A Chirp Spread Spectrum Modulation Scheme for Robust Power Line Communication

This paper proposes the use of a LoRa like chirp spread spectrum physical layer as the basis for a new Power Line Communication modulation scheme suited for low-bandwidth communication. It is shown that robust communication can be established even in channels exhibiting extreme multipath interference, impulsive noise and low SNR (-40 dB), with synchronisation requirements relaxed compared to conventional LoRa. ATP-EMTP simulations using frequency dependent line and transformer models, and simulations using artificial Rayleigh channels demonstrate the effectiveness of the new scheme in providing load data from LV feeders back to the MV primary substation. Our results demonstrate error-free communication at SNRs of-40 dB, and can be further improved by trading-off data rate. We further present experimental results based on a Field Programmable Gate Array hardware implementation which match the simulated performance.

Automated summary

This paper proposes a new Power Line Communication modulation scheme suitable for low-bandwidth communication, using a chirp spread spectrum physical layer similar to LoRa. The study shows that stable communication can be achieved even in channels with extreme multipath interference, impulsive noise, and low SNR. Compared to conventional LoRa, the synchronization requirements are relaxed. Simulations and experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of the scheme in providing load data from LV feeders back to the MV primary substation.