Transmission Characteristics Simulation on Power Line Communications

Abstract

In Power Line Communication (PLC) systems, medium and low voltage power distribution lines are used as a communication network. However, since no consideration is given to signal transmission characteristics in the high frequency used for PLC systems, reflections caused by impedance mismatches deteriorate transmission characteristics. If channel characteristics of power lines can be estimated by simulation, it will be efficient for the design and the operation of PLC networks. This paper proposes a method to estimate transmission characteristics of a channel model between a transmitter and a receiver installed on a distribution network. Propagation characteristics of PLC signals at each distribution facility is described using two port networks. A channel model is automatically generated from the combination of component models along the topology of distribution network and the locations of a transmitter and a receiver. The proposed method was validated using measurement data of a test distribution network and was proved to be effective.