Three-mode signal amplifier and power line carrier communication system

By integrating a dual-mode relay communication component and a Bluetooth communication method, a tri-mode signal amplifier solves the problem of communication islands in multi-network environments in smart buildings, achieving flexible signal amplification and efficient operation and maintenance, and adapting to complex building layouts.

CN223872287UActive Publication Date: 2026-02-03ZHONGXIN YILONG (BEIJING) ELECTRONIC TECH CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
CN202520385752.8
Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2025-03-06
Publication Date
2026-02-03
Estimated Expiration
2035-03-06

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing signal amplifiers are mostly single-mode communication amplifiers, which cannot flexibly handle multiple network signals in smart buildings, resulting in communication node silos and limiting the efficiency of intelligent management.

Method used

Design a tri-mode signal amplifier that integrates a dual-mode relay communication component and combines Bluetooth communication. It utilizes three-phase power line resources, takes into account both power line carrier and wireless radio frequency communication, and is adaptable to complex multi-network environments.

Benefits of technology

It enables flexible signal amplification in multi-network environments, solves the problem of isolated communication nodes, improves operation and maintenance efficiency and system reliability, and reduces installation difficulty and cost.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The utility model discloses a three-mode signal amplifier and a power line carrier communication system. The three-mode signal amplifier comprises a dual-mode relay communication assembly, a Bluetooth communication assembly, a BLE antenna and a Sub-G antenna, the dual-mode relay communication assembly comprises a power line carrier communication unit and a wireless radio frequency communication unit, the power line carrier communication unit is connected with a three-phase power line, and the wireless radio frequency communication unit is connected with a Sub-G antenna; the Bluetooth communication component is in data communication with the dual-mode relay communication component through the UART interface, and the Bluetooth communication component is connected with the BLE antenna. By integrating a dual-mode relay communication component and fusing a Bluetooth communication mode, data transmission is realized by using existing three-phase power line resources, the flexibility of wireless radio frequency communication and Bluetooth communication is taken into consideration, the limitation of a single communication mode is broken through, the system adapts to multi-network environments such as complex intelligent buildings and the like, and the problem of isolated island of communication nodes is solved.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of power line carrier communication, and in particular to a three-mode signal amplifier and a power line carrier communication system. Background Technology

[0002] As a key device in modern communications, the core function of a signal amplifier is to amplify signals. In various communication scenarios, signals often weaken during transmission due to factors such as distance, obstacles, and signal attenuation. Signal amplifiers can receive these weaker signals and, through internal electronic circuits and related technologies, boost their strength to a level sufficient for normal communication needs.

[0003] In the field of smart building control, the establishment of wireless networks is a crucial means to achieve intelligent management and device interconnection. Through wireless communication technologies such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and ZigBee, various intelligent devices within buildings, such as intelligent lighting systems, temperature control systems, security monitoring systems, and elevator control systems, can break free from the constraints of traditional wired connections, enabling more flexible and convenient deployment and control. However, while wireless networks bring convenience, they also introduce the problem of isolated communication nodes. Because the propagation characteristics of wireless signals are affected by many factors such as building structure, wall materials, and electromagnetic environment, signal coverage may be weak or even nonexistent in certain areas of the building. For example, in core areas composed of reinforced concrete, deep within underground parking garages, or in dead zones between floors, wireless signals may be severely weakened or even blocked, preventing devices in these areas from communicating normally with other devices or networks, thus creating isolated communication nodes.

