Caracterização de uma rede PLC de baixa tensão

Abstract

This work presents the characterization of the low voltage MIMO-PLC (MultipleInput and Multiple-Output - Power Line Communication) channel within frequency range 2 - 100 MHz. For this purpose, several measurements were carried out in four different topologies tests, composed of three 2.5 mm2 copper wires transposed in a conduit. These topologies differ by number and length of branches. Furthermore the experiments are conducted with the wires energized and de-energized and then their results are compared. The measured data are the scattering parameters which are associated with transmission line theories, culminating in analysis of insertion loss, VSWR (Voltage Standing Wave Ratio) and input impedance. The analysis of the results showed the existence of frequency ranges that can be used for data transmission and also that the energized network shows a better impedance matching than the de-energized cases. This information, evaluated together with the input impedance, allowed us to show that it is possible to further improve the impedance matching in the design of couplers, which implies in less reflections and possibly an improvement in the channel response.