The Future of Carrier

PCM-5350
Power Communications Monitor

The PCM-5350 is an always-on monitor that provides deep, real-time visibility into PLC system performance. It serves as a permanent diagnostic window, helping you identify and analyze issues without the need to log into a transmitter-receiver or connect a test instrument.

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PCM-5350 Power Communications Monitor

The PCM-5350 is a five-channel, frequency-selective monitor designed for continuous, read-only observation of Power Line Carrier systems. It captures real-time and event-driven measurements that help utility professionals diagnose mis-operations, evaluate system performance, and track gradual channel degradation over time. By providing full system visibility without requiring access to transmitters or receivers, the PCM-5350 supports secure, remote diagnostics and helps extend testing and maintenance cycles in alignment with NERC PRC-005 requirements.

Features

Mult-Channel
Monitor up to five channels, each programmable for Frequency, Bandwidth and Function Type (2- FSK, 3-FSK, ON-OFF or Noise).

Spectral Analysis
Capture event driven or real-time spectral analysis of the communication path. Event driven captures can record up to 400 ms of pre-event spectral data.

Trending
Trend reflected power, level & noise to monitor for gradual channel degradation.

Flexible Alarming
Program Alarm Outputs and Front Panel LED’s for any event type or program an alarm output for multiple event types.

Event Recorder
Record up to 32,000 time stamped events based on changes in frequency, level, reflected power & noise.

Real-Time View
Extend maintenance cycles by remotely accessing real-time measurements and a time stamped status report of all channels.

Measurement Accuracy
Accurate measurements of reflected power and level changes by installing between the last hybrid and line tuner.

Remote Access
The PCM-5350 cannot affect the existing protection system parameters (for example Guard & Trip frequencies). Designed to be your primary remote source for critical communication data.
PCM-5350 connections in a power line carrier system

Use Cases

  • Mis-operation evaluation and diagnosis.
  • Review captured in-band spectral analysis of trip/fault occurrence for noise intrusion.
  • Accurately measure and monitor reflected power and level changes by installing between last hybrid and line tuner.
  • Set alarms and record events for level and reflected power changes.
  • Set out-of-band noise detection alarms.
  • Initiate remote keying of ON-OFF carrier for capture of signal level and reflected power.
  • Monitor Audio Tone Communication Circuits used for tone pilot protection.
RF Inputs
Frequency Accuracy±3ppm, ±5ppm max for 10 years
Frequency Temperature Stability±1.5ppm
Tuning Accuracy1 Hz
Frequency Display Resolution7 Digit; 1 Hz
Amplitude Accuracy±0.1 dB
Insertion Loss0.1 dB
Bridged Z1Ω to 9999Ω
Bandwidths10 kHz; 1200 Hz (±500); 600 Hz (±250); 360 Hz (±150); 240 Hz (±100); 180 Hz (±75); Wideband (30 kHz – 600 kHz)
Connection TypeBNC and UHF
Frequency Range30 kHz to 500 kHz
Max Input206 Vrms / 292 Vp; 2.0 Arms max
Power Supply
Input Voltage24, 48, 125, or 250 Vdc
Power Requirements7 Watts
RedundancyOptional
Inputs
Type2 Inputs - Optically Isolated
VoltagesJumper Configurable: 5, 24, 48, 125, or 250 Vdc
Outputs & Alarms
Relays4 Programmable Solid State, 125Vdc @ 1A
Power Fail2 Form C, 125Vdc @ 0.5A
LEDs8 Event Programmable (Red); 4 Relay Status (Red); 2 Input Status (Red); 1 Power Status (Green)
IRIG-B Timecode Input
Connector1 REAR, BNC
Signal TypeSoftware Programmable for Modulated (10Vpp max) or Unmodulated (5V TTL)
Measurements
Voltage LeveldBm and Vrms
CurrentArms
PowerWatts
SWRRatio, dB and Percent
Bridge ZOhms
BandwidthHz
Communication Ports
USB1 FRONT, Type B, 12 Mbps (v2.0)
Ethernet1 FRONT, 1 REAR, RJ-45, 10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX
RS-422/4851 REAR, Terminal Block, 9600 - 115200 baud
RS-2321 REAR, 9 Pin D-sub, 9600 - 115200 baud
Environmental
Temperature Range-20°C to +60°C
Relative Humidity95% Max, non-condensing @ +40°C (104°F)