Abstract:
Powerline communication (PLC), is becoming a more commonplace method
for data transmission, however it is still a very new medium for data transmission, and
international standards for powerline communication are still in the process of being
developed and established. PLC can provide a means of simplifying the device
connectivity to a network by reducing the dedicated wiring needed for communication
channels, as well as provide a means for communication between devices that may
have previously been impractical. With limited previous research regarding PLC
transmission on low voltage direct current (DC) powerlines, and virtually no previous
research regarding PLC communication within a computer, the information provided
in this thesis begins to take on significant importance to help lead to further
advancements in the use of this communication method within a computer.
The objective of this thesis is to discuss the feasibility and design theory for
developing a low-cost sensor communication network within a desktop personal
computer (PC), utilizing the preexisting powerline architecture. First, the channel
characterization of the computer powerline structure is presented and discussed. From
this channel characterization, the optimum frequency range for the sensor network is
selected. A modulation scheme and demodulation scheme are then discussed and
simulated. Finally, the results of the simulation are discussed and a simple circuit
implementation for the sensor network is realized.
