ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)

Power Line Telecommunications (PLT) Narrow band transceivers in the range 9 kHz to 500 kHz Power Line Performance Test Method Guide

DTS/PLT-00039

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 09-Dec-2012
• Technical Committee: PLT - Powerline Telecommunications
• Current Stage: 12 - Completion
• Due Date: 07-Dec-2012
• Completion Date: 10-Dec-2012

Standards Content (Sample)

Technical Specification
Power Line Telecommunications (PLT)
Narrow band transceivers in the range 9 kHz to 500 kHz
Power Line Performance Test Method Guide

�
2 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)

Reference
DTS/PLT-00039
Keywords
performance, powerline, testing
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ETSI
3 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
Contents
Intellectual Property Rights . 5
Foreword . 5
Introduction . 5
1 Scope . 6
2 References . 6
2.1 Normative references . 6
2.2 Informative references . 6
3 Abbreviations . 7
4 Overview . . 7
4.1 Overview . 7
4.1.1 Unimpaired Testing . 8
4.1.2 Tonal Noise Testing . 8
4.1.3 Periodic Impulse Noise Testing . 8
4.1.4 Random Impulse Noise Testing . 8
4.1.5 Intentional Communicator Noise Testing . 8
4.2 Defining the Test Metrics . 9
4.2.1 Defining the Link Budget . 9
4.2.2 Defining the Data Rate . 10
4.2.3 Reporting Test Results . 11
4.3 Test Setup . 13
4.4 Calibrating the Attenuation . 17
4.5 Measuring the Attenuation . 17
4.6 Measuring Link Budgets and Data Rates . 17
4.6.1 Unimpaired Measurement . 18
4.6.2 Tonal Noise Measurement . 18
4.6.3 Periodic Impulse Noise Measurement . 18
4.6.4 Random Impulse Noise Measurement . 19
4.6.5 Intentional Communicator Measurement . 19
4.7 Composite Measurement Values . 19
4.7.1 Composite Link Budget . 20
4.7.2 Composite Data Rate . 20
5 Noise Waveform Specifications . 20
5.1 Tonal Noise Waveform Specifications . 20
5.2 Periodic Impulse Noise Waveform Specifications . 21
5.3 Random Impulse Noise Waveform Specifications . 22
5.4 Intentional Communicator Waveform Specifications . 22
6 Defining the Test Parameters . 24
6.1 Defining Tonal Noise . 24
6.2 Defining Periodic Impulse Noise . 31
6.3 Defining Random Impulse Noise . 32
6.4 Defining Intentional Communicator Noise . 34
7 Verifying Test Setup Isolation between the Transmit and Receive Locations . 34
7.1 Verifying Test Setup Isolation . 34
Annex A (normative): Tonal Noise Waveform Sample Points . 37
A.1 Tonal Noise Waveform Sample Points . 37
A.1.1 26 kHz Tone . 37
A.1.2 31 kHz Tone . 38
A.1.3 36 kHz Tone . 38
A.1.4 41 kHz Tone . 39
A.1.5 46 kHz Tone . 39
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4 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
A.1.6 51 kHz Tone . 40
A.1.7 56 kHz Tone . 40
A.1.8 61 kHz Tone . 40
A.1.9 66 kHz Tone . 41
A.1.10 71 kHz Tone . 41
A.1.11 76 kHz Tone . 41
A.1.12 81 kHz Tone . 42
A.1.13 86 kHz Tone . 42
A.1.14 91 kHz Tone . 42
A.1.15 96 kHz Tone . 43
A.1.16 101 kHz Tone . 43
A.1.17 106 kHz Tone . 43
A.1.18 111 kHz Tone . 43
A.1.19 116 kHz Tone . 44
A.1.20 121 kHz Tone . 44
A.1.21 126 kHz Tone . 44
A.1.22 131 kHz Tone . 44
A.1.23 136 kHz Tone . 45
A.1.24 141 kHz Tone . 45
A.1.25 146 kHz Tone . 45
Annex B (normative): Random Impulse Noise Sample Points . 46
B.1 Random Impulse Noise Sample Points . 46
B.1.1 120 Hz Random Impulse . 46
History . 56

ETSI
5 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
Intellectual Property Rights
IPRs essential or potentially essential to the present document may have been declared to ETSI. The information
pertaining to these essential IPRs, if any, is publicly available for ETSI members and non-members, and can be found
in ETSI SR 000 314: "Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs); Essential, or potentially Essential, IPRs notified to ETSI in
respect of ETSI standards", which is available from the ETSI Secretariat. Latest updates are available on the ETSI Web
server (http://ipr.etsi.org).
