AP-SE-B ISO 15118-20 AC SECC PLC Communication Module

What AP-SE-B PLC Communication Module Does

AP-SE-B focuses on PLC and SECC communication between the electric vehicle and charging equipment.

Its core functions include:

PLC Communication

The module integrates a PLC communication transceiver circuit for communication through the charging interface.

ISO 15118 Protocol Support

AP-SE-B supports communication functions based on ISO 15118-2 and ISO 15118-20.

Host Controller Communication

Two UART interfaces allow the module to communicate with the MCU or processor on the AC EVSE main control board.

USB Connection

One USB interface is available for applicable configuration, upgrade, diagnostic or development functions.

Charging Communication Logging

The module supports log storage and log retrieval to assist with integration, troubleshooting and communication analysis.

Firmware Upgrade

Firmware upgrade is supported. The exact upgrade process and connection architecture should be confirmed in the integration documentation.

What AP-SE-B PLC Communication Module Does Not Replace

AP-SE-B is an embedded SECC communication module rather than a complete AC charging station controller.

The complete EVSE system may still require:

• AC EVSE main controller

• Contactor control

• Energy metering

• Residual-current protection

• Overcurrent and surge protection

• User interface

• RFID or payment system

• OCPP or backend communication

• Network connectivity

• Power supply

• Charging socket or cable

• Enclosure and thermal design

Depending on the selected hardware configuration, CP detection, PD/PP detection, PWM generation and E-state control circuits may be implemented on the AC main control board.

Provide your current controller architecture when requesting technical support so that AUPINS can help clarify the integration boundary.

Plug & Charge Integration

Plug & Charge allows a compatible electric vehicle and charging station to exchange identification and authorization information through ISO 15118 communication.

AP-SE-B supports ISO 15118 Plug & Charge communication functions, but a complete Plug & Charge deployment may also require:

• EVSE and contract certificates

• Certificate installation and update processes

• PKI integration

• Secure certificate storage

• Compatible EVCC implementation

• Charging backend integration

• Charging operator or e-mobility service provider support

• Project-specific testing

AUPINS should review the intended Plug & Charge architecture before the customer begins hardware and software integration.

ISO 15118-20 BPT and V2X Communication

AP-SE-B supports ISO 15118-20 BPT / V2X communication functions for projects evaluating bidirectional and next-generation smart charging.

Communication support does not independently create a complete vehicle-to-grid or bidirectional charging system.

A complete BPT project may also require:

• A bidirectional onboard charger or compatible vehicle

• Bidirectional power conversion hardware

• Energy flow control

• Grid-compliant protection

• Metering

• Energy management

• Backend coordination

• Applicable grid certification

• Vehicle and EVSE interoperability validation

AP-SE-B can serve as the SECC communication component within the complete system architecture.

Evaluation Sample and Engineering Validation

Before selecting AP-SE-B for mass production, customers should evaluate the module with their own AC EVSE controller and target charging architecture.

A typical evaluation process may include:

1. Requirement Review

Provide the charger type, main controller, charging interface and required ISO 15118 functions.

2. Technical Document Review

Review the pin definition, mechanical drawing, communication protocol and external circuit requirements.

3. Sample Configuration

Confirm the required firmware version and optional hardware functions.

4. Host Communication Integration

Connect AP-SE-B to the AC EVSE main controller through UART or the applicable development interface.

5. PLC Communication Test

Verify communication between the EVSE and a compatible EV or EVCC test platform.

6. Charging Function Test

Evaluate EIM, Plug & Charge or ISO 15118-20 communication according to the project scope.

7. Diagnostic and Error Handling

Review communication logs, timeout handling, error recovery and firmware upgrade processes.

8. Production Configuration Confirmation

Confirm firmware version, interface settings, labeling and delivery requirements before mass production.

Application Scenarios of AP-SE-B PLC Communication Module

1. Smart Bidirectional Home Charging (V2H)

Enable intelligent bidirectional charging for residential energy management, with automatic backup-power switching during grid outages and vehicle discharge during peak electricity periods.

AP-SE-B can work with photovoltaic systems, energy storage systems and smart meters. Using ISO 15118-20 dynamic power profiles, the system can switch to vehicle-supplied power within milliseconds during an outage and help reduce household electricity costs by up to 30%.

2. Coordinated Charging for Commercial Buildings and Industrial Parks

Support intelligent load balancing across commercial buildings, business parks and industrial facilities to help prevent transformer overload while prioritizing critical vehicles.

The system can read the maximum charging current reported by the vehicle BMS and monitor the remaining transformer capacity in real time, dynamically allocating charging power across multiple vehicles.

