Travelling-wave multipath simulation of two-conductor HF signalling over indoor power-line networks and RMS-delay-spread dependence

An efficient, travelling‐wave based multipath‐simulation technique is presented, suitable for the estimation of Power‐Line Communication channels' response in terms of both transfer function and power delay profile. The cable transmission parameters are thereupon requisite, as well as the vicinal network topology. The algorithm applies directly to narrowband single‐phase HF signalling over cabling compliant with the two‐conductor transmission‐line model. Experimental verification throughout the 1.6–30 MHz band on the basis of the quantitative path‐incorporation criterion proposed, reveals resultant amplitude‐response accuracy of no less than 5 dB. Dependency of the RMS delay spread on the multitude of network's impedance‐mismatch points, the overall network length, as well as the carrier frequency, is in addition investigated. Quite clear functional interrelations ensue thereupon, whereat proper analytical descriptions are proposed. Applicability of the multipath approach introduced is indicated for narrowband and wideband channel capacity estimations, and relevant hints towards the treatment of multiconductor line structures are suggested. Copyright © 2006 AEIT