[0004] Most signal amplifiers currently available on the market can only be used in a specific communication mode. Take 4G signal amplifiers as an example; they are specifically designed and optimized for 4G networks. The internal circuit design, operating frequency, and signal processing algorithms of such single-communication-mode signal amplifiers are all customized based on a specific network type. In smart building environments, multiple networks often coexist. Besides 4G networks, there may be Wi-Fi networks for high-speed data transmission and device access, Bluetooth networks for short-range device connections and data interaction, ZigBee networks for low-power device networking, and power line carrier communication for data transmission using existing power lines. Due to their single-network-specific nature, general signal amplifiers cannot flexibly amplify different types of signals in such complex multi-network environments. For example, when an area needs to enhance Wi-Fi signals to ensure the networking needs of smart office devices and improve Bluetooth signals to ensure the normal operation of devices such as smart door locks, a single-mode signal amplifier cannot meet this comprehensive need, thus failing to fully realize its potential in smart buildings and limiting the efficiency and effectiveness of intelligent building management. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this utility model embodiment is to provide a three-mode signal amplifier and power line carrier communication system. By integrating a dual-mode relay communication component and incorporating Bluetooth communication, it utilizes existing three-phase power line resources to achieve data transmission while taking into account the flexibility of Bluetooth communication. This breaks the limitations of a single communication mode, adapts to complex smart buildings and other multi-network environments, and solves the problem of isolated communication nodes.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, a first aspect of the present invention provides a tri-mode signal amplifier, including: a dual-mode relay communication component, a Bluetooth communication component, a BLE antenna, and a Sub-G antenna;

[0007] The dual-mode relay communication component includes a power line carrier communication unit and a wireless radio frequency communication unit. The power line carrier communication unit is connected to a three-phase power line, and the wireless radio frequency communication unit is connected to the Sub-G antenna.

[0008] The Bluetooth communication component is connected to the dual-mode relay communication component via a UART interface, and the Bluetooth communication component is connected to the BLE antenna.

[0009] Furthermore, the tri-mode signal amplifier also includes: an uplink / downlink network performance indicator component;

[0010] The uplink and downlink network performance indicator component is connected to the dual-mode relay communication component and displays the network status and performance signals sent by the dual-mode relay communication component.

[0011] Furthermore, the uplink and downlink network performance indicator component is a 4-channel dual-color LED display.

[0012] Furthermore, the tri-mode signal amplifier also includes an RS485 conversion chip;

[0013] The dual-mode relay communication component interacts with the host computer via the RS485 conversion chip.

[0014] Furthermore, the dual-mode relay communication component and the RS485 conversion chip interact with each other via UART.

[0015] Furthermore, the BLE antenna is a suction cup antenna;

[0016] The Sub-G antenna is a suction cup antenna.

[0017] Accordingly, a second aspect of the present invention provides a power line carrier communication system, comprising: a plurality of the above-mentioned three-mode signal amplifiers, and further comprising a plurality of Bluetooth communication nodes and a plurality of dual-mode communication nodes;

[0018] The tri-mode signal amplifier, the Bluetooth communication node, and the dual-mode communication node are all connected in series on the power line;

[0019] Both the Bluetooth communication node and the dual-mode communication node are connected to the tri-mode signal amplifier via data communication.

[0020] Furthermore, any two of the aforementioned tri-mode signal amplifiers can communicate with each other via power line carrier, wireless radio frequency communication, or Bluetooth communication.

[0021] The above-described technical solution of this utility model embodiment has the following beneficial technical effects:

[0022] 1. By integrating dual-mode relay communication components and combining Bluetooth communication, data transmission is achieved using existing three-phase power line resources, while also taking into account the flexibility of wireless radio frequency communication. This breaks the limitations of a single communication mode, adapts to complex smart buildings and other multi-network environments, and solves the problem of isolated communication nodes.

[0023] 2. The RS485 interface gives the dual-mode relay communication component powerful connectivity, allowing it to connect to a host computer for remote centralized management and control, enabling real-time acquisition, analysis, and command issuance of large-scale data; it is also suitable for building layouts of different sizes and complexities, such as large commercial complexes and multi-story industrial plants.

