3195results about "Power distribution line transmission" patented technology

The present invention provides a system for operating a power line communications system that employs surface wave communications and conducted communications. The system is comprised of a plurality of network elements, which may take the form of repeaters, communication interface devices, backhaul devices, medium voltage transducers, distribution points, aggregation points, and others. In one embodiment, surface waves are communicated over the medium voltage power lines and the conducted communications are communicated via the low voltage power lines to and from customer premises.

A system, method and computer program product provides for power line communications (PLC) over electric power lines includes a device mountable near an electrical distribution transformer (DT) to provide a high speed interface and communicates with one or multiple access devices, which provide low speed interfaces for analog signals or digital signals over RS 232, RS 485, optical, wireless and Ethernet. The device transmits data to/from these access devices over the electric lines to other repeaters over one or more wires of an electrical line or over multiple lines, and serves to strengthen and improve signal quality. Upon detecting a wire or line is having problems carrying data, the data is sent over other wires, and upon power line failures, wireless backup to mobile/GSM and WiMax networks is utilized. The device permits utilities and others to read electric meters, monitor the power quality of the distribution grid and detect power losses/failures/outages, and permits telecom service providers and others to provide a communications link to cell phone towers, WiFi Access Points and enable broadband Internet and telephony in rural, remote or sparely populated areas.

The RF signal generated by a ZigBee radio on the outside of a building structure is conveyed to the interior of the building by guiding it as a surface wave along an electric cable bundle that passes through the building's wall to supply domestic electric power to the interior of the structure. The RF signal is launched by a unique coupler comprising a pair of insulated foil conductors.

The communication system of one embodiment is for communicating data through a power distribution system having a medium voltage power line and low voltage power line and comprises a first device comprising a first wireless transceiver, a first modem in communication with the first wireless transceiver and the medium voltage power line. The system may also comprise a second device comprising a second wireless transceiver in wireless communication with the first wireless transceiver; and a second modem in communication with the second wireless transceiver and the low voltage power line.

A broadband service communication system using an MV cable for conveying RF signals in a network segment, which includes a distribution center (PLT controller) and a plurality of power line telecommunication (PLT) stations. The PLT controller has a distribution modem for conveying downstream and upstream RF signals to and from the PLT stations through the MV cable via couplers. Each PLT station has a modem for conveying the downstream and upstream RF signals via couplers and for conveying media signals to one or more customer premises equipment (CPE) via, e.g. wireless links. The PLT controller controls each PLT station regarding upstream communications transfer of all downstream communications and also controls. The PLT controller can be connected via a router to a WAN to convey media signals to and from the WAN. Repeaters and interlinks are used to join multiple network segments.

A system and method is disclosed for increasing the efficiency of a cellular communication network, reduce ongoing operating costs and increase revenue. According to one aspect, a method is disclosed for increasing the efficiency of a cellular communication network whereby network capacity in the radio access network (RAN) and baseband processing for wireless connections are dynamically adjusted to automatically provision sufficient bandwidth and baseband processing capacity in response to changes in the network. The method is further extended by implementing policy management which allows wireless carriers to develop and implement network based policies to automatically increase or decrease the amount of processing resources and network bandwidth required from any cell site, hub or mobile switching office. According to another aspect, network efficiency is enhanced by utilizing a novel cellular network infrastructure. RF signals from cell site antennas of various technology types are demodulated, digital bit information is extracted from the RF signals, processed, and groomed into Gigabit Ethernet/Resilient Packet Ring (GigE/RPR) or Ethernet over copper traffic flows using specific Quality of Service (QoS) priorities. The GigE/RPR traffic flows are routed to hub sites or mobile switching offices, at which point the packetized information is extracted and converted to RF signals that are equivalent to the signals that were received at the antenna. The RF signals are sent over coaxial cable to a network hub including a pool of Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) (or Node Bs). The hub is coupled to one or more mobile switching offices via a second fiber optic ring.

The present invention provides a system for operating a power line communications system that is comprised of a plurality of network elements, which may take the form of repeaters, bypass devices, backhaul devices, wireless backhaul devices, enhanced bypass device, communication interface devices and others. In one embodiment, two groups of network elements in the same electrical distribution system are isolated except selected communication link.