Pursuant to the ETSI IPR Policy, no investigation, including IPR searches, has been carried out by ETSI. No guarantee
can be given as to the existence of other IPRs not referenced in ETSI SR 000 314 (or the updates on the ETSI Web
server) which are, or may be, or may become, essential to the present document.
Foreword
This Technical Specification (TS) has been produced by ETSI Technical Committee Powerline Telecommunications
(PLT).
Introduction
Customers need not only a standards based power line communications (PLC) technology, but also that one that is able
to meet their business requirements. A standardized PLC technology that does not fully meet the customer's
requirements can undermine the general acceptance of PLC as a technology. Therefore, it is important to verify that a
proposed technology can meet these requirements under realistic channel conditions. A link budget and data rate test
measurement method can be used for this purpose.
A potential PLC modem customer can also use field trials to evaluate the suitability of a particular product for their
application, but field trials cannot easily expose the technology to all possible types of impairments, thus limiting the
effectiveness of the trials. However, a properly designed test method can easily expose the technology to all possible
types of impairments; the link budget and data rate test method can then be correlated with field studies. After this
correlation is established, it is possible to reduce field trial requirements significantly and accelerate technology
deployments.
One purpose of a standardized test method is to include real world noise characteristics that represent something more
th th
challenging than the typical case likely found in a field trial. A test method can emulate the 95 to 99 percentile level
of each type of noise that occurs on the power line. A field trial that could replicate this level of real world challenge
would require a very large sample size to find the hardest 1 % to 5 % of cases. A standardized test method addresses
this limitation of field trials.
Clear results from a standardized test method provide a way to communicate quantitative information to a customer,
including suitability of the technology for their requirements at an early stage of their product evaluation, development,
and deployment.
The test measurements can be made by an independent test house. Independent testing provides credibility to enable
faster mass market penetration of the technology. The test results enable the customer to know beforehand the
suitability of the technology they buy, without the need to go through time-consuming pilot phases.
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6 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
1 Scope
The present document describes test techniques that can be used to determine the performance of narrow band power
line communications technologies using any modulation technique in the frequency range 9 kHz to 500 kHz.
2 References
References are either specific (identified by date of publication and/or edition number or version number) or
non-specific. For specific references, only the cited version applies. For non-specific references, the latest version of the
referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
Referenced documents which are not found to be publicly available in the expected location might be found at
http://docbox.etsi.org/Reference.
NOTE: While any hyperlinks included in this clause were valid at the time of publication ETSI cannot guarantee
their long term validity.
2.1 Normative references
The following referenced documents are necessary for the application of the present document.
[1] CISPR 11:2009+A1:2010: "Industrial, scientific and medical equipment - Radio-frequency
disturbance characteristics - Limits and methods of measurement".
[2] CISPR 15:2009: "Limits and methods of measurement of radio disturbance characteristics of
electrical lighting and similar equipment".
[3] CISPR 16-1-1:2010: "Specification for radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus and
methods - Part 1-1: Radio disturbance and immunity measuring apparatus - Measuring apparatus".
[4] CISPR 22:2008: "Information technology equipment - Radio disturbance characteristics - Limits
and methods of measurement".
[5] CENELEC EN 50065-1:2011: "Signalling on low-voltage electrical installations in the frequency
range 3 kHz to 148,5 kHz - Part 1: General requirements, frequency bands and electromagnetic
disturbances".
[6] Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 15, Radio Frequency Devices.
NOTE: Available at www.fcc.gov/oet/info/rules/.
[7] ISO/IEC 14908-3:2012: "Information technology -- Control network protocol -- Part 3: Power line
channel specification".
