Circuit arrangement for limiting a voltage for a communication device connected to a communication line

Abstract

Circuit arrangement (10) for limiting an electrical voltage for a communication device (14) connected to a communication line (12), comprising: - a first terminal (16) for connection to the communication line (12), and - a second terminal (18) for electrically coupling the communication device (14), wherein the circuit arrangement (10) is designed to detect an electrical potential of the electrical voltage on the communication line (12), to compare it with a predeterminable reference potential and, in an operating state in which an amount of the detected electrical potential is less than the reference potential, to provide a first electrical resistance, and, in a limiting state in which the amount of the detected electrical potential is greater than the reference potential, to provide a second electrical resistance, wherein the second electrical resistance is greater than the first electrical resistance, wherein the circuit arrangement (10) comprises at least two transistors (20, 22) whose control paths are electrically coupled to one another in anti-serial fashion, wherein the first terminal (16) and the second terminal (18) are electrically coupled to one another via the control paths, and wherein the circuit arrangement (10) is designed to apply at least one control signal to control electrodes (24, 26) of the transistors (20, 22) depending on a comparison, thereby characterized in that the control paths of the two transistors (20, 22) are electrically connected to one another via at least two electrical resistors (50, 62), wherein a connection point of the two resistors (50, 62) is connected to the control electrodes (24, 26) of the transistors (20, 22) via a further resistor (52).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a circuit arrangement for limiting an electrical voltage for a communication device connected to a communication line. Furthermore, the invention relates to a communication line having at least one electrical conductor and a communication device having a communication connection for a communication line. Finally, the invention also relates to a communication system having a communication device having a communication connection for a communication line and a communication line electrically coupled to the communication connection.

[0002] Circuit arrangements, communication lines, communication devices, and communication systems are generally known. Communication lines serve to electrically couple communication devices to one another in such a way that data can be exchanged between the communication devices connected to the communication line using a suitable communication signal.

[0003] The communication line can be formed by an electrical line, whereby the communication line typically comprises at least two electrical lines. A time-varying electrical voltage is typically applied between the at least two electrical lines of the communication line, whereby the temporal profile of the electrical voltage depends specifically on the data to be transmitted. This forms a communication signal. The communication signal can, in particular, be a digital signal.

[0004] The transmission of the communication signal, especially the data, which can be digital data, can be regulated according to specified standards, such as ISO 11898 for a Controller Area Network (CAN). However, other communication standards are also in use, such as the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) standard in the field of lighting technology, which is used, for example, for building lighting systems and is standardized according to IEC 62386. In addition, a variety of other standards can of course also be used.

[0005] In order to evaluate or ensure the intended function of a communications system, certain tests may be performed on the communications system. These tests are designed to influence the communications system and ensure that the system remains operational after the impact. This is intended, among other things, to simulate stress events that may occur during intended operation in an undesirable manner but are generally not intended to damage the communications system.

[0006] For example, the ISO 16845-2 standard regarding the CAN standard requires that a two-pole communication line in a 24V system or in a 48V system should be subjected to a common-mode voltage of approximately +60V or -60V for a specified period of time, in this case approximately half a minute, without causing damage to the communication system.

[0007] Since many CAN communication devices are not designed for such stress, a protection circuit is often proposed that is connected to the at least two electrical lines of the two-pole communication line. Typically, an electrical current is detected, compared with a predetermined reference current, and, if the detected current is greater than the reference current, the protection circuit interrupts at least one of the electrical lines of the communication line to reduce or prevent the effects of an undesirably high voltage.

[0008] It is also possible to design the communication device in such a way that it can withstand the aforementioned voltage effects. However, this is expensive and complex. Furthermore, it is also possible to provide a PTC resistor as a protective element. This resistor is connected in series with the electrical wires of the communication line and, when exposed to the aforementioned DC voltage, increases its electrical resistance accordingly to reduce the effects caused by this DC voltage.

[0009] Furthermore, WO 2004 / 042 950 A1 discloses a protective circuit for protecting against overvoltage for a CAN bus transceiver. This protective circuit is intended for a CAN bus transceiver designed for a first vehicle electrical system, which is operated in a second vehicle electrical system with a vehicle electrical system voltage several times higher than that of the first vehicle electrical system. As a result, this protective circuit provides only unipolar protection. Furthermore, the protective circuit is very complex and expensive. Furthermore, DE 37 35 511 A1 discloses a voltage surge protection circuit.