An LED light and communication system includes at least one optical transceiver, the optical transceiver including a light support and a processor. The light support has a plurality of light emitting diodes and at least one photodetector attached thereto, the light emitting diodes receiving power from a power source. The processor is in communication with the light emitting diodes and the at least one photodetector, the processor capable of illuminating the light emitting diodes to simultaneously create at least one first light signal, and at least one second light signal, the first light signal being observable to the unaided eyes of an individual and the second light signal not being observable to the unaided eyes of the individual. The second light signal includes at least one data packet. The at least one data packet comprises global positioning system (GPS) location information.

A low cost, robust, repeater for a wireless ambient sensor system that provides an extended period of operability without maintenance is described. The repeater includes a controller and first and second transceivers. The controller is configured to control operation of said first transceiver and said second transceiver. The wireless repeater includes a repeater identification. The controller is configured to manage a sensor unit identification table that contains a list of sensor unit identification codes, where entries for the sensor unit identification table are received by the second transceiver from the base unit and identified by the repeater identification. The controller controls the first transceiver and the second transceiver to forward data from sensor units listed in said sensor unit identification table and to ignore data from sensor units not listed in said sensor unit identification table. The controller also controls the first transceiver and the second transceiver to forward data from the base unit that is addressed to sensor units listed in said sensor unit identification table and to ignore data from the base unit that is addressed to sensor units not listed in said sensor unit identification table. The controller places the first transceiver and the second transceiver in a low-power mode when no transmissions are expected from the base unit or from the sensor units listed in the sensor identification table.

There is provided a powerline network that includes a number of stations including a central coordinator for coordinating transmissions of each of the stations. Each of the stations is configurable to generate one or more tone maps for communicating with each of the other stations in the powerline network. Each tone map includes a set of tones to be used on a communication link between two of the stations. Each tone map further includes a unique set of modulation methods for each tone. Each of the stations is further configurable to generate a default tone map for communicating with each of the other stations, where the default tone map is valid for all portions of a powerline cycle. Each of the stations is further configurable to monitor its bandwidth needs and to request additional bandwidth from the central coordinator.

A method of providing broadband data services over power lines for moving vehicles is provided herein. Using broadband over power line (BPL) networking, a data signal is connected to a vehicle that is connected to a transport power line. The signal is communicated from the transport power line to the vehicle. The signal is then demodulated for use aboard the vehicle. The data signal connection allows for access to wide area networks such as the Internet. Access points can wirelessly broadcast wide area network signals from stationary locations to define meshed wireless networks in metropolitan areas.

A system, method and device for providing a power line communication system via an ad hoc network protocol is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes transmitting and receiving Alive Notifications via a power line. Each Alive Notification may include data identifying an interface of the transmitting power line node and information identifying an interface of one or more other power line nodes from which the transmitting node has previously received an Alive Notification and reliability information all such nodes. The method may further include regularly transmitting and receiving topology information and routing information via the power line and updating topology and routing information in memory. The method may further include selecting a route to a network for transmission of data based on the routing information stored in memory, wherein the selected route includes the fewest hops and satisfies reliability requirements. The method may further include identifying a first power line node that comprises the first hop of the selected route and transmitting data to the first power line node.

A method and apparatus for maintaining network connectivity over power lines is disclosed. Such network connectivity is maintained even if various customers are covered by different power line networks or if one or more power lines in a network are unavailable to transmit data. More particularly, in order to bridge a gap in a power line network, one or more messages are extracted from a first node in a power line network and are then transmitted to a second node via free space transmission, illustratively wireless radio frequency (RF) transmission conforming to one or more of the 802.11a, b or g standards. When those messages are received at the second node, the message is injected back into the power line on the other side of a gap in power line coverage. This method of transmission backup will continue until power line connectivity is restore upon which the preferred method will be selected and used.

A broadband powerline communication system is disclosed which makes use of knowledge of the spectrum characteristics of a local radio environment in order to improve the performance of the system. A determination is made of the spectrum characteristics of a radio environment in the vicinity of the broadband powerline communication system that is transmitting data on modulated carrier frequencies. Certain ones of the carrier frequencies otherwise used by the broadband powerline communication system may be masked (i.e., not used) by all or part of the broadband powerline system in order to avoid interference based on the determination. In various embodiments, the spectrum characteristics are determined 1) in advance and used to compile a configuration database comprising frequency masking parameters; 2) by monitoring the local radio environment using the transmitter/receiver nodes of the system; or 3) based upon receipt of an indication from a conflicting user that the user is experiencing interference. Various combinations of these spectrum characteristic determination techniques may also be used.

