Power line communication system

Abstract

A power line communication system includes a first node and a second node. The first node includes a second node connection terminal; a first node transmission module. The second node includes a second node input voltage terminal, connected to the second node connection terminal of the first node to receive a first node output voltage signal. The second node uses the first node output voltage signal as a power supply voltage. The second node includes a second node transmission module; modulates a current level of a second node current signal based on second node transmission data. The second node includes a second node reception module, processes a voltage level of the received first node output signal to demodulate the first node transmission data. The first node includes a first node reception module, processes a current level of the second node current signal received from the second node at the second node connection terminal to demodulate the second node transmission data.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates to power line communication systems. Summary of the Invention

[0002] According to a first aspect of this disclosure, a power line communication system is provided, comprising:

[0003] The first node includes:

[0004] Second node connection end;

[0005] The first node transmission module is configured to:

[0006] The output signal of the first node is provided to the connection end of the second node; and

[0007] The voltage level of the output signal of the first node is modulated based on the data transmitted by the first node;

[0008] The second node, the second node includes:

[0009] The second node input voltage terminal is connected to the second node connection terminal of the first node to receive the first node output voltage signal from the first node transmission module, wherein the second node is configured to use the first node output voltage signal as the power supply voltage.

[0010] The second node transmission module is configured to:

[0011] The second node current signal is provided to the second node input voltage terminal for transmission to the second node connection terminal of the first node; and

[0012] The current level of the second node current signal is modulated based on the data transmitted by the second node;

[0013] The second node receiving module is configured to process the voltage level of the received first node output signal in order to demodulate the first node transmitted data;

[0014] The first node further includes:

[0015] A first node receiving module is configured to process the current level of a second node current signal received from the second node at the second node connection end in order to demodulate the second node transmitted data.

[0016] Advantageously, the modulated current level of the second node's current signal can be transmitted from the second node to the first node using the same wire used to transmit the first node's output signal from the first node to the second node. Therefore, compared to a Controller Area Network (CAN) bus implementation, the amount of wiring for communication and the amount of power supply voltage supplied to the second node can be reduced.

[0017] In one or more embodiments, the first node transmission module includes:

[0018] The first node transmission module input is configured to receive the power supply voltage; and

[0019] The first node transmission module output is configured to provide the first node's output signal.

[0020] In one or more embodiments, the first node receiving module includes:

[0021] The input terminal of the first node receiving module; and

[0022] The first node receives the output of the module.

[0023] The output of the first node transmission module can be connected to the output of the first node receiving module. The input of the first node receiving module can be connected to the second node connection terminal. The first node receiving module can be configured to provide a connection between its output and input terminals to transmit the first node output signal to the second node connection terminal.

[0024] In one or more embodiments, the first node receiving module is configured to selectively provide a connection between the output of the first node receiving module and the input of the first node receiving module, so as to selectively:

[0025] Transmit the output signal of the first node to the connection end of the second node; or

[0026] Disconnect the second node from the transmission module of the first node.

[0027] In one or more embodiments, the power line communication system further includes a disconnect switch configured to selectively provide the connection between the output and input of the first node receiving module.

[0028] In one or more embodiments, the second node connection terminal of the first node has a wired connection to the second node input voltage terminal of the second node for transmitting the first node output signal and the second node current signal.

[0029] In one or more embodiments, the first node transmission module is configured to provide the first node output signal to the second node connection terminal while the second node transmission module provides the second node current signal to the second node input voltage terminal for transmission to the second node connection terminal of the first node.

[0030] In one or more embodiments, the first node includes:

[0031] One or more additional first node receiving modules; and

[0032] One or more second node connection ends, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the one or more additional first node receiving modules;

[0033] In one or more embodiments, the power line communication system further includes one or more additional second nodes, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the one or more second node connection ends.

[0034] Each additional second node may include:

[0035] The second node input voltage terminal is connected to the associated second node connection terminal of the first node to receive the first node output voltage signal from the first node transmission module, wherein the additional second node is configured to use the first node output voltage signal as the power supply voltage.

[0036] The second node transmission module is configured to:

[0037] The second node current signal is provided to the second node input voltage terminal of the additional second node for transmission to the associated second node connection terminal of the first node; and

[0038] The current level of the second node current signal is modulated based on the second node transmission data associated with the additional second node; and

[0039] The second node receiving module is configured to process the voltage level of the received first node output signal in order to demodulate the first node transmitted data.

[0040] Each additional first node receiving module may be configured to process the current level of the second node current signal received from the associated additional second node in order to demodulate the second node transmission data associated with the additional second node.

[0041] In one or more embodiments, the second node transmission module includes:

[0042] A variable current source is connected between a reference terminal and the input voltage terminal of the second node, wherein the second node is configured to modulate the current level of the variable current source based on data transmitted by the second node.

[0043] In one or more embodiments, the second node transmission module further includes:

[0044] A capacitor connected between the reference terminal and the input voltage terminal of the second node.