2.2 Informative references
The following referenced documents are not necessary for the application of the present document but they assist the
user with regard to a particular subject area.
[i.1] TS 103 908 (V1.1.1): "PowerLine Telecommunications (PLT); BPSK Narrow Band Power Line
Channel for Smart Metering Applications [CEN EN 14908-3:2006, modified]".
[i.2] IEEE P1901.2: "Standard for Low Frequency (less than 500 kHz) Narrow Band Power Line
Communications for Smart Grid Applications".
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7 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
3 Abbreviations
For the purposes of the present document, the following abbreviations apply:
AC Alternating Current
ADC Amperes Direct Current
BPSK Binary Phase Shift Keying
CISPR Committee International Special Radio Perturbation
CRC Cyclic Redundancy Rate
DBPSK Differential Binary Phase Shift Keying
DCR Direct Current Resistance
DQPSK Differential Quadrature Phase Shift Keying
DR Data Rate Link Layer
LINK
DR Data Rate Packet Level
PKT
EN European Norm
FCC Federal Communications Commission
FM Frequency Modulation
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
LB Link Budget Link Layer
LINK
LB Link Budget Physical Layer
PHY
LED Light Emitting Diode
MAC Medium Access Control layer
MER Message Error Rate
OSI Open Systems Interconnect
PHY Physical Layer (protocol layer)
PL Power Line
PLC Power Line Carrier
PRIME Powerline Related Intelligent Metering Evolution
RMS Root Mean of Squares
US United States
UUT Unit Under Test
VAC Voltage Alternating Current
VDC Voltage Direct Current
4 Overview
4.1 Overview
The present document defines a set of standardized test methods for characterizing power line communications (PLC)
technologies, particularly within the frequency range of 9 kHz to 500 kHz.
In a typical power line environment, many devices are connected to the AC mains. An examination of real-world AC
mains environments reveals that these various devices generate a wide variety of noise, which can be classified into four
categories:
• Tonal noise.
• Periodic impulse noise.
• Random impulse noise.
• Intentional communicator noise.
The present document describes tests for these four noise types, and includes a test for a noiseless environment. These
test types are described in the following clauses.
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8 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
th th
These tests are based on real world noise characteristics, and represent the 95 to 99 percentile of noise levels that
th th
would be found in full-scale, real-world deployments. This 95 to 99 percentile level is more challenging than what
would commonly be found in a field trial, but represents what would be encountered in a full deployment. The test
measurements are designed so that they can be made by an independent testing house.
The test metrics defined for these tests measure the link budget and effective data rate for communications performance
of a power line device at the physical layer (PHY layer) and at the data-link layer, as described in clause 4.2. The test
setup is described in this clause, whereas clause 5 describes the waveforms for each type of noise. Clause 6 provides
more information about the selection of the test parameters.
4.1.1 Unimpaired Testing
Power line communications environments with no noise impairments represent baseline conditions for defining PLC
testing specifications. It is important to measure a power line device in an unimpaired environment to provide
comparison measurements to help understand how noise sources impair communications.
4.1.2 Tonal Noise Testing
Tonal noise sources are extremely common on the AC mains. They are most frequently found in the form of off-line
AC switch-mode power converters. The vast majority of modern electronic products use this type of power converter.
Examples include personal computers, portable electronic device chargers, energy-efficient lighting devices (such as
compact florescent lamps and LED lamps), consumer appliances, and solar-panel inverters. Energy at the power
converter's fundamental switching frequency and its harmonics appear as conducted emissions on the AC mains.
The fundamental switching frequency for off-line switch-mode power converters is most commonly in the range of
25 kHz to 150 kHz, thus the test suite includes tonal noise tests with fundamental frequencies in this range, along with
harmonic content that extends out to 500 kHz.
4.1.3 Periodic Impulse Noise Testing
Periodic impulse noise is very common on the AC mains. It can be caused by a number of devices, but one of the most
common sources is a triac-controlled lamp dimmer. This type of device leaves its load disconnected from the AC mains
for some fraction of each half AC cycle, and then connects the load to the mains for the remainder of that half cycle. In
the case of a lamp dimmer, the in-rush of current associated with connection of the load part way through the AC cycle
produces a large voltage spike on the mains at the point in time when the load is connected. This chopping of the
waveform results in voltage spikes on the mains with a repetition rate of twice the AC mains power frequency.
