A multipath model for the powerline channel

TLDR

The development of powerline communication (PLC) systems for Internet, voice, and data services requires measurement‑based models of the mains network’s transfer characteristics for performance simulation. This paper presents an analytic model describing complex transfer functions of typical powerline networks using only a small set of parameters. The model incorporates physical signal propagation effects, including impedance mismatching, multipath propagation with frequency‑selective fading, and length‑ and frequency‑dependent attenuation of power cables. Verification on a test network and its application to define attenuation profiles and reference channels demonstrate the practical value of the proposed model.

Abstract

The development of powerline communication (PLC) systems for Internet, voice, and data services requires measurement-based models of the transfer characteristics of the mains network suitable for performance analysis by simulation. This paper presents an analytic model describing complex transfer functions of typical powerline networks using only a small set of parameters. The model is based on physical signal propagation effects in mains networks including numerous branches and impedance mismatching. Besides multipath propagation accompanied by frequency-selective fading, signal attenuation of typical power cables increasing with length and frequency is considered. A verification of the model at a test network, as well as its use for definition of attenuation profiles and reference channels, demonstrate the practical value of the proposed model.