Coupling Unit For PLC Systems Over High-Voltage Lines: Description of Uapa-1

COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS
OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES
DESCRIPTION OF UAPA-1
Rev. 9 - October 2014
ZIV communications S.A.U.

Antonio Machado,78-80
08840 Viladecans, Barcelona-Spain
Tel.: +34 933 490 700
Fax: +34 933 492 258
Mail to: communications@ziv.es
www.communications.ziv.es
Communication solutions for power utilities 1/58

UAPA-1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page
1 INTRODUCTION 4
1.1 GENERAL 4
1.2 CONSTITUTION 5
1.2.1 Protection elements 7
1.2.2 Tuning elements 7
1.2.3 Matching unit 7
1.2.4 Hybrid circuits 7
1.3 UAPA-1 VERSIONS 8
1.4 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 10

1.4.1 Electrical characteristics 10
1.4.2 Operating conditions 11
1.4.3 Mechanical characteristics 12
2 TUNING CIRCUITS 15
2.1 HIGH-PASS CIRCUIT 15
2.2 BAND-PASS CIRCUIT 16
3 LINE COUPLING 17
3.1 PHASE-TO-EARTH COUPLING 17
3.2 PHASE-TO-PHASE COUPLING 17
3.3 THREE-PHASE COUPLING 18
COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES 2/58

DESCRIPTION OF UAPA-1 - Rev. 9 (October 2014)
UAPA-1
Page
4 INSTALLATION 19
4.1 MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS 19
4.2 CONNECTIONS 20
4.2.1 Phase-to-earth coupling 21
4.2.2 Phase-to-phase coupling 22
4.2.3 Three-phase coupling 23
5 COMMISSIONING 25
5.1 CONSIDERATIONS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT 25
5.2 TUNING 25
5.3 IMPEDANCE MATCHING 55
APPENDIX A
METHOD FOR MEASURING COMPOSITE AND RETURN LOSS 56

UAPA-1
1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 GENERAL
The coupling units allow, in conjunction with coupling capacitors, the transmission of carrier
frequency signals over high-voltage power lines and, at the same time, offer an efficient
protection against the effects of the power frequency voltage and transient overvoltages for
personnel and equipment.
The UAPA-1 unit is used for coupling Power-Line Carrier (PLC) equipment to a single phase
of high-voltage power lines, carrying out the following:
 Tuning of coupling capacitor to minimize the coupling impedance, in such a way as to

enhance the signal transmission at carrier frequencies.
 Impedance matching between power line and communication equipment, allowing

matching at very low line impedance as in the case of the underground cables.
 Draining to earth of power frequency current, limitation of voltage surges coming from the
power line and earthing of the coupling device for protection purposes.
The UAPA-1 allows different tuning elements to be inserted between the coupling capacitor
and the PLC equipment. These elements, together with the coupling capacitor, make up a
resonant circuit that can be configured as a third-order high-pass filter or a second-order
band-pass filter.
One outstanding feature of the UAPA-1 unit is that it can be equipped with a differential
transformer, which acts as a hybrid circuit. This makes it possible to carry out
phase-to-phase coupling with two UAPA-1 units, connected through the differential
transformer included in one of them.
The UAPA-1 units can be used for phase-to-earth or three-phase couplings. One UAPA-1
unit is used for phase-to-earth coupling. Three UAPA-1 units are needed for three-phase
coupling, two of the units being equipped with a differential transformer.

UAPA-1
1.2 CONSTITUTION
The UAPA-1 coupling unit consists of protection, tuning and impedance matching elements.
If necessary, a differential transformer acting as a hybrid circuit can be added to this basic
configuration.
The different elements, except for the earthing switch, the drain coil, the semiconductor
surge arrester and the air surge arrester, are distributed in modules fixed to the inside of a
cabinet prepared for outdoor mounting. The arrangement of these modules inside the
cabinet can be seen in Figure 1. In some UAPA-1 versions, see section 1.3, the protection
elements are mounted on the outside.
Figure 2 shows a simplified block diagram of the UAPA-1 unit.
Figure 1 Internal front view of the UAPA-1 coupling unit with hybrid circuit included

UAPA-1
NOTE 1: In some UAPA-1 versions, the protection elements are mounted on the outside.
NOTE 2: Taps B1 and B2 (both the same point) of the UAPS module are not the same taps
as those of B1 and B2 (both the same point) of the UAPC module.
Figure 2 Simplified block diagram of the UAPA-1 coupling unit

