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Power Line Communication vs. Talkative Power Conversion: A Benchmarking Study

Peter A. Hoeher, Yang Leng, Maximilian Mewis, Rongwu Zhu

TL;DR

The paper addresses integrating power delivery with data communication by comparing PLC and TPC across grid and power-electronics domains. It analyzes the operating principles, standards, and key limitations of both technologies. A benchmarking view shows PLC as mature with high data-rate potential, while TPC offers embedded, low-cost communication with baseband operation and opportunities for wireless or optical extensions. The authors propose a hybrid PLC-TPC networking framework and a multi-layer research roadmap spanning hardware, channel modeling, AI-driven modulation, routing, security, IoT integration, 6G convergence, and standardization to enable scalable adoption.

Abstract

The convergence of energy transmission and data communication has become a key feature of decentralized energy systems across a broad spectrum of voltage/power ranges, including smart grid applications and cyber-physical power systems. This paper compares two distinct approaches: Power Line Communications (PLC) and Talkative Power Conversion (TPC). While PLC leverages existing power infrastructure for data transmission by using external data transmitters and receivers, TPC integrates communication capabilities directly into power electronic converters. We present their technical foundations and applications, benchmark their strengths and bottlenecks, and outline future research directions regarding TPC that could bridge the gap between power and communication technologies.

Power Line Communication vs. Talkative Power Conversion: A Benchmarking Study

TL;DR

The paper addresses integrating power delivery with data communication by comparing PLC and TPC across grid and power-electronics domains. It analyzes the operating principles, standards, and key limitations of both technologies. A benchmarking view shows PLC as mature with high data-rate potential, while TPC offers embedded, low-cost communication with baseband operation and opportunities for wireless or optical extensions. The authors propose a hybrid PLC-TPC networking framework and a multi-layer research roadmap spanning hardware, channel modeling, AI-driven modulation, routing, security, IoT integration, 6G convergence, and standardization to enable scalable adoption.

Abstract

The convergence of energy transmission and data communication has become a key feature of decentralized energy systems across a broad spectrum of voltage/power ranges, including smart grid applications and cyber-physical power systems. This paper compares two distinct approaches: Power Line Communications (PLC) and Talkative Power Conversion (TPC). While PLC leverages existing power infrastructure for data transmission by using external data transmitters and receivers, TPC integrates communication capabilities directly into power electronic converters. We present their technical foundations and applications, benchmark their strengths and bottlenecks, and outline future research directions regarding TPC that could bridge the gap between power and communication technologies.

Paper Structure

This paper contains 11 sections, 4 figures, 2 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Introduction to Power Line Communication
  3. Operating Principle of PLC
  4. Classification of PLC and PLC Standards
  5. Challenges and Progress of PLC
  6. Introduction to Talkative Power Conversion
  7. Operating Principle of TPC
  8. Challenges and Progress of TPC
  9. Comparison between PLC and TPC
  10. Future Research Directions
  11. Conclusion

Figures (4)

  • Figure 1: Structure and main takeaways about PLC.
  • Figure 2: Structure and main takeaways about TPC.
  • Figure 3: Duality of PLC and TPC transmitter/receiver (Tx/Rx) structure in wired applications.
  • Figure 4: Novel proposal of a hybrid system combining PLC and TPC. In this hybrid approach, data from PLC and TPC transmitters are send over the same power line. Either a common receiver or different receivers may be used.