Characterization of power distribution lines for high-speed data transmission

This paper presents techniques for characterization of power lines in Singapore power distribution network and methodologies to extract necessary information from the measured data in 1 MHz to 10 MHz frequency range. Measurements are made on the noises in actual residential power lines, which are generated from some typical electrical apparatuses used in an ordinary home. The equipment and locations used to obtain our measurements are described. The results of impulse noise measurements in typical residential power lines are presented. Statistical analyses of the measurements are presented in the form of amplitude probability distributions, pulse duration distributions, and interarrival time distributions. From the results obtained so far, it is observed that the noise and signal attenuation of power distribution lines vary with frequency, time and location. These are caused by the rather dynamic nature of power lines and their connected loads that are changing all the time