UAPA-1
1.2.1 Protection elements
Line side, this block is made up of the drain coil, the earthing switch and the air surge
arrester. As an option, for higher security, a solid-state surge arrester can be included at the
factory, in parallel with that of air.
Equipment side, it comprises a gas surge arrester connected between the isolating
transformer equipment-side terminals. The purpose of this surge arrester being to protect
the PLC equipment.
The drain coil has an air core to minimize intermodulation, and is wound on a multisection
coil former to reduce the distributed capacitance. The coil is moulded in an epoxide resin
block, which also holds the earthing switch and the surge arresters.
1.2.2 Tuning elements
This block is made up of the tuning coil, variable in steps, which is located in the UAPS
module, and a Cs capacitance, obtained by means of tap connection, located in the UAPC
optional module, and used in the high-pass filter configuration.
Chapter 2, TUNING CIRCUITS, describes the different tuning-circuit configurations.
1.2.3 Matching unit
The isolating transformer is installed in the UAPS module and matches the primary
impedance of the phase-to-earth coupling, line side, to the secondary one, equipment side.
Primary winding is referred to earth whereas the secondary one is balanced.
Line impedance matching is carried out by means of the combination of primary and
secondary winding taps.
1.2.4 Hybrid circuits
The connection of the UAPA-1 units used in a phase-to-phase or three-phase coupling is carried
out, respectively, by means of one or two differential transformers acting as a hybrid circuit. The
use of the said circuits allows links to be designed that are fault tolerant, which means that if one
or more phases fail only a moderate additional attenuation is introduced in the link.
The hybrid circuit is installed in the UAPH optional module and is made up of a differential
transformer, with a 1:2 turn ratio between primary and secondary windings, and a resistor,
the value of which is half that of the nominal impedance of the equipment, connected between
the centre tap of the secondary-winding and the terminal for connecting the shield of the
coaxial cables to earth. This resistor only dissipates power if one of the phases used fails.

UAPA-1
1.3 UAPA-1 VERSIONS
The UAPA-1 coupling units are presented in the following versions:
UAPA-1/B The simplest version with tuning circuit with pass-band structure.
UAPA-1/BD It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/B but also has a solid-state surge
arrester.
UAPA-1/BE It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/B but the drain coil is mounted on the
outside, together with the earthing switch.
UAPA-1/BDE It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/BD but the drain coil is mounted on
the outside, together with the earthing switch and the solid-state surge
arrester.
UAPA-1/A Version with two types of tuning circuits, one with high-pass structure and
one with pass-band structure.
UAPA-1/AD It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/A but also has a solid-state surge
arrester.
UAPA-1/AE It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/A but the drain coil is mounted on the
outside, together with the earthing switch.
UAPA-1/ADE It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/AD but the drain coil is mounted on
arrester.
UAPA-1/H Version with tuning circuit with pass-band structure which includes the
differential transformer.
UAPA-1/HD It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/H but also has a solid-state surge
arrester.
UAPA-1/HE It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/H but the drain coil is mounted on
the outside, together with the earthing switch.
UAPA-1/HDE It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/HD but the drain coil is mounted on
arrester (see Figure 3).
UAPA-1/AH The most complete version which includes the differential transformer and
two types of tuning circuits, one with high-pass structure and one with
pass-band structure.

UAPA-1
UAPA-1/AHD It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/AH but also has a solid-state surge
arrester.
UAPA-1/AHE It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/AH but the drain coil is mounted on
the outside, together with the earthing switch.
UAPA-1/AHDE It is exactly the same as the UAPA-1/AHD but the drain coil is mounted on
arrester
UAPA-1 coupling units with special application details can be developed on request.
Figure 3 Internal front view of the UAPA-1/AHDE coupling unit

UAPA-1
1.4 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS
1.4.1 Electrical characteristics
Frequency range 40  500 kHz
Coupling capacitor capacity 2  10 nF
Nominal peak-envelope power (PEP) 400 W for two tones
Nominal impedance
Equipment side 50 and 75 . Others on request
Line side 100 to 600 , selected by tap connection
Resonant circuit Configurable as:

- Third-order high-pass filter
- Second-order band-pass filter
Distortion and intermodulation 80 dB below the level corresponding to the

nominal PEP (IEC 481, cls. 9.6)
Composite loss 2 dB in the selected bandwidth
Return loss 12 dB in the selected bandwidth
Power frequency insulation 10 kVrms/1min.
Impulse voltage insulation >5 kV (1.2/50 s)

UAPA-1
Protection elements
Air surge arrester
Nominal sparkover voltage 2.5 kVrms
Gap 0.6 mm
Solid-state surge arrester (optional)
Model SBMG660
Nominal voltage 660 Vrms
Impulse discharge current 5 kA (8/20 s)
Equipment-side gas surge arrester
Model CG2-350L
Nominal voltage 350 Vdc
Impulse discharge current 20 kA (8/20 s)
Drain coil
Impedance over 40 to 500 kHz >8 k
Nominal inductance 26 mH
Nominal resistance 7
Maximum impedance
at power frequency 13 
Current carrying capacity at 1 Arms permanently.

