6533b86ffe1ef96bd12ce004
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Implementation of a PLC Field Analyzer on a G3 Modem Platform
Giuseppe CaravelloGiovanni TineSalvatore GuaianaDario Di CaraGiovanni ArtaleNicola PanzavecchiaValentina CosentinoAntonio CataliottiRiccardo Fiorellisubject
business.industryFirmwarecomputer.software_genreNetwork topologyCommunication signal communication systems power line communication Power system communication power system measurements smart gridslaw.inventionTransmission (telecommunications)lawElectrical networkMedicineTransceiverbusinesscomputerSettore ING-INF/07 - Misure Elettriche E ElettronicheComputer hardwareAutomatic meter readingCommunication channelData transmissiondescription
Nowadays, power line communications (PLC) are a widely used technology in distribution grids, both for automatic meter reading and automation applications. PLC performances (in terms of capacity, coverage, robustness, and data transmission rate) can be significantly affected by electrical network topologies, connected loads and disturbances. Thus, utilities and modem manufacturers are increasing their interest in electrical network characterization. In this framework, a software tool is proposed in this paper to measure received signal and noise levels. As case study, it is implemented on a G3 PLC transceiver, widely used for smart metering purposes. In this way, a PLC channel characterization can be performed without connecting external instruments, by using already installed smart meters with the updated firmware. The software tool allows having a better understanding of signal attenuation influence on communication channel performances. Moreover, possible solutions could be suggested avoiding some frequency bands or regulating some transmission/reception parameters.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021-05-01 |