Power line communication module for distributed control systems

Abstract

This paper presents the implementation of a power line communication module capable to realize data transmission using as communication channel the metallic lines designed for distribution of electrical power in buildings. The key advantage of this solution is given by the existence of abundant pre-installed wires and wall outlets which reduce considerably the costs of communication medium. The proposed solution allows the implementation of a distributed control system for home automation which supposes for example the remote control of electrical apparatus, monitoring of the thermal conditioning installations, ventilation equipment etc. Also the proposed power lines modules allows the communication between local computers or even audio communication between users. For experimental purposes, a LabVIEW application was implemented and used to control two power line modules that realize data communications using existing in-building power lines. By employing LabVIEW software is obtained a system with improved flexibility and an easy to use and friendly control interface.