In-Vehicle Power Line Communication: Differences and Similarities Among the In-Car and the In-Ship Scenarios

This article deals with power line communication (PLC) in the context of invehicle data networks. This technology can provide high-speed data connectivity via the exploitation of the existing power network, with clear potential benefits in terms of cost and weight reduction. The focus is on two scenarios: an electric car (EC) and a cruise ship. An overview of the wiring infrastructure and the network topology in these two scenarios is provided. The main findings reported in the literature related to the channel characteristics are reported. Noise is also assessed with emphasis on the EC context. New results from the statistical analysis of measurements made in a compact EC and in a large cruise ship are also shown. The channel characteristics are analyzed in terms of average channel gain (ACG), delay spread (DS), coherence bandwidth (CB), and achievable transmission rate. Finally, an overall comparison is made, highlighting similarities and differences while taking into account the conventional combustion engine car and the largely investigated in-home scenario.