Advanced "Orphelec" test equipment and novel test procedures

Considering indoor power line communications (PLC) an interesting opportunity can be found in the frequency range below 150 kHz. The range between 3 kHz and 148.5 kHz is regulated by the Norm CENELEC EN 50065 since 1991. It is split into four bands (A, B, C and D) where the upper three bands are open for private use. In order to provide Internet connectivity to practically every household appliance, there are technologies under development, which will use the frequency range between 95 kHz and 148.5 kHz. Unfortunately, the EN 50065 was released with a lack of knowledge about the very specific channel properties of electrical installations. Thus, following the norm, also the EHS-standard and according test procedures (named Orphelec test) of communications equipment adopted the deficiencies to a great extent. In this paper a qualified channel model and its implementation in hard- and software is presented. Further on, a realisation of a channel emulator is given, considering all typical channel properties. Finally, a qualified test procedure providing comparability between different communication systems is introduced.