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Power Line Communication (PLC) is considered one of emerging technologies for the Next Generation Aircraft. Power lines can be used as an internal data exchange media within aircraft subsystems, such as the Electric Power Distribution System (EPDS). PLC is a term which describes the use of existing electrical power lines to provide the medium for a high data speed networks to replace extra cables, thereby reducing the installation cost and net weight in aircraft wiring. This paper reviews different multiple access techniques and advantages/disadvantages of each technique using power line networks as a data communication medium. Power line channels include various types of noise and interference hence there are major challenges when communicating over power lines. A designer must consider the limitations in the power line communication channels such as propagation factor, impedance mismatch, noise and electromagnetic compatibility.

This paper reviews the characteristics of a power line network as data communication medium and studies the challenges encountered when communicating over power wiring. This technology review has been done as part of feasibility study for using aircraft power-lines for data communication. Power-Line Communication is a term which describes the use of existing electrical lines to provide the medium for a high speed communications network. Power Line Communications is achieved by superimposing the voice or data signals onto the line carrier signal using an appropriate communication technology. Power Line Communications represent a potential simplicity for communications among different devices, because it does not need additional wires for connecting devices network together. Power line cables have been used as a communication medium for many years. However, because power line cables are not designed for communication, they pose major challenges for a modem designer.

The aggressive development of new technologies used in aerospace electric power systems imposes the finding of new and advanced ways to validate and verify the requirements allowing the use of these new technologies, their validation and verification along with implementation and integration. The objective of this paper is to present the simulation model created for a large commercial airplane Secondary Electric Power Distribution System (SEPDS). The system's simulation is performed using Mathworks MatLab and is being built around the system requirements. The model allows the simulation of distinctive subsystems or components (e.g. Micro-controller, CAN bus, AFDX bus, control logic, FPGA logic) with the associated operational software and built in test. The simulation model is modular, recreating the modular architecture of the SEPDS. The model reproduces the full functionality of the SEPDS (power distribution function, protection function, control, communication).