Bidirectional Power Feed Over Existing Wiring for Digital Links
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital communication systems face challenges in deploying high-speed connections without direct access to an electrical outlet, requiring technician visits and substantial installation efforts, leading to delays and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional power feed digital communication system using RF modulation over multiple conductors for both power and data transmission, 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 digital communications, then communication speed is improved, but capital investment and installation complexity increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The existing electrical wiring infrastructure in buildings is made to serve dual purposes: traditional electrical power distribution and digital communication transmission. The system enables communication signals to be transmitted over standard electrical wires without requiring separate communication infrastructure, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining high-speed communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for physical cable drops and complex network infrastructure with electrical signal transmission over existing wiring. By using RF modulation over electrical conductors, the system substitutes traditional mechanical/cable-based communication deployment with an electrical field-based approach that leverages existing infrastructure
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional digital communication equipment is installed without direct access to electrical outlets, then deployment flexibility is improved, but power delivery reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical wiring system performs both power delivery and communication functions simultaneously. By using the same infrastructure for both purposes, the system ensures reliable power delivery while enabling deployment in locations without traditional electrical outlets, as the communication devices can be powered through the communication interface itself
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges power delivery and communication functions into a single integrated system. The electrical wires that traditionally only carried power now also carry modulated communication signals, allowing devices to be powered and communicated with through the same interface, thereby improving both deployment flexibility and power delivery reliability
3Manufacturing precision
If technician visits are scheduled to install equipment and ensure proper connections, then installation quality is improved, but service deployment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-provisioning and automated installation through software-based configuration and testing. The integrated nature of the system allows for automated connection verification and service activation without requiring technician intervention for physical installation, thereby reducing deployment time while maintaining installation quality through automated quality control processes
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates automated testing and verification mechanisms that provide real-time feedback on installation status and connection quality. This feedback enables remote provisioning and automated troubleshooting, reducing the need for technician visits while ensuring proper installation through systematic verification protocols
4Stability of the object's composition
If separate power and communication infrastructure are deployed, then power delivery stability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical wiring infrastructure is designed to simultaneously handle both power delivery and communication functions with stable performance. The system uses frequency division or time division multiplexing to separate power and communication signals on the same medium, maintaining power delivery stability while enabling communication functionality without requiring separate infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces signal modulation and demodulation mechanisms as intermediaries that enable communication signals to be superimposed on power lines without interfering with power delivery. This intermediary layer allows both functions to coexist on the same infrastructure with stable performance, reducing system complexity by eliminating the need for separate physical infrastructure
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
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.