[0024] 3. The BLE and Sub-G antennas are suction cup antennas, which make full use of the adsorption properties of metal surfaces. No complicated drilling or wiring is required during installation. The position can be quickly adjusted as needed to accurately optimize signal coverage. Whether in narrow corridors, high ceilings or densely packed equipment rooms, they can ensure good signal transmission and reception, reducing installation difficulty and cost. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the principle of the three-mode signal amplifier provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0026] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the receiving filter circuit provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the power line carrier communication system provided in this embodiment of the utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to specific embodiments and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that these descriptions are merely exemplary and not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. Furthermore, descriptions of well-known structures and technologies are omitted in the following description to avoid unnecessarily obscuring the concept of this utility model.

[0029] Please refer to Figure 1 The first aspect of this utility model provides a tri-mode signal amplifier, including: a dual-mode relay communication component, a Bluetooth communication component, a BLE antenna, and a Sub-G antenna; the dual-mode relay communication component includes a power line carrier communication unit (HPLC) and a radio frequency communication unit (Sub-G), the power line carrier communication unit is connected to a three-phase power line, and the radio frequency communication unit is connected to the Sub-G antenna; the Bluetooth communication component is connected to the dual-mode relay communication component via a UART interface, and the Bluetooth communication component is connected to the BLE antenna.

[0030] The uplink data from the aforementioned three-mode signal amplifier is connected to the PLC backbone network via PLC and Sub_G, while the downlink data is relayed to the PLC backbone network via PLC, Sub_G, and BLE to isolated nodes and nodes with unstable signals.

[0031] The aforementioned Bluetooth communication component achieves data connectivity with the dual-mode relay communication component via a UART interface. UART, as a mature and universal asynchronous serial communication interface, is simple to use and offers stable transmission, ensuring high-speed and accurate data exchange between the two components. For example, when the dual-mode relay communication component collects operating status data of smart home appliances from the power line, it can quickly transmit this data to the Bluetooth communication component via the UART interface for further processing or outward transmission. The Bluetooth communication component is connected to a BLE antenna, a combination that meets the requirements of short-range, low-power Bluetooth communication. The BLE antenna optimizes the transmission and reception efficiency of Bluetooth signals, enabling the component to communicate efficiently with surrounding Bluetooth devices. In smart building scenarios, it can easily connect to numerous Bluetooth devices such as smart locks, smart bracelets, and Bluetooth speakers, enabling functions such as remote door opening, health data synchronization, and music playback control, creating a convenient and intelligent living experience for users.

[0032] BLE antennas feature a compact design and excellent radiation characteristics, providing stable Bluetooth signal coverage over short distances (typically within 10 meters, depending on the environment). In smart home environments, even with complex room layouts and obstacles such as walls, BLE antennas ensure smooth and uninterrupted Bluetooth connections between smart devices, allowing users to control them with ease.

[0033] Furthermore, the tri-mode signal amplifier also includes: an uplink / downlink network performance indicator component; the uplink / downlink network performance indicator component is connected to the dual-mode relay communication component and displays the network status and performance signals sent by the dual-mode relay communication component.

[0034] In the overall architecture of the tri-mode signal amplifier, the uplink and downlink network performance indicator components play a crucial "visual window" role, greatly facilitating the operation and maintenance of the entire system. Firstly, the internal circuitry and algorithms of the dual-mode relay communication component monitor and analyze network status and performance indicators such as signal strength, transmission rate, bit error rate, and packet latency in real time. When power line carrier communication is involved, the complex and variable power line environment presents various electromagnetic interferences, line attenuation, and instantaneous fluctuations caused by the start-up and shutdown of different electrical equipment. The dual-mode relay communication component can accurately capture the impact of these changes on data transmission and convert them into corresponding status signals. For example, if a high-power motor is connected to the power line, the strong electromagnetic interference generated at the moment of motor startup may cause carrier signal attenuation. In this case, the component will detect the decrease in signal strength and the increase in bit error rate, and generate corresponding network status signals. In the field of wireless radio frequency communication, facing challenges such as obstacles in the surrounding environment, congestion of wireless signal frequency bands, and the Doppler effect caused by the rapid movement of mobile devices, dual-mode relay communication components will continuously track the transmission quality of radio frequency signals and monitor indicators such as signal receiving sensitivity, channel utilization, and transmission stability, thereby generating performance signals that accurately reflect the status of wireless radio frequency communication.