4.1.4 Random Impulse Noise Testing
Random impulse noise is introduced onto the AC mains from a variety of sources. Series-wound AC motors are a very
common source of this type of noise. These motors have brushes that arc when passing between commutator segments.
The arcing produces impulses on the AC mains that are much smaller in amplitude than can be produced by
periodic-impulse noise sources, but much greater in frequency.
A typical waveform for this type of noise is produced when an up-right vacuum cleaner is connected to the mains.
4.1.5 Intentional Communicator Noise Testing
In addition to noise on the AC mains from unintentional sources, there is a significant population of intentional
communicators on the mains. A very common example of these types of devices is power line intercoms, or baby
monitors. In large parts of the world, these devices use carrier frequencies in the range of 160 kHz to 400 kHz.
Sampling a number of these devices, it is observed that they use analog frequency modulation (FM) of the carrier with
modest frequency deviations.
For a power line device to operate reliably in North America (as well as a number of other countries), it is essential that
the device be able to function when power line intercoms and baby monitors are active on the AC mains (note that most
of these devices include a transmit-lock feature to support continuous communication between units).
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9 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
Another type of intentional power line communications devices are those that comply with EN 50065-1 [5]
requirements for operation in the European consumer use "C-band", they are found in both CENELEC and
non-CENELEC countries.
4.2 Defining the Test Metrics
The testing methodology described in the present document defines test metrics at two layers of the seven-layer OSI
computer networking model:
• Link budget and effective data rate for the physical layer (PHY layer) - called the LB and DR .
PHY PKT
• Link budget and effective data rate for the data-link layer - called the LB and DR .
LINK LINK
For both of these layers, the link budget test methodology defines test metrics for each of the four noise tests and the
unimpaired test to measure communications performance of a power line device.
Because testing for the PHY layer and data-link layer can be performed independently, the tests results shall be reported
independently:
• The LB metric tests the PHY layer performance. For any PLC device, it is critical that its PHY layer is
PHY
designed robustly so that it can successfully pass data to data-link layer for further processing. Because the
chosen physical layer and message preamble parameters affect the rate at which messages can be sent and
received, an effective data rate at the individual packet level (DR ) is defined and associated with each set
PKT
of LB results.
PHY
• The LB metric tests the combination of PHY layer performance and data-link layer algorithms, which
LINK
together provide power line communications. Because the chosen data-link layer algorithm impacts the rate at
which messages can be sent and received successfully by the device, the DR result (effective data-link
LINK
layer rate, specified in kbps) shall be associated with each individual LB result.
LINK
The primary purpose of defining standard test metrics is to allow potential end users evaluate whether a PLC device can
meet their application requirements. A correlation can then be established between a test evaluation and field
deployment experience, so long as the test conditions resemble realistic power mains environments.
For link-budget and data rate measurements to be useful, the test conditions shall be specified such that results are
repeatable and can be verified by multiple parties. To provide for both repeatability and portability, equipment with
defined calibration procedures shall be employed.
For the results to be of value to potential end users, a test suite should include realistic representations of each general
type of noise that is commonly found on the AC mains. Examination of the AC mains environment reveals that the wide
variety of noise sources found on the mains can be classified into four categories: tonal noise, periodic impulse noise,
random impulse noise, and intentional communicators.
4.2.1 Defining the Link Budget
The link budget is a measure of how much signal attenuation (in dB) can be present between a transmitter and receiver
such that a specified level of successful message delivery is achieved.
The link-budget test suite specified in the present document includes each interference category. It is the goal of this test
th th
suite to specify interference levels for each category that represent the 95 to 99 percentile level for that type.
Background information for the selection of each interference source and its specified level is provided in clause 6.
The link budget for a device is first measured without any interference, and is measured again separately with each of
the four classes of interference.
