Modeling and Estimation of OFDM Based Power Line Communication Channels

Abstract

The main objective of this work was to assess the suitability of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) vis-a-vis (Code Division Multiple Access) CDMA for Broadband Power Line (BPL) communication in rural areas. The work involved modeling of an OFDM based power line communication channel. A two-port network model was designed, developed and used in power line network distribution. In this paper, theoretical description and mathematical analysis of the same have been presented. The major portion covers the mathematical description of network distribution using the proposed decision–directed method for channel estimation and equalization in OFDM based Power Line Communication (PLC). This method uses chain parameter matrices describing the relation between input and output voltage and current of the two-port network. This method does not require a priori knowledge on the power line. Simulations on a realistic indoor power-line system show that the method achieves very good channel estimation and equalization performances and that, compared to CDMA, OFDM is robust to impulsive noise and nonlinearities, hence, suitable for deployment in rural areas for smart grid communication.