[0010] The invention is based on the object of being able to realize an overall improved protective function with preferably reduced expenditure.

[0011] As a solution, the invention proposes a circuit arrangement, a communication line, a communication device and also a communication system according to the independent claims.

[0012] Advantageous further training results from features of the dependent claims.

[0013] A first aspect of the invention relates to a circuit arrangement for limiting an electrical voltage for a communication device connected to a communication line, comprising a first terminal for connection to the communication line and a second terminal for electrically coupling the communication device. The circuit arrangement is designed to detect an electrical potential of the electrical voltage on the communication line, to compare it with a predefinable reference potential, and to provide a first electrical resistance in an operating state in which an amount of the detected electrical potential is less than the reference potential, and to provide a second electrical resistance in a limiting state in which the amount of the detected electrical potential is greater than the reference potential, wherein the second electrical resistance is greater than the first electrical resistance.Typically, the first electrical resistance is a small electrical resistance, and the second electrical resistance is a large electrical resistance. The circuit arrangement comprises at least two transistors whose control paths are electrically coupled to one another in antiserial. The terminals, i.e., the first terminal and the second terminal, are electrically coupled to one another via the control paths. The circuit arrangement is configured to apply at least one control signal to control electrodes of the transistors depending on a comparison of the electrical potential of the electrical voltage on the communication line with the predeterminable reference potential.

[0014] According to the first aspect of the invention, the control paths of the two transistors are electrically connected to one another via at least two electrical resistors, wherein a connection point of the two resistors is connected to the control electrodes of the transistors via a further resistor.

[0015] A second aspect of the invention relates to a communication line having at least one electrical conductor, wherein the at least one electrical conductor is formed by at least two partial conductors electrically coupled to one another, wherein the at least two partial conductors are electrically coupled to a circuit arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0016] A further aspect of the invention relates to a communication device having a communication port for a communication line, wherein the communication port has a circuit arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0017] Another aspect of the invention relates to a communication system with a communication device having a communication port, and a communication line electrically coupled to the communication port, wherein the communication device or the communication line is designed according to one of the aforementioned aspects of the invention.

[0018] The invention is based on the idea that a voltage-limiting functionality can be achieved by means of the anti-serially coupled control paths, via which the terminals of the circuit arrangement, i.e., the first terminal and the second terminal, are electrically coupled to one another, so that the communication device can be protected from unwanted voltage effects. It proves advantageous that, due to the anti-serially coupled control paths, the polarity of the electrical voltage is not important. Furthermore, this circuit structure allows the first and second terminals to be interchanged without any loss of protection.Rather, the circuit arrangement according to the invention allows for a particularly simple design because, in the simplest case, the circuit arrangement only requires the first and second terminals, which can be selectively coupled to the communication line or the communication device. This is, of course, particularly advantageous for retrofitting, as it allows for particularly simple installation.

[0019] Furthermore, the circuit arrangement according to the invention allows a protective function with respect to a respective individual electrical line of the communication line. If, for example, the communication line has two electrical lines, as is usually provided, a separate circuit arrangement according to the invention can be provided for each of the electrical lines. If several electrical lines are comprised by the communication line, for example in communication lines for parallel interfaces, a circuit arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention can be provided for each of the individual electrical lines. These circuit arrangements do not need to be electrically connected to one another. The invention can therefore be provided and, in particular, retrofitted in a simple manner even in complex communication systems.

[0020] The first terminal and the second terminal can be formed by electromechanical connecting means such as terminals, plug-in connectors, screw connectors, and / or the like. Of course, the first terminal and / or the second terminal can also be formed by a soldered connection, a crimp connection, combinations thereof, and / or the like.

[0021] The circuit arrangement can, in particular, be a separately manageable assembly, which can preferably be provided as a tested unit. Naturally, the circuit arrangement can be designed not only for a single electrical line of the communication line, but can also be designed to simultaneously protect two or more electrical lines of the communication line. This allows for a higher integration density and, where appropriate, cost advantages.

[0022] The circuit arrangement can be formed by discrete electronic components. It can, of course, also be formed at least partially by an integrated circuit (IC) or the like. It is also possible to provide a combination of these.

