Panasonic Holdings’ Nessum,*1 enabling wired and wireless hybrid communication, approved as new international standard IEEE 1901c

Panasonic Holdings Corporation (PHD) has developed a technology that enables communication over multiple mediums based on the Wavelet orthogonal frequency division multiplexing*2 (OFDM) method and after recent deliberation, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards Association*3 Board of Directors approved this technology as the new IEEE 1901c*4 standard. This standard allows the same modulation and demodulation method to be used in a variety of communication mediums (including wired, wireless, and underwater)*5 and is intended to contribute as one of the communication means to bring about an IoT society. By licensing semiconductor IP cores that comply with this standard to semiconductor companies, PHD aims to accelerate the dissemination and deployment of semiconductor IP cores in the global market.

PHD changed the brand name of this technology from “HD-PLC”*6 to “Nessum” in September 2023. Based on the newly-approved communication standards, this technology will first extend the frequency used for wired communication from the conventional megahertz band to the kilohertz band, enabling further long-distance communication in communication mediums. By using general metal wiring such as power lines and communication lines, long-distance communication covering several kilometers, Mbps-class broadband communication, Internet Protocol (IP) support, topology-free, flexible network configurations, and safe and secure communication functions are made possible.

In addition, by applying this technology to wireless communication using weak radio waves using antennas, it is possible to achieve short-range high-speed wireless*7 communication that can limit the communication range.

By applying this technology to wireless communications, it will also contribute to the enabling of IoT communication in the sea, which had been considered difficult in the past*8. The application of this technology to undersea and underwater IoT has been adopted by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT) as part of the Beyond 5G R&D promotion project “R&D of wireless communication technology for undersea and underwater IoT” (Adoption No. 02301)*9 and demonstration experiments are being conducted along with technology development.

Europe and Asia have already begun to adopt Nessum technology for smart grid and smart energy communication infrastructure, especially air conditioning equipment and building control equipment for large-scale facilities such as large buildings and factories. It is also expected to contribute to reducing the cost of introducing IoT devices. The newly-approved IEEE 1901c enhances the basic performance of the conventional Nessum and its functions to expand the scope of use. PHD is designing and developing semiconductor IP cores in parallel with the standardization work, and with the approval of the IEEE, the company will start licensing them to semiconductor companies and utilize them in Panasonic Group’s products and services.

In addition, the company will work with the Nessum Alliance*10 and member companies to verify interconnection and promote dissemination.