power frequency 50 Arms for 0.2 s
Earthing switch
Permanent current capacity 150 Arms
1.4.2 Operating conditions
Temperature and humidity From –20 C to +70 C and relative humidity

not greater than 100%, in accordance with
IEC 870-2-2 class C3 (climatogram 3K7)

UAPA-1
1.4.3 Mechanical characteristics
Cabinet material Glass-fiber reinforced polyester
Dimensions See Figure 4 and Figure 5
Weight 11.5 kg
Fixing By four 8.5 mm holes
Connection to line By means of M12 rod or M8 terminal for the

UAPA-1 versions with protection elements
mounted on the outside
PLC equipment side connection By means of cable gland type PG-21, suitable
for cables of between 9 and 18 mm diameter
Connection to earth By means of M10 rod
Equipment-side connection terminals Internal. Suitable for flexible conductors of 0.5

2
to 10 mm and rigid conductors of 0.5 to
2
16 mm
2
Selection terminals Internal. Suitable for conductors of 0.3 to 1 mm
Ventilation By means of a hole with TVMP01UH type

device
IP protection level IP66 according to UNE 20324, EN 60529 and

IEC 60529

UAPA-1
Figure 4 General dimensions in mm of the basic UAPA-1 unit

UAPA-1
Figure 5 General dimensions in mm for the basic UAPA-1 unit

with protection elements mounted on the outside

UAPA-1
2 TUNING CIRCUITS
The coupling unit type UAPA-1 allows two coupling-capacitor tuning circuits to be
configured, one with high-pass structure and one with pass-band structure, according to
whether the unit includes the UAPC optional module or not, respectively. These circuits as
well as counteracting the reactive component of the coupling impedance also enhance the
transmission of signals in a specific frequency band.
The main characteristics of each structure are presented in a simplified way in the following
sections. Only the elements used for the synchronization appear in the diagrams, the drain
coil not being shown.
According to Recommendation IEC-481, the bandwidth is defined as the pass band within
which composite loss is lower than 2 dB and return loss is greater or equal to 12 dB. The
latter condition is more stringent as composite loss in points with return loss of 12 dB is
normally lower than 1 dB.
2.1 HIGH-PASS CIRCUIT
The coupling capacitor together with the tuning coil and a series capacitance (Cs), obtained
by means of a capacitor bank, which is located in the UAPC optional module, form a
resonant circuit, which acts as a third-order high-pass filter. This circuit is shown in Figure 6.
UAPA-1
Figure 6 Third-order high-pass filter configuration

UAPA-1
It is advisable to use this circuit as much as possible because future modifications and the
incorporation of further terminals are easily resolved due to its great bandwidth. It is also a
good option when connecting various terminals in parallel.
The lowest available cut-off frequencies depend on the capacity of the coupling capacitor
and the nominal impedance of the high-voltage line.
2.2 BAND-PASS CIRCUIT
The coupling capacitor together with the tuning coil form a resonant circuit, which acts as a
second-order band-pass filter. This circuit is shown in Figure 7.
UAPA-1
Figure 7 Second-order band-pass filter configuration
This circuit adapts well in the proximity of the resonant frequency. It is therefore a good
option when the UAPA-1 is not required to work with very separate frequencies.
The bandwidths available depend on the coupling capacitor, the tuning-coil inductance
value, and the nominal impedance of the high-voltage line.

UAPA-1
3 LINE COUPLING
The main types of line couplings used nowadays are phase-to-earth, phase-to-phase and
three-phase coupling. This section gives a brief description of each one.
3.1 PHASE-TO-EARTH COUPLING
Phase-to-earth coupling requires less equipment, so it is widely used for short-lines and
links which do not require high reliability under line fault. In this type of coupling, the PLC
equipment is connected between a phase-conductor and earth, thus requiring a single
coupling capacitor, one line trap, and one coupling unit at each end of the link. Although
coupling is only carried out in one phase, the other conductors are also involved in the
transmission, so that attenuation due to high loss of earth is partly bypassed. Nevertheless,
this coupling offers the worst attenuation figures, and is the least reliable in case of line fault.
3.2 PHASE-TO-PHASE COUPLING
Phase-to-phase coupling is based on distributing the transmitted power equally between the
two phase conductors used. This transmission mode reduces the attenuation at PLC
frequency. The drawback is that at least twice as much equipment is required as for
phase-to-earth coupling.
Link reliability against line faults can be increased by insulating the signals injected in the
phase conductors, by means of the UAPH optional module which contains a differential
transformer acting as a hybrid circuit (see Figure 8). This is the operating principle of the
phase-to-phase coupling with connection through a differential transformer. When there is a
fault in one of the phase conductors used, the other conductor works as a phase-to-earth
coupling, with an additional attenuation of 6 dB.