[0023] The circuit arrangement preferably provides at least two operating states: the normal operating state, in which the detected electrical potential is lower than the reference potential, and the limiting state, in which the detected electrical potential is higher than the reference potential. The magnitude of the electrical potential is preferably used as a reference. Therefore, the polarity is not important. Depending on this comparison function, a suitable control signal can then be applied to the control electrodes of the semiconductor elements to adjust the conductivity of the control paths in order to implement the desired limiting functionality.

[0024] The transistors can be formed, for example, by bipolar transistors, in particular, for example, isolated gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs), or by field-effect transistors, preferably metal oxide semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) or the like. The dielectric strength of the transistors is selected appropriately so that the intended voltage-limiting functionality can be reliably achieved with the circuit arrangement according to the invention. It can be particularly advantageous to provide identical transistors for the series connection. This allows a symmetrical load capacity of the circuit arrangement to be achieved during intended operation.

[0025] In bipolar transistors, the control electrodes can be base terminals or gate terminals. In field-effect transistors, the control terminals can be gate terminals. Preferably, the control electrodes are jointly supplied with a single control signal. In alternative embodiments, however, separate control signals can also be provided for the control electrodes of the transistors.

[0026] The control path of a transistor is usually the path whose electrical conductivity can be adjusted as desired using the control electrode. In a bipolar transistor, the control path is usually a collector-emitter path. In a field-effect transistor, however, the control path is usually a drain-source path.

[0027] In bipolar transistors, the reference electrodes can be their emitter terminals. In field-effect transistors, the reference electrodes can be their source terminals. The reference electrodes can be directly electrically connected to one another. Furthermore, indirect electrical coupling can of course also be provided, for example, by connecting one or more electrical components, such as electrical resistors or the like, between the reference electrodes.

[0028] The circuit arrangement is designed to detect an electrical current and to provide the at least one control signal additionally as a function of the detected electrical current. The electrical current is preferably detected by at least one of the control paths which are electrically coupled to one another in anti-serial fashion. However, the electrical current can also be detected at one of the two terminals of the circuit arrangement, i.e. at the first terminal or at the second terminal. This makes it possible, for example, to simultaneously implement a current-limiting functionality as a function of the applied electrical voltage or the applied electrical potential in order to reduce power loss in the transistors or the respectively active transistor. This preferably makes it possible to achieve fold-back behavior of the circuit arrangement.The current can be detected, for example, by means of a suitable electrical resistor, in particular for a respective one of the transistors, wherein the respective electrical resistor is preferably connected in series with the respective reference electrode of the respective transistor. Of course, other possibilities for detecting the electrical current and using it to provide the at least one control signal can also be provided.

[0029] It is further proposed that the reference electrodes of the transistors be electrically coupled to each other. This allows for a simple anti-serial electrical coupling of the control paths of the transistors.

[0030] Preferably, a respective inverse diode is connected in parallel with each control path of the transistors. If MOSFETs are used as transistors, in which a substrate is already electrically connected to the source terminal within the transistor, the inverse diode can also be omitted.

[0031] It is further proposed that the control electrodes be electrically connected to one another. Preferably, they are directly electrically connected to one another so that they are subjected to the same electrical potential. This allows for a simple, symmetrical control of the transistors.

[0032] It is further proposed that the circuit arrangement be configured to operate the transistors in a switching mode. Switching mode has the advantage that, in the event of an electrical voltage or electrical potential greater than a rated voltage or rated potential, the communication device can be completely protected from any voltage application. This also allows for reliable suppression of effects due to highly dynamic processes such as transients or the like.

[0033] The switching operation of the transistor means that in an on-state, a very low electrical resistance, or forward resistance, is provided between the terminals of the transistor forming the switching path, so that a high current flow is possible at a low forward voltage. In the off-state, however, the switching path of the transistor has a high impedance, i.e., it provides a high electrical resistance, so that even with a high voltage applied to the switching path, there is essentially no current flow, or only a very low, in particular negligible, current flow. The control path, therefore, forms the switching path. This differs from linear operation, in which intermediate states can be assumed almost continuously.

[0034] It is further proposed that the circuit arrangement comprise a control transistor connected to the control electrodes of the transistors, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured to provide the at least one control signal by means of the control transistor. The control transistor makes it easy to control the control electrodes as desired. At the same time, the control transistor can also support or implement fold-back behavior. Overall, this configuration enables the functionality of the circuit arrangement to be further improved. The control transistor does not need to meet the requirements of the transistors in terms of its load capacity. Rather, it can be designed for a significantly lower voltage load capacity and also for a significantly lower power.

