Bidirectional Power Feed Port for Outlet-Free Digital Communications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital communication systems face challenges in deploying high-speed internet connections without direct access to an electrical outlet, requiring technician visits for installation and equipment setup, leading to delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional power feed digital communication system using RF modulation over multiple conductors for both data transmission and power supply, enabling devices to source power from or provide power to other devices within the system, allowing for power relay functions regardless of the direction of data flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional cable or fiber networks are deployed to provide high-speed communications, then communication speed is improved, but capital investment and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The existing electrical wiring infrastructure is made to serve dual purposes: traditional electrical power distribution and digital communication transmission. By encoding communication signals on electrical conductors already present in buildings, the system eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining high-speed communication capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
A communication device acts as an intermediary that interfaces between the existing electrical wiring system and digital communication protocols. This intermediary device enables data transmission over electrical conductors by modulating signals, allowing high-speed communication without direct fiber or cable installation
2Reliability
If technician visits are scheduled for installation and equipment setup, then proper connection and signal strength are ensured, but service deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service installation by allowing communication devices to automatically detect and utilize existing electrical wiring infrastructure. The devices can autonomously establish connections and configure communication parameters without requiring technician intervention, thereby reducing deployment time while maintaining connection reliability through automated verification protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical wiring infrastructure is pre-installed in buildings during construction, serving as ready-made communication pathways. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site wiring installation, allowing communication devices to be quickly deployed and connected without scheduling technician visits for infrastructure installation
3Reliability
If direct access to electrical outlets is required for power supply, then equipment can be powered reliably, but installation flexibility and accessibility decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical wiring system is utilized for both power distribution and communication functions. By drawing power from the same infrastructure used for data transmission, the system eliminates the need for separate power outlet connections, thereby increasing installation flexibility to locations without accessible outlets while maintaining reliable power supply through the building's existing electrical system
Solution Approach 2:
Power and communication functions are merged into a single infrastructure system. The electrical conductors simultaneously carry both electrical power and communication signals, allowing communication devices to receive both power and data through the same connection, thereby eliminating the need for separate power outlets and increasing installation flexibility
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
Facilitates quick and efficient deployment of high-speed digital communications by eliminating the need for direct power outlets, reducing installation delays, and minimizing costs associated with technician visits.
Implementation Method 1
a bidirectional power feed connection configured to receive power from or provide power to an external device via a multiple conductors for digital communications
Implementation Method 2
radio frequency (RF) modulation communications over multiple conductors between the digital communication port and the external device
Data Source
AI summary
A digital communications port for communications with an external device over multiple conductors, the digital communications port including communication electronics for communicating radio frequency modulation (RF) communications over the multiple conductors. The digital communications port further includes bidirectional power feed electronics that are programmable to be configured to at least receive power from the external device using at least two of the multiple conductors so as to power the bidirectional power feed electronics and to power the communications electronics, or provide power to the external device using at least two of the multiple conductors so as to power the external device.