[0035] The uplink and downlink network performance indicator components receive the complex signals sent by the dual-mode relay communication components and present them intuitively. Various display methods are employed; for example, a common four-channel dual-color LED display allows each LED to correspond to different key network indicators. One channel uses a red LED to indicate insufficient uplink signal strength, while green indicates normal. Another channel uses alternating flashing dual colors to indicate whether the current transmission rate has reached a set threshold; rapid flashing indicates a low rate, while slow flashing or a solid green light indicates a satisfactory rate. Through this intuitive visual presentation, maintenance personnel can quickly grasp the overall network operation of the tri-mode signal amplifier without relying on complex professional testing equipment. A simple glance at the indicator components allows them to promptly identify problems such as network congestion, signal interruptions, and slow transmission rates, significantly reducing troubleshooting time and improving maintenance efficiency. Furthermore, in scenarios with extremely high network stability requirements, such as automated production line control in smart factories and real-time transmission of vital sign data in smart hospitals, it ensures the system remains in a reliable operating state, preventing serious consequences such as production stoppages and medical risks caused by network problems.

[0036] Furthermore, the tri-mode signal amplifier also includes: an RS485 conversion chip; and a dual-mode relay communication component that interacts with the host computer via the RS485 conversion chip.

[0037] The dual-mode relay communication component establishes a connection with the host computer via an RS485 conversion chip. It transmits various key data it collects, such as smart meter power consumption data obtained through power line carrier communication, real-time operating status information of various electrical devices, and the location and signal strength of mobile devices linked by wireless radio frequency communication, to the host computer via the RS485 conversion chip. The host computer performs in-depth analysis, processing, and storage of this massive amount of data, generating visualized reports to provide managers with intuitive insights into the system's operational status, aiding in precise decision-making and achieving goals such as optimizing production processes in smart factories and refining energy management in smart buildings.

[0038] On the other hand, the host computer can also send commands to the dual-mode relay communication component via the RS485 conversion chip. For example, on an industrial automated production line, when an abnormality is detected in a certain link of the equipment, the host computer can immediately send control commands, which are transmitted to the dual-mode relay communication component via the RS485 conversion chip. The component then forwards the commands to the target equipment via power line carrier or wireless radio frequency communication, enabling remote troubleshooting, equipment restart, or parameter adjustment, which greatly improves production efficiency and system controllability.

[0039] Furthermore, the dual-mode relay communication component and RS485 conversion chip interact with each other via UART.

[0040] Furthermore, the BLE antenna is a suction cup antenna; the Sub-G antenna is a suction cup antenna.

[0041] like Figure 2 As shown, the main function of the power line carrier communication unit (PLC AFE) is to extract PLC signals from the power line, perform protection and filtering processing, so that subsequent signal processing circuits can accurately receive and interpret the signals. Specifically, the power line carrier communication unit includes an input section, a protection section, and a receiving and filtering section.

[0042] The input section of the power line carrier communication unit includes:

[0043] Capacitors (C15, C37, C61): Marked as 10nF / AC310V, these are AC coupling capacitors used to isolate the DC component of the power line, allowing only AC signals to pass through. They also serve as filters to prevent DC interference from entering subsequent circuits.

[0044] Varistors (RV2, RV3): Model 14D681K, used for overvoltage protection. When a momentary high voltage occurs on the power line, the resistance of the varistor will decrease rapidly, leading the overvoltage to ground and protecting downstream circuit components from damage.

[0045] Transformer (T1-LT07-200): Used for coupling and isolation of power line signals, coupling signals on the power line to the receiving circuit, while achieving electrical isolation, improving circuit safety and anti-interference capability.

[0046] The protection circuit of the power line carrier communication unit includes: a transient voltage suppression diode (TVS1-PSOT12C): the TVS diode is used to protect the circuit from transient overvoltage impacts. When a momentary high voltage pulse occurs, the TVS diode will quickly conduct, clamping the overvoltage within a safe voltage range and protecting subsequent circuits.

