communication equipment

Abstract

To provide a communication device capable of suppressing a circuit scale and reducing costs.SOLUTION: A communication device has: a coupler connected to a first cable and a second cable, and having a contact at which the first cable and the second cable blanch; a communication circuit to be connected to the coupler; and a housing for accommodating the coupler and the communication circuit. The coupler outputs a signal of a wired communication system output from the communication circuit to the first cable and the second cable, transmits the signal of the wired communication system to a first communication device connected to the cable through the first cable and a cable connected to the first cable, and transmits the signal of the wired communication system to a second communication device through the second cable and an antenna connected to the second cable.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a communication device. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a watt-hour meter that includes a power line communication circuit and a wireless communication circuit and is capable of communicating using two communication methods: power line communication (PLC) and wireless communication. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-010250 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the watt-hour meter of Patent Document 1 has a problem in that it is costly because it includes two circuits, a power line communication circuit and a wireless communication circuit.

[0005] Non-limiting examples of the present disclosure contribute to providing a communication device that can reduce circuit scale and costs. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] A communication device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a coupler connected to a cable to which a first communication device that communicates based on a wired communication method is connected, a communication circuit connected to the coupler, and an antenna connected to the coupler, which radiates a signal of the wired communication method to a second communication device and receives the signal of the wired communication method from the second communication device, wherein the coupler outputs the signal of the wired communication method output from the communication circuit to the cable and the antenna, outputs the signal of the wired communication method received by the antenna to the communication circuit and the cable, and outputs the signal of the wired communication method received from the cable to the communication circuit and the antenna.

[0007] These comprehensive or specific aspects may be realized as a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, or a recording medium, or may be realized as any combination of a system, an apparatus, a method, an integrated circuit, a computer program, and a recording medium. [Effects of the Invention]

[0008] According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, a communication device can reduce the circuit scale and costs.

[0009] Further advantages and benefits of an embodiment of the present disclosure will become apparent from the specification and drawings. Such advantages and / or benefits may be provided by some of the embodiments and features described in the specification and drawings, respectively, but not necessarily all of them may be provided to obtain one or more identical features. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a communication system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of a communication device. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a block configuration of a communication device. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a block configuration of a communication device. [Figure 5] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a terminal charging system according to a second embodiment. [Figure 6] Diagram showing an example of the block configuration of a charger and terminal [Figure 7] Top view of the antenna and charger coil of the communication device [Figure 8] Top view of the antenna and terminal coil of the communication device [Figure 9] Top view of each antenna when the device is placed on the charger [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a mobility charging system according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] Diagram showing an example of the block configuration of a mobility charging system [Figure 12] Sequence diagram showing an example of authentication processing in a mobility charging system [Figure 13] Sequence diagram explaining an example of PLC signal relay processing [Figure 14] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of relay processing in a communication device of a station. [Figure 15] Diagram showing other block configuration examples of mobility charging systems [Figure 16] Diagram showing other block configuration examples of mobility charging systems [Figure 17] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a mobility charging system according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 18A] Diagram explaining an example of PLC signal bandwidth [Figure 18B] Diagram explaining an example of PLC signal bandwidth [Figure 18C] Diagram explaining an example of PLC signal bandwidth [Figure 19] Flowchart showing an example of channel setting operation of the communication device of an e-scooter [Figure 20] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a mobility charging system according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 21] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a mobility charging system according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 22]FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PLC network according to a seventh embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. However, more detailed explanation than necessary may be omitted. For example, detailed explanation of already well-known matters or redundant explanation of substantially identical configurations may be omitted. This is to avoid unnecessary redundancy in the following explanation and to facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art.

[0012] The accompanying drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0013] (First embodiment) Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a communication system 1 according to a first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 1, the communication system 1 includes communication devices 11 to 13. The communication device 11 includes a PLC unit 21, a coupler 22a, and an antenna 23. The communication device 13 includes a PLC unit 13a and an antenna 13c.

[0014] The PLC unit 21 of the communication device 11 and the PLC unit 13a of the communication device 13 perform communication based on PLC. The communication device 12 also includes a PLC unit (not shown) and performs communication based on PLC.

[0015] The communication device 11 and the communication device 12 are connected to a cable CA1. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication device 11 is connected to the cable CA1 via a coupler 22a of the communication device 11. The cable CA1 may be a DC power line or an AC power line. The cable CA1 may also be a communication line.

[0016] As indicated by the dotted arrow A1, the communication device 11 and the communication device 12 perform PLC via the coupler 22a of the communication device 11 and the cable CA1. That is, the communication device 11 and the communication device 12 perform wired PLC.

[0017] As indicated by dotted arrow A2, communication device 11 and communication device 13 perform PLC via coupler 22a of communication device 11, antenna 23 of communication device 11, and antenna 13c of communication device 13. In other words, communication device 11 and communication device 13 perform wireless PLC.

[0018] The antenna 23 included in the communication device 11 is configured with a coil. The antenna 13c included in the communication device 13 is also configured with a coil. The communication devices 11 and 13 perform short-range wireless communication by magnetic field coupling via the coil, and the wireless communication distance is, for example, several centimeters to several tens of centimeters. The coil configuration of the antenna 23 is basically N turns, where N is 1 or more.

[0019] The communication device 12 and the communication device 13 perform PLC via a cable CA1, a coupler 22a of the communication device 11, an antenna 23 of the communication device 11, and an antenna 13c of the communication device 13, as indicated by a dotted arrow A3.

[0020] When communication device 12 and communication device 13 communicate with each other, communication device 11 can be regarded as a bridge device. That is, communication device 11 can be regarded as a bridge device that bridges the PLC between communication device 12, which is a wired communication device, and communication device 13, which is a wireless communication device. Therefore, when communication device 12, which is a wired communication device, is to communicate with communication device 13, which is a wireless communication device, communication device 12 can be connected to communication device 11 via cable CA1. This enables communication device 12, which is a wired communication device, to communicate wirelessly via communication device 11.

[0021] As described above, the communication devices 11 and 13 communicate with each other via short-range wireless communication via the coil. That is, the communication devices 11 and 13 transmit and receive PLC signals directly (as is) via the coil. That is, the communication device 11 transmits PLC signals to the communication device 13 without including a wireless circuit such as an upconverter. The communication device 11 receives PLC signals from the communication device 13 without including a wireless circuit such as a downconverter. For example, the communication devices 11 and 12 receive PLC signals transmitted (radiated) by the communication device 13 (PLC unit 13a) via the antenna 13c via the antenna 23 and the coupler 22a. The antenna 23 receives the PLC signals transmitted (radiated) by the communication device 13 (PLC unit 13a) via the antenna 13c and outputs the received PLC signals to the PLC unit 21 and the cable CA1. In other words, the antenna 23 relays the PLC signals transmitted (radiated) by the communication device 13 (PLC unit 13a) via the antenna 13c to the PLC unit 21 and the cable CA1.

[0022] Furthermore, the communication device 12 is connected to the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 via the cable CA1 and the coupler 22a of the communication device 11. Therefore, the communication devices 12 and 13 directly transmit and receive PLC signals via the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 and the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 (via a coil). That is, the communication device 11 transmits (bridges) the PLC signal of the communication device 12 to the communication device 13 without including a radio circuit such as an up-converter. Furthermore, the communication device 11 receives the PLC signal of the communication device 13 and transmits (bridges) it to the communication device 12 without including a radio circuit such as a down-converter.

[0023] Fig. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of the communication device 11. In Fig. 2, the same components as those in Fig. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. As shown in Fig. 2, the communication device 11 has the PLC unit 21, coupler 22a, and antenna 23 shown in Fig. 1.

[0024] Figure 2 also shows the cable CA1 shown in Figure 1. The cable CA1 shown in Figure 2 is a DC power line that transmits a DC current or a DC voltage.

[0025] The PLC unit 21 is connected to the cable CA1 via a coupler 22a. As shown in Fig. 2, the coupler 22a has capacitors C1 and C2. The capacitors C1 and C2 are coupling capacitors that block the inflow of DC power through the cable CA1 and transmit the PLC signal. The coupler 22a may also have a connector that connects to the cable CA1.

[0026] The PLC unit 21 includes a control unit 21a, an AFE unit 21b, a TX filter 21c, a TX driver 21d, an ATT 21e, an RX filter 21f, an LED switch 21g, a RAM 21h, a ROM 21i, a reset circuit 21j, an Ethernet (registered trademark) unit 21k, a LAN connector 21l, a crystal 21m, and a DC / DC 21n. Note that AFE stands for Analog Front End. ATT stands for Attenuator. RAM stands for Random access memory. LAN stands for Local Area Network. DC stands for Direct Current. The PLC unit 21 may also be called a PLC modem.