[0045] In one or more embodiments, the first node transmission module includes:

[0046] A variable current source is connected between the reference terminal and the second node connection terminal;

[0047] A transmission switch is connected in series between the input terminal of the first node transmission module and the connection terminal of the second node.

[0048] A resistor is connected in parallel with the transmission switch, and is also connected in series between the input terminal of the first node transmission module and the connection terminal of the second node.

[0049] The first node can be configured to modulate the current level of the variable current source based on the data transmitted by the first node. The first node can be configured to close the transmission switch while the first node transmission module is transmitting.

[0050] In one or more embodiments, the first node transmission module further includes:

[0051] A capacitor connected between the reference terminal and the second node connection terminal.

[0052] A vehicle access control system, including any system disclosed herein, is also provided.

[0053] In one or more embodiments, the second node includes an ultra-wideband anchor point.

[0054] A method for operating a power line communication system is also provided, wherein the power line communication system includes a first node and a second node, and wherein the method includes:

[0055] The first node performs the following operations:

[0056] Provide the output signal of the first node to the second node connection terminal of the first node; and

[0057] The voltage level of the output signal of the first node is modulated based on the data transmitted by the first node;

[0058] The second node performs the following operations:

[0059] The second node receives the first node output voltage signal from the first node at the second node input voltage terminal, and uses the first node output voltage signal as the power supply voltage of the second node.

[0060] The second node current signal is provided to the second node input voltage terminal for transmission to the second node connection terminal of the first node; and

[0061] The current level of the second node current signal is modulated based on the data transmitted by the second node;

[0062] The voltage level of the received first node output signal is processed in order to demodulate the data transmitted by the first node;

[0063] The first node performs the following operations:

[0064] The current level of the second node current signal received from the second node at the second node connection end is processed in order to demodulate the second node transmitted data.

[0065] In one or more embodiments, the power line communication system further includes one or more additional second nodes, and wherein the first node includes one or more additional second node connection ends, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the one or more additional second nodes, and wherein the method includes:

[0066] For each additional second node, the following operations are performed:

[0067] The second node receives the first node output voltage signal from the first node at the second node input voltage terminal of the additional second node, and uses the first node output voltage signal as the power supply voltage of the additional second node.

[0068] The second node current signal is provided to the second node input voltage terminal for transmission to the associated second node connection terminal of the first node;

[0069] The current level of the second node current signal is modulated based on the data transmitted by the second node; and

[0070] Process the voltage level of the received first node output signal to demodulate the data transmitted by the first node; and

[0071] The first node performs the following operations:

[0072] The current level of the second node current signal received at each of the one or more additional second nodes at the associated additional second node connection end is processed in order to demodulate the second node transmission data from each additional second node.

[0073] While this disclosure allows for various modifications and alternatives, details have been illustrated by way of example and will be described in detail. However, it should be understood that other embodiments besides the specific embodiments described are also possible. All modifications, equivalents, and alternative embodiments falling within the spirit and scope of the appended claims are also covered.

[0074] The foregoing discussion is not intended to represent every exemplary embodiment or every implementation within the scope of the present or future claims. Various exemplary embodiments are further illustrated in the following figures and detailed description. A more comprehensive understanding of these various exemplary embodiments can be achieved by considering the following detailed description in conjunction with the figures. Attached Figure Description

[0075] One or more embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, by way of example only, in which:

[0076] Figure 1 An example embodiment of a power line communication system is shown;

[0077] Figure 2 Another example embodiment of a power line communication system is shown;

[0078] Figure 3 An example embodiment of the first node receiving module and the second node transmitting module is shown;

[0079] Figure 4 An example embodiment of the first node receiving module and the second node transmitting module is shown;

[0080] Figure 5 An example embodiment of a power line communication system including a first node and a second node is shown;

[0081] Figure 6 An example power line communication system including a first node and multiple second nodes is shown; and

[0082] Figure 7 The method of operating a power line communication system is illustrated schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0083] A Controller Area Network (CAN) bus can be used to connect multiple Ultra-Wideband (UWB) anchor points in a vehicle. As part of a vehicle access control feature, such UWB anchor points can be used to determine the position of a user's key relative to the vehicle. This CAN bus can be a dedicated (proprietary) bus for UWB-enabled vehicle access control features. At least four UWB anchor points can be connected on this bus to a so-called UWB ranging master electronic control unit (ECU), which can also act as a gateway to the CAN bus throughout the vehicle. The advantage of this topology is that it can be built using readily available components. Furthermore, the CAN bus is a proven system. However, this system has drawbacks such as high current consumption, high implementation costs, and potential disadvantages in synchronization capabilities.

