The Impact of Spread Spectrum Modulation Controlled DC-DC Converter EMI Emissions on Power Line Communication

Power Line Communication (PLC) is a wired method of data communication between transmitter and receiver points, utilising existing power grid lines and it has been widely accepted for use in smart grid. DC-DC converters are extensively used in electricity distribution grid with the widespread use of smart grid components (photovoltaics, energy storage, electric vehicle charge stations) and they cause Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) in the electricity grid because they have high frequency switching capability. EMI is the primary factor that directly impacts the success of PLC. The techniques used to control the DC-DC converter determine the effect of EMI emissions. Frame Error Rates (FER) measurements were used to evaluate the success of the G3 PLC in the CENELEC A band frequency range using Microchip's PL360-EK evaluation device by separately controlling the DC-DC converter with Sine, Sawtooth and Random Spread Spectrum Modulation techniques.