Fundamental Properties of the Low Voltage Power Distribution Grid Used as a Data Channel

Recently a steadily increasing interest towards using the low voltage power distribution grid for various communication purposes is noticed. For the construction of appropriate equipment, being able to cope with the properties of such an unusual channel, a thorough understanding of physics is paramount. The work presented in the following describes essential contributions towards modelling basic properties of low voltage energy distribution networks as data channels. New and important measurement results of parameters significantly influencing the performance of communication systems are outlined, covering typical values and properties of network access impedance, propagation characteristics as well as different kinds of interference in the frequency range 2()kHz to 150kHz. Furthermore channel model approaches based on the results are discussed.