Electromagnetic Interference of Power Converter with Random Modulation on the Power Line Communication System

Random Pulse Width Modulation (RPWM) allows controlling the switching signal of power converters in order to reduce harmonic peaks by spreading noise spectrum. Currently, many manufacturers are deploying this modulation scheme comply with Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) test requirements. However, when coexist Power Line Communication (PLC) systems, such as Smart Grid (SG) applications, resorting RPWM needs further investigations since it potentially affects communication channel increasing bit error rate. This possible detrimental effect is investigated work, considering a PLC system for automatic meter reading (AMR) implemented SG application. To end, model complete SIMULINK, and Quadrature Phase Shift Keying (QPSK) used modems channel. Results show that, even if deployment techniques may lead an appreciable reduction/spreading spectrum, also increase rate on system.