UPB

Universal Powerline Bus (UPB) technology is now seen as the basis for the next generation of home automation tools. Like X10 products, UPB products are available in a variety of plug-in modules designed to work over the existing electrical framework in a home or office. This characteristic is what makes these products so attractive for the automation industry.

The UPB Alternative

Powerline carrier (PLC) protocols enable any home or office to be retrofitted with smart systems for lighting, entertainment, security, and HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning). UPB technology is increasingly called upon to provide products that improve on the X10 model for powerline communications. UPB has been extensively tested and proved more reliable than X10 and more cost-effective than other PLC methods.

Traditionally, there have been many problems with PLC products, including the widely used X10 line. Since the X10 communication protocol uses a lower level signal with a high frequency, loss of signal power, or attenuation, was fairly common. UPB utilizes a higher signal with low frequency, which enables more effective transmission over longer runs of wire.

UPB products are increasingly available in many forms from specialized home automation vendors on the Internet. There are programmable dimmer switches for lighting, as well as individual modules for appliances. A homeowner can install many of the plug-in products, though there are more complex wall-mounted controls and remote controlled sockets that require professional installation.