Using ultra narrow bandwidth to overcome traditional problems with distribution line carrier

It has long been common knowledge among communication engineers that wide bandwidth signals require more energy to overcome noise than do narrow band signals. This is why, during adverse conditions, Morse code radio communications can get through when voice cannot. To achieve similar range: a television transmitter (6000 kHz bandwidth) requires 200,000 watts; a music broadcast transmitter (60 kHz bandwidth) requires 2000 watts; a voice only transmitter (3 kHz bandwidth) requires 100 watts; and, in the extreme, an ultra narrow bandwidth (UNB) transmitter (.00001 kHz bandwidth) requires .003 watts. This paper explores the advantages of using UNB in power line carrier systems. Using an automatic meter reading system as an example, the authors explore how UNB allows (or sometimes requires) a change in power system architecture, which creates further advantages.<
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