MV and LV powerline communications: new proposed IEC standards

Two new powerline communication systems are described, one for medium voltage (MV) and one for low voltage (LV). Both systems are accepted new work item proposals of IEC TC57/WG9. The MV system uses multicarrier modulation (MCM), also known as orthogonal frequency division multiplex (OFDM) or discrete multitone (DMT), whereas the low voltage powerline modem is based on fast frequency hopping spread spectrum (SS-FFH) modulation. In combination the outlined new powerline communication offers the possibility for reliable bi-directional data transfer from substation to any customer. Key applications for this system include distribution automation and demand side management (DA/DSM), automated meter reading (AMR) and especially communication demands for currently emerging business management systems for deregulated markets.