[0027] The control unit 21a controls the entire PLC unit 21. For example, the control unit 21a performs transmission processing, reception processing, and relay processing of PLC signals. More specifically, the control unit 21a performs physical layer processing, MAC layer processing, multi-hop processing, etc. of PLC signals based on the IEEE 1901a standard. Note that IEEE is an abbreviation for Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. MAC is an abbreviation for Media Access Control.

[0028] The control unit 21a is configured by, for example, a CPU, a DSP, or an HD-PLC IC. Note that CPU is an abbreviation for Central Processing Unit, DSP is an abbreviation for Digital Signal Processor, and HD-PLC IC is an abbreviation for High Definition-PLC Integrated Circuit.

[0029] The AFE 21b mediates signal processing between the control unit 21a and the analog circuits (the TX filter 21c, the TX driver 21d, the ATT 21e, and the RX filter 21f). For example, the AFE 21b converts a digital signal output from the control unit 21a into an analog signal and outputs it to the analog circuit. The AFE 21b also converts an analog signal output from the analog circuit into a digital signal and outputs it to the control unit 21a.

[0030] The TX filter 21c is, for example, a low-pass filter, and cuts off a frequency band equal to or higher than a predetermined value of the PLC signal output from the AFE unit 21b, and outputs the signal to the TX driver 21d.

[0031] The TX driver 21d amplifies the PLC signal output from the TX filter 21c and outputs it to the coupler 22a.

[0032] The ATT 21e attenuates the PLC signal transmitted through the coupler 22a and outputs the attenuated signal to the RX filter 21f.

[0033] The RX filter 21f is, for example, a band-pass filter, and cuts off frequency bands below a predetermined value and above a predetermined value of the PLC signal output from the ATT 21e, and outputs the signal to the AFE unit 21b.

[0034] The LED switch 21g is a switch equipped with an LED, and outputs a signal to the control unit 21a in response to a user operation.

[0035] The RAM 21h stores some of the programs executed by the control unit 21a. The RAM 21h also temporarily stores various data used in the processing of the control unit 21a. The RAM 21h is a memory that temporarily stores programs and data, and may be, for example, a Synchronous Dynamic RAM (SD).

[0036] The ROM 21i stores programs executed by the control unit 21a. The ROM 21i also stores various data used in the processing of the control unit 21a. The ROM 21i is a memory that permanently stores programs and data, and may be, for example, a flash memory.

[0037] The reset circuit 21j is a circuit that outputs a reset signal to the control unit 21a. The reset circuit 21j outputs the reset signal to the control unit 21a when, for example, an abnormality in the communication device 11 is detected or in response to a user operation.

[0038] The Ethernet unit 21k performs reception processing of an Ethernet signal received from a LAN cable connected to the LAN connector 21l and outputs the signal to the control unit 21a. The Ethernet unit 21k also converts the signal output from the control unit 21a into an Ethernet signal and outputs the signal to the LAN connector 21l.

[0039] Crystal 21m outputs a clock signal to control unit 21a and AFE unit 21b, which operate in synchronization with the clock signal from crystal 21m.

[0040] The DC / DC 21n converts the DC voltage supplied from the cable CA1 into a DC voltage of a magnitude sufficient to drive the PLC unit 21. The DC / DC 21n supplies the converted DC voltage to each unit of the PLC unit 21.

[0041] The antenna 23 is formed of a coil. The coupler 22a connects the TX driver 21d and the ATT 21e to the antenna 23. The coupler 22a also connects the TX driver 21d and the ATT 21e to the cable CA1 via capacitors C1 and C2. The coupler 22a also connects the antenna 23 to the cable CA1 via capacitors C1 and C2. The wiring distance between the antenna 23 and the PLC unit 21 is shorter than the distance of the cable CA1 connecting the communication device 11 and the communication device 12.

[0042] The PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 11 to the communication device 13 is output from the TX driver 21d to the coupler 22a without passing through a wireless circuit such as an up-converter. The PLC signal output to the coupler 22a is output to the antenna 23 and transmitted to the communication device 13.

[0043] The PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 13 to the communication device 11 is received by the antenna 23. The PLC signal received by the antenna 23 is output to the ATT 21e via the coupler 22a without passing through a radio circuit such as a down-converter.

[0044] The PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12 to the communication device 13 is output to the coupler 22a via the cable CA1. The PLC signal output to the coupler 22a is transmitted to the communication device 13 via the antenna 23 without passing through a wireless circuit such as an up-converter.

[0045] The PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 13 to the communication device 12 is received by the antenna 23. The PLC signal received by the antenna 23 is output to the cable CA1 via the coupler 22a and transmitted to the communication device 12 without passing through a wireless circuit such as a down-converter.

[0046] When the communication device 12 is connected to the cable CA1 to which the communication device 11 is connected, the communication device 12 is connected to the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 via the cable CA1 and the coupler 22a of the communication device 11. Therefore, the communication device 12 can be considered to perform wireless PLC with the communication device 13 using the antenna 23 of the communication device 11.

[0047] As will be described in the third embodiment, the PLC unit 21 of the communication device 11 may relay (amplify) a PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12 to the communication device 13. The PLC unit 21 of the communication device 11 may also relay a PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 13 to the communication device 12. Even when relaying a PLC signal, the communication device 11 does not require a wireless circuit. Relay may be referred to as multi-hop or retransmission. The PLC unit 21, coupler 22a, and antenna of the communication device 11 may be separate entities or may be built-in.

[0048] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing another example of the block configuration of the communication device 11. In Fig. 3, the same components as in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals. Below, components that differ from those in Fig. 2 will be described.

[0049] The cable CA1 shown in Fig. 3 is an AC power line that transmits AC current or AC voltage. As shown in Fig. 3, the PLC unit 21 has an AC / DC 21o and a coupler 22b. AC stands for alternating current.

[0050] The AC / DC 21o converts the AC voltage supplied from the cable CA1 into a DC voltage of a magnitude sufficient to drive the PLC unit 21. The AC / DC 21o supplies the converted DC voltage to each component of the PLC unit 21.

[0051] The coupler 22b includes a transformer T1. The transformer T1 provides AC insulation between the cable CA1 and the PLC unit 21. The transformer T1 also provides AC insulation between the cable CA1 and the antenna 23.

[0052] The coupler 22b connects the TX driver 21d and the ATT 21e to the antenna 23. The coupler 22b also connects the TX driver 21d and the ATT 21e to the cable CA1 via the transformer T1. The coupler 22b also connects the antenna 23 to the cable CA1 via the transformer T1.

[0053] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing another example of the block configuration of the communication device 11. In Fig. 4, the same components as in Fig. 2 are assigned the same reference numerals. Below, components that differ from those in Fig. 2 will be described.

[0054] The cable CA1 shown in Fig. 4 is a communication line that transmits PLC signals. The cable CA1 is, for example, a twisted pair wire, a coaxial wire, or a parallel wire. As shown in Fig. 4, the PLC unit 21 includes an AC / DC 21p and a coupler 22c.

[0055] The AC / DC 21p converts, for example, an AC voltage supplied from a household power supply (not shown) into a DC voltage of a magnitude sufficient to drive the PLC unit 21. The AC / DC 21p supplies the converted DC voltage to each component of the PLC unit 21.

[0056] 2 and the coupler 22b described in Fig. 3, the coupler 22c does not have the capacitors C1 and C2 and the transformer T1 required for DC and AC isolation. The coupler 22c directly connects the TX driver 21d, the ATT 21e, the antenna 23, and the cable CA1.

[0057] 4, the cable CA1 may be a communication line. In this case, the coupler 22c may not include elements such as a capacitor and a transformer. Hereinafter, when there is no need to distinguish between the couplers 22a to 22c, they may be simply referred to as coupler 22.

[0058] The following describes the impedances of the cable CA1, coupler 22, and antenna 23. The impedances of the cable CA1, coupler 22, and antenna 23 are matched. For example, if the cable CA1 is a coaxial line with a resistance of 50 Ω, the impedances of the coupler 22 and antenna 23 are also set to 50 Ω.

[0059] The impedance of the antenna 23 may be set to be higher than the impedance of each of the cable CA1 and the coupler 22. Alternatively, the impedance of the antenna 23 may be set to be high. In this case, the PLC signal that passes through the coupler 22 and flows to the antenna 23 will be smaller than the PLC signal that flows through the cable CA1. This shortens the communication distance of the PLC signal wirelessly transmitted from the antenna 23, and suppresses interference. Alternatively, since the PLC signal that flows through the cable CA1 is larger than that of the antenna 23, it is possible to extend the communication distance using the cable CA1.

