Error pattern/behavior of noise in in-house CENELEC A-Band PLC channel

The CENELEC A-Band remains the most noise-susceptible band amidst the four standard CENELEC Power Line Communication (PLC) frequency bands. The characteristics of this noise change with time, place, source and frequency. This paper presents experimental simulations as well as results obtained during laboratory experiments and in-house measurements within the CENELEC A narrowband PLC channel. These measurements were carried out between 3 kHz and 95 kHz, as defined by the CENELEC standard as frequency band A. The A Band is the frequency band where communication is carried out by electricity providers, and various factors make it noise prone as mentioned above. Repetitive measurements of noise patterns were carried out in two different typical metropolitan locations in South Africa and were observed in hourly intervals for 24 hours with various different noise generating sources. The obtained A-Band noise pattern has distinctive frequencies and their amplitudes can be quantified. The noise pattern/behavior is classified into background noise, narrow band interference and impulse noise, and could be mathematically modeled. Having measured the noise and understanding the noise pattern/behavior, the use of an appropriate error coding scheme and adaptive modulation scheme are proposed to mitigate the effect of these disturbances in order to enhance reliable data communication on this band.