Abstract
For broadband high-data-rate power line communication with the allocated frequency bandwidth from 2 to 30 MHz on medium voltage (MV) distribution power lines, a signal coupling unit is developed. The coupling unit is composed of a coupling capacitor for coupling communication signal, a drain coil, and an impedance matching part. The coupling capacitor made of ceramic capacitor is designed for transmission property of better than 1 dB in the frequency range. The drain coil is used for preventing low frequency high voltage from junction of medium voltage power line in case that a coupling capacitor is not working properly any more. Also, using ferrite core, a novel broadband impedance matching transformer is developed. A complete coupling unit with a coupling capacitor, a drain coil, and a matching transformer is housed by polymer for good isolation and distinguishing from high voltage electric facilities. Each is fabricated and its frequency behavior is tested. Finally, complete signal couplers are equipped in a MV PLC test bed and their performance are measured. The measurement shows that the coupling capacitor works excellently.