[0060] As described above, the communication device 11 includes the coupler 22 connected to the cable CA1 to which the communication device 12 that communicates based on PLC is connected, the PLC unit 21 connected to the coupler 22, and the antenna 23 that is connected to the coupler 22 and that emits PLC signals to the communication device 13 and receives PLC signals from the communication device 13. The coupler 22 outputs the PLC signals output from the PLC unit 21 to the cable CA1 and the antenna 23, outputs the PLC signals received by the antenna 23 to the PLC unit 21 and the cable CA1, and outputs the PLC signals received from the cable CA1 to the PLC unit 21 and the antenna 23.

[0061] In this way, because PLC unit 21 is connected via coupler 22 to antenna 23, which emits and receives PLC signals, communication device 11 does not need to include, for example, a radio circuit for upconverting a PLC signal to be transmitted to communication device 13 or a radio circuit for downconverting a PLC signal received from antenna 23. Furthermore, because communication device 12, which is connected to communication device 11 via cable CA1, is connected via coupler 22 of communication device 11 to antenna 23, which emits and receives PLC signals, communication device 11 does not need to include a radio circuit for upconverting a PLC signal to be transmitted from communication device 12 to communication device 13 or a radio circuit for downconverting a PLC signal received from antenna 23. The radio circuit here refers to communication processing other than the communication method implemented by PLC unit 21 (for example, a communication method optimal for that frequency, such as upconversion to the 2.4 GHz band, a frequency band not implemented by PLC unit 21: other communication methods such as wireless LAN, Bluetooth, and Zigbee). Therefore, communication device 11 can reduce circuit size and costs.

[0062] (Second embodiment) In the second embodiment, a case will be described in which the communication system of the first embodiment is applied to a terminal charging system.

[0063] Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a terminal charging system 30 according to the second embodiment. As shown in Fig. 5, the terminal charging system 30 includes a base unit 31, chargers 32a to 32c, and terminals 33a to 33c. The terminals 33a to 33c are, for example, smartphones, tablet terminals, or mobile phones.

[0064] The base unit 31 includes the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment. The chargers 32a to 32c include the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment. The terminals 33a to 33c include the communication device 13 (not shown) described in the first embodiment. The communication device 12 of the base unit 31 and the communication device 11 of the chargers 32a to 32c are connected via a cable CA1.

[0065] After an authentication process, which will be described later, the chargers 32a to 32c wirelessly charge the terminals 33a to 33c placed on the chargers 32a to 32c. The chargers 32a to 32c perform wireless charging based on, for example, the Qi standard. Note that wireless charging may also be referred to as wireless power supply.

[0066] The communication device 12 of the base unit 31 performs PLC with the communication devices 13 mounted on the terminals 33a to 33c via the communication devices 11 mounted on the chargers 32a to 32c. The communication device 12 of the base unit 31 performs authentication processing of the terminals 33a to 33c by PLC with the communication devices 13 mounted on the terminals 33a to 33c.

[0067] Depending on the authentication process result of the terminals 33a to 33c, the communication device 12 of the base device 31 instructs the communication devices 11 of the chargers 32a to 32c to start charging the terminals 33a to 33c. As a result, for example, only the terminals 33a to 33c that have been registered in advance in the base device 31 are charged when placed on the chargers 32a to 32c.

[0068] The number of chargers 32a to 32c is not limited to the example in Fig. 5. There may be one or two chargers, or four or more chargers. Furthermore, authentication processing of terminals 33a to 33c may be performed by a server (not shown) connected to communication device 12 of base unit 31.

[0069] 6 is a block diagram showing an example of the configuration of the charger 32a and the terminal 33a. As shown in FIG. 6, the charger 32a includes a communication device 11, a control unit 32a-1, a power source 32a-2, an inverter 32a-3, and a coil 32a-4.

[0070] The communication device 11 includes a PLC unit 21, a coupler 22, and an antenna 23. The PLC unit 21, the coupler 22, and the antenna 23 are similar to the PLC unit 21, the coupler 22, and the antenna 23 described in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0071] The control unit 32a-1 controls the entire charger 32a. The control unit 32a-1 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 32a-1 realizes predetermined functions based on programs and data stored in a memory (not shown).

[0072] The control unit 32a-1 receives a charging start signal and a charging end signal transmitted from the parent device 31 via the communication device 11 and the cable CA1. In response to the charging start signal from the parent device 31, the control unit 32a-1 outputs a power supply signal to the power source 32a-2. In response to the charging end signal from the parent device 31, the control unit 32a-1 outputs a power stop signal to the power source 32a-2.

[0073] The power supply 32a-2 outputs power to the inverter 32a-3 in response to a power supply signal output from the control unit 32a-1. The power supply 32a-2 stops outputting power to the inverter 32a-3 in response to a power stop signal output from the control unit 32a-1. If the cable CA1 is a DC power line or an AC power line, the power supply 32a-2 may be connected to the cable CA1. The power supply 32a-2 may then be supplied with power from the cable CA1.

[0074] The inverter 32a-3 converts the power output from the power supply 32a-2 into power of a predetermined frequency and outputs it to the coil 32a-4.

[0075] The coil 32a-4 transmits the power output from the inverter 32a-3 to the coil 33a-2 of the terminal 33a by, for example, electromagnetic induction.

[0076] The terminal 33a includes a communication device 13, a control unit 33a-1, a coil 33a-2, a bridge rectifier circuit 33a-3, and a battery 33a-4.

[0077] The communication device 13 has a PLC unit 13a, a coupler 13b, and an antenna 13c. The PLC unit 13a, coupler 13b, and antenna 13c of the communication device 13 may be the same as the PLC unit 21, coupler 22, and antenna 23 described in the first embodiment. However, the coupler 13b of the communication device 13 is not connected to a cable. Note that the coupler 13b is not shown in FIG. 1.

[0078] The control unit 33a-1 controls the entire terminal 33a. The control unit 33a-1 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 33a-1 realizes predetermined functions based on programs and data stored in a memory (not shown).

[0079] The control unit 33a-1 performs PLC with the communication device 12 of the master unit 31 via the communication device 13 of the terminal 33a, the communication device 11 of the charger 32a, and the cable CA1. For example, when the terminal 33a is placed on the charger 32a and PLC with the master unit 31 is started, the control unit 33a-1 transmits authentication information of the terminal 33a to the master unit 31.

[0080] If the base unit 31 determines that the terminal 33a is a pre-registered terminal based on the authentication information of the terminal 33a, the base unit 31 transmits a charging start signal to the charger 32a, which causes the charger 32a to start charging the terminal 33a.

[0081] The control unit 33a-1 also monitors the voltage of the battery 33a-4, and transmits a full charge signal to the parent device 31 when it determines that the battery 33a-4 is fully charged.

[0082] In response to the full charge signal from the terminal 33a, the base unit 31 transmits a charging end signal to the charger 32a, causing the charger 32a to end charging of the terminal 33a.

[0083] The coil 33a-2 receives the power transmitted from the charger 32a.

[0084] The bridge rectifier circuit 33a-3 rectifies the power received by the coil 33a-2 and outputs the rectified power to the battery 33a-4.

[0085] Although the block configuration of the charger 32a and the terminal 33a has been described with reference to FIG. 6, the chargers 32b and 32c and the terminals 33b and 33c also have the same block configuration as that shown in FIG.

[0086] 7 is a top view of the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 and the coil 32a-4 of the charger 32a. The antenna 23 of the communication device 11 mounted on the charger 32a and the coil 32a-4 of the charger 32a are formed, for example, on the same plane. The antenna 23 of the communication device 11 is formed, for example, inside the coil 32a-4 of the charger 32a.

[0087] 8 is a top view of the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 and the coil 33a-2 of the terminal 33a. The antenna 13c of the communication device 13 mounted on the terminal 33a and the coil 33a-2 of the terminal 33a are formed, for example, on the same plane. The antenna 13c of the communication device 13 is formed, for example, inside the coil 33a-2 of the terminal 33a.

[0088] 9 is a top view of each antenna when the terminal 33a is placed on the charger 32a. The terminal 33a is preferably placed on the charger 32a so that the coil 33a-2 of the terminal 33a is located inside the coil 32a-4 of the charger 32a. This prevents a decrease in the magnetic field coupling between the coil 32a-4 and the coil 33a-2, thereby preventing a decrease in charging efficiency.

[0089] Furthermore, it is preferable that the terminal 33a is placed on the charger 32a so that the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 mounted on the terminal 33a is placed inside the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 mounted on the charger 32a. This prevents a decrease in the amount of magnetic field coupling between the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 and the antenna 13c of the communication device 13, thereby preventing a decrease in communication efficiency.