UAPA-1
Figure 8 Phase-to-phase coupling with connection through differential transformer
3.3 THREE-PHASE COUPLING
Three-phase coupling consists of injecting the carrier signal power into the three power line
conductors, half into the centre conductor and half equally shared between the outer
conductors (see Figure 9).
Figure 9 Three-phase coupling
The advantage of this type of coupling is that it has the lowest attenuation and allows
communication to be maintained should there be a failure in one or two line phases.
Supplementary attenuation in such conditions depends on the phase or phases involved
and is slightly different according to whether open circuit or short circuit, or a combination of
both, is involved. A failure in the centre phase or in both outer phases results in
approximately a 6 dB supplementary attenuation, that of an outer phase in a 2.5 dB
attenuation and that affecting the centre and one outer phase in a 12 dB loss.

UAPA-1
4 INSTALLATION
The following sections describe the mechanical and electrical characteristics of the coupling unit
type UAPA-1, and the connections to be carried out according to the type of coupling to the line.
4.1 MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The different elements that make up the coupling unit type UAPA-1 are contained in a
glass-fiber reinforced polyester cabinet prepared for outdoor mounting. The position of the
fixing holes are shown in Figure 4.
There is a M12 rod on the outside of the cabinet, at the top, for the connection to the
coupling capacitor. In the UAPA-1 versions with protection elements mounted on the
outside, there is a M8 terminal.
If the coupling capacitor is not equipped with an earthing switch it is advisable to install one in
an easily visible place, for personnel protection during installation operations. The earthing
switch housed in the coupling unit should only be used during the adjustment or test of the unit.
It is also advisable to connect the coupling capacitor to the external earthing switch and then
to the coupling unit instead of making separate connections between capacitor and the
other two elements.
At the bottom of the cabinet, there is a M10 rod for the connection to earth, a ventilation hole
protected against insects, and cable glands type PG-21 for the input of PLC equipment side
cables, suitable for cables of between 9 and 18 mm in diameter.
The PLC equipment side cables, in the inside of the cabinet, are connected to the
corresponding terminals.
The coaxial cable shield should only be earthed at one end of the cable, usually
equipment-side, in order to avoid the current flow caused by voltage differences between
different points of the earth mesh.
The connections for the tuning-circuit configuration, in the inside of the cabinet, are carried
out by means of the easily accessible screw terminals, and allow the connection of 0.3 to
2
1 mm cables with a 2.5 mm terminal at each end. Various connection cables are supplied
with the unit for these terminals.

UAPA-1
Figure 10 shows the position of the setting elements inside the unit.
OPTIONAL
UAPS UAPC
MODULE MODULE
Connection to
B1 B2
line and to the
tuning coil
Capacitor bank
Tuning coil L1 C13 C14
C11 C12
C9 C10
L_IN C7 C8
Tuning coil taps
LS1
LS3
LS5
LS4
LS6
LS7
LS8
LS2
C5 C6
C3 C4
L_OUT
C1 C2
EARTH B1 Selection jumpers

DSC 2
for Cs capacitance
CS1
CS3
CS2
CS5
CS4
CS6
CS7
CS8
B2 C5
Line-side impedance
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6
matching taps
Differential
transformer
Matching impedance
transformer TF1 TF2
Connection to earth
of the coaxial
shields in the hybrid
Equipment-side (Optional)
TA TB TC TD TE TF D1 D2 D3 D4 D5 D6 D7 D8
impedance
matching taps
DSC 1
Auxiliary taps for
phase-to-phase
connection with hybrid J1 J2 J3 J4
A B C D E F G H
Coaxial connection OPTIONAL

terminals UAPH
MODULE
NOTE: Taps B1 and B2 (both the same point) of the UAPS module are not the same taps
as those of B1 and B2 (both the same point) of the UAPC module.
Figure 10 Inside detail of the coupling unit type UAPA-1
4.2 CONNECTIONS
The cable connections for the three types of line couplings are described in the following
sections.

UAPA-1
4.2.1 Phase-to-earth coupling
In the phase-to-earth coupling, the central conductor of the coaxial cable is connected to
terminal A, the shield being connected to terminal B (see Figure 11).
Line-side nominal impedance is selected by carrying out the jumpers indicated in the tables
at the end of the manual.
NOTE: B1 and B2 are the same point and connection can be made in either of the two taps.
Figure 11 Phase-to-earth coupling

UAPA-1
4.2.2 Phase-to-phase coupling
For phase-to-phase coupling two UAPA-1 units are needed at each end of the line. They
can be connected to the PLC equipment by means of the differential transformer included in
one of them (UAPH optional module) in order to establish a phase-to-earth coupling, in case
of open circuit or short circuit of one of the phases used.
Figure 12 shows the configuration of a phase-to-phase coupling using the differential

transformer of the UAPH optional module included in one of the two units.
Figure 12 Phase-to-phase coupling