Method enabling multiple communication nodes to access a transmission means on an electrical grid, which permits access in a fair manner by nodes on a shared medium such as the electrical network, achieving the maximum access speed when there are no collisions between reservation requests and the detection of coexistence signals in a robust way in noisy environments. It is characterized by the use of signals for reservation (5) and release (10) of the communication and by the random waiting prior to a reservation of the electrical network with minimum and maximum values fixed in advance.

Described herein are networked (smart) living and work spaces, including a variety of different wireless nodes that may be distributed, including wall-mounted and/or retrofitted over existing electrical outlets and light switches, for providing data streams to a digital hub or master controller. For example, described herein are wall-mounted, interactive sensing and audio-visual node device for a networked living/working space.

A signal conditioner (SC) and method for performing communications via a shared transport medium between a base transceiver station (BTS) and a remote antenna entity (RAE). A first SC is connected to the BTS and a second SC is connected to the RAE. Each SC interfaces to the transport medium. The first SC receives an RF signal representing a combined digital signal (CDS) from the BTS. The first SC recovers and conditions the CDS, and then transmits the conditioned CDS to the second SC via the transport medium. The second SC receives the conditioned CDS, recovers the CDS, produces an RF signal representing the CDS, and transmits this RF signal to the RAE. The RAE sends this RF signal to an antenna of the RAE for transmission of this RF signal via the antenna. First SC and second SC also facilitate communication of a CDS from RAE to BTS.

A decentralized asynchronous wireless communication system is disclosed for providing voice and data communication that allows flexibility of communication paths for local communication or for communication to external networks. The system makes use of communication docking bays that may communicate in a local mode with other communication docking bays or handsets within a same microcell via signal extenders. In an extended mode, a communication docking bay located in a first microcell of a first macrocell may communicate with a second communication docking bay or handset in a second microcell of the first macrocell via signal extenders and a network extender. In a remote mode, a communication docking bay located in a first microcell of a first macrocell may communicate with a second communication docking bay or handset in a second microcell of a second macrocell via signal extenders and network extenders. The communication docking bays also provide a communication path to a Public Switch Telephone Network and other communication medium. This feature provides an alternate means of connecting a mobile handset to a Public Switch Telephone Network without communicating through a network extender. The system is particularly suitable for operation in rural areas having a low population density.

Communication is provided which includes receiving a transmitted radio signal at a powerline wherein the powerline functions as a receiving antenna for the wirelessly transmitted radio signal. The powerline is coupled to an input of a radio receiver using a coupler to communicate the radio signal to the radio receiver. For calibration purposes a second antenna not coupled to powerline may be used. A method for powerline communication across transformers, open circuit breakers, and other devices is also provided. In addition, a method of monitoring a device connected to a powerline is provided.

A method for providing power line communications in a multi-unit building is provided. One embodiment includes determining the quality of a communication link associated with each of a plurality of communication nodes, selecting one of the plurality of communication nodes based, at least in part, on the quality of the communication links associated with the communication nodes; and establishing communications with an external network through the selected one communication node. In addition, in some embodiments at least one of the communication links associated with the plurality of communication nodes includes a non-conductive radio frequency coupled segment.

A power line communications that includes a communications device having a first port and a second port is provided. The first port may include a first modem and be communicatively coupled to a power line such as a medium voltage power line. The second port may include a second modem and be communicatively coupled to the first end of a non-power line medium, such as a coaxial cable. The system may include an interface device that couples the second end of the coaxial cable to the internal power line network of the customer premises to provide communications to the user devices coupled to the internal power line network.

A method and device for providing communications via one or more underground power lines is provided. Underground power lines may comprise a plurality of segments disposed in series with each other and carrying a power having a voltage greater than one thousand volts on an internal conductor, and wherein each segment is coaxial in structure and includes a neutral conductor. In one embodiment, the device may comprise a first inductor having a first end connected to a first node and a second end connected to ground, a second inductor having a first end connected a second node and a second end connected to ground, and a transformer having a first winding having a first end and a second end. The first node may be connected to a neutral conductor of a first segment of the power line and to the first end of the first winding of said transformer. The second node may be connected to a neutral conductor of a second segment of the power line and to the second end of the first winding of said transformer. The transformer comprises a second winding configured to be communicatively coupled to a communication device.