[0047] The receiving filter circuit of the power line carrier communication unit includes:

[0048] Resistors (R1, R6, R2, R5, R3, R4): They serve to limit current, divide voltage, and match impedance, adjusting the amplitude and impedance of the signal so that the signal can be transmitted better in the circuit.

[0049] Capacitors (C1, C10, C2, C3, C7, C8, C4, C9, C5, C6) and inductors (L1, L3, L2): form an LC filter network to filter the received signal, remove high-frequency and low-frequency interference signals, and allow only PLC signals within a specific frequency range to pass through, thereby improving the quality of the received signal.

[0050] Schottky diodes (D1, D2-BAT54S): Used for amplitude limiting protection, limiting the signal amplitude between VDD_3V3 and ground to prevent excessive signal voltage from damaging subsequent circuit components. They also provide some rectification and isolation.

[0051] During installation, the aforementioned three-mode signal amplifiers should be installed in each loop; in larger areas, they should be installed in the center of the area. After installation and power-on debugging, the entire system is needed to assist in determining whether installation is necessary and where to install it. After running for a period of time, each node should be able to determine whether it is a faulty node. The master station should add network diagnostic functions, broadcasting to each node to report whether it is a good or bad node. This allows amplifiers to be added next to faulty nodes. After the system is running, new faulty nodes may appear, requiring amplifiers to be added next to them. The principle for adding amplifiers is to add them tier by tier, generally from lower to higher levels.

[0052] Accordingly, please refer to Figure 3A second aspect of this utility model provides a power line carrier communication system, comprising: a plurality of the above-mentioned tri-mode signal amplifiers, a plurality of Bluetooth communication nodes and a plurality of dual-mode communication nodes; the tri-mode signal amplifiers, Bluetooth communication nodes and dual-mode communication nodes are all connected in series on the power line; the Bluetooth communication nodes and dual-mode communication nodes are all data-connected to the tri-mode signal amplifiers.

[0053] In the aforementioned power line carrier communication system, when a Bluetooth node is isolated (i.e., the surrounding Bluetooth signal is very poor), a tri-mode signal amplifier can be connected. This amplifier enables communication with surrounding Bluetooth and dual-mode nodes, amplifying the wireless signal. Similarly, when a dual-mode node is isolated, a tri-mode signal amplifier can be connected to communicate with surrounding dual-mode nodes (supporting HPLC and BLE). The tri-mode signal amplifiers can also communicate with each other via power line carrier, radio frequency communication, or Bluetooth, extending the range of power line carrier and wireless communication signals. By adding tri-mode signal amplifiers to the network, the signal isolation problem in heterogeneous networks can be flexibly solved.

[0054] The power line carrier communication system constructed in this invention presents a highly integrated and innovative intelligent communication architecture, aiming to comprehensively meet the needs of today's complex and ever-changing intelligent scenarios, especially playing a key role in fields such as smart buildings and smart factories. Several tri-mode signal amplifiers are connected in series on the power line, cooperating and complementing each other. On the one hand, each amplifier independently handles the communication needs of equipment within its assigned area; on the other hand, they are interconnected through RS485 interfaces to build a large-scale communication network with wide coverage and smooth information flow, enabling data aggregation, sharing, and collaborative processing. Whether it's intelligent lighting control across floors or equipment linkage within a large factory workshop, interconnectivity can be achieved.

[0055] Both Bluetooth and dual-mode communication nodes are connected to the tri-mode signal amplifier, enabling unified allocation and management of various nodes within the system. Whether receiving user commands from Bluetooth communication nodes or aggregating environmental data collected by dual-mode communication nodes, the tri-mode signal amplifier integrates and processes the information, distributing it according to preset rules or host computer instructions. This ensures the efficient and orderly operation of the entire power line carrier communication system, ultimately creating an intelligent, convenient, and highly reliable user environment.