[0090] The frequency used for power transmission is, for example, 100 kHz or more and 200 kHz or less, and the frequency used for PLC signal transmission is, for example, 2 MHz or more and 28 MHz or less.

[0091] As described above, master unit 31 of terminal charging system 30 includes communication device 12 described in the first embodiment, chargers 32a-32c include communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, and terminals 33a-33c include communication device 13 described in the first embodiment. Master unit 31 communicates with terminals 33a-33c via cable CA1, coupler 22, and antenna 23, and performs authentication processing for terminals 33a-33c. Because chargers 32a-32c include communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, the circuit scale of chargers 32a-32c is reduced, and terminal charging system 30 can be made less expensive.

[0092] (Third embodiment) In the third embodiment, a case will be described in which the communication system of the first embodiment is applied to a mobility charging system.

[0093] 10 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobility charging system 40 according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, the mobility charging system 40 includes a station 41, a stand 42, an e-scooter 43, and a server 45.

[0094] The e-scooter 43 is leaned against a predetermined position on the stand 42. When the e-scooter 43 is leaned against the predetermined position on the stand 42, it is charged by a charger (not shown) provided on the stand 42. Hereinafter, the position on the stand 42 where the e-scooter 43 is leaned against is referred to as the leaning position.

[0095] The station 41 includes the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment. The communication device 12 of the station 41 communicates with a server 45 via a base station 44 and a network 46.

[0096] The communication device 12 of the station 41 wirelessly communicates with the base station 44 based on a mobile phone system standard such as 5G or LTE. 5G stands for 5th Generation. LTE stands for Long Term Evolution. The network 46 is, for example, the Internet.

[0097] The server 45 performs authentication processing for the e-scooter 43. As will be described later, charging of the e-scooter 43 begins when authentication by the server 45 is successful. The server 45 also performs payment processing according to the usage time of the e-scooter 43.

[0098] The communication device 12 of the station 41 may be connected to the network 46 by wire and communicate with the server 45 .

[0099] Fig. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a block configuration of a mobility charging system 40. Fig. 11 shows an example of a block configuration of a station 41, a stand 42, and an e-scooter 43. In Fig. 11, the same components as in Fig. 10 are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0100] As shown in Fig. 11, the station 41 is connected to a cable CA1. A portion of the cable CA1 is laid inside the stand 42. In Fig. 11, the cable CA1 is a DC power line or an AC power line.

[0101] The stand 42 has a charger 50 and a mounting base 50a. The charger 50 is connected to a cable CA1 wired inside the stand 42. The e-scooter 43 is placed against the mounting base 50a.

[0102] An example of the block configuration of station 41 will be described. Station 41 has a power supply unit 51, a control unit 52, a memory 53, a display device 54, an input device 55, an external communication IF 56, a payment reader 57, and the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment. Note that IF is an abbreviation for Interface.

[0103] The power supply unit 51 is connected to the cable CA1. The power supply unit 51 receives power from the cable CA1, converts it to a predetermined voltage, and supplies it to each unit of the station 41.

[0104] The control unit 52 controls the entire station 41. The control unit 52 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 32a-1 realizes predetermined functions based on programs and data stored in the memory 53.

[0105] The display device 54 displays an image under the control of the control unit 52. The input device 55 accepts a user operation and outputs a signal corresponding to the user operation to the control unit 52. The display device 54 and the input device 55 may be integrated into one device, such as a touch panel.

[0106] The external communication IF 56 communicates with the server 45 via the base station 44 and the network 46 .

[0107] Payment reader 57 reads information from a smartphone, credit card, or transportation IC card and outputs it to control unit 52. Control unit 52 transmits the information read by payment reader 57 to server 45. Note that IC is an abbreviation for Integrated Circuit.

[0108] The server 45 communicates with the control unit 52 of the station 41 and manages the user information of the user who uses the e-scooter 43 and the usage time of the e-scooter 43. The server 45 performs payment processing according to the usage time of the e-scooter 43 based on the information read by the payment reader 57 sent from the control unit 52, the user information managed by the server 45, and the usage time of the e-scooter 43 managed by the server 45.

[0109] The communication device 12 of the station 41 is connected to the cable CA1. The communication device 12 performs PLC with the communication device 11 of the charger 50 via the cable CA1. The communication device 12 also performs PLC with the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via the communication device 11 of the charger 50.

[0110] A description will be given of an example block configuration of the charger 50 of the stand 42. The charger 50 has a control unit 61, a memory 62, a wireless power supply device 63, and the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment.

[0111] The control unit 61 controls the entire charger 50. The control unit 61 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 61 realizes predetermined functions based on programs and data stored in the memory 62.

[0112] The wireless power supply device 63 is connected to the cable CA1. The wireless power supply device 63 wirelessly transmits power to the e-scooter 43 leaned against the mounting base 50a of the stand 42.

[0113] The wireless power supply device 63 may include, for example, the power supply 32a-2, the inverter 32a-3, and the coil 32a-4 described in Fig. 6. However, the power supply 32a-2 of the wireless power supply device 63 is supplied with power through the cable CA1.

[0114] The communication device 11 is connected to the cable CA1 via a coupler 22 (see, for example, coupler 22a in FIG. 2, coupler 22b in FIG. 3, or coupler 22 in FIG. 6). The communication device 11 performs PLC with the communication device 12 of the station 41 via the cable CA1. The communication device 11 also performs PLC with the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via an antenna 23 (see, for example, antenna 23 in FIG. 2, FIG. 3, or FIG. 6).

[0115] We will now describe an example block configuration of the e-scooter 43. The e-scooter 43 has a control unit 71, a memory 72, a wireless power receiving device 73, a battery 75, a motor 76, and the communication device 13 described in the first embodiment.

[0116] The control unit 71 controls the entire e-scooter 43. The control unit 71 is, for example, a CPU. The control unit 71 realizes predetermined functions based on programs and data stored in the memory 72.

[0117] The wireless power receiving device 73 receives power transmitted from the charger 50 of the stand 42. The wireless power receiving device 73 uses the received power to charge the battery 75. Note that the wireless power receiving device 73 may include, for example, the coil 33a-2 and the bridge rectifier circuit 33a-3 described in FIG. 6 .

[0118] The motor 76 rotates based on the power of the battery 75. The rotation of the motor 76 causes the e-scooter 43 to move.

[0119] The following describes the authentication process and charging of the e-scooter 43. In the mobility charging system 40, for example, authentication process is performed in the server 45 to prevent e-scooters other than the e-scooter 43 provided by the rental service from being freely charged at the stand 42. That is, when the e-scooter 43 is leaned against the stand 42, the mobility charging system 40 performs authentication process for the e-scooter 43 and starts charging.

[0120] 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of authentication processing in the mobility charging system 40. The server 45 and the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 hold a certificate issued by a certification authority.

[0121] The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 is activated in response to, for example, a user operation (S1).

[0122] The communication device 11 of the stand 42, which receives the hello packet periodically transmitted from the communication device 12 of the master station 41, periodically transmits a hello packet (S2). The hello packet may also be called a hello message or a hello signal.

[0123] When the e-scooter 43 is leaned against the leaning position of the stand 42, the distance between the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 of the stand 42 and the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 becomes a distance that allows communication between the communication devices 11 and 13. In other words, when the e-scooter 43 is leaned against the leaning position of the stand 42, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 receives the hello packet transmitted from the communication device 11 of the stand 42.

[0124] The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 selects a master communication device based on the hello packet received in S2 (S3). Here, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 selects the communication device 12 of the station 41.

[0125] After selecting the master in S3, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 transmits an authentication request to the communication device 12 of the station 41, which is the master, via the communication device 11 of the stand 42 (S4, S5). The authentication request includes route information between the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 and the communication device 12 of the station 41.

[0126] When the communication device 12 of the station 41 receives the authentication request transmitted in S4 and S5, it transmits the authentication request to the server 45 in accordance with the IEEE802.1X authentication protocol (S6).

[0127] When the server 45 receives the authentication request sent in S6, it sends the authentication result to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via the communication device 12 of the station 41 (S7). Here, authentication is considered successful if the certificates held by the server 45 and the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 can be mutually verified as being correct. The server 45 sends an authentication result indicating successful authentication to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via the communication device 12 of the station 41. If authentication is successful, the authentication result includes a PMK (Pairwise Master Key).

[0128] When the communication device 12 of the station 41 receives the authentication result indicating successful authentication, it registers the route information included in the authentication request transmitted in S4 and S5 in the storage device (S8).