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10 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
The link budget for each impairment is determined by measuring the message error rate (MER) between the transmitter
and the receiver with various levels of attenuation between them. Message error rate is defined by the following
formula:
⎛ ⎞
M
r
⎜ ⎟
MER(%) = 100× 1− %
⎜ ⎟
M
s
⎝ ⎠
where: M = the number of messages received without error
r
(indicated by reception of a correct CRC value)
M = the number of messages sent
s
The size of the message used for testing is specified to be 128 bytes delivered to the data-link layer of the protocol (that
is, 128 bytes excluding preamble, frame control header, and error correction redundancy overhead, but including a
16-bit [or longer] CRC). The number of messages sent shall be at least 500 for each measurement of message error rate.
The resulting link budget is the greatest level of attenuation that yields ≤ 5 % MER. The link budget is measured and
reported using 1 dB steps. The link budget is reported for both the PHY layer (LB ) and data-link layer (LB ).
PHY LINK
Physical layer link budget tests are performed without any message repeats or retries (note that in this case, the message
error rate becomes a measure of packet error rate). If the unit under test supports multiple physical layer options, then
the LB test can be performed with a variety of these options; the options used shall be documented with the DR
PHY PKT
associated with each set of LB results.
PHY
Data-link layer link budget tests (LB ) are performed initially without any adaptation of PHY layer or MAC
LINK
sub-layer parameters, but with MAC sub-layer retries enabled.
Note that for data-link layer testing, the test operator shall ensure that a correctly received unique message is counted
just once. Ensuring message uniqueness is especially important to validate for protocols that, in some instances, repeat
messages that might have already been correctly received as an earlier instance of the same message.
If the units under test support adaptation of PHY layer or MAC sub-layer parameters, optionally the LB test can be
LINK
repeated allowing adaptation of these parameters. The time constants used to adapt PHY layer and MAC sub-layer
parameters are typically quite long, and would therefore result in inordinately long test times if time were allowed for
them to settle for each error rate measurement. While long time constants can be appropriate for field environments, to
facilitate reasonable test times, devices that are tested using the present document shall provide a means for the test
operator to force an update to adapt PHY layer and MAC sub-layer parameters. After the test operator initiates the
adaptation update, the adaptation process shall take no longer than 10 s. The test operator shall then invoke the
PHY/MAC adaptation process prior to each subsequent error rate measurement.
4.2.2 Defining the Data Rate
In general, a data rate is a measure of a number of bits received within a specified time interval. Because there is a
tendency for higher data rates to provide lesser link budget performance (and for larger link budgets to provide lower
data rates), each measure of link budget shall be associated with a relevant data rate value. The two values together
allow a potential user to evaluate device suitability based on their own data rate and link budget requirements.
Standardized methods for reporting the effective data rate are defined in this clause for use with both LB and
PHY
LB results. For use with LB results, the effective rate of data delivered to the data-link layer is used. This data
LINK PHY
rate is defined to be the number of bits delivered to the data-link layer of the protocol divided by a full formatted packet
cycle time (including preamble, frame control header, and average inter-packet gap). This data rate is designated as the
packet level data rate (DR ). A single value for DR is reported for each set of physical layer parameters for which
PKT PKT
LB values are reported. The DR value can be measured or calculated, so long as all of the elements of a full
PHY PKT
formatted packet cycle are included.
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11 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
A standardized method of measuring and reporting the data rate associated with LB results is also defined
LINK
(DR ). DR is defined to be the number messages (where all bytes delivered to the link layer are correct),
LINK LINK
multiplied by the number of bits delivered to the link layer for each correct message, divided by the time it takes for a
500-message test to be completed. This data rate test is performed first for the unimpaired case, and then performed
again with each of the same impairments specified for link-budget testing. A data rate measurement shall be performed
at the maximum attenuation (using 1 dB steps) that results in ≤ 5 % MER for each particular impairment.
Initially, tests should be performed without any adaptation of either PHY layer or MAC sub-layer parameters, although
message retries at the MAC sub-layer are allowed.
If the units under test support adaptation of PHY layer or MAC sub-layer parameters, then optionally the test can be
repeated using PHY/MAC adaptation. Adaptation time constants are generally quite long, and would result in
inordinately long test times if time were allowed for adaptation with each error rate measurement. While longer
adaptation time constants are generally appropriate for field environments, in order to facilitate timely testing of devices
tested under the present document, a means for the test operator to force an adaptation update shall be provided. The
adaptation process shall take no longer than 10 s once initiated. The test operator shall then invoke the adaptation
process prior to each data rate measurement.