[0084] Considering the average current consumption of this system, all UWB anchors (at least four) are permanently powered and consume up to 100μA of current (therefore, the total system current consumption is greater than 400μA). Various applications—especially in the automotive industry—require an average system current consumption of less than 2mA. For example, the automotive industry is accustomed to the low current consumption of traditional low-frequency (LF) based automotive access control systems. Therefore, using this CAN architecture, at least 20% of the total current consumption is used by the CAN system to communicate with the UWB anchors. Furthermore, in some high-end vehicles, there may be eight UWB anchors; in this case, for the UWB ranging system, the CAN bus uses more than 800μA of current (over 40% of the total current). However, when the car is parked and waiting for a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) paired phone to appear nearby, the UWB system does nothing other than draw current.

[0085] From the perspective of the cost of implementing this CAN system, the wiring workload and cost of this proprietary CAN bus are quite large, because each UWB anchor point (power / CAN_H / CAN_L / (GND*)) requires at least 3 to 4 wires.

[0086] From a synchronization perspective, for the current system, protocol synchronization occurs via the ultra-wide air interface (UWB). Not all UWB anchors may communicate with the UWB ranging master unit; for example, this is because not all UWB anchors will sense the UWB signal when a ranging session is initiated by a key (which could be a mobile phone). In the worst-case scenario, none of the car's UWB anchors may sense the UWB signal. Therefore, these UWB anchors will remain active for extended periods, continuously waiting to receive UWB signals, thus dissipating significant power. Conversely, this could also pose a challenge for the thermal management of this ECU, as the UWB anchors should occupy minimal space on the printed circuit board (PCB).

[0087] Figure 1An example embodiment of a power line communication system 100 is shown. The system includes a first node 102 and a second node 104. The first node 102 may be a master node, such as a ranging master control device used in a UWB ranging system in a vehicle. The second node 104 may be one of a plurality of UWB anchor points.

[0088] First node 102 communicates with second node 104 via a cable / wire 103. First node 102 includes a second node connection terminal 106. Second node 104 includes a second node input voltage terminal 114. Wire 103 connects the second node connection terminal 106 and the second node input voltage terminal 114. As will be described below, wire 103 is used to supply power voltage to second node 104. Wire 103 also provides bidirectional communication between first node 102 and second node 104. Therefore, Figure 1 The system can be considered as providing bidirectional power line communication. In some examples, Figure 1 System 100 can be part of an automotive UWB system. One or more examples described herein can improve / optimize overall system performance parameters, such as average current consumption, cost, and receiver synchronization across multiple UWB anchor points. Furthermore, it can meet electromagnetic interference (EMI) emission limits suitable for automotive applications.

[0089] The first node 102 includes a first node transmission module 108 and a first node receiving module 126. The second node 104 includes a second node transmission module 116 and a second node receiving module 122. The first node transmission module 108 is used to modulate the first node transmission data 112 and transmit the first node transmission data 112 to the second node receiving module 122 of the second node. The second node transmission module 116 is used to modulate the second node transmission data 120 and transmit the second node transmission data 120 to the first node receiving module 126 of the first node 102.

[0090] More specifically, the first node transmission module 108 of the first node 102 provides the first node output signal 110 to the second node connection terminal 106, and modulates the voltage level of the first node output signal 110 based on the first node transmitted data 112. This modulation can be amplitude modulation, such that an increment can be applied to the voltage level of the first node output signal 110 to transmit the first node transmitted data 112.

[0091] The second node input voltage terminal 114 of the second node 104 is connected to the second node connection terminal 106 of the first node 102 (in this example, via wire 103) to receive the first node output voltage signal 110 from the first node transmission module 108. The second node 104 uses the first node output voltage signal 110 as its power supply voltage. Therefore, it should be understood that the modulation of the first node transmitted data 112 should be such that the first node output voltage signal 110 can still be used as a stable power supply voltage for the second node 104. In the example where the first node transmission module 108 uses amplitude modulation, any increment in the voltage level applied to the first node output signal 110 should be small enough that it does not affect the stability of the voltage power supply at the second node 104. Furthermore, there is a trade-off between the accuracy available for demodulating the modulated data and the EMI that would be generated by changing the voltage level of the first node output signal 110.

[0092] The second node receiving module 122 of the second node 104 processes the voltage level of the received first node output signal 110 in order to demodulate the first node transmitted data 112. Examples of how the first node transmitted data 112 can be modulated and demodulated with respect to the first node output signal 110 will be described below.

[0093] The second node transmission module 116 of the second node provides the second node current signal 118 to the second node input voltage terminal 114 for transmission to the second node connection terminal 106 of the first node 102. The second node transmission module 116 modulates the current level of the second node current signal 118 based on the second node transmission data 120. The first node receiving module 126 of the first node 102 processes the current level of the second node current signal 118 received from the second node 104 at the second node connection terminal 106 in order to demodulate the second node transmission data 120.

[0094] Advantageously, the modulated current level of the second node current signal 118 can be transmitted from the second node 104 to the first node 102 via the same wire 103 used to transmit the first node output signal 110 from the first node 102 to the second node 104. Furthermore, as will be discussed below, Figure 1 System 100 can provide full-duplex communication between a first node 102 and a second node 104. That is, the first node 102 can transmit first node transmission data 112 to the second node 104 simultaneously with the second node 104 transmitting second node transmission data 120 to the first node 104. Alternatively, time-division multiplexing can be used, allowing the first node 102 to transmit first node transmission data 112 to the second node 104 at a different time than when the second node 104 transmits second node transmission data 120 to the first node 104.

