Maximum-likelihood estimation of the frequency response of a low frequency power-line communication channel

In this paper we consider the problem of characterizing the communication channel of a power-line communication system operating at very low center frequencies (i.e. less than 3 kHz). We present an algorithm for estimating the channel frequency response that is derived from the best linear unbiased estimator and uses an existing low-frequency power- line communication protocol as source data. Sample frequency responses derived using this technique from actual power-line data are presented and discussed.