Abstract: A load management terminal is utilized as an end device in a utility's distribution network communication system. The distribution network carries electrical power as well as communication signals. The load management terminal is comprised of a power line coupling unit for connecting the load management terminal to the power distribution network. A signal receiver and conditioning unit produces a command signal in response to a received communication signal. A solid state memory contains preprogrammed instructions and data. A control logic circuit performs load control functions in response to the preprogrammed instructions, data and the command signal. These load control functions include the opening and closing of load control switches for selectively disconnecting and connecting, respectively, customer loads. A cold load pick-up produces power outage information enabling the load management terminal to provide local, load control functions.

Abstract: A receiver for a distribution network power line carrier communication system is magnetically coupled to a distribution power line. A carrier signal, phase-shift keyed modulated by an information signal and carried by the distribution power line, is thereby coupled to the receiver circuitry. A first receiver amplification circuit includes an automatic gain control circuit, to prevent saturation of the receiver electronics, and a feedback circuit to determine the gain. The automatic gain control circuit utilizes a field effect transistor which cooperates with the amplifier's feedback circuit to modify the gain. The drain source resistance of the field effect transistor is varied in accord with the magnitude of the received noise or modulated carrier signal to lower the amplifier's gain when excessive positive or negative noise or modulated carrier signal peaks are encountered. The modulated carrier signal is then processed through several filter stages and further amplified.