Algorithm and VLSI architecture of channel estimation impaired by impulsive noise in PLC

In this paper, we investigate the channel estimation algorithm for medium-voltage, long haul power line communication (PLC) system in the IEEE 1901 standard. To improve the overall performance, we employ a dual Gaussian interpolation method working on the amplitude and phase domain simultaneously, a major difference from the conventional schemes using the real and imaginary part. Meanwhile, to mitigate the effect of impulsive noise, a notorious impairment in PLC transmission, we propose an impulsiveness detection/cancellation method using unused null subcarriers. Extensive simulation results indicate improved performance than the conventional interpolators in an impulsive environment. The channel models proposed by the open power-line communication European research alliance (OPERA) are utilized for simulation. The hardware architecture is also presented together with its achievable performance.