[0095] In this example, the first node transmission module 108 includes a receiver for power supply voltage V. SUPPLY The first node of the 130 transmission module has an input terminal 132. In automotive applications, the power supply voltage V... SUPPLY 130 can be powered by a battery. Therefore, power consumption is a very important consideration. The first node transmission module 108 also includes a first node transmission module output terminal 134 that provides the first node output signal 110.

[0096] The first node receiving module 126 includes a first node receiving module input 138 that receives a second node current signal 118 from the second node 104. The first node receiving module 126 also includes a first node receiving module output 136 that provides demodulated second node transmission data 120. In this example, the first node receiving module 126 also includes receiving a power supply voltage V. SUPPLY The first node receiving module power supply terminal 135 of 130. (If it should be from...) Figure 2 It is understood that in some cases, the output terminal 136 of the first node receiving module and the power supply terminal 135 of the first node receiving module may be the same terminal.

[0097] In this example, the output terminal 134 of the first node transmission module is directly connected to the second node connection terminal 106, and the input terminal 138 of the first node receiving module is also directly connected to the second node connection terminal 106. In this way, the first node transmission module 108 can be considered as being connected in parallel with the first node receiving module 126. In an alternative embodiment, as will be described below, the first node transmission module 108 and the first node receiving module 126 can be connected in series. Regardless of the implementation, the first node transmission module 108 provides the first node output signal 110 to the second node connection terminal 106, and the first node receiving module 126 receives the second node current signal 118 from the second node connection terminal 106.

[0098] The second node receiving module 122 includes a second node receiving module input terminal 142, which is connected to a second node input voltage terminal 114 to receive the first node output signal 110 from the first node 102. The second node transmitting module 116 includes a second node transmitting module output terminal 140, which is also connected to the second node input voltage terminal 114 to provide the second node current signal 118 to the first node 102.

[0099] Figure 2 Another example embodiment of the power line communication system 200 is shown. Figure 2 and Figure 1 Common features will be given corresponding reference numerals in the 200 series, and will not need to be described in detail here. Figure 2 In this configuration, the first node transmission module 208 and the first node receiving module 226 are connected in series. Figure 2 The second node 204 in the middle is with Figure 1 The second node is implemented in the same way.

[0100] exist Figure 2 In the first node transmission module 208, there is a first node transmission module input terminal 232 and a first node transmission module output terminal 234. The first node receiving module 226 has a first node receiving module input terminal 238 and a first node receiving module output terminal 236. The first node transmission module input terminal 232 receives the power supply voltage V. SUPPLY 230. The output terminal 234 of the first node transmission module is connected to the output terminal 236 of the first node receiving module. The input terminal 238 of the first node receiving module is connected to the second node connection terminal 206. In this way, the first node transmission module 208 provides the first node output signal 210 to the second node connection terminal 206 via the first node receiving module 226. That is, the first node receiving module 226 can provide a connection (in some examples, a direct connection) between the first node receiving module output terminal 236 and the first node receiving module input terminal 238 to transmit the first node output signal 210 to the second node connection terminal 206.

[0101] Figure 3 An example embodiment is shown whereby a first node receiving module 326 and a second node transmitting module 316 can communicate with each other via cable 303. More specifically, the second node transmitting module 316 can transmit a second node current signal 318 to the first node receiving module 326 via cable 303.

[0102] In this example, the second node transmission module 316 includes a variable current source 344 connected between the reference terminal and the second node transmission module output terminal 340 of the second node transmission module 316. For example... Figure 3 As schematically shown, the second node uses waveform shaping to modulate the current level (i-load) of the variable current source 344 based on the second node's transmitted data (TX data). Any known suitable waveform shaping algorithm can be used to reduce the EMI effects of the modulation. For example, modulating the second node's transmitted data using a square wave function may generate harmonics that are unacceptable in an automotive environment. The achievable limitations of the electromagnetic environment (EME) may limit the maximum data rate that can be used to transmit the second node's transmitted data.

[0103] The second node transmission module 316 also includes a capacitor 346 connected between the reference terminal and the output terminal 340 of the second node transmission module. The capacitor 346 can smooth the second node current signal 318 and can also be used for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.

[0104] The first node receiving module 326 includes a current sensing (i-sensing) circuit capable of sensing the current level of a second node current signal 318 received at the first node receiving module input terminal 338. An embodiment of the i-sensing circuit may, for example, include: a current replication circuit with several current mirrors; or a shunt resistor with a differential amplifier. Figure 3 In the first node receiving module 326, a current replication circuit 350 is included. For example... Figure 3 As schematically shown, the first node receiving module 326 demodulates the second node transmitted data (RX data) with respect to the sensed current level of the second node current signal 318. In this embodiment, the first node receiving module 326 also includes a capacitor 348 connected between the first node receiving module input terminal 338 and a reference terminal. The capacitor 348 also provides a smoothing effect and is suitable for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.

