Robust synchronization algorithm for broadband PLC based on Wavelet-OFDM

Abstract

In recent years, communications systems through mains, known as PLC (Powerline Communication), have received a lot of interest as part of intelligent networks or smart grids, as well as for multimedia applications at homes. In broadband PLC, systems using multicarrier modulations allow the mitigation of selective frequency fading in the channel. Nevertheless, these modulations require accurate time synchronization for correct operation. This paper proposes a robust temporal synchronization algorithm based on multilevel complementary sequences for broadband PLC channel with selective frequency fading, providing improvements around 80% in RMSE (Root Mean Squared Error) with respect to the common metrics used in OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing), where multipath effect is not considered.