Analysing Attenuation Losses of a Power Line Cable

Abstract

This research focuses on the determination of the channel frequency response losses for a length of power cable, which is crucial in determining the channel bandwidth performance. The parameters of the power line cable model are determined by measurement. These per unit length parameters, namely resistance, inductance, capacitance, and conductance, are described as frequency dependent quantities. Two types of power cables are measured: 0.8 mm square twisted pair Polyethylene insulation, and 1.5 mm square flat twin and earth Polyvinyl Chloride insulation. Conductor and dielectric losses are analytically determined using transmission line theory. This research indicates that PVC dielectric losses are larger than conductor losses in 1.5 mm square flat twin and earth cable. Results show that PVC dielectric losses (dielectric attenuation) become dominant above 1 MHz.

Keywords

• channel frequency response (cfr)
• power line cable parameters
• power line cable losses
• conductor attenuation
• dielectric attenuation