UAPA-1
4.2.3 Three-phase coupling
Figure 13 shows the test arrangement of the three-phase coupling, the power distribution
between the phases being indicated.
Figure 13 Test arrangement of the three-phase coupling
The composite-loss measurements must be carried out over the whole link, as shown in the
test arrangement in Figure 13, and not on the devices at one end of the line, due to the fact
that as the transmission is over three conductors, there cannot be bipolar elements
line side.
The three-phase coupling configuration is shown in Figure 14. The transformer polarity of
the unit connected to the OUTER PHASE 2 must be inverted so that the phase of the
signals applied to the outer conductors is the opposite of that of the central conductor. In
order to do this, the line-side taps of the transformer of the outer phase 2 unit must be
connected the other way round. The tap connected to the tuning coil or Cs capacitance in
the outer phase 1 unit must be earthed in the outer phase 2 unit and viceversa.
The shields of the coaxial cables connecting the coupling units to the differential transformer
can be earthed by means of jumper D7-D8 of the hybrid circuits.

UAPA-1
Figure 14 Three-phase coupling

UAPA-1
5 COMMISSIONING
This chapter describes the tuning-circuit configuration, and impedance-matching operations.
5.1 CONSIDERATIONS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT
Before carrying out any tuning or impedance matching operations, the earthing switch of the
UAPA-1 unit must be in the closed position in order to drain any dangerous voltage. Once
the adjustments have been made, the earthing switch must be in the open position.
Before carrying out the tuning circuit configuration it is advisable to verify the capacity of the
coupling capacitor and the nominal impedance of the high-voltage line.
5.2 TUNING
The coupling unit type UAPA-1 allows two tuning circuits to be configured, one with
high-pass structure, obtained by means of the UAPC optional module, see the example in
Figure 16, and another with pass-band structure, see the example in Figure 15.
A table is shown, Table 3 and Table 4, for high-pass structure, indicating the available cut-
off frequencies, with a tolerance of 10%, depending on the capacity of the coupling
capacitor and the nominal impedance of the phase-to-earth line.
In the high-pass structure, the value of the series capacitance Cs, configurable for tap
connection, is given in Table 1, and the tuning coil in Table 2.

UAPA-1
NOTE: B1 and B2 are the same point and connection

can be made in either of the two taps.
Figure 15 Inside detail of the UAPA-1 in a phase-to-earth pass-band configuration

UAPA-1 UAPC
UAPS OPTIONAL
MODULE MODULE
B1 B2
To line
L1
C13 C14
C11 C12
L_IN C9 C10
LS1
LS3
LS5
LS4
LS6
LS7
LS8
LS2
C7 C8
C5 C6
L_OUT
C3 C4
C1 C2
B1
DSC 2
B2 C5
CS1
CS3
CS2
CS5
CS4
CS6
CS7
CS8
T1 T2 T3 T4 T5 T6
TF1
NOTE:
L is not connected
TA TB TC TD TE TF D1 D2
DSC 1
J1 J2
A B C D
NOTE: Taps B1 and B2 (both the same point) of the UAPS module are not the same
taps as those of B1 and B2 (both the same point) of the UAPC module.
Figure 16 Inside detail of the UAPA-1 in a phase-to-earth high-pass configuration
For pass-band structure, the adjustment is carried out by means of the tuning coil, using the
Table 5 to Table 26 as a guide. These tables show the available frequencies, with a
tolerance of 10%, depending on the capacity of the coupling capacitor and the nominal
impedance of the phase-to-earth line, for an initial tap configuration of the impedance-
matching transformer.

UAPA-1
Taps Capacity
CS2 1,1 nF
CS4 2,2 nF
CS6 3,3 nF
CS6+(CS2-CS5) 4,4 nF
CS1+(CS2-CS5)+(CS6-CS7) 7,7 nF
CS3+(CS4-CS5)+(CS6-CS7) 8,8 nF
CS1+(CS2-CS3)+(CS4-CS5)+(CS6-CS7) 9,9 nF
Table 1 Values of the capacitance Cs in a high-pass configuration
When the value of the central frequency, Fo, and that of the coupling capacity, Ca, is
known, the necessary inductance value can be found by means of the following formulae:
1
L
4   2  Fo 2  Ca
Once the inductance value is found, the most suitable taps can be selected (see Table 2).
Due to the tolerances of the devices involved in the coupling, it is possible that the selected
taps do not coincide exactly with the calculated value.
TAPS L (µH) TAPS L (µH) TAPS L (µH) TAPS L (µH)
LS6, LS7 7 LS4, LS7 90 LS2, LS4 277 LS1, LS5 867
LS5, LS7 33 LS3, LS5 123 LS2, LS6 537
LS6, LS8 45 LS4, LS8 184 LS2, LS7 634
LS4, LS6 53 LS3, LS6 193 LS1, LS4 655
LS3, LS4 54 LS3, LS7 255 LS2, LS8 828
NOTE: LS are tuning coil taps. One LS tap must be connected to the corresponding matching transformer
taps and the other LS tap to the line. See Figure 15
Table 2 Tuning-coil nominal inductances

