Overview
ISO/IEC 17982:2021 specifies the Close Capacitive Coupling Communication physical layer (CCCC PHY) used for short-range, capacitive-coupled data exchange between devices. The standard defines full duplex and broadcast communication carried in time slots on frequency division multiplex channels (FDCs). It includes architecture, signal and PDU formats, synchronization and listen-before-talk (LBT) procedures, conformance requirements and normative tests (Annex A). Annex B provides guidance for implementations targeted at small-size, low-power devices.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Physical architecture: Plate‑electrode assembly and mediator models describe how devices couple capacitively via conductive or dielectric materials.
- Channelization: Five frequency division channels (FDCs) are defined by division of a centre frequency; each FDC is further divided into time-segments and eight time division slots (TDS) for TDMA.
- Communication modes: Both full duplex and broadcast operation are supported with synchronous communication.
- Listen Before Talk (LBT): Mandatory LBT procedure for both talker and listener to ensure TDS availability before transmission.
- Protocol units: Definitions and structure for PHY PDU (P‑PDU) and PHY data unit (P‑DU), including preamble/sync, payload, CRC, segmentation/reassembly and DC balance requirements.
- Conformance: Conforming devices must implement talker and listener roles, LBT, association capabilities (e.g., association on FDC2 and communication on specified FDC sets), support all 8 TDS options and pass tests in Annex A.
- Implementation guidance: Annex B offers recommended practices for small size, low power implementations.
- Normative references: Builds on ISO/IEC 7498-1 (OSI basic model) and refers to ITU‑T Rec. V.41 for related error-control considerations.
Applications and who uses it
ISO/IEC 17982:2021 is targeted at designers and implementers of short-range capacitive-coupled interfaces and embedded communications where controlled, close-proximity coupling is desirable. Typical users include:
- Hardware and PCB designers working on capacitive contact interfaces and plate-electrode arrangements
- Firmware and protocol engineers implementing PHY layer framing, LBT and TDMA scheduling
- Product teams developing small, low-power devices and embedded systems (reference: Annex B) requiring reliable, time‑slot‑based full duplex or broadcast capabilities
- Test labs and conformity assessors using Annex A test procedures
Related standards
- ISO/IEC 7498-1 - OSI Basic Reference Model (architecture alignment)
- ITU‑T Rec. V.41 - Code-independent error-control systems (referenced for error control concepts)
Keywords: ISO/IEC 17982:2021, CCCC PHY, close capacitive coupling, physical layer, full duplex, broadcast, frequency division channel, time division slot, listen before talk, Annex B low power.