introduced in detail. The results indicate that the system can realize remote-measurement, remote-communication, remote- regulation, and remote- control.

Key words: low-voltage power distribution automation, broadband power line communication, TCP/IP, embedded system