Implementation of PLC-Based Multi-modem for Process Automation of Non-destructive Inspection

In this paper, a multi-modem for process automation of non-destructive inspection (NDI) which possibly generates various kinds of data is implemented and verified. Here, a variety of data such as control signals, text data, image data generated by inspection devices, sensors, computers are transmitted to the multi-modem via serial, Ethernet, and coaxial cable. We exploit a communication network in which powerlines are used as backbone transmission media. Thus, the implemented multi-modem has various ports and corresponding interfaces for data transmission. As a result of practical experiments, the multi-modem maintains almost constant data rate with little waveform distortion. In addition, the experiments confirm that the modem operates normally under extreme variation of temperature. It is, therefore, considered that the multi-modem can contribute significantly to implement powerline communication (PLC)-based process automation for NDI in which various kinds of data are practically generated.