UAPA-1
Characteristics equipment-side impedance: 50  (αr ≥12dB)
Ca Line impedance: 100  Line impedance: 200 

Equipment-side Equipment-side
Fc (kHz) Line-side jumpers Fc (kHz) Line-side jumpers
jumpers jumpers
T1-B2 (UAPS) T1-B2 (UAPS)

T6-CS4 T6-CS4
2 nF 393 TA-TB / TD-TF LS6-B1 (UAPS) 244 kHz TA-TB / TD-TF LS3-B1 (UAPS)
LS8-B1 (UAPC) LS5-B1 (UAPC)

T5-CS8 T5-CS8
4 nF 251 TA-TB / TD-TF CS2-CS7 189 kHz TA-TC / TD-TF CS2-CS7
LS3-B1 (UAPS) LS3-B1 (UAPS)

T6-CS8 T6-CS8
6 nF 219 TA-TB / TD-TF CS6-CS7 85 kHz TA-TB / TD-TF CS4-CS7

T6-CS8 T6-CS8
8 nF 146 TA-TB / TD-TF CS4-CS5 / CS6-CS7 64 kHz TA-TB / TD-TF CS4-CS5 / CS6-CS7

T6-CS8 / CS2-CS3 T6-CS8 / CS2-CS3
10 nF 125 TA-TB / TD-TF CS4-CS5 / CS6-CS7 53 kHz TA-TB / TD-TF CS4-CS5 / CS6-CS7
Table 3 Available cut-off frequencies for the high-pass tuning circuit (characteristics equipment-side impedance: 50 )

UAPA-1

jumpers jumpers

T6-CS4 T6-CS4
2 nF 198 TA-TB / TD-TF LS4-B1 (UAPS) 177 TA-TC / TD-TF LS2-B1 (UAPS)

T6-CS8 T6-CS8
4 nF 91 TA-TC / TD-TF CS2-CS7 71 TA-TC / TD-TF CS4-CS7

T6-CS8 T6-CS8
6 nF 60 TA-TC / TD-TF CS6-CS7 51 TA-TC / TD-TF CS6-CS7

T6-CS8 T6-CS8
8 nF 45 TA-TC / TD-TF CS4-CS5 / CS6-CS7 42 TA-TC / TD-TF CS2-CS5 / CS6-CS7

10 nF 37 TA-TC / TD-TF CS4-CS5 / CS6-CS7 40 TA-TC / TD-TF CS4-CS5 / CS6-CS7
Table 3 (Cont.) Available cut-off frequencies for the high-pass tuning circuit (characteristics equipment-side impedance: 50 )

UAPA-1

jumpers jumpers

T6-CS4 T6-CS4
2 nF 440 TA-TC / TE-TF LS5-B1 (UAPS) 283 TA-TC / TE-TF LS5-B1 (UAPS)

4 nF 293 TA-TC / TE-TF LS6-B1 (UAPS) 155 TA-TC / TE-TF
LS4-B1 (UAPS)

T6-CS5 /CS6-CS7 T6-CS5 / CS6-CS7
6 nF 266 TA-TB / TD-TF LS6-B1 (UAPS) 112 TA-TC / TE-TF LS3-B1 (UAPS)

8 nF 159 TA-TB / TD-TF CS6-CS7 77 TA-TC / TE-TF CS6-CS7

10 nF 139 TA-TB / TD-TF CS4-CS5 / CS6-CS7 68 TA-TC / TE-TF CS4-CS5 / CS6-CS7
Table 4 Available cut-off frequencies for the high-pass tuning circuit (characteristics equipment-side impedance: 75 )

UAPA-1

jumpers jumpers

T5-CS4 T6-CS4
2 nF 288 TA-TC / TE-TF LS5-B1 (UAPS) 238 TA-TB / TD-TF LS4-B1 (UAPS)

4 nF 106 TA-TB / TD-TF LS3-B1 (UAPS) 115 TA-TB / TD-TF
LS3-B1 (UAPS)

6 nF 78 TA-TB / TD-TF LS2-B1 (UAPS) 65 TA-TB / TD-TF LS2-B1 (UAPS)

