Electromagnetic interference prediction in an in-house power-line network

In this paper a new methodology for the prediction of the conducted-emission propagation in an in-house powerline network is presented. This methodology is based on the modal S-parameter characterization of the devices present in the power-line network, as well as on the modal modeling of branchline connections. The modal S parameters relate common- and differential-mode waves, and give more information regarding interference propagation. With this methodology, common- and differential-mode attenuations, and modal conversion between common and differential modes can be accurately predicted, which is of great interest for power-line communication development and conducted-emission mitigation. This methodology is tested by accurately predicting the interference levels up to 100 MHz of an in-house power-line network composed by thermal-magnetic circuit breakers, residual-current circuit breakers, single-phase wires and light bulbs.