Power line communications: An overview

There is currently a revival of interest in power line communications. We give a systems level and historical overview of this area in communications, together with an applicable bibliography. Topics covered, include feasible applications of power line communications, and the impact of the currently evolving international standards on power line communications. The power line communications channel is discussed at some length, with emphasis on noise and disturbances, impedance, attenuation, signal coupling and channel modeling. Existing communications systems and solutions are discussed with reference to transmitted power, bandwidth and electromagnetic compatibility problems. The results of some recent measurements on the channel, are presented.