Ultra Low Frequency Power-Line Communications Using a Resonator Circuit

A novel device for the transmission of digital information over power lines is introduced. The transmission circuit is passive, using a resonator circuit to create a narrowband disturbance in the system. This disturbance can be detected over great distances and, in many cases, through distribution transformers. This makes it a promising solution to power-line communication problems in distribution systems that are sparsely populated over large geographical expanses. Modulation algorithms are introduced. We discuss results obtained using a prototype to transmit signals on a real distribution system.