[0105] Figure 3 The first node receiving module 326 can be connected in series with the first node transmitting module (not shown), so that its first node receiving module output terminal 336 receives the power supply voltage. If the first node is transmitting, this power supply voltage can be a modulated power supply voltage, implemented as the first node output signal.

[0106] In this example, the first node receiving module 326 also includes a disconnect switch 352 configured to selectively connect or disconnect the first node receiving module output terminal 336 from the first node receiving module input terminal 338. When the disconnect switch 352 is open / non-conductive, the first node receiving module output terminal 336 is disconnected from the first node receiving module input terminal 338. Figure 3 The first node receiving module 326 and the first node transmitting module (such as Figure 2 In the example of a series connection (as shown), disconnecting the disconnect switch 352 disconnects the second node from the first node. This can be advantageous for isolating the second node, where, in the case of a UWB anchor point, isolating the second node can be referred to as noise suppression of the anchor point. In this way, providing a switch for individual second nodes ensures that fault protection functionality is available and that the entire system is not shut down in the event of a problem at the second node. In automotive applications, such a problem could be a short circuit in the power harness at the UWB anchor point. Furthermore, the ability to disconnect the anchor point / second node when not needed can be used to reduce power consumption. As indicated above, the UWB anchor point can draw 100 μA when powered in low-power mode. Therefore, when the UWB anchor point is disconnected from the power supply, the current drawn by the UWB anchor point can be reduced to 0 μA.

[0107] Simulation passed Figure 3The circuit operation and the plotting of the emission versus frequency revealed that the emission is within acceptable EME limits for automotive applications. If necessary, the current source and waveform shaping implementation can be optimized to further reduce emission.

[0108] Figure 4 An example embodiment is shown where a first node transmission module 408 and a second node receiving module 422 can communicate with each other via cable 403. More specifically, the first node transmission module 408 can transmit a first node output signal 410 to the second node receiving module 422 via cable 403.

[0109] In this example, the first node transmission module 408 includes a variable current source 456 connected between the reference terminal and the first node transmission module output terminal 434. The first node transmission module 408 also includes a resistor 458 and a transmission switch 460. The transmission switch 460 is connected in series between the first node transmission module input terminal 432 and the first node transmission module output terminal 434. The resistor 458 is connected in parallel with the transmission switch 460, such that it is also connected in series between the first node transmission module input terminal 432 and the first node transmission module output terminal 434. In this way: when the transmission switch 460 is closed / conducting, it short-circuits the resistor 458; and when the transmission switch 460 is open / non-conducting, the resistor 458 is connected in series between the first node transmission module input terminal 432 and the first node transmission module output terminal 434.

[0110] like Figure 4 As schematically shown, when the first node transmission module 408 is transmitting: (i) the transmission switch 460 is open / non-conductive; and (ii) the first node modulates the current level (i-load) of the variable current source 456 based on the first node transmission data (TX data) using waveform shaping. Any known suitable waveform shaping algorithm can be used to reduce the EMI effect of the modulation. The transmission switch 460 is open so that the current provided by the variable current source 456 flows through the resistor 458, and thus the current causes an additional or reduced voltage drop across the resistor 458. In this way, the first node transmission module 408 modulates the voltage level of the first node output signal 410 based on the first node transmission data (TX data). Figure 4 As indicated, voltage modulation is defined as R*i-load. That is, the product of the resistance (R) of resistor 458 and the current level (i-load) of variable current source 456.

[0111] Therefore, in this example, the transmission switch 460 should be open / non-conductive as long as the first node is transmitting. Whether the transmission switch 460 is open or closed while the second node is transmitting may be irrelevant.

[0112] The first node transmission module 408 also includes a capacitor 462 connected between the reference terminal and the output terminal 434 of the first node transmission module.

[0113] The second node receiving module 422 includes a voltage sensing (V-sensing) circuit 464 capable of sensing the voltage level of the first node output signal 410 received at the second node receiving module input terminal 442. Implementations of the V-sensing circuit 464 may, for example, include a simple comparator solution or an ADC (analog-to-digital converter) with appropriate post-processing, as is well known in the art. Figure 4 As schematically shown, the second node receiving module 422 demodulates the first node transmitted data (RX data) with respect to the sensed voltage level of the first node output signal 410. In this embodiment, the second node receiving module 422 also includes a capacitor 466 connected between the second node receiving module input terminal 442 and the reference terminal.

[0114] Figure 4 The capacitors 462 and 466 shown provide a smoothing effect and are also suitable for electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection.

[0115] Simulation passed Figure 4 The operation of the circuit and the plotting of the transmit-frequency relationship revealed that the transmittance is within acceptable EME limits for automotive applications. Furthermore, the circuit implementation can be optimized to reduce EME or increase the data rate if needed.

