ADAPT: mixed-signal ASIC for impedance adaptation in power line communications using fuzzy logic

One of the primary sources of problems in communications over electric distribution lines is the impedance variation. This problem often leads to an increase in the BER or makes the communications impossible. As the impedance seen by the communication system varies with location and time of day, an effective coupling of the signal in to the distribution line is needed. In this paper ADAPT, a mixed-signal ASIC that performs impedance adaptation in power line carrier communications using fuzzy logic, is presented. ADAPT also measures the impedance of the power line and the signal to noise ratio. As ADAPT performs a continuous adaptation between the emitter and the power line, maximum power transfer is achieved in each communication, increasing the reliability of the communication system. This experiment has been realized under FUSE special action in collaboration with SAINCO