Modeling Transmission and Radiation Effects when Exploiting Power Line Networks for Communication

TL;DR

This paper analyzes how power line networks cause signal radiation and loss, affecting communication quality and electromagnetic interference, and proposes models that include both conducted and radiated effects for improved simulation accuracy.

Contribution

It introduces a novel modeling approach that incorporates radiation effects into power line communication channel models, extending traditional transmission line theory.

Findings

Radiation significantly impacts signal integrity in PLC networks.

A mixed-mode transmission matrix effectively describes network elements.

Extended circuit models include radiation resistances for better accuracy.

Abstract

Power distribution grids are exploited by Power Line Communication (PLC) technology to convey high frequency data signals. The natural conformation of such power line networks causes a relevant part of the high frequency signals traveling through them to be radiated instead of being conducted. This causes not only electromagnetic interference (EMI) with devices positioned next to power line cables, but also a consistent deterioration of the signal integrity. Since existing PLC channel models do not take into account losses due to radiation phenomena, this paper responds to the need of developing accurate network simulators. A thorough analysis is herein presented about the conducted and radiated effects on the signal integrity, digging into differential mode to common mode signal conversion due to network imbalances. The outcome of this work allows each network element to be described by a mixed-mode transmission matrix. Furthermore, the classical per-unit-length equivalent circuit of transmission lines is extended to incorporate radiation resistances. The results of this paper lay the foundations for future developments of comprehensive power line network models that incorporate conducted and radiated phenomena.