Adaptive Transmission Power Mask for PLC Signal Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In power line communication networks, signal power loss occurs due to impedance discontinuities and reflections in electrical wires, leading to inaccurate echo estimation and potential overshoot of authorized power levels, which restricts signal range and quality.
Innovation Solution
A method to enhance signal transmission by adapting the transmission power mask based on precise measurement of voltages and determination of the transfer function S11, using a transceiver with a switch-controlled data transmission and reception chain, to account for power loss and adjust the signal power accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed transmission power mask is used to comply with regulatory power limits, then the transmitted signal power remains within authorized limits, but the signal range is restricted due to power loss from reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming the fixed transmission power mask into an adaptive one. The system continuously measures the echo signal to determine the reflection coefficient, then dynamically adjusts the transmission power mask in real-time based on the actual link conditions. This allows the transmitted power to be optimized for each specific scenario while remaining within regulatory limits, thereby extending signal range without compromising compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the echo signal returned from the physical link and using this information to adjust the transmission power mask. The system measures the voltage of the echo signal, calculates the reflection coefficient, and feeds this back to modify the transmission power accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt to varying link conditions and optimize power transmission while maintaining compliance with authorized power levels.
2Adaptability or versatility
If echo estimation is performed using conventional methods, then the transmission power can be adjusted, but the estimation is inaccurate due to reception chain imperfections causing power level overshoot
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the reception chain imperfections from the echo measurement by using a dedicated measurement configuration. Instead of measuring echo through the imperfect reception chain, the system uses a specific measurement mode where the switch connects the transmission chain output directly to the measurement input, bypassing the defective reception components. This extraction of the measurement from the flawed reception path eliminates the source of estimation error while preserving the ability to adjust transmission power based on accurate echo data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a switch as an intermediary element that enables accurate echo measurement by routing signals through appropriate paths. The switch acts as a mediator that can connect the transmission chain output directly to the measurement input during echo estimation, avoiding the reception chain imperfections. This intermediary mechanism allows the system to obtain accurate echo measurements for power adjustment without being affected by reception chain defects.
3Productivity
If the transmission power mask is adapted based on accurate S11 measurement, then signal power loss is compensated and throughput is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional measurement and control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the reception chain serve multiple functions: normal signal reception and echo signal measurement. The same reception chain hardware is used for both purposes, controlled by the switch that routes signals appropriately. This multi-functionality approach allows the system to perform accurate echo measurements and adapt transmission power without adding dedicated measurement hardware, thereby enhancing throughput while minimizing the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the echo measurement function with the existing transmission and reception chains. Instead of creating separate dedicated measurement systems, the patent combines the echo estimation functionality with the existing hardware by using the switch to reconfigure connections. This merging approach allows accurate S11 measurement and transmission power adaptation while avoiding the proliferation of separate components, thus improving throughput without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach optimizes signal injection by accurately compensating for power loss, ensuring the signal power remains within authorized limits, thereby enhancing throughput and quality of service in power line communication networks.
Implementation Method 1
data transmission may be subject to various phenomena and particularly reflection phenomena, since the signal transmitted and thus injected into the physical link by the transceiver is partially reflected due to an impedance discontinuity of the physical link
Data Source
AI summary
Method for transmitting a signal using a transmission power mask is disclosed. The signal is transmitted by a transceiver A and is connected to a transceiver B via at least one physical link; wherein the transmission power mask is adapted according to a transfer function relative to the impedance of the physical link, so as the power lost during signal transmission is taken into account.