The size of the message used for testing is specified to be 128 bytes delivered to the link layer of the protocol (that is,
128 bytes excluding preamble, frame control header, and error correction redundancy overhead, but including a 16-bit
[or longer] CRC). The number of messages sent shall be 500 for each measurement of the data rate.
The resulting data link-layer data rate is:
M ×128×8
r
DR =
LINK
t
where: M = the number of messages received without error
r
(indicated by reception of a correct CRC value).
128 = number of bytes delivered to the link layer of the protocol.
8 = number of bits per byte.
t = time required to send all 500 messages, in seconds.
It shall be ensured that a correctly received unique message is counted just once in the numerator. Ensuring message
uniqueness is especially important to validate for protocols that, in some instances, repeat messages that might have
already been correctly received as an earlier instance of the same message.
4.2.3 Reporting Test Results
For production devices, link-budget and data rate test results are only meaningful if the units being tested comply with
relevant regional emissions regulations. Thus, conducted emissions testing shall be performed on all devices under test
in accordance with the appropriate standards, and the results shall be documented together with the link-budget and data
rate performance results.
Because support for multiple PHY/MAC solutions is envisioned along with their associated profiles (such as
IEEE P1901.2 [i.2] FCC, G3 CENELEC A, PRIME CENELEC A, ETSI TS 103 908 [i.1] and ISO/IEC 14908-3 [7]),
with a variety of modulation and error correction options (for example, differential quadrature phase shift keying
[DQPSK] modulation, differential binary phase shift keying [DBPSK] modulation, Robo modulation, and so on), it is
necessary that a link budget report include the profile and options that were used for testing. The associated data rates
(as defined in clauses 4.2.1 and 4.2.2) shall also be documented.
Tables 1 and 2 show how the test results shall be reported. The information for every row shall be listed when reporting
results (that is, it is not acceptable to omit the information from any row when reporting results). For this example table,
"Test Result" is a placeholder for the actual results. Various profiles can be tested and reported, based on the target
application, by adding or deleting "Result" columns. If the data rate tests include adaptation, the results shall report
separately, as shown in table 4.
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12 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
Table 1: Example Test Results for the PHY Layer
Parameter Result 1 Result 2 Result 3 Units
Profile FCC G3-A G3-A -
Conducted emission verification FCC EN50065 EN50065 -
Physical layer mode DBPSK DBPSK Robo -
Packet level data rate (DR ) Test Result Test Result Test Result kbps
PKT
Test Result Test Result Test Result
Unimpaired link budget dB
Tonal noise link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Periodic impulse noise link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Random impulse noise link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Intentional communicator link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Composite Link Budget (LB ) Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
PHY
Table 2: Example Test Results for the Data-Link Layer (without Adaptation)
Parameter Result 1 Result 2 Result 3 Units
Profile FCC G3-A G3-A -
PHY/MAC adaptation No No No -
Conducted emission verification FCC EN50065 EN50065 -
Physical layer mode DBPSK DBPSK Robo -
LINK BUDGET TESTING
Unimpaired link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Tonal noise link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Test Result Test Result Test Result
Periodic impulse noise link budget dB
Random impulse noise link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Intentional communicator link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Composite Link Budget (LB ) Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
LINK
DATA RATE TESTING
Unimpaired data rate Test Result Test Result Test Result bps
Tonal noise data rate Test Result Test Result Test Result bps
Periodic impulse noise data rate Test Result Test Result Test Result bps
Random impulse noise data rate Test Result Test Result Test Result bps
Intentional communicator data rate Test Result Test Result Test Result bps
Composite Data Rate (DR ) Test Result Test Result Test Result bps
LINK
Table 3: Example Test Results for the Data-Link Layer (with Adaptation)
Parameter Result 1 Result 2 Result 3 Units
Profile FCC G3-A G3-A -
PHY/MAC adaptation Yes Yes Yes -
Conducted emission verification FCC EN50065 EN50065 -
Physical layer mode DBPSK DBPSK Robo -
LINK BUDGET TESTING
Unimpaired link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Tonal noise link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Periodic impulse noise link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Random impulse noise link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Intentional communicator link budget Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
Composite Link Budget (LB ) Test Result Test Result Test Result dB
LINK
DATA RATE TESTING
Unimpaired data rate Test Result Test Result Test Result bps
Tonal noise data rate Test Result Test Result Test Result bps
Periodic impulse noise data rate Test Result Test Result Test Result bps
Random impulse noise data rate Test Result Test Result Test Result bps
Test Result Test Result Test Result
Intentional communicator data rate bps
Composite Data Rate (DR ) Test Result Test Result Test Result bps
LINK
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13 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
4.3 Test Setup
The test setup for measuring the power line communications link budget and data rate is shown in figure 1. The test
setup uses industry-standard equipment that is widely available, can be easily maintained, and easily calibrated. Table 4
lists the components for the test setup shown in figure 1.
