Analysis of zero crossing synchronization for OFDM-based AMR systems

With respect to the European Action Plan for Energy Efficiency, AMR is an intensively discussed subject. One major aspect concerning AMR via power line communications (PLC) is the synchronization of communication systems. Common synchronization techniques are limited due to omnipresent, intensive and permanent disturbance, frequency or timing restrictions. In this paper, we analyze a synchronization scheme for power line modems with emphasis on systems deployed in the CENELEC bands (Oksa et al., 2006). First, the basic parameters of a proposed communication system on the basis of OFDM are presented. Thereby, the application and the design of guard intervals for elimination of synchronization errors are in the focus of the examination. Common synchronization strategies are discussed and the application of synchronization using the zero crossings (ZC) of the mains voltage is investigated. Extensive measurement campaigns will be analyzed in order to determine the potential as well as the issues with zero crossing synchronization. Concerning the OFDM systems, the dimension of the assumed guard interval is compared and verified with the results of zero crossing jitter measurements.