Power line communication equipment and method thereof

Abstract

To provide a communication device and a communication method that perform transmission and communication of a fundamental frequency signal using a power line of an AC power supply, thereby realizing a continuous communication effect.SOLUTION: The present invention performs transmission and communication of a fundamental signal using a power line of an AC power supply, and conducts data transmission and communication using a power line and a signal line instead of directly superimposing the signal on the power line. In this configuration, rectified energy storage means is used to continuously convert the AC power supply into a current source having a common reference potential, thereby realizing a continuous communication effect without interruption in transmission and communication. In addition, since data transmission and communication are performed via the signal line, problems of noise interference do not occur.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a communication device and method for transmitting and communicating a fundamental frequency signal by using a power line of an AC power supply and achieving a continuous communication effect.

Background Art

[0002] In the current communication industry, power line communication is generally referred to as PLC (Power Line Communication) or BPL (Broadband over Power Line), and refers to a communication method for transmitting data, video, and audio signals using a power line. The power line is the most common line existing in each room in a home, and most products need to supply power through the power line. Therefore, the power line network is the most common and widespread resource. This type of power line communication technology converts data into a serial format, synthesizes it with a high-frequency signal to form a carrier signal, couples the carrier signal to the power line, performs data transmission using the power line, separates the high-frequency signal from the power line by a dedicated power line modulation / demodulation (Modem), transmits it to the power line modulation / demodulation of the terminal device, and extracts and uses the signal from the power line.

[0003] When using a power line as a backbone transmission medium for a home (local area) network, no rewiring is required, and construction costs and time can be saved. However, the use of the power line is to transmit power, and it is not originally an ideal communication medium. When transmitting a commercial power supply and a power line communication carrier simultaneously, the power line communication carrier is easily affected by noise interference generated by other electrical devices, leading to transmission failure of some data packets, a decrease in the transmission speed, and in serious cases, the PLC network may also become paralyzed.

[0004] Therefore, the communication technology of Chinese Patent No. I661688, titled "Communication Method and Apparatus Built on Power Lines," provides a threshold voltage value that serves as a comparison standard for AC input voltages, and determines whether or not to allow communication. If the AC input voltage is greater than the threshold voltage value, communication is permitted. Conversely, if the AC input voltage is less than the threshold voltage value, communication is not permitted. This ensures that the start and end times of communication of the fundamental frequency signals between each connected load are brought as close as possible, improving reliability. Furthermore, by using a separate signal line for data transmission and communication, the problem of noise interference is avoided by not directly transmitting signals over the power lines.

[0005] However, in the above patent, after performing a voltage comparison using a voltage comparison module, a duty time for which communication is permitted and a forbidden time for which communication is not permitted are obtained. Therefore, there is a forbidden period during which communication is impossible, and the overall circuit becomes complex and the implementation cost increases because a voltage comparison module is required. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0006] [Patent Document 1] China Patent No. I661688 [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0007] The present invention provides a communication device and method that transmits and communicates fundamental frequency signals using AC power lines, thereby achieving a continuous communication effect. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] To achieve the above objective, the power communication device of the present invention includes at least: an AC power input terminal having a first power line, a second power line, and a signal line; a rectifier energy storage circuit connected to the first power line and the second power line and having a full-wave rectifier unit, two energy storage units, a first output terminal, and a second output terminal; and a signal transmission interface electrically connected to the first output terminal, the second output terminal, and the signal line of the rectifier energy storage circuit, respectively, and receiving a current source having a common reference potential from the first output terminal and the second output terminal under the input of the AC power supply.

[0009] Compared to conventional powerline communication (PLC) technology, the present invention transmits data using signal lines within the power line rather than directly carriering signals in the power line. This not only improves the noise interference problem in powerline communication but also eliminates the need for isolation and modulation / demodulation systems. Furthermore, the present invention achieves continuous communication without interruption to transmission and communication by continuously converting the AC power source into a current source having a common reference potential using rectified energy storage means.