A system including associated equipment for transmitting radio-frequency power line carrier signals on high voltage ac or dc transmission lines within a multi-conductor bundle, one path for which is provided by one or more conductors located at the center of the bundle, and the other by the remaining conductors connected in electrical parallel and arrayed in a generally circular pattern around the center. Insulated conductor spacers hold the conductors in their symmetrical configuration and insulate the center conductor, allowing it to serve as a radio frequency path similar to that in a conventional coaxial cable. The system provides low attention, low vulnerability to external noise and low radiation of the carrier signal while providing redundant channels—three for ac transmission lines and two for bipolar dc transmission lines.

A method and system for the reception, conversion and distribution of wireless communication signals received from such communication devices as PCS, Cellular, and Satellite over AC power lines commonly found within a building, office, home or other structure is disclosed. This invention specifically provides for the distribution of wireless signals in structures where otherwise signal degradation and/or blockage are common. Moreover, this invention takes advantage of the existing AC power lines to create a communication channel avoiding the necessity of rewiring the building or other structure. This invention provides important improvements to the signal coverage and reception of wireless transmitted signals within buildings and other structures and does so in an efficient and cost effective manner.

Methods and apparatus for providing uninterruptible power are provided by aspects of the invention. One aspect is more particularly directed to an uninterruptible power supply for providing power to a load. The uninterruptible power supply includes an input to receive input power, an output to provide output power, a back-up power source coupled to the output to provide backup power at the output, a contactor coupled to the input and having an open state and a closed state, a contactor control circuit having an output coupled to the contactor to provide an output voltage to control an operational state of the contactor, the contactor control circuit being configured to provide an output voltage having a first voltage level to the contactor to control the contactor to switch from the open state to the closed state and to provide a second output voltage having a second voltage level to maintain the contactor in the closed state.

Apparatuses and methods are disclosed for regulating or limiting the voltage output from solar modules connected in series such that the voltage on a string bus connecting those solar modules does not exceed regulatory or safety limitations. This can be accomplished via a controller, local management units (for downconverting solar module voltage output), or a combination of the two.

A magnetic induction (MI) repeater includes first and second coils configured to have the same resonance frequency and to be substantially isolated from one another, and an amplifier connected to the first and second coils and configured to receive a signal induced in the first coil by a first magnetic field and output, via the second coil, a second magnetic field based on the signal, wherein the second magnetic field is amplified relative to the first magnetic field.

The present invention provides a path setting method for automatically setting network paths. The path setting method for generating paths in a network including a plurality of relay stations and a parent station which are connected with each other through a transmission line, comprises the steps of allowing each of the parent station and the plurality of relay stations to transmit basic information including its own identifier and its own path setting status, by means of a repetitive broadcast, allowing the relay station receiving the basic information to recognize the parent station or another relay station having a temporary path set thereto and transmit its own receiving-environment table including a transmission quality on the transmission line to the recognized station, allowing the another relay station receiving the receiving-environment table to forward it to the parent station through the use of the temporary path so as to notify the receiving-environment table to the parent station, and allowing the parent station receiving the forwarded receiving-environment table to set a temporary path to the relay station which has transmitted the receiving-environment table. In this manner, the parent station collects the transmission qualities on the inter-station transmission lines stepwise in order of the closest relay station to the farthest relay station to automatically set the paths.

A load control system comprises a load control device for controlling an electrical load receiving power from an AC power source, and a controller adapted to be coupled in series between the source and the load control device. The load control system may be installed without requiring any additional wires to be run, and is easily configured without the need for a computer or an advanced commissioning procedure. The load control device receives both power and communication over two wires, and the controller generates a phase-control voltage that has at least one timing edge in each half-cycle, and transmits digital messages by modulating a timing edge of the phase-control voltage relative to a reference edge. The controller may be operable to receive inputs from a plurality of different input devices, and the load control device may be operable to control a plurality of different loads.

Power line communication method and apparatus in which data modulated radio frequency carriers from two different sources are transmitted by the power line, the range of frequencies of the carriers from one source partially overlapping the range of frequencies of the carriers from the other source, and in which carriers of the one source are shifted to frequencies other than the overlapping frequencies when carriers at the overlapping frequencies and from the other source are present on the line. Optionally, the data signal sampling rate can be changed to simplify signal filtering requirements.