Evaluation of the Impact of LED and Compact Fluorescent Lamps on the PLC Transmission with X-10 Technology

Abstract

Line Communication (PLC) is a communication method that uses electrical wiring to carry both data and electric power simultaneously. A wide range of PLC technologies is used for different applications, ranging from home automation to internet access. Various data rates and frequencies are used in different situations. Records of transmitting commands using PLCs have been verified since 1838, and from 1913, technology has become commercial. Currently, communication in low voltage networks is a key technology for the automation of electrical distribution, also known as smart grids. PLC systems can be divided into groups according to the frequency bands and their architecture can be divided into three blocks: PLC, Outdoor and Indoor, which is the focus of this article. This article has the main objective of evaluating the impact of using the X-10 PLC communication protocol (developed by Pico Electronics) on the control of an incandescent lamp in the indoor environment, considering several scenarios of load and interference using several types of commercial light bulbs.