Note that an additional filter stage (L2, L3, C5, and C6) has been added in front of each V-Network; see figure 2 for a
detailed view of the filter circuit. This filter:
• Ensures that noise from the AC mains is sufficiently attenuated so that it does not degrade the measurement
environment.
• Ensures that there is sufficient signal attenuation (from the transmitter, through the V-Network, through the
other V-Network, to the Receiver Under Test) so that the attenuation between the Transmitter and Receiver is
determined solely by VR1.
See figure 3 for a detailed view of the 450 Ω adaptor. See figure 4 for a detailed view of the specified V-Network.

Figure 1: Test Setup for Measuring PLC Link Budget and Data Rate
ETSI
14 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)

Figure 2: Filter Circuit
R1 C7
To
450 Ω 15 nF
To
Measurement D1 D2
V-Network
Receiver
GND
Figure 3: 450 Ω Adaptor Circuit
Table 4: Component Specifications for Test Setup
Component Specification
V-Network 50 Ω || (50 µH + 5 Ω) network
See CISPR 16-1-1 [3] for complete specification
Waveform Generator 1 Arbitrary waveform generator
Output impedance 50 Ω, maximum output 10 V into 50 Ω, vertical resolution ≥ 14 bits,
p-p
memory depth ≥ 65 536 points, output sample rate ≥ 10 MHz and support for frequency
modulation
See also figure 5 for waveform purity requirements
Waveform Generator 2 Function generator
Output impedance 50 Ω, maximum output 10 V into 50 Ω. Capable of being locked to
p-p
an external frequency reference
Measuring Receiver Spectrum analyzer
Minimum frequency ≤ 25 kHz, maximum frequency ≥ 500 kHz, input impedance 50 Ω,
minimum resolution bandwidth ≤ 3 Hz. Capable of being locked to an external frequency
reference
VR1 250 kΩ, logarithmic (or audio) taper, ≥ 1 W power rating, < 3 pF shunt capacitance
You can substitute alternate variable resistor values to provide either finer resolution at
low attenuations or greater overall attenuation
R1 450 Ω, 2 % tolerance
R2 1 Ω, 1 % tolerance, ≥ 3 W power rating
C1, C2 1 µF, ≤ 20 % tolerance, X2 rated for ≥ 250 VAC
C3 0,1 µF, ≤ 20 % tolerance, X2 rated for ≥ 250 VAC
C4 10 µF, ≤ 20 % tolerance, X2 rated for ≥ 250 VAC
C5, C6 4,7 µF, ≤ 20 % tolerance, X2 rated for ≥ 250 VAC
C7 15 nF, ≤ 10 % tolerance, ≥ 50 VDC
D1, D2 1N4148
L1 10 µH, ≤ 10 % tolerance with up to 1 ADC, DCR ≤ 0,05 Ω
L2, L3 150 µH nominal (between 100 µH and 200 µH with 0 to 5 ADC), DCR ≤ 0,1 Ω

ETSI
15 ETSI TS 103 909 V1.1.1 (2012-12)
The test setup establishes a controlled AC mains environment by using a pair of standardized artificial mains
V-Networks, as defined in
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