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This is the part downstream of the Distribution  Transformer (Typically 11kV to 220/440 Volts conversion), which services a few hundred, mostly residential buildings. In the urban scenario, this segment cabling is largely underground, and extends to distances of a few hundreds of meters, whereas in typical rural settings, it is largely  open overhead lines running for over some kilometers, and services much less number of buildings than in the urban environments. The Project aims to carry out measurements on these LT segments in order to characterise them as high-frequency transmission lines for carrying data up to 1-2 Mbps. Also forming a part of the project is the design and development of spread-spectrum systems needed to send data over the LT segment, thereby demonstrating the technology for  PLC realisation.

 

This is the feeder line emanating from Substations (Typically 33KV/11KV),and feeding the Distribution Transformers (DT) along the way, as well as servicing the 11KV HT subscribers. Again ,this is underground and relatively short in urban environments, and overhead and relatively long in rural areas. The number of DTs on one feeder can also vary greatly. The Project aims to carry out measurement and characterisation of these HT segments to assess their potential as  high-data rate Communication media. Also aimed in the project is demonstration of data transmission over this segment.

At the physical layer, both Spread Spectrum and Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) techniques are being examined. The goal of these studies is to evaluate the potential of these Power Line segments for use in Distribution / Access of Telephony and Internet services, and wherever found feasible, to develop the technologies needed for it. Also of interest is their use for applications such as Automatic Meter Reading (AMR), Distribution Automation (DA), Low Data Rate Networking, and etc. The Tamil Nadu Electricity Board is a partner in this project, and provides the support needed for its execution.