[0129] After registering the route information in S8, the communication device 12 of the station 41 transmits a challenge request to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via the communication device 11 of the stand 42 based on the registered route information (S9, S10). The communication device 12 of the station 41 generates a PWK (Pairwise Key) using the PMK.

[0130] In response to receiving the challenge request transmitted in S9 and S10, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 transmits a challenge response to the communication device 12 of the station 41 (S11 and S12). The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 generates a PWK using the PMK included in the IEEE802.1X authentication result, and encrypts the challenge response.

[0131] The communication device 12 of the station 41 uses the PWK to decrypt the challenge response transmitted in S11 and S12. If the communication device 12 of the station 41 can decrypt the challenge response transmitted in S11 and S12, it transmits an authentication response to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via the communication device 11 of the stand 42 (S13, S14).

[0132] The communication device of the e-scooter 43 recognizes that the authentication has been completed (authentication has been successful) based on the authentication responses sent in S13 and S14 (S15).

[0133] The communication device 11 of the station 42 starts supplying power (charging) to the e-scooter 43 based on the authentication responses transmitted in S13 and S14 (S16).

[0134] The following describes multi-hop in the communication device 11 of the charger 50. The farther the charger 50 of the stand 42 is from the station 41, the more the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12 of the station 41 to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 deteriorates. Also, the farther the charger 50 of the stand 42 is from the station 41, the more the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 to the communication device 12 of the station 41 deteriorates.

[0135] Therefore, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 performs relay processing (retransmission processing) of the PLC signal in accordance with the PLC protocol. For example, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 performs relay processing of the PLC signal based on the signal strength of the PLC signal.

[0136] 13 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of relay processing of a PLC signal. The control unit 71 of the e-scooter 43 transmits a data signal to the server 45.

[0137] The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 converts the data signal to be transmitted to the server 45 into a PLC signal, and transmits it to the communication device 11 of the stand 42 (charger 50) via the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 (S21).

[0138] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 receives the PLC signal transmitted in S21 via the antenna 23 of the communication device 11. The communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines whether or not to perform relay processing of the received PLC signal in accordance with the PLC protocol. Here, the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines to perform relay processing.

[0139] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 transmits the relayed (re-modulated) PLC signal to the communication device 12 of the station 41 via the cable CA1 (S22).

[0140] The communication device 12 of the station 41 receives the PLC signal transmitted in S22. The communication device 12 of the station 41 outputs a data signal based on the received PLC signal to the control unit 52. The control unit 52 of the station 41 transmits the data signal output from the communication device 12 to the server 45 via the base station 44 and the network 46 (S23).

[0141] In this way, the PLC signal from the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 is relayed by the communication device 11 of the stand 42 and transmitted to the communication device 12 of the station 41.

[0142] It is assumed that the server 45 transmits a data signal to the e-scooter 43. The server 45 transmits the data signal to the station 41 via the network 46 and the base station 44 (S24).

[0143] The control unit 52 of the station 41 receives the data signal transmitted in S24. The control unit 52 of the station 41 outputs the received data signal to the communication device 12. The communication device 12 of the station 41 converts the data signal output from the control unit 52 into a PLC signal and transmits it to the communication device 11 of the stand 42 via the cable CA1 (S25).

[0144] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines, in accordance with the PLC protocol, whether or not to perform relay processing of the PLC signal transmitted in S25. Here, the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines to perform relay processing.

[0145] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 transmits the relayed (re-modulated) PLC signal to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 via the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 (S26).

[0146] In this way, the PLC signal from the communication device 12 of the station 41 is relayed by the communication device 11 of the stand 42 and transmitted to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43.

[0147] The control unit 71 of the e-scooter 43 transmits a data signal to the server 45. The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 converts the data signal to be transmitted to the server 45 into a PLC signal and transmits it to the communication device 11 of the stand 42 via the antenna 13c of the communication device 13 (S27).

[0148] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 receives the PLC signal transmitted in S27 via the antenna 23 of the communication device 11. The communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines whether or not to perform relay processing of the received PLC signal in accordance with the PLC protocol. Here, the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines not to perform relay processing. Therefore, the PLC signal received by the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 is not relayed by the PLC unit 21 of the communication device 11, and is output to the cable CA1 without passing through the communication device 11. In other words, the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 is transmitted directly to the communication device 12 of the station 41.

[0149] The communication device 12 of the station 41 receives the PLC signal transmitted in S27. The communication device 12 of the station 41 outputs a data signal based on the received PLC signal to the control unit 52. The control unit 52 of the station 41 transmits the data signal output from the communication device 12 to the server 45 via the base station 44 and the network 46 (S28).

[0150] In this way, the PLC signal from the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 is sent to the communication device 12 of the station 41 without being relayed by the communication device 11 of the stand 42.

[0151] It is assumed that the server 45 transmits a data signal to the e-scooter 43. The server 45 transmits the data signal to the station 41 via the network 46 and the base station 44 (S29).

[0152] The control unit 52 of the station 41 receives the data signal transmitted in S29. The control unit 52 of the station 41 outputs the received data signal to the communication device 12. The communication device 12 of the station 41 converts the data signal output from the control unit 52 into a PLC signal and transmits it to the communication device 11 of the stand 42 via the cable CA1 (S30).

[0153] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 receives the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12 of the station 41. The communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines whether or not to perform relay processing of the received PLC signal according to the PLC protocol. Here, the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines not to perform relay processing. Therefore, the PLC signal received by the communication device 11 is not relayed by the PLC unit 21 of the communication device 11, and is output to the antenna 23 of the communication device 11 without passing through the communication device 11. In other words, the PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12 of the station 41 is transmitted directly to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43.

[0154] In this way, the PLC signal from the communication device 12 of the station 41 is sent to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 without being relayed by the communication device 11 of the stand 42.

[0155] 14 is a flowchart showing an example of relay processing in the communication device 11 of the stand 42. The communication device 11 of the stand 42 receives a PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12 of the station 41 or the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 (S41).

[0156] The communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines whether the final destination of the PLC signal received in S41 is the communication device 11 (S42).

[0157] If the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines in S41 that the final destination of the PLC signal received is the communication device 11 ("YES" in S42), the process of this flowchart ends.

[0158] On the other hand, if the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines that the final destination of the PLC signal received in S41 is not the communication device 11 ("NO" in S42), it determines whether the communication device 11 is a transit point (relay device) for the PLC signal received in S41 (S43).

[0159] If the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines that it is not a route point for the PLC signal ("NO" in S43), it ends the processing of this flowchart.

[0160] On the other hand, if the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines that it is a transit point for the PLC signal ("YES" in S43), it relays the PLC signal received in S41 in accordance with the PLC protocol (S44). Whether to relay or not is learned periodically before communication. Regarding whether to relay or not, for example, if the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines during learning that relaying will allow data to be transmitted to the communication device 12 in a shorter time, it determines to relay the PLC signal received in S41. An index for making this determination is the PHY speed required between the communication devices, etc.

[0161] If the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines in S41 not to perform relay processing of the received PLC signal ("NO" in S44), the process of this flowchart ends.

[0162] On the other hand, if the communication device 11 of the stand 42 determines in S41 to perform relay processing of the PLC signal received (YES in S44), it performs relay processing of the PLC signal received in S41 (S45). For example, the communication device 11 of the stand 42 re-modulates the PLC signal received in S41 and transmits it.

[0163] Other examples of block configurations of the station 41, the stand 42, and the e-scooter 43 will be described.

[0164] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing another example block configuration of the mobility charging system 40. FIG. 15 shows an example configuration of a station 41, a stand 42, and an e-scooter 43. In FIG. 15, the same components as in FIG. 11 are assigned the same reference numerals. Below, differences from FIG. 11 will be described.

[0165] As shown in FIG. 15 , a PLC relay device 81 is connected to the cable CA1. The PLC relay device 81 relays the PLC signals flowing through the cable CA1. For example, the relay device 81 receives a signal transmitted from the communication device 12 of the station 41 to the communication device 11 of the stand 42 or the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43, re-modulates the signal, and outputs the signal to the cable CA1. The relay device 81 also receives a signal transmitted from the communication device 11 of the stand 42 or the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 to the communication device 12 of the station 41, re-modulates the signal, and outputs the signal to the cable CA1. In this way, the PLC relay device 81 that relays the PLC signals may be connected to the cable CA1.

[0166] The position at which the PLC relay device 81 is connected to the cable CA1 is not particularly limited, but the PLC relay device 81 is connected to the cable CA1 between a charger 50 located near the station 41 (left side) and a charger 50 located farther from the station 41 (right side), as shown in FIG. 15, for example.

[0167] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing another example block configuration of the mobility charging system 40. FIG. 16 shows an example block configuration of a station 41, a stand 42, and an e-scooter 43. In FIG. 16, the same components as in FIG. 11 are denoted by the same reference numerals. Below, differences from FIG. 11 will be described.

[0168] As shown in Fig. 16, a charger 90 is connected to a cable CA1. The charger 90 has an antenna 91. The antenna 91 is configured by a coil. The antenna 91 is connected to the cable CA1. The antenna 91 may be connected to the cable CA1 via a coupler 22.

[0169] As shown in Figure 16, the charger 90 does not need to have a PLC unit. In this case, the charger 90 shown in Figure 16 cannot communicate with the station 41 and the e-scooter 43. However, the station 41 and the e-scooter 43 can communicate via the antenna 91 of the charger 90.

[0170] In the mobility charging system 40 based on the example block configuration shown in FIG. 16, because each charger 90 does not have a communication device 11, it is difficult for the station 41 to notify each charger 90 that authentication of the e-scooter 43 has been completed. However, charging of the e-scooter 43 does not have to be initiated based on the authentication process described above. In other words, the station 41 and the e-scooter 43 do not perform authentication processing before charging begins, and the e-scooter 43 can be charged simply by leaning it against the stand 42, even if the scooter information is not registered in the server 45. This type of system is effective in mobility charging systems 40 based on the example block configuration shown in FIG. 16, where each charger 90 does not have a communication device 11 and therefore it is difficult for the station 41 to notify each charger 90 that authentication of the e-scooter 43 has been completed. For example, the system may be installed in a location where e-scooter users are limited and the limited users can use the e-scooter freely, such as a factory site.

[0171] However, even in a system that does not perform authentication processing, the e-scooter 43 may transmit data signals stored in the e-scooter 43 to the server 45. The data signals here include, for example, the ID information of the e-scooter 43, remaining battery charge, travel information (travel distance), GPS information, etc.

[0172] Station 42 may also include a mixture of chargers 50 and 90. For example, charger 90 may be located closer to station 41 (on the left side), and charger 50 may be located farther from station 41 (on the right side).

[0173] As described above, the station 41 of the mobility charging system 40 includes the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment, the charger 50 includes the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, and the e-scooter 43 includes the communication device 13 described in the first embodiment. The station 41 communicates with the e-scooter 43 via the cable CA1, coupler 22, and antenna 23, and performs authentication processing for the e-scooter 43. In this way, the charger 50 and the e-scooter 43 perform short-range wireless communication based on PLC communication via the antenna 13 (coil). This shortens the propagation distance of the signal radiated from the antenna 13, and suppresses wireless communication interference. This allows the station 41 to perform authentication processing appropriately. Furthermore, because the charger 50 includes the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, the circuit size of the charger 50 is reduced, and the circuit size of the mobility charging system 40 is reduced, resulting in reduced costs.

[0174] In the above description, the server 45 performs the authentication process for the e-scooter 43, but the communication device 12 of the station 41 may also perform the authentication process for the e-scooter 43.

[0175] The cable CA1 in Fig. 16 may be connected to the charger 50 shown in Fig. 11. That is, the cable CA1 may be connected to a mixture of the charger 50 shown in Fig. 11 and the charger 90 shown in Fig. 16.

[0176] Furthermore, the object to be charged by the mobility charging system 40 is not limited to the e-scooter 43. The object to be charged by the mobility charging system 40 may be, for example, an electric bicycle.

[0177] (Fourth embodiment) In the fourth embodiment, the signal band of the PLC signal is changed between adjacent chargers.

[0178] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobility charging system 40 according to the fourth embodiment. Fig. 17 shows an example of the block configuration of a station 41, a stand 42, and an e-scooter 43. In Fig. 17, the same components as in Fig. 11 are assigned the same reference numerals. Below, differences from Fig. 11 will be described.

[0179] 17, a station 41 includes communication devices 12a and 12b. The communication device 12a performs PLC in, for example, signal band A. The communication device 12b performs PLC in, for example, signal band B.

[0180] Chargers 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, ..., 50-n of stand 42 each have a communication device 11 similar to charger 50 shown in Fig. 11. However, adjacent communication devices 11 of chargers 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, ..., 50-n perform PLC in different signal bands.

[0181] For example, the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-1, 50-3, . . . , 50-k (k is an odd number) perform PLC in the signal band A. Therefore, the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-1, 50-3, .

[0182] , 50-l (l is an even number) perform PLC in the signal band B. Therefore, the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-2, 50-4, . . . , 50-l perform PLC with the communication device 12b of the station 41.

[0183] The e-scooter 43 may be placed against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the chargers 50-1, 50-3, ..., 50-k of signal band A, or may be placed against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the chargers 50-2, 50-4, ..., 50-1 of signal band B. Therefore, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 has the function of performing PLC in multiple signal bands, as will be described later.

[0184] In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between the communication devices 12a and 12b of the station 41, they will be referred to as communication devices 12. When there is no need to distinguish between the chargers 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, . . . , 50-n, they will be referred to as chargers 50.

[0185] 18A to 18C are diagrams illustrating examples of PLC signal bands. In addition to examples of PLC signal bands, Figures 18A to 18C also show frequency bands for AC power and frequency bands for DC power.

[0186] As shown in Fig. 18A, the mobility charging system 40 may perform PLC using two signal bands A and B. As described in Fig. 17, the station 41 includes two communication devices 12, and the first communication device 12 may perform PLC in the signal band A. The second communication device 12 may perform PLC in the signal band B. Then, the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50 may perform PLC using different signal bands A and B adjacent to each other, as described in Fig. 17.

[0187] 18B, the mobility charging system 40 may perform PLC using three or more different signal bands. For example, the mobility charging system 40 may perform PLC using four signal bands as shown in FIG. 18B.

[0188] In the example of FIG. 18B, a station 41 has four communication devices 12. A first communication device 12 performs PLC in signal band A. A second communication device 12 performs PLC in signal band B. A third communication device 12 performs PLC in signal band C. A fourth communication device 12 performs PLC in signal band D.

[0189] In the example of FIG. 18B, the communication device 11 of the charger 50-1 in the stand 42 performs PLC, for example, in signal band A. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-2 in the stand 42 performs PLC, for example, in signal band B. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-3 in the stand 42 performs PLC, for example, in signal band C. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 in the stand 42 performs PLC, for example, in signal band D. Similarly, the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50 in the stand 42 are assigned four signal bands in order and perform PLC in the assigned signal bands.

[0190] As shown in Fig. 18C, the mobility charging system 40 may perform PLC using distant signal bands. For example, the mobility charging system 40 may divide the signal band of 2 MHz or more and 28 MHz or less into multiple signal bands, and perform PLC using non-adjacent signal bands among the multiple divided signal bands. More specifically, the mobility charging system 40 may perform PLC using signal bands A and C, as shown in Fig. 18C, of ​​the four signal bands A to D shown in Fig. 18B.

[0191] When distant signal bands are used, the mobility charging system 40 can suppress interference between PLC signals. Furthermore, the mobility charging system 40 facilitates filtering of PLC signals, and can simplify or miniaturize the configuration of the TX filter and RX filter 21f shown in FIG. 2 or the digital filtering performed by the AFE unit 21b.

[0192] The following describes the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43. As described above, the e-scooter 43 may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the charger 50 for signal band A, or at a position corresponding to the charger 50 for signal band B. Therefore, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 has the function of performing PLC in multiple signal bands, and determines (selects) the signal band (channel) to use for PLC.

[0193] When the communication device 12 of the station 41 and the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 perform PLC, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 performs relay processing. Therefore, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 communicates with the communication device 12 of the station 41 in the signal band of the communication device 11 of the charger 50 that corresponds to the position where the e-scooter 43 is leaned against the stand 42.

[0194] For example, the charger 50-1 in FIG. 17 performs PLC in signal band A. Therefore, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 leaned in a position corresponding to the charger 50-1 in FIG. 17 performs PLC with the communication device 12a of the station 41 in signal band A. Also, for example, the charger 50-2 in FIG. 17 performs PLC in signal band B. Therefore, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 leaned in a position corresponding to the charger 50-2 in FIG. 17 performs PLC with the communication device 12b of the station 41 in signal band B.

[0195] 19 is a flowchart showing an example of the channel setting operation of the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43. The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 detects the power supply from the cable CA1 (S51). For example, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 detects the power supply from the cable CA1 based on the voltage output from the DC / DC converter 21n or the AC / DC converter 21o.

[0196] When the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 detects the power supply from the cable CA1, it sets the PLC receiving channel as the initial channel (S52) and receives two or more multi-hop hello packets (S53).

[0197] The hello packet contains information about the number of multi-hops. When the hello packet is relayed by the PLC communication device, the number of multi-hops is incremented by one. The hello packet output from the communication device 12 of the station 41 is relayed by the communication device 11 of the charger 50 and then transmitted to the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43, so the number of multi-hops is at least two.

[0198] The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 stores the reception quality of the hello packet received in S53 in the RAM 21h (S54). The reception quality may be, for example, the CINR, the speed of the PLC PHY signal, or the power level of the PLC PHY signal. CINR stands for Carrier power to Interference power plus Noise Ration. PHY stands for physical.

[0199] When the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 stores the reception quality of the hello packet in the RAM 21h, it changes the PLC reception channel (S55).

[0200] The communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 determines whether or not all channels of the PLC have been selected (S56).

[0201] If the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 has not selected all of the PLC channels ("NO" in S56), the process proceeds to S53. That is, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 receives the hello packet on the receiving channel changed in S55.

[0202] On the other hand, if the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 selects all PLC channels ("YES" in S56), it fixes the PLC receiving channel to the channel of the hello packet with the best reception quality among the hello packets stored in RAM 21h (S57).

[0203] As explained above, the mobility charging system 40 changes the signal band of the PLC signal between adjacent chargers 50. This reduces interference in wireless communications between the charger 50 of the mobility charging system 40 and the e-scooter 43. Note that, although the system detects power supply and transitions to the receiving channel selection operation here, it is sufficient to know that charging is being performed at a charging station even without detecting power supply; therefore, the system may transition to the channel selection operation after the user presses the charging mode button (or return button), for example.

[0204] (Fifth embodiment) In the fifth embodiment, a case where a plurality of single-phase two-wire cables are used will be described.

[0205] Fig. 20 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobility charging system 40 according to the fifth embodiment. Fig. 20 shows an example of the block configuration of a station 41, a stand 42, and an e-scooter 43. In Fig. 20, the same components as in Fig. 17 are assigned the same reference numerals. Below, differences from Fig. 17 will be described.

[0206] 20, the mobility charging system 40 has a single-phase two-wire cable CA1a and a single-phase two-wire cable CA1b. A power supply unit 51 of the communication device 12 of the station 41 supplies power to the cables CA1a and CA1b.

[0207] PLC of different signal bands is performed in the cables CA1a and CA1b. For example, PLC of signal band A is performed in the cable CA1a. PLC of signal band B is performed in the cable CA1b.

[0208] Therefore, the communication device 12a of the station 41 that performs PLC in the signal band A is connected to the cable CA1a, and the communication device 12b of the station 41 that performs PLC in the signal band B is connected to the cable CA1b.

[0209] The communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-1, 50-3, ..., 50-k that perform PLC in signal band A are connected to a cable CA1a. The communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-2, 50-4, ..., 50-1 that perform PLC in signal band B are connected to a cable CA1b.

[0210] As explained in the fourth embodiment, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the charger 50 of signal band A, or at a position corresponding to the charger 50 of signal band B. Therefore, like the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 of the fourth embodiment, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 shown in Figure 20 has the function of performing PLC in multiple signal bands and determines the channel to use for PLC.

[0211] As described above, adjacent chargers 50 of the mobility charging system 40 are connected to single-phase two-wire cables CA1a and CA1b that have different PLC signal bands. This reduces interference in wireless communications between the chargers 50 of the mobility charging system 40 and the e-scooter 43.

[0212] Although the example in FIG. 20 has been described with respect to the case where there are two single-phase two-wire cables, there may be three or more cables. For example, the mobility charging system 40 may have four cables. Each of the four cables may be used for a PLC with a different signal band. For example, a first cable may be used for a PLC with signal band A. A second cable may be used for a PLC with signal band B. A third cable may be used for a PLC with signal band C. A fourth cable may be used for a PLC with signal band D.

[0213] Furthermore, if there are multiple single-phase two-wire cables and each cable carries PLC with a different signal band, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 does not have to relay the PLC signal transmitted and received between the communication device 12 of the station 41 and the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43. However, if the PLC signal leaks from the cable and interferes with (is superimposed on) other cables, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may relay the PLC signal.

[0214] Furthermore, the communication device 11 of a charger 50 may relay a PLC signal transmitted to the communication device 11 of another charger 50. For example, the communication device 13 of a charger 50-4 that performs PLC in signal band B shown in Fig. 20 may relay a PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12b of the station 41 that performs PLC in signal band B to the communication device 13 of a charger 50-n that performs PLC in signal band B.

[0215] (Sixth embodiment) In the sixth embodiment, a case where the cable is a three-phase, three-wire cable will be described.

[0216] Fig. 21 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a mobility charging system 40 according to the sixth embodiment. Fig. 21 shows an example of the block configuration of a station 41, a stand 42, and an e-scooter 43. In Fig. 21, the same components as in Fig. 17 are assigned the same reference numerals. Below, differences from Fig. 17 will be described.

[0217] As shown in Fig. 21, the mobility charging system 40 has three-phase, three-wire cables CA1a to CA1c. The cable CA1a is a U-phase cable. The cable CA1b is a V-phase cable. The cable CA1c is a W-phase cable. The power supply unit 51 of the station 41 supplies three-phase power to the three-phase, three-wire cables CA1a to CA1c.

[0218] The station 41 includes communication devices 12a, 12b, and 12c. The communication devices 12a, 12b, and 12c are connected to cables CA1a to CA1c between different phases, respectively, and perform PLC in different signal bands.

[0219] For example, communication device 12a is connected to U-phase-V phase cables CA1a and CA1b and performs PLC in signal band A. Communication device 12b is connected to V-phase-W phase cables CA1b and CA1c and performs PLC in signal band B. Communication device 12c is connected to U-phase-W phase cables CA1a and CA1c and performs PLC in signal band C.

[0220] 17, the chargers 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, ..., 50-n of the stand 42 have communication devices 11. Adjacent communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-1, 50-2, 50-3, 50-4, ..., 50-n are connected to cables CA1a to CA1c between different phases and perform PLC in different signal bands.

[0221] For example, the communication device 11 of the charger 50-1 is connected to U-phase and V-phase cables CA1a and CA1b and performs PLC in signal band A. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-2 is connected to V-phase and W-phase cables CA1b and CA1c and performs PLC in signal band B. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-3 is connected to U-phase and W-phase cables CA1a and CA1c and performs PLC in signal band C. The communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 is connected to U-phase and V-phase cables CA1a and CA1b and performs PLC in signal band A.

[0222] The communication device 11 of the charger 50 performs PLC with the communication device 12 of the station 41 connected to the same-phase cables CA1a to CA1c. For example, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 connected to the U-phase-V-phase cables CA1a and CA1b performs PLC with the communication device 12a of the station 41. The communication device 11 of the charger 50 connected to the V-phase-W-phase cables CA1b and CA1c performs PLC with the communication device 12b of the station 41. The communication device 11 of the charger 50 connected to the U-phase-W-phase cables CA1a and CA1c performs PLC with the communication device 12c of the station 41.

[0223] As explained in the fourth embodiment, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the charger 50 of signal band A, or may be leaned against the stand 42 at a position corresponding to the charger 50 of signal band B. Therefore, like the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 of the fourth embodiment, the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43 shown in Figure 21 has the function of performing PLC in multiple signal bands and determines the channel to use for PLC.

[0224] As described above, adjacent chargers 50 of the mobility charging system 40 are connected to three-phase, three-wire cables CA1a to CA1c that have different PLC signal bands. This reduces interference in wireless communications between the chargers 50 of the mobility charging system 40 and the e-scooter 43.

[0225] Note that, when PLC with different signal bands is performed between different phases, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 does not have to relay the PLC signal transmitted and received between the communication device 12 of the station 41 and the communication device 13 of the e-scooter 43. For example, as shown in FIG. 21 , when PLC with one signal band A is performed in the U-phase-V phase cables CA1a and CA1b, PLC with one signal band B is performed in the V-phase-W phase cables CA1b and CA1c, and PLC with one signal band C is performed in the U-phase-W phase cables CA1a and CA1c, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 does not have to relay the PLC signal. However, when the PLC signal leaks from the cable and interferes with (is superimposed on) other cables, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may relay the PLC signal.

[0226] Furthermore, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may relay a PLC signal transmitted to the communication device 11 of another charger 50. For example, the communication device 13 of the charger 50-3 that performs PLC in the signal band C shown in Fig. 21 may relay a PLC signal transmitted from the communication device 12c of the station 41 that performs PLC in the signal band C to the communication device 13 of the charger 50-n that performs PLC in the signal band C.

[0227] Furthermore, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 may automatically determine the channel on which PLC is performed. In this case, the communication device 11 of the charger 50 is set to receive hello packets of a predetermined number of hops. The communication device 11 of the charger 50 receives the hello packets of the predetermined number of hops, and determines the channel on which PLC is performed based on the reception quality of the received hello packets.

[0228] For example, suppose that the communication devices 11 of the chargers 50-1 and 50-2 in Fig. 21 do not relay PLC signals, and the communication device 11 of the charger 50-3 relays the PLC signal of signal band C transmitted from the communication device 12c of the station 41 to the communication device 13 of the charger 50-n.

[0229] In this case, the PLC signal of signal band C received by the communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 adjacent to the charger 50-3 may have greater power than the PLC signal of signal band A. In this case, the communication device 13 of the charger 50-4 may mistakenly select the channel of signal band C instead of signal band A.

[0230] Therefore, the communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 is set in advance to receive a hello packet with a hop count of 1. As a result, the communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 does not use a hello packet with a hop count of 2 in signal band A that has been relayed by the communication device 11 of the charger 50-3 as a comparison target, but performs channel determination based on the reception quality of hello packets of signal bands A to C with a hop count of 1. As a result, the communication device 11 of the charger 50-4 is prevented from selecting an incorrect channel. Alternatively, by comparing hello packets with the same hop count, incorrect channel selection is prevented.

[0231] (Seventh embodiment) In the seventh embodiment, an example will be described in which a plurality of PLC networks are connected via a communication device that performs wireless communication according to the present disclosure to form one PLC network.

[0232] Fig. 22 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a PLC network 100 according to the seventh embodiment. Fig. 22 shows a facility 101 and a mobility 102. The facility 101 is, for example, a power supply facility that supplies power to the mobility 102. The mobility 102 is, for example, a vehicle or a ship. The vehicle is, for example, an e-scooter, an electric bicycle, or an automobile.

[0233] As shown in FIG. 22, the facility 101 includes communication devices 111 to 113, a wireless power supply device 114, and cables CA11a and CA11b.

[0234] The communication device 111 includes a coupler 111a and an antenna 111b. The communication device 111 is, for example, the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, and the coupler 111a and the antenna 111b correspond to the coupler 22 and the antenna 23 described in the first embodiment.

[0235] The communication devices 112 and 113 are, for example, the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment.

[0236] The wireless power supply device 114 supplies power to the mobility 102. The wireless power supply device 114 includes, for example, the power source 32a-2, the inverter 32a-3, and the coil 32a-4 described with reference to FIG.

[0237] The communication device 111 and the communication device 112 are connected via a coupler 111a and a cable CA11a. The communication device 112 and the communication device 113 are connected via a cable CA11b. The communication devices 111, 112, and 113 perform PLC and form a PLC network NW1.

[0238] As shown in FIG. 22, the mobility 102 includes communication devices 121 to 123, a wireless power receiving device 124, a battery 125, and cables CA12a and CA12b.

[0239] The communication device 121 includes a coupler 121a and an antenna 121b. The communication device 121 is, for example, the communication device 11 described in the first embodiment, and the coupler 121a and the antenna 121b correspond to the coupler 22 and the antenna 23 described in the first embodiment.

[0240] The communication devices 122 and 123 are, for example, the communication device 12 described in the first embodiment.

[0241] The wireless power receiving device 124 receives power supplied from the facility 101. The wireless power receiving device 124 includes, for example, the coil 33a-2 and the bridge rectifier circuit 33a-3 described in Fig. 6. The wireless power receiving device 124 receives power transmitted from the wireless power supply device 114 and charges the battery 125.

[0242] The communication device 121 and the communication device 122 are connected via a coupler 121a and a cable CA12a. The communication device 122 and the communication device 123 are connected via a cable CA12b. The communication devices 121, 122, and 123 perform PLC and form a PLC network NW2.

[0243] The cable CA11a of the facility 101 and the cable CA12a of the mobility 102 are connected via the coupler 111a and antenna 111b of the communication device 111 and the coupler 121a and antenna 112b of the communication device 121. That is, the PLC network NW1 and the PLC network NW2 are connected by wireless communication between the communication devices 111 and 121. That is, the communication devices 111 and 121 bridge the PLC network NW1 and the PLC network NW2 via coils (antennas 111b and 121b) to form one PLC network NW3.

[0244] As described above, the communication devices 111 and 121 can bridge the multiple PLC networks NW1 and NW2 to form one PLC network NW3.

[0245] The mobility 102 may be a terminal such as a smartphone, a tablet terminal, or a mobile phone.

[0246] In the above-described embodiments, the notation "... unit" used for each component may be replaced with other notations such as "... circuit," "... assembly," "... device," "... unit," or "... module." Furthermore, the station described above may be referred to as, for example, a control device. A charger having a communication device 11 may be referred to as, for example, an electronic device (first electronic device). A terminal and an e-scooter that receive power transmitted from the charger may be referred to as, for example, an electronic device (second electronic device). A mobility charging system may be referred to as an authentication system. A charger 90 having an antenna 91 may be referred to as, for example, an electronic device (third electronic device).

[0247] Although the embodiments have been described above with reference to the drawings, the present disclosure is not limited to such examples. It is clear that a person skilled in the art can conceive of various modifications or alterations within the scope of the claims. It is understood that such modifications or alterations also fall within the technical scope of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the components in the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0248] The present disclosure can be realized by software, hardware, or software linked to hardware. Each functional block used in the description of the above embodiments may be partially or entirely realized as an LSI, which is an integrated circuit, and each process described in the above embodiments may be partially or entirely controlled by a single LSI or a combination of LSIs. The LSI may be composed of individual chips, or may be composed of a single chip that includes some or all of the functional blocks. The LSI may have data input and output. Depending on the degree of integration, the LSI may be called an IC, system LSI, super LSI, or ultra LSI.

[0249] The integrated circuit method is not limited to LSI, but may be realized by a dedicated circuit, a general-purpose processor, or a dedicated processor. Also, a field programmable gate array (FPGA) that can be programmed after LSI manufacturing, or a reconfigurable processor that can reconfigure the connections and settings of circuit cells within the LSI, may be used. The present disclosure may be realized as digital processing or analog processing.

[0250] Furthermore, if an integrated circuit technology that can replace LSI emerges due to advances in semiconductor technology or other derivative technologies, it is natural that such technology can be used to integrate functional blocks. The application of biotechnology is also a possibility.

[0251] This application claims the benefit of priority from U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 139,667, filed January 20, 2021, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. [Industrial Applicability]

[0252] The present disclosure can be applied to a system for authenticating and charging an electronic device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0253] 1. Communication Systems 11,12,12a~12c,13,111~113,121~123 Communication equipment 21 PLC section 22, 22a~22c, 111a, 121a coupler 23, 13c, 121b antennas 30 Device charging system 31 Base unit 32a~32c,50-1,50-2,50-3,50-4,…,50-n Charger Terminals 33a to 33c 40 Mobility Charging System 41 Station 42 Stand 43 e-Scooter 45 servers CA1, CA1a~CA1c cable

Claims

1. a coupler connected to a first cable and a second cable, the coupler having contacts at which the first cable and the second cable branch; a communication circuit connected to the coupler; a housing that houses the coupler and the communication circuit; and The coupler comprises: a signal of a wired communication system output from the communication circuit to the first cable and the second cable; transmitting the signal of the wired communication method to a first communication device connected to the cable via the first cable and a cable connected to the first cable; transmitting the signal of the wired communication method to a second communication device via the second cable and an antenna connected to the second cable; Communication equipment.

2. the coupler outputs the signal of the wired communication method received via the antenna and the second cable to the communication circuit and the first cable; The communication device according to claim 1 .

3. the coupler outputs the signal of the wired communication method received via the first cable to the communication circuit and the second cable; The communication device according to claim 1 .

4. the communication circuit performs relay processing of a signal transmitted from the first communication device to the second communication device and a signal transmitted from the second communication device to the first communication device in accordance with a protocol of the wired communication method. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. a power supply circuit that receives DC power from the cable and supplies power to the communication circuit; the coupler has a capacitor that blocks the DC power from flowing into the communication circuit and the antenna. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

6. a power supply circuit that receives AC power from the cable and supplies power to the communication circuit; the coupler has a transformer that electrically isolates the cable from the communication circuit and the antenna; A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

7. The cable is a twisted pair, a coaxial cable, or a parallel cable. A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. a power supply circuit connected to a power line different from the cable and supplying power to the communication device; The communication device according to claim 7.

9. a wiring distance between the communication circuit and the antenna connected via the coupler is shorter than a distance of the cable connecting the communication device and the first communication device; A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The wired communication method is PLC (Power Line Communication). A communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images