[0116] Figure 5 An example embodiment of a power line communication system 500 is shown, comprising a first node 502 and a second node 504 connected together by a conductor 503. (See from...) Figure 5 As can be seen, the second node connection terminal 506 of the first node 502 has a wired connection 503 to the second node input voltage terminal 514, which is used to transmit the first node output signal and the second node current signal.

[0117] Figure 5 System 500 corresponds to Figure 2 The system, including Figure 3 and 4 Further details of the example implementation.

[0118] More specifically, the first node 502 has a first node transmission module 508 and a first node receiving module 526 connected in series between the voltage source 530 and the second node connection terminal 506. The second node 504 has a second node transmission module 516 and a second node receiving module 522, both connected to the second node input voltage terminal 514.

[0119] The first node receiving module 526 includes a method for receiving data with Figure 3The disconnect switch 552 is connected in the same manner as the corresponding component. In this way, the first node receiving module 526 can use the disconnect switch 552 to selectively provide a connection between the first node receiving module output 536 and the first node receiving module input 538, so as to selectively:

[0120] • Transmit the first node output signal 510 from the first node transmission module 508 to the second node connection terminal 506; or

[0121] • Disconnect the second node 504 from the first node transmission module 508.

[0122] Figure 6 An example power line communication system 600 is shown, including a first node 602 and multiple second nodes 604A, 604B. Figure 6 System 600 is used for automotive applications, where the first node 602 is the ranging master control device and the second nodes 604A-B are UWB anchor points. Multiple second nodes can be identified as second node 604A and one or more additional second nodes 604B. Figure 6 Only one additional second node 604B is shown in the diagram, but it should be understood that any number of additional second nodes may exist.

[0123] The first node 602 includes a first node transmission module 608 and multiple first node receiving modules 626A-C. The multiple first node receiving modules can be identified as first node receiving module 626A and one or more additional first node receiving modules 626B-C. Figure 6 Two additional first node receiving modules 626A-B are shown, but it should be understood that any number of additional first node receiving modules may exist, with each additional first node receiving module corresponding to an additional second node 604B.

[0124] The first node 602 also has one or more second node connection terminals 606B-C, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of one or more additional first node receiving modules 626B-C. These second node connection terminals 606B-C may also be referred to as additional second node connection terminals 606B-C. Each of one or more additional second nodes 604B is associated with a corresponding one of one or more second node connection terminals 606B-C.

[0125] Each additional second node 604B includes a second node input voltage terminal 614B, which is connected to the associated second node connection terminal 606B of the first node 602 to receive the first node output voltage signal from the first node transmission module 608. Figure 6 (VBAT with switch function).

[0126] The additional second node 604B is configured to use the first node output voltage signal (switched VBAT) as its power supply voltage in the same manner as described above. The additional second node 604B includes a second node transmission module 616B that provides a second node current signal to the second node input voltage terminal 614B of the additional second node 604B for transmission to the associated second node connection terminal 606B of the first node 602. In the same manner as described above, the second node transmission module 616B modulates the current level of the second node current signal based on the second node transmission data associated with the additional second node 604B.

[0127] Additionally, the additional second node 604B includes a second node receiving module 622B that processes the voltage level of the received first node output signal to demodulate the first node's transmitted data. Each additional first node receiving module 626B is configured to process the current level of a second node current signal received from the associated additional second node 604B to demodulate the second node's transmitted data associated with the additional second node 604B.

[0128] Therefore, it should be understood that the first node transmission module 608 is used to transmit the same first node output signal to each of the second nodes 604A-B. However, in this example, multiple first node receiving modules 626A-C are used to receive second node current signals from an associated one of the multiple second nodes 604A-B.

[0129] exist Figure 6 In the example, each second node 604A-B includes a power management integrated circuit (PMIC) 670. The PMIC 670 includes a buck converter and also includes the second node receiving module 622A and the second node transmitting module 616A described above. Each second node 604A-B also includes a UWB transceiver (UWB TRX) 672. The PMIC 670 uses the first node output voltage signal (switched VBAT) from the first node transmitting module 608 to provide a power supply voltage to the UWB TRX 672.

[0130] The PMIC 670 also provides the demodulated first node transmission data 612 to the UWB TRX 672, and receives second node transmission data 620 from the UWB TRX 672 for modulation and transmission to the first node 602.

[0131] The first node 602 (ranging master control device) can be connected to the vehicle battery on one side and can supply switching battery power to all the second nodes 604A-B (anchor points) on the other side. The number of second nodes 604A-B (anchor point devices) limits the number of switches in the first node 602 (ranging master control device) used for distributing battery power. In addition to these switches, the first node 602 (ranging master control device) also includes a first node receiving module (current sensing circuit) for detecting load modulation of the associated second nodes 604A-B (anchor points) and a first node transmission module 608 (voltage load circuit) for modulating power to communicate with the second nodes 604A-B (anchor points).