[0035] It is further proposed that the circuit arrangement comprise two diodes connected in anti-serial fashion to the terminals, i.e., the first terminal and the second terminal, with a junction of the diodes being electrically coupled to a control electrode of the control transistor. The diodes enable polarity-independent control of the control electrode of the control transistor and thus also of the control electrodes of the transistors. Overall, this results in a particularly simple circuit structure that also allows for high reliability.

[0036] It is further proposed that the circuit arrangement comprise an electrical capacitor connected to the terminals, i.e., the first terminal and the second terminal. The capacitor makes it possible to ensure ESD protection, particularly when the transistors are in the off state. The capacitor is thus connected in parallel to the control paths of the transistors, which are electrically coupled in anti-serial fashion, and, if applicable, to the anti-serially connected diodes.

[0037] It is further proposed that the circuit arrangement has a housing on which the connections, i.e. the first connection and the second connection, are arranged. The housing preferably surrounds the entire circuit arrangement, so that it is preferably protected from external influences. The connections, i.e. the first connection and the second connection, are formed or arranged on the housing so that the circuit arrangement can be connected in the desired manner. The housing can also ensure that the circuit arrangement is implemented as an individually handleable assembly. The housing can be made of a plastic or a metal, for example.

[0038] According to a further development, it is proposed that the circuit arrangement has an energy source. This is preferably a dedicated energy source for the circuit arrangement, which can be formed, for example, by a battery, in particular an accumulator, but also by a device for energy harvesting and / or the like. As a result, the circuit arrangement does not require a separate connection to an external energy source for its intended operation. Particularly advantageously, the circuit arrangement can be designed such that it requires only very little electrical energy for its intended operation. Due to the low energy requirement, it is possible to provide the circuit arrangement with its own energy source, which is designed for its intended operation. Therefore, no separate connections for the purpose of supplying energy need to be provided.In addition, there is of course the possibility that the energy source also has a unit that allows energy to be generated from the intended operation during normal operation.

[0039] With regard to the communication line, it can further be provided that the at least one electrical conductor is formed by at least two partial conductors that are electrically coupled to one another, wherein the at least two partial conductors are electrically coupled to a circuit arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention. As a result, the circuit arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention can be arranged integrated into the communication line. The circuit arrangement can, for example, be arranged at one end of the communication line, preferably at an end that can be electrically coupled to the communication line. Furthermore, further modifications thereof can also be provided. The circuit arrangement is preferably formed integrally with the communication line.

[0040] With respect to a communication device, the circuit arrangement can be encompassed by the communication port. For example, the circuit arrangement can be integrated into the communication port. This eliminates the need for a separate housing or the like for the circuit arrangement. At the same time, the communication device can also provide a suitable power supply for the circuit arrangement if necessary. The advantages and effects stated for the circuit arrangement according to the first aspect of the invention also apply equally to the communication line, to the communication device and to the communication system according to the further aspects of the invention and vice versa.

[0041] An exemplary embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to the accompanying figures. In the figures, identical reference numerals denote identical features and functions. Shown are: Fig. 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication system with a circuit arrangement connected to a CAN communication device and to a CAN bus; and Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram of a circuit arrangement as shown in Fig. 1 is used.

[0042] The exemplary embodiment explained below is a preferred embodiment of the invention. In the exemplary embodiment, the described components of the embodiment each represent individual, independently considered features of the invention, which also further develop the invention independently of one another and are thus also to be considered as components of the invention, either individually or in a combination other than that shown. Furthermore, the described embodiment can also be supplemented by further features of the invention already described. The scope of protection is determined solely by the patent claims.

[0043] In the figures, functionally identical elements are provided with the same reference numerals.

[0044] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of a communication system 44. The communication system 44 has a communication device 14, which in this case is formed by a CAN transceiver. The communication device 14 further has a communication port 42, which is designed as a two-pole connector for connection to a CAN bus provided by a communication line 12, which in this case is designed as a two-pole connector. A corresponding protective device 46 is connected to the communication port 42 for the purpose of ESD protection.

[0045] Each of the two electrical lines of the communication line 12 is connected to the two terminals of the communication port 42 via a respective circuit arrangement 10, which will be explained below.