[0056] This utility model aims to protect a tri-mode signal amplifier and a power line carrier communication system. The tri-mode signal amplifier includes: a dual-mode relay communication component, a Bluetooth communication component, a BLE antenna, and a Sub-G antenna. The dual-mode relay communication component includes a power line carrier communication unit and a wireless radio frequency communication unit. The power line carrier communication unit is connected to a three-phase power line, and the wireless radio frequency communication unit is connected to the Sub-G antenna. The Bluetooth communication component communicates with the dual-mode relay communication component via a UART interface and is connected to the BLE antenna. The above technical solution has the following advantages:

[0057] 1. By integrating dual-mode relay communication components and incorporating Bluetooth communication, data transmission is achieved using existing three-phase power line resources, while also taking into account the flexibility of wireless radio frequency communication. This breaks the limitations of a single communication mode, adapts to complex smart buildings and other multi-network environments, and solves the problem of isolated communication nodes.

[0058] 2. The RS485 conversion chip gives the dual-mode relay communication component powerful connectivity, allowing it to connect to a host computer to facilitate remote centralized management and control, enabling real-time acquisition, analysis, and command issuance of large-scale data, and adapting to building layouts of different sizes and complexities, such as large commercial complexes and multi-story industrial plants.

[0059] 3. The BLE and Sub-G antennas are suction cup antennas, which make full use of the adsorption properties of metal surfaces. No complicated drilling or wiring is required during installation. The position can be quickly adjusted as needed to accurately optimize signal coverage. Whether in narrow corridors, high ceilings or densely packed equipment rooms, they can ensure good signal transmission and reception, reducing installation difficulty and cost.

[0060] It should be understood that the specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative or explanatory of the principles of this utility model and do not constitute a limitation thereof. Therefore, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made without departing from the spirit and scope of this utility model should be included within its protection scope. Furthermore, the appended claims are intended to cover all variations and modifications falling within the scope and boundaries of the appended claims, or equivalent forms of such scope and boundaries.

Claims

1. A tri-mode signal amplifier, characterized in that, include: Dual-mode relay communication component, Bluetooth communication component, BLE antenna and Sub-G antenna; The dual-mode relay communication component includes a power line carrier communication unit and a wireless radio frequency communication unit. The power line carrier communication unit is connected to a three-phase power line, and the wireless radio frequency communication unit is connected to the Sub-G antenna. The Bluetooth communication component is connected to the dual-mode relay communication component via a UART interface, and the Bluetooth communication component is connected to the BLE antenna.

2. The tri-mode signal amplifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes: uplink and downlink network performance indicator components; The uplink and downlink network performance indicator component is connected to the dual-mode relay communication component and displays the network status and performance signals sent by the dual-mode relay communication component.

3. The tri-mode signal amplifier according to claim 2, characterized in that, The uplink and downlink network performance indicator component is a 4-channel dual-color LED display.

4. The tri-mode signal amplifier according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: RS485 conversion chip; The dual-mode relay communication component interacts with the host computer via the RS485 conversion chip.

5. The tri-mode signal amplifier according to claim 4, characterized in that, The dual-mode relay communication component and the RS485 conversion chip interact with each other via UART.

6. The tri-mode signal amplifier according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The BLE antenna is a suction cup antenna; The Sub-G antenna is a suction cup antenna.

7. A power line carrier communication system, characterized in that, include: The plurality of tri-mode signal amplifiers as described in any one of claims 1-6 further include a plurality of Bluetooth communication nodes and a plurality of dual-mode communication nodes; The tri-mode signal amplifier, the Bluetooth communication node, and the dual-mode communication node are all connected in series on the power line; Both the Bluetooth communication node and the dual-mode communication node are connected to the tri-mode signal amplifier via data communication.

8. The power line carrier communication system according to claim 7, characterized in that, Any two of the three-mode signal amplifiers can communicate with each other via power line carrier, wireless radio frequency communication, or Bluetooth communication.