Performance evaluations and electromagnetic compatibility aspects for Power Line Carrier communication equipments

We present some performance evaluations of two Power Line Ethernet adapter types and several radiated and conducted emissions measurements. The Power Line Communication provides multiple benefits, but there are some disadvantages of connecting through power line network: high noise and voltage disturbances, signal distortion and variance of impedance with time, interferences. The limits for radiated emissions and conducted disturbances at the mains port are defined in EN 55022 EMC standard, both for class A and class B information technology equipments. The measurements were made in a shielded environment provided by a semi-anechoic chamber. We used for our tests a Rohde & Schwarz - ENV 216 Two-Line V-Network, Rohde & Schwarz - ESU 26 EMI Test Receiver, calibrated antennas and high quality RF cables.