8 nF 65 TA-TB / TD-TF CS6-CS7 41 TA-TB / TD-TF CS6-CS7

10 nF 51 TA-TB / TD-TF CS4-CS5 / CS6-CS7 38 TA-TB / TD-TF CS4-CS5 / CS6-CS7
Table 4 (Cont.) Available cut-off frequencies for the high-pass tuning circuit (characteristics equipment-side impedance: 75 )

UAPA-1
LINE IMPEDANCE: 100 Ω (αr ≥12dB)
CA: 2 nf CA: 4 nf CA: 6 nf CA: 8 nf CA: 10 nf
Equipment side: TA-TC / TD-TF Equipment side: TA-TC / TD-TF Equipment side: TA-TC / TD-TF Equipment side: TA-TC / TD-TF Equipment side: TA-TC / TD-TF
Line side: T3-T6 Line side: T3-T6 Line side: T3-T6 Line side: T3-T6 Line side: T3-T6
LS TAPS F1 (kHz) F2 (kHz) LS TAPS F1 (kHz) F2 (kHz) LS TAPS F1 (kHz) F2 (kHz) LS TAPS F1 (kHz) F2 (kHz) LS TAPS F1 (kHz) F2 (kHz)
LS6, LS7 NOT USED LS6, LS7 442 >500 LS6, LS7 345 >500 LS6, LS7 278 >500 LS6, LS7 233 >500
LS5, LS6 NOT USED LS5, LS6 349 >500 LS5, LS6 292 >500 LS5, LS6 238 498 LS5, LS6 203 485
LS7, LS8 465 >500 LS7, LS8 343 483 LS7, LS8 270 453 LS7, LS8 222 432 LS7, LS8 192 417
LS5, LS7 416 489 LS5, LS7 301 427 LS5, LS7 238 391 LS5, LS7 198 366 LS5, LS7 171 350
NOTE: LS are tuning coil taps. One of the taps must be connected to the corresponding matching transformer taps, whilst the other tap must be connected to the line. See Figure 15.
Table 5 Available frequencies for the pass-band tuning circuit for a equipment impedance of 50  (Line impedance 100 )

UAPA-1
LS5, LS6 474 >500 LS5, LS6 321 >500 LS5, LS6 241 >500 LS5, LS6 192 >500 LS5, LS6 161 >500
LS7, LS8 432 >500 LS7, LS8 298 >500 LS7, LS8 228 493 LS7, LS8 183 479 LS7, LS8 155 470

UAPA-1
LS7, LS8 405 >500 LS7, LS8 261 >500 LS7, LS8 192 >500 LS7, LS8 150 >500 LS7, LS8 125 500

UAPA-1
LS4, LS5 364 >500 LS4, LS5 261 >500 LS4, LS5 197 >500 LS4, LS5 154 492 LS4, LS5 129 485

UAPA-1
Equipment side: TA-TB / TD-TF Equipment side: TA-TB / TD-TF Equipment side: TA-TB / TD-TF Equipment side: TA-TB / TD-TF Equipment side: TA-TB / TD-TF

UAPA-1

UAPA-1

UAPA-1

UAPA-1

UAPA-1

UAPA-1
LS1, LS7 99 110 LS1, LS7 71 77 LS1, LS7 NOT USED LS1, LS7 NOT USED LS1, LS7 NOT USED
LS1, LS8 NOT USED LS1, LS8 NOT USED LS1, LS8 NOT USED LS1, LS8 NOT USED LS1, LS8 NOT USED

UAPA-1
Equipment side: TA-TB / TE-TF Equipment side: TA-TB / TD-TF Equipment side: TA-TB / TD-TF Equipment side: TA-TB / TD-TF Equipment side: TA-TB / TD-TF

UAPA-1

UAPA-1
Equipment side: TA-TB / TE-TF Equipment side: TA-TB / TE-TF Equipment side: TA-TC / TE-TF Equipment side: TA-TC / TE-TF Equipment side: TA-TC / TE-TF
LS5, LS6 305 >500 LS5, LS6 223 473 LS5, LS6 197 >500 LS5, LS6 158 >500 LS5, LS6 133 497

UAPA-1

UAPA-1

UAPA-1

UAPA-1

UAPA-1

UAPA-1

UAPA-1

UAPA-1
LS1, LS7 98 112 LS1, LS7 70 80 LS1, LS7 58 64 LS1, LS7 NOT USED LS1, LS7 NOT USED
LS1, LS8 92 98 LS1, LS8 NOT USED LS1, LS8 NOT USED LS1, LS8 NOT USED LS1, LS8 NOT USED

UAPA-1
5.3 IMPEDANCE MATCHING
Table 3 and Table 4 refer to a 100  and 400  nominal line impedance in a phase-to-earth
coupling. Table 5 to Table 26 refer to 100  and 600  nominal line impedance in a
phase-to-earth coupling.
As far as two and three-phase coupling is concerned, the first stage consists of tuning each
unit as for phase-to-earth coupling, carrying out the return loss measurement. A method for
measuring such a response is given in section 2 of Appendix A. After that, the set should
be tuned to achieve the best return loss response possible over the whole bandwidth.
Once impedance matching is carried out, it is advisable to repeat the tuning operation.
Another way of carrying out impedance matching is to select the transformer tap
combination that gives the lowest composite loss. Section 1 of Appendix A describes a
method for measuring such a response.