[0132] Each of the second nodes 604A-B (anchor points) includes a second node transmission module 616A-B (current load circuit) for load modulation and a second node receiving module 622A-B (voltage sensing circuit) for detecting voltage modulation applied by the first node 602 (range measuring master control device).

[0133] One or more examples disclosed in this article can provide the following:

[0134] • Switchable battery power supply from the ranging master control unit to all individual anchor points (point-to-point connection), which can be turned off when not needed (saving current / 100μA per anchor point).

[0135] • A bidirectional power line circuit is located on both the main control unit and the anchor point side, allowing data communication from the anchor point to the main control unit and from the main control unit to the anchor point. Each side can receive data load modulation and modulate data on the power line.

[0136] • Load-modulated drive levels and data rates for power line communication, optimized to meet EMC constraints in the automotive industry (corresponding to today's automotive OEM LIN constraints).

[0137] • RX activates synchronization with BLE and the mobile phone, which is used as a key to enter the vehicle, using the agreed global time.

[0138] • Full-duplex communication resulting from voltage-based master control device TX and current-based anchor point TX.

[0139] Advantageously, the examples disclosed herein can provide power line communication based on bidirectional load modulation, which has a drive scheme that meets EME requirements and also enables low-current and low-cost UWB systems in automobiles.

[0140] Figure 7 A method for operating a power line communication system is schematically illustrated. As described in detail above, the power line communication system includes a first node and at least one second node.

[0141] At steps 780 and 782, the method relates to a first node:

[0142] Provide the output signal of the first node to the second node connection terminal of the first node; and

[0143] The voltage level of the first node's output signal is modulated based on the data transmitted by the first node.

[0144] At steps 784, 786, 788, and 790, the method relates to a second node:

[0145] The second node receives the output voltage signal of the first node from the first node at the second node input voltage terminal, and uses the output voltage signal of the first node as the power supply voltage of the second node.

[0146] The second node current signal is provided to the second node input voltage terminal for transmission to the second node connection terminal of the first node; and

[0147] The current level of the second node current signal is modulated based on the data transmitted by the second node; and

[0148] The voltage level of the received first node output signal is processed in order to demodulate the data transmitted by the first node.

[0149] At step 792, the method relates to a first node: processing the current level of a second node current signal received from the second node at the second node connection end in order to demodulate the second node's transmitted data.

[0150] It should be understood that Figure 7 The steps shown do not need to be performed in the indicated order. One or more steps may be performed simultaneously, for example, to provide full-duplex functionality. Furthermore, if the system is not operating in full-duplex mode, it is irrelevant whether the first or second node modulates the data first and transmits it to the other node. That is, voltage-based communication and current-based communication can be performed in any consecutive order or simultaneously.

[0151] It should be understood that Figure 7 One or more steps of the method may be excluded, or may be performed in a different order, depending on which of the first and second nodes has the data to be transmitted to the other node.

[0152] Unless a specific order is explicitly stated, the instructions and / or flowchart steps in the above figures may be performed in any order. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will recognize that while an example set of instructions / methods has been discussed, the material in this specification can be combined in various ways to produce other examples, and should be understood within the context of the detailed description provided herein.

[0153] In some example embodiments, the instruction set / method steps described above are implemented as functional and software instructions embodied in an executable instruction set, which is implemented on a computer or a machine programmed with and controlled by the executable instructions. Such instructions are loaded to execute on a processor (e.g., one or more CPUs). The term processor includes a microprocessor, microcontroller, processor module or subsystem (including one or more microprocessors or microcontrollers), or other control or computing device. A processor may refer to a single component or multiple components.

[0154] In other examples, the instruction sets / methods illustrated herein, along with their associated data and instructions, are stored in appropriate storage devices, which are implemented as one or more non-transitory machine- or computer-readable or computer-usable storage media. Such computer-readable or computer-usable storage media are considered part of an article (or article of manufacture). An article or article of manufacture may refer to any single or multiple manufactured components. Non-transitory machine- or computer-usable media as defined herein do not include signals, but such media are capable of receiving and processing information from signals and / or other transient media.

[0155] Example embodiments of the materials discussed in this specification may be implemented, in whole or in part, via a network, computer, or data-based device and / or service. The network, computer, or data-based device and / or service may include the cloud, the Internet, an intranet, a mobile device, a desktop computer, a processor, a lookup table, a microcontroller, a consumer device, infrastructure, or other enabling devices and services. The following non-exclusive definitions are provided as may be used herein and in the claims.

[0156] In one example, automating one or more instructions or steps discussed herein. The terms automation or automaticity (and similar variations) mean the use of computers and / or mechanical / electrical devices to control the operation of equipment, systems, and / or processes without human intervention, observation, effort, and / or decision-making.

[0157] It should be understood that any components that are alleged to be coupled can be coupled or connected directly or indirectly. In the case of indirect coupling, an additional component may be positioned between the two components that are alleged to be coupled.