Vehicle-priority scheduling can also be configured to give commuter buses, executive vehicles or other critical fleet vehicles priority access to higher charging power.

3. Fleet-Level V2G Virtual Power Plant (VPP)

Enable fleet aggregation and V2G participation through an AC charger PLC communication solution.

The module supports ISO 15118-20 interoperability and can be integrated into charging systems serving multiple vehicle brands, including passenger vehicles and light commercial vehicles.

It provides a communication foundation for aggregating distributed vehicle batteries into a virtual power plant and coordinating vehicle-to-grid energy exchange.

4. Plug & Charge for Hotels, Tourist Attractions and Shopping Centres

Provide a seamless Plug & Charge experience without requiring drivers to scan a QR code or complete a separate manual authorization process.

Using a TLS-encrypted local certificate chain, the charging system can authenticate a compatible vehicle even when the backend platform is temporarily offline.

This solution is suitable for hotels, tourist attractions, shopping centres and other high-traffic destinations, helping improve charging convenience and charger turnover by up to 40%.

ISO 15118-20 AC Charging Communication Module for Multiple Applications

One Communication Module for Multiple Charging Scenarios

AP-SE-B can be used across residential V2H systems, coordinated commercial charging projects and fleet-level VPP applications.

The module supports dynamic energy dispatch, load balancing and millisecond-level grid response, helping charging equipment manufacturers build more flexible and energy-aware AC charging products.

Local Plug & Charge Authentication

The module supports a local Plug & Charge certificate chain, allowing compatible vehicles to be authenticated without requiring a continuous connection to the backend platform.

It can also support low-temperature battery-preconditioning strategies to help improve winter charging efficiency by up to 30%.

Compatibility with multiple vehicle BMS platforms helps reduce integration complexity and development costs.

Designed for EV Charging Industry Partners

AP-SE-B is suitable for:

• EV charger manufacturers

• Industrial park and commercial-building EMS integrators

• Fleet operators

• V2G solution providers

• Charging controller developers

• Energy-management platform providers

AUPINS provides an integrated solution combining ISO 15118-20 protocol-stack capabilities with PLC communication hardware, helping customers accelerate product development and V2G grid-connection certification.

AP-SE-B or a Complete EVSE Controller?

Choose AP-SE-B when you already have an AC EVSE main controller and need to add PLC and ISO 15118 communication.

Choose a complete controller when you require a broader charging-control solution with additional system functions.

FAQ

What is AP-SE-B?

AP-SE-B is an embedded SECC PLC communication module for AC EV charging equipment. It supports communication between the EV and EVSE using ISO 15118-2 and ISO 15118-20.

Is AP-SE-B a complete AC EV charger controller?

No. AP-SE-B focuses on PLC and SECC communication. A complete charger normally also requires a host controller, power switching, metering, protection, user interface and other system components.

Which ISO 15118 versions are supported?

The current product specification lists support for ISO 15118-2 and ISO 15118-20.

Does AP-SE-B support Plug & Charge?

Yes, the published product specification lists ISO 15118-2 PnC and ISO 15118-20 PnC support. The complete project must also address certificates, PKI, backend integration and vehicle compatibility.

Does AP-SE-B support V2G?

The product supports ISO 15118-20 BPT / V2X communication functions. A complete V2G or bidirectional charging system also requires compatible vehicles, bidirectional power electronics and grid-control functions.

Is AP-SE-B designed for AC or DC chargers?

AP-SE-B is designed for IEC and SAE AC EV charging equipment.

Which charging interfaces are supported?

The published specification lists CCS1, CCS2 and NACS. Final applicability depends on the complete charging interface and EVSE architecture.

How does AP-SE-B communicate with the host controller?

The module provides two UART interfaces and one USB interface.

Does the module include CP and PP detection?

CP detection and PD/PP detection are listed as optional functions. Their circuits may be implemented on the AC EVSE main control board.

Does AP-SE-B generate the PWM signal?

PWM generation is listed as optional and may require a circuit on the AC main control board.

What power supply does the module require?

The current published specification lists a 5V DC ±0.2V supply and a supply capacity greater than 600mA. Final current consumption should be confirmed in the latest datasheet.

What is the operating temperature range?

The published operating temperature range is -40°C to +85°C.

Does AP-SE-B support firmware upgrades?

Yes. Firmware upgrade, log storage and log retrieval are listed as supported functions. The exact upgrade procedure should be confirmed in the integration documents.

Can I obtain a development sample?

Customers can submit their company, charger architecture and required ISO 15118 functions to request an evaluation sample.