Coupling Unit Topology for Optimal Signaling Through the Low-Voltage Powerline Communication Network

The low-voltage powerline communication (PLC network) is a technical and attractive innovation in the field of communication. PLC utilities can support energy distribution and provide a pipe for high-speed reliable communication traffic. Wide business opportunities can then be expected. But the question that remains is how to make the PLC network a commercial reality in the competitive broadband market. The low-voltage electrical network is an unfriendly environment and several factors inherent to the PLC concept itself present technical challenges to using it for data communication. Besides interference and low signaling impedance, PLC transmitters also require a highly linear operating environment. In this paper, a coupling unit topology and design methodology, which could provide gain equalization and wideband mitigation of the effects of low-impedance loads on PLC at the frequency ranging from 0.1 to 30 MHz are presented. Maximization of the network signaling and implementation of a high-speed PLC-oriented system are main objectives for the present work. Some experimental measurements have been performed at residential and industrial environments in China. Motivations to conduct this experiment are given; some compromise was obtained and results are presented.