[0010] In one preferred embodiment, the rectifier energy storage circuit further comprises two unidirectional conducting units, each of which is electrically connected between the full-wave rectifier unit and the first output terminal.

[0011] In one preferred embodiment, the two unidirectional conducting units are diodes D5 and D6, respectively, each having an anode terminal and a cathode terminal, the anode terminal of diode D5 being electrically connected to the cathode terminal of diode D1 and one end of capacitor C1, the anode terminal of diode D6 being electrically connected to the cathode terminal of diode D2 and one end of capacitor C2, and the cathode terminals of diode D5 and D6 being connected in parallel to the first output terminal.

[0012] In one preferred embodiment, the full-wave rectifier unit has a positive half-cycle current path and a negative half-cycle current path, and the two energy storage units are electrically connected to the positive half-cycle current path and the negative half-cycle current path of the full-wave rectifier unit, respectively.

[0013] In one preferred embodiment, the full-wave rectifier unit has four diodes D1 to D4, and the two energy storage units are capacitors C1 and C2, respectively, wherein capacitor C1 is electrically connected to the positive half-cycle current path of diodes D1 and D3, and capacitor C2 is electrically connected to the negative half-cycle current path of diodes D2 and D4.

[0014] In one preferred embodiment, the signal transmission interface continues to transmit and communicate fundamental frequency signals via the signal lines, and the transmission and communication of fundamental frequency signals includes a TX transmit signal and an RX receive signal. [Effects of the Invention]

[0015] The communication device and method of the present invention transmit and communicate fundamental frequency signals using AC power lines, thereby achieving continuous communication. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0016] [Figure 1] This is a diagram illustrating the structure of the communication device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a first embodiment of a communication device according to the present invention. [Figure 3] This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a second embodiment of the rectifier energy storage circuit according to the present invention. [Figure 4] This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a second embodiment of the communication device according to the present invention. [Figure 5] This is a signal waveform diagram showing the usage status of the communication device according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a signal waveform diagram showing the operating status of a conventional communication device.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] FIG. 1 shows a structural explanatory diagram of the power line communication device of the present invention. The power line communication device 1 of the present invention includes at least an AC power input terminal 10, a rectifying energy storage circuit 20, and a signal transmission interface 30.

[0018] The AC power input terminal 10 has a first power line 11, a second power line 12, and a signal line 13. The rectifying energy storage circuit 20 is connected to the AC power input terminal 10. Referring also to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the rectifying energy storage circuit 20 is connected to the first power line 11 and the second power line 12, and the rectifying energy storage circuit 20 has a full-wave rectifying unit 21, two energy storage units 22, a first output terminal 23, and a second output terminal 24. The two energy storage units 22 are electrically connected to the positive half-cycle current path and the negative half-cycle current path of the full-wave rectifying unit 21, respectively.

[0019] The signal transmission interface 30 is electrically connected to the first output terminal 23, the second output terminal 24 of the rectifying energy storage circuit, and the signal line 13, respectively.

[0020] As shown in the second embodiment of FIG. 3, the full-wave rectifying unit 21 has four diodes D1 to D4, and the two energy storage units are a capacitor C1 and a capacitor C2, respectively. The capacitor C1 is electrically connected to the positive half-cycle current paths of the diodes D1 and D3, and the capacitor C2 is electrically connected to the negative half-cycle current paths of the diodes D2 and D4. The four diodes D1 to D4 perform full-wave rectification on the input AC power supply, and a current source A having a common reference potential under the AC power input can be continuously output through the capacitors C1 and C2 in the positive half-cycle current path and the negative half-cycle current path, respectively.

[0021] In addition, the rectifying energy storage circuit 20 further includes two single-direction conduction units 25. The two single-direction conduction units 25 are electrically connected between the full-wave rectifying unit 21 and the first output terminal 23 respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the two single-direction conduction units 25 are diodes D5 and D6 respectively, and the diodes D5 and D6 each have an anode terminal and a cathode terminal. The anode terminal of the diode D5 is electrically connected to the cathode terminal of the diode D1 and one terminal of the capacitor C1, and the anode terminal of the diode D6 is electrically connected to the cathode terminal of the diode D2 and one terminal of the capacitor C2. Moreover, the cathode terminal of the diode D5 is connected to the first output terminal 23 in parallel with the cathode terminal of the diode D6. Due to the single-direction conduction effect of the diodes D5 and D6, the current source can be reliably output to the signal transmission interface 30.

[0022] As shown in the third embodiment of FIG. 4, the rectifying energy storage circuit  20 is respectively connected to the first power line 11 and the second power line 12. The first power line 11 and the second power line 12 can transmit an AC power supply, and the reference ground of its signal level corresponds to the first power line 11 and the second power line 12 of the input source along with the AC power supply through the rectifier energy storage circuit 20. When the input AC power supply is in the positive half-wave, the signal level reference ground is located on the second power line 12, the positive half-cycle current path of the full-wave rectifying unit is in the on state, and the negative half-cycle current path is in the off state. When the input AC is in the negative half-wave, the signal level reference ground is located on the first power line 11, the positive half-cycle current path of the full-wave rectifying unit is in the off state, and the negative half-cycle current path is in the on state.

[0023] Referring to the AC signal waveform diagram shown in Figure 5, when AC power is input from the AC power input terminal 10, the positive half-cycle current paths of diodes D1 and D3, and the negative half-cycle current paths of diodes D2 and D4 are sequentially turned on, and full-wave rectification is performed (Vin waveform in Figure 5, etc.). The signal level reference positions are located on the first power line 11 and the second power line 12, respectively, and energy is stored by two capacitors C1 and C2 on the positive and negative half-cycle current paths, respectively. A current source A with a common reference potential is continuously transmitted from the first output terminal 23 and the second output terminal 24 to the signal transmission interface 3 (TX and RX waveform diagrams in Figure 5), allowing continuous communication with the signal transmission interface 30 and enabling continuous transmission and communication of the fundamental frequency signal via the signal line 13. The transmission and communication of the fundamental frequency signal may include the TX transmission signal and RX reception signal shown in Figure 5.

[0024] The communication device and method provided by the present invention, which transmits a fundamental frequency signal using the power lines of an AC power supply, can be applied to loads that need to be connected to a commercial power supply, and can be applied to light sources (e.g., light-emitting diode lamps), sensors, or displays, and can transmit power and communicate a fundamental frequency signal at the same time. Users can directly achieve intelligent remote control simply by connecting each load to a common three-wire connector.

[0025] Taking light sources as an example, the control system can connect multiple light sources in series via power lines. Each light source is connected to the power line via the power line communication device of the present invention. The user can preset various control modes, such as turning the light source on or off, or adjusting the brightness of the light source, through the control system. The control system converts these control modes into fundamental frequency signals and can communicate and transmit the fundamental frequency using power lines. The power lines can control the on / off and dimming of the light sources. The system has features such as the ability to use existing wiring, wide coverage, convenient connection, and high transmission speed.

[0026] Furthermore, compared to conventional powerline communication (PLC) technology, the present invention transmits data using signal lines within the power line rather than directly transmitting signals onto the power line. This not only improves upon the noise interference problem in powerline communication but also simplifies circuit design and system configuration by eliminating the need for voltage comparison modules, isolation systems, and modulation / demodulation systems. Moreover, the present invention achieves continuous communication without interruption by continuously converting the input AC power supply into a current source with a common reference potential using rectified energy storage means, thus solving the drawback of conventional powerline communication where a communication blackout period exists at the AC power zero point, making communication impossible. As shown in Figure 6, in conventional powerline communication, the TX transmission signal and RX reception signal can communicate during the operating period t1, but current cannot be generated at the AC power zero point. At this time, a blackout period t2 occurs, and communication becomes impossible.

[0027] Unless otherwise specified, the following terms used in the specification and claims of this application have the definitions set forth below. Note that the singular term "one" used in the specification and claims of this application is intended to cover one or more matters, e.g., at least one, at least two, or at least three, and does not mean having only one matter. Also, open conjunctions such as "includes," "equips," and "has" used in the claims indicate that the components or combinations of components described in the claims do not exclude other components or components not described in the claims. Also, note that unless otherwise explicitly stated in the content, the term "or" generally includes "and / or." The terms "about" or "substantially" used in the specification and claims of this application are used to modify errors that may vary slightly, but such slight variations do not alter the essence.

[0028] The embodiments described above are for illustrative purposes only and do not limit the present invention. Various modifications or changes made by those skilled in the art without departing from the technical scope of the present invention should also be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0029] A Current source A at reference potential C1 Capacitor C2 Capacitor D1 diode D2 Diode D3 diode D4 diode D5 Bypass D6 diode 1. Power line communication equipment 10 AC power input terminal 11. Power Line 1 12. Second power line 13 signal lines 20. Rectifier energy storage circuit 21 Full-wave rectifier unit 22 Energy Storage Unit 23. First Output Terminal 24. Second output terminal 25 Unidirectional Conductive Unit 30 Signal transmission interface

Claims

1. AC power input terminal having a first power line, a second power line and a signal line, A rectifier energy storage circuit connected to the first power line and the second power line, having a full-wave rectifier unit, two energy storage units, a first output terminal and a second output terminal, A signal transmission interface is electrically connected to the first output terminal, the second output terminal, and the signal line of the rectifier energy storage circuit, respectively, and is capable of receiving a current source having a common reference potential from the first output terminal and the second output terminal, It includes at least, The rectifier energy storage circuit further comprises two unidirectional conducting units, each of which is electrically connected between the full-wave rectifier unit and the first output terminal. The full-wave rectifier unit has four diodes (D1), (D2), (D3), and (D4); the two energy storage units are capacitors (C1) and (C2), respectively; the two unidirectional conduction units are diodes (D5) and (D6), respectively; the diodes (D5) and (D6) each have an anode terminal and a cathode terminal; the anode terminal of diode (D5) is electrically connected to the cathode terminal of diode (D1) and one end of capacitor (C1); the anode terminal of diode (D6) is electrically connected to the cathode terminal of diode (D2) and one end of capacitor (C2); and the cathode terminals of diode (D5) and diode (D6) are connected in parallel to the first output terminal, in a power line communication device.

2. The power line communication device according to Claim 1, wherein one end of the capacitor (C1) is electrically connected to at least the cathode terminal of the diode (D1), the other end of the capacitor (C1) is electrically connected to at least the cathode terminal of the diode (D3), one end of the capacitor (C2) is electrically connected to at least the cathode terminal of the diode (D2), and the other end of the capacitor (C2) is electrically connected to at least the cathode terminal of the diode (D4).

3. The power line communication device according to claim 1, wherein the signal transmission interface continues to transmit and communicate fundamental frequency signals via the signal line, and the transmission and communication of fundamental frequency signals includes a TX transmission signal and an RX reception signal.

4. A power line communication method that transmits and communicates fundamental frequency signals using AC power lines and signal lines, and converts the AC power into a current source having a common reference potential using rectification energy storage means, A power line communication method performed using the power line communication device described in claim 1.

5. The power line communication method according to claim 4, wherein one end of the capacitor (C1) is electrically connected to at least the cathode terminal of the diode (D1), the other end of the capacitor (C1) is electrically connected to at least the cathode terminal of the diode (D3), one end of the capacitor (C2) is electrically connected to at least the cathode terminal of the diode (D2), and the other end of the capacitor (C2) is electrically connected to at least the cathode terminal of the diode (D4).

6. The power line communication method according to claim 4, wherein, under the input of the AC power supply, the signal transmission interface can receive a current source having a common reference potential through the first output terminal and the second output terminal, and the signal transmission interface continues to transmit and communicate fundamental frequency signals via the signal line.

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