[0046] In the area where the communication line 12 connects to the circuit arrangement 10, a resistor-capacitor network (not provided with a reference symbol) is also connected, which establishes an electrical connection to a ground potential 48 in a known manner. The communication system 44 is arranged in a motor vehicle (not shown in detail). In this case, the ground potential 48 is a motor vehicle ground.

[0047] By means of the circuit arrangements 10, a protective function is effected with respect to electrical voltages on the communication line 12 that are greater than a rated voltage of the communication device 14.

[0048] Fig. 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of one of the two circuit arrangements 10. The circuit arrangements 10 of the Fig. 1 are identical in design.

[0049] The circuit arrangement 10 according to Fig.2 has a first terminal 16 for connecting to the communication line 12. In the present embodiment, in which the communication line 12 is bipolar, a terminal is provided on one of the electrical lines of the communication line 12. Furthermore, the circuit arrangement 10 has a second terminal 18, which serves to electrically couple the communication device 14 and is therefore connected to one of the two terminals of the communication port 42.

[0050] Furthermore, the terminals 16, 18 are connected to each other via an electrical capacitor 40, which in this case has a capacitance of approximately 22 nF.

[0051] The circuit arrangement 10 further comprises two transistors 20, 22, whose control paths are electrically coupled to one another in antiserial fashion. The terminals 16, 18 are electrically coupled to one another via the control paths. The transistors 20, 22 are each embodied as MOSFETs. Source terminals, which form reference electrodes 28, 30 of the transistors 20, 22, are electrically connected to one another via respective electrical resistors 50, 62. Drain terminals of the transistors 20, 22 are correspondingly connected to the respective terminals 16, 18. As a result, the transistors 20, 22 are connected to one another in antiserial fashion.

[0052] Control electrodes 24, 26 of transistors 20, 22, here their gate terminals, are electrically connected to each other so that they can be supplied with the same electrical control signal for controlling the respective control path of transistors 20, 22. Each of transistors 20, 22 has an inverse diode connected in parallel to its respective control path, integrated into the respective transistors 20, 22.

[0053] A control transistor 32 is also connected to the control electrodes 24, 26 of the transistors 20, 22, wherein the circuit arrangement 10 is configured to provide the control signal by means of the control transistor 32. For this purpose, the control transistor 32 is designed as an NPN transistor, whose emitter terminal is connected to a connection point of the electrical resistors 50, 62. A collector terminal of the control transistor 32 is electrically coupled to the control electrodes 24, 26 of the transistors 20, 22. The control paths of transistors 20, 22 can be switched on via two series-connected electrical resistors 52, 54, which, by means of a voltage supply 56, apply a predetermined electrical potential to the control electrodes 24, 26 relative to their reference electrodes 28, 30. Within a normal operating state, in which an electrical potential of the electrical voltage on communication line 12 is smaller in magnitude than a reference potential, a small electrical resistance is thus provided by circuit arrangement 10, regardless of the polarity of the electrical voltage.

[0054] A base terminal 38 of the control transistor 32 is connected via a series circuit of two electrical resistors 58, 60 to a junction of two anti-serially connected diodes 34, 36, which in turn are connected via anode terminals to the respective terminals 16, 18. If the detected electrical potential exceeds a predeterminable reference potential, a control path of the control transistor 32 becomes conductive, thus reducing the electrical potential at the control electrodes 24, 26 of the transistors 20, 22, so that a high electrical resistance is provided. This corresponds to a limiting state.

[0055] In the limiting state, the electrical resistors 50, 62 act in addition, allowing the electrical current to be detected, so that, in conjunction with the functionality of the control transistor 32, a fold-back characteristic can be generated. This can reduce electrical power loss at the transistors 20, 22 in the limiting state. If field-effect transistors are also used for the transistors 20, 22, whose control electrodes 24, 26 are directly connected to one another, the circuit is also suitable for highly dynamic processes. The circuit responds so quickly that the current and thus, for example, the power loss of the transistors can reach its maximum value within typically 100 ns and then decrease. This supports the use of comparatively small components to implement the shutdown function.

[0056] If the transistors 20, 22 are in an off switching state, ESD protection can be achieved by means of the capacitor 40.

[0057] By means of the electrical resistors 50, 62, an electrical current can thus be detected and used to provide the control signal for the control electrodes 24, 26.

