Broadband Power Line Network Device Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional broadband power line network devices face challenges in complying with safety regulations due to high AC voltages and require reduced trace layout area and fabrication costs while ensuring user safety.
Innovation Solution
A broadband power line network device with a non-isolated AC-DC power converter utilizing an Ethernet signal coupling device to isolate high voltages, reducing volume and fabrication costs, and incorporating a printed circuit board layout with separated primary and secondary regions to prevent dangerous voltage generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an isolated AC-DC power converter is used to ensure user safety, then safety is improved, but device volume and fabrication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the isolation function from the AC-DC power converter by removing the transformer component. The Ethernet signal coupling device is used only for signal coupling without providing galvanic isolation, thereby eliminating the need for a separate transformer and reducing device volume while maintaining safety through alternative means.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet signal coupling device is designed to perform multiple functions: signal coupling between primary and secondary sides, and inherent safety isolation through its coupling mechanism. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate isolation components, reducing overall device volume.
2Reliability
If an isolated AC-DC power converter is used to ensure user safety, then safety is improved, but fabrication cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the transformer component from the AC-DC power converter, extracting the isolation function to a different implementation approach. This elimination of the transformer directly reduces fabrication cost while maintaining safety through the Ethernet signal coupling device's inherent isolation properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more cost-effective Ethernet signal coupling device without an expensive transformer. This approach uses cheaper components that can be easily manufactured, reducing overall fabrication cost while achieving the required safety standards.
3Volume of stationary object
If trace layout area is reduced to minimize device volume, then device volume is reduced, but compliance with safety regulations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the circuit into distinct primary and secondary sides with clear separation. The Ethernet signal coupling device creates natural isolation boundaries, allowