A Multi-Path Signal Propagation Model for the Power Line Channel in the High Frequency Range

For the use of the mains networks as high speed data path for Internet, voice and data services carrier frequencies within the range from 500 kHz up to 20 MHz must be considered. The development of suitable communication systems and the planning of power line communication networks requires measurement-based models of the transfer characteristics of the mains network in the abovementioned frequency range. ' The heterogeneous structure of the mains network with numerous branches and impedance mismatching causes numerous reflections. Besides multi-path propagation with frequency-selective fading, typical power cables exhibit signal attenuation increasing with lengtli and frequency. The complex transfer function of n power line link can be described by a parametric model in the considered frequency range. Measurements of amplitude and phase response of a sample network with well-known geometry approve the validity of the model. Comparisons with measurements conducted at ,,live6' mains networks prove the validity of the model also for real network topologies.