[0058] The embodiment serves solely to explain the invention and is not intended to limit it.

[0059] Overall, the exemplary embodiment demonstrates how the invention can limit an electrical voltage for a communication device connected to a communication line. The types of transistors proposed in the exemplary embodiment can, of course, be selected differently if necessary. For example, bipolar transistors can also be used instead of field-effect transistors. It is also possible to replace the control transistor with a PNP transistor or even with a field-effect transistor. In this case, only appropriate adjustments to the circuit arrangement are required. The functionality of the invention is not impaired by this. List of reference symbols 10 Circuit arrangement 12 Communication line 14 Communication device 16 connection 18 connection 20 transistors 22 transistors 24 Control electrode 26 Control electrode 28 Reference electrode 30 Reference electrode 32 control transistor 34 Diode 36 diodes 38 Basic connection 40 Capacitor 42 Communication port 44 Communication system 46 Protective device 48 Ground potential 50 electrical resistance 52 electrical resistance 54 electrical resistance 56 Power supply 58 electrical resistance 60 electrical resistance 62 electrical resistance

Claims

[1] Circuit arrangement (10) for limiting an electrical voltage for a communication device (14) connected to a communication line (12), comprising: - a first terminal (16) for connection to the communication line (12), and - a second terminal (18) for electrically coupling the communication device (14), wherein the circuit arrangement (10) is designed to detect an electrical potential of the electrical voltage on the communication line (12), to compare it with a predeterminable reference potential and, in an operating state in which an amount of the detected electrical potential is less than the reference potential, to provide a first electrical resistance, and, in a limiting state in which the amount of the detected electrical potential is greater than the reference potential, to provide a second electrical resistance, wherein the second electrical resistance is greater than the first electrical resistance, wherein the circuit arrangement (10) comprises at least two transistors (20, 22) whose control paths are electrically coupled to one another in anti-serial fashion, wherein the first terminal (16) and the second terminal (18) are electrically coupled to one another via the control paths, and wherein the circuit arrangement (10) is designed to apply at least one control signal to control electrodes (24, 26) of the transistors (20, 22) depending on a comparison, thereby characterized in that the control paths of the two transistors (20, 22) are electrically connected to one another via at least two electrical resistors (50, 62), wherein a connection point of the two resistors (50, 62) is connected to the control electrodes (24, 26) of the transistors (20, 22) via a further resistor (52). [2] Circuit arrangement (10) according to claim 1, wherein reference electrodes (28, 30) of the transistors (20, 22) are electrically coupled to one another. [3] Circuit arrangement (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control electrodes (24, 26) are electrically connected to one another. [4] Circuit arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit arrangement (10) is designed to operate the transistors (20, 22) in a switching mode. [5] Circuit arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit arrangement (10) has a control transistor (32) connected to the control electrodes (24, 26) of the transistors (20, 22), wherein the circuit arrangement (10) is designed to provide the at least one control signal by means of the control transistor (32). [6] Circuit arrangement (10) according to claim 5, wherein the circuit arrangement (10) comprises two diodes (34, 36) connected in anti-serial fashion to the first terminal (16) and the second terminal (18), wherein a junction of the diodes (34, 36) is electrically coupled to a control electrode (38) of the control transistor (32). [7] Circuit arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit arrangement (10) comprises an electrical capacitor (40) connected to the first terminal (16) and the second terminal (18). [8] Circuit arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit arrangement (10) comprises a housing on which the first terminal (16) and the second terminal (18) are arranged. [9] Circuit arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the circuit arrangement (10) comprises an energy source. [10] Communication line (12) with at least one electrical conductor, characterized by that the at least one electrical conductor is formed by at least two partial conductors electrically coupled to one another, wherein the at least two partial conductors are electrically coupled to a circuit arrangement (10) according to one of the preceding claims. [11] Communication line (12) according to claim 10, characterized by that the circuit arrangement (10) is formed integrally with the communication line (12). [12] Communication device (14) with a communication connection (42) for a communication line (12), characterized by that the communication port (42) has a circuit arrangement (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9. [13] Communication system (44) with: - a communication device (14) having a communication port (42), and - a communication line (12) electrically coupled to the communication port (42), characterized by that the communication device (14) is designed according to claim 12 or the communication line (12) is designed according to one of claims 10 or 11.

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