[0158] In this specification, exemplary embodiments have been presented according to a selected set of details. However, those skilled in the art will understand that many other exemplary embodiments, including different sets of these details, can be practiced. It is intended that the appended claims cover all possible exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A power line communication system, characterized by, include: The first node includes: Second node connection end; The first node transmission module is configured to: The output signal of the first node is provided to the connection end of the second node; and The voltage level of the output signal of the first node is modulated based on the data transmitted by the first node; The second node, the second node includes: The second node input voltage terminal is connected to the second node connection terminal of the first node to receive the first node output voltage signal from the first node transmission module, wherein the second node is configured to use the first node output voltage signal as the power supply voltage. The second node transmission module is configured to: The second node current signal is provided to the second node input voltage terminal for transmission to the second node connection terminal of the first node; and The current level of the second node current signal is modulated based on the data transmitted by the second node; The second node receiving module is configured to process the voltage level of the received first node output signal in order to demodulate the first node transmitted data; The first node further includes: A first node receiving module is configured to process the current level of a second node current signal received from the second node at the second node connection end in order to demodulate the second node transmitted data. The first node transmission module includes: The first node transmission module input is configured to receive the power supply voltage; and The output terminal of the first node transmission module is configured to provide the output signal of the first node. The first node receiving module includes: The input terminal of the first node receiving module; and First node receiving module output; The output of the first node transmission module is connected to the output of the first node receiving module; and The input terminal of the first node receiving module is connected to the connection terminal of the second node; and The first node receiving module is configured to provide a connection between the output terminal and the input terminal of the first node receiving module in order to transmit the first node output signal to the second node connection terminal.

2. The power line communication system of claim 1, wherein, The first node receiving module is configured to selectively provide a connection between its output and its input, so as to selectively: Transmit the output signal of the first node to the connection end of the second node; or Disconnect the second node from the transmission module of the first node.

3. The power line communication system of claim 2, wherein, Additionally, a disconnect switch is included, which is configured to selectively provide the connection between the output and input of the first node receiving module.

4. A power line communication system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The second node connection terminal of the first node has a wired connection to the second node input voltage terminal of the second node for transmitting the first node output signal and the second node current signal.

5. The power line communication system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The first node transmission module is configured to provide the first node output signal to the second node connection terminal while the second node transmission module provides the second node current signal to the second node input voltage terminal for transmission to the second node connection terminal of the first node.

6. The power line communication system according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that: The first node includes: One or more additional first node receiving modules; and One or more second node connection ends, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the one or more additional first node receiving modules; It also includes one or more additional second nodes, each of which is associated with a corresponding one of the one or more second node connection ends; in: Each additional second node includes: The second node input voltage terminal is connected to the associated second node connection terminal of the first node to receive the first node output voltage signal from the first node transmission module, wherein the additional second node is configured to use the first node output voltage signal as the power supply voltage. The second node transmission module is configured to: The second node current signal is provided to the second node input voltage terminal of the additional second node for transmission to the associated second node connection terminal of the first node; and The current level of the second node current signal is modulated based on the second node transmission data associated with the additional second node; and A second node receiving module is configured to process the voltage level of the received first node output signal in order to demodulate the first node transmitted data. Each additional first node receiving module is configured to process the current level of the second node current signal received from the additional second node in order to demodulate the second node transmission data associated with the additional second node.

7. The power line communication system of any one of claims 1-3, wherein, The second node transmission module includes: A variable current source is connected between a reference terminal and the input voltage terminal of the second node, wherein the second node is configured to modulate the current level of the variable current source based on data transmitted by the second node.

8. An access control system for a vehicle, characterized in that Includes the power line communication system according to any of the preceding claims.

9. A method of operating a power line communication system, characterized by, The power line communication system includes a first node and a second node, and the method includes: The first node performs the following operations: Provide the output signal of the first node to the second node connection terminal of the first node; and The voltage level of the output signal of the first node is modulated based on the data transmitted by the first node; The second node performs the following operations: The second node receives the first node output voltage signal from the first node at the second node input voltage terminal, and uses the first node output voltage signal as the power supply voltage of the second node. The second node current signal is provided to the second node input voltage terminal for transmission to the second node connection terminal of the first node; and The current level of the second node current signal is modulated based on the data transmitted by the second node; The voltage level of the received first node output signal is processed in order to demodulate the data transmitted by the first node; The first node performs the following operations: The current level of the second node current signal received from the second node at the second node connection end is processed in order to demodulate the data transmitted by the second node; The first node transmission module includes: The first node transmission module input is configured to receive the power supply voltage; and The output terminal of the first node transmission module is configured to provide the output signal of the first node. The first node receiving module includes: The input terminal of the first node receiving module; and First node receiving module output; The output of the first node transmission module is connected to the output of the first node receiving module; and The input terminal of the first node receiving module is connected to the connection terminal of the second node; and The first node receiving module is configured to provide a connection between the output terminal and the input terminal of the first node receiving module in order to transmit the first node output signal to the second node connection terminal.

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