Power Line Communication Channel Modelling through Concatenated IIR-Filter Elements

Accurate power line channel models are an essential asset for the development of advanced power line communication systems. A physically based power line communication channel model is derived. Elements within a power line network, e.g. line discontinuities, branches, and loads, are modelled as IIR-filters. The transfer function of the overall channel is calculated by concatenating the transfer functions of the individual elements. In a second step time variation is modelled through impedance changes of network loads. It is shown that wide band load impedance measurements over the period of an AC mains-cycle can be easily integrated to deliver a deterministic cyclostationary power line channel model.