UAPA-1
APPENDIX A
METHOD FOR MEASURING

COMPOSITE AND RETURN LOSS

UAPA-1
APPENDIX A
METHOD FOR MEASURING

COMPOSITE AND RETURN LOSS
A.1 COMPOSITE LOSS
A method for measuring the composite loss is shown in the following figure.
Figure A.1 Composite loss measurement
Composite loss is given by the expression:
AC = 20 log(VO/2V) + 10 log(Z1/Z2) (dB)
where VO is the open circuit voltage of the generator with internal impedance Z 2 and V the
output voltage across the nominal line impedance Z1.
According to IEC 481 Publication, composite loss has to be lower than 2 dB within the
coupling device band.

UAPA-1
A.2 RETURN LOSS
A method for measuring the return loss is shown in the following figure.
Figure A.2 Return loss measurement
Return loss is given by the expression:
Ar = 20 log(V1/V2) (dB)
where V1 and V2 are the voltmeter readings when switch J is open and closed respectively,
keeping VO constant.
According to IEC 481 Publication, return loss has to be higher than 12 dB within the
coupling device band.


Coupling Unit For PLC Systems Over High-Voltage Lines: Description of Uapa-1

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Coupling Unit For PLC Systems Over High-Voltage Lines: Description of Uapa-1

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COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS

OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES

ZIV communications S.A.U.

Communication solutions for power utilities 1/58

1.3 UAPA-1 VERSIONS 8

1.4 TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS 10

2.1 HIGH-PASS CIRCUIT 15

2.2 BAND-PASS CIRCUIT 16

3.1 PHASE-TO-EARTH COUPLING 17

3.2 PHASE-TO-PHASE COUPLING 17

3.3 THREE-PHASE COUPLING 18

COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES 2/58

4.1 MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL CHARACTERISTICS 19

5.1 CONSIDERATIONS TO BE TAKEN INTO ACCOUNT 25

5.3 IMPEDANCE MATCHING 55

METHOD FOR MEASURING COMPOSITE AND RETURN LOSS 56

COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES 3/58

 Tuning of coupling capacitor to minimize the coupling impedance, in such a way as to

 Impedance matching between power line and communication equipment, allowing

COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES 4/58

Figure 2 shows a simplified block diagram of the UAPA-1 unit.

COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES 5/58

Figure 2 Simplified block diagram of the UAPA-1 coupling unit

COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES 6/58

1.2.2 Tuning elements

Chapter 2, TUNING CIRCUITS, describes the different tuning-circuit configurations.

1.2.3 Matching unit

1.2.4 Hybrid circuits

COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES 7/58

The UAPA-1 coupling units are presented in the following versions:

COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES 8/58

Figure 3 Internal front view of the UAPA-1/AHDE coupling unit

COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES 9/58

1.4.1 Electrical characteristics

Frequency range 40  500 kHz

Coupling capacitor capacity 2  10 nF

Nominal peak-envelope power (PEP) 400 W for two tones

Equipment side 50 and 75 . Others on request

Line side 100 to 600 , selected by tap connection

Resonant circuit Configurable as:

Distortion and intermodulation 80 dB below the level corresponding to the

Composite loss 2 dB in the selected bandwidth

Return loss 12 dB in the selected bandwidth

Power frequency insulation 10 kVrms/1min.

Impulse voltage insulation >5 kV (1.2/50 s)

COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES 10/58

Air surge arrester

Nominal sparkover voltage 2.5 kVrms

Solid-state surge arrester (optional)

Nominal voltage 660 Vrms

Impulse discharge current 5 kA (8/20 s)

Equipment-side gas surge arrester

Nominal voltage 350 Vdc

Impulse discharge current 20 kA (8/20 s)

Impedance over 40 to 500 kHz >8 k

Current carrying capacity at 1 Arms permanently.

Permanent current capacity 150 Arms

1.4.2 Operating conditions

Temperature and humidity From –20 C to +70 C and relative humidity

COUPLING UNIT FOR PLC SYSTEMS OVER HIGH-VOLTAGE LINES 11/58

Cabinet material Glass-fiber reinforced polyester

Dimensions See Figure 4 and Figure 5

Fixing By four 8.5 mm holes