PRIME on-field deployment First summary of results and discussion

PRIME (PoweRline Intelligent Metering Evolution) is a narrowband power line communications (PLC) technology targeted for use in smart metering applications. From its initial conception back in 2006, it was designed considering utility needs for a reliable, open PHY/MAC specification which could become a globally recognized industry standard. The use of OFDM techniques and well-known forward error correction mechanisms, along with novel discovery and network-building MAC procedures, allow for cost-effective, seamless integration with recognized standard metering protocols such as DLMS/COSEM. This paper presents results obtained from real-field multi-vendor deployments with PRIME-compliant interoperable implementations at Iberdrola network in Spain. The focus is on the definition of “availability rates”, how to approach a systematic testing laboratory scenario and obtained results, and sample performances measured at field locations. Finally several considerations on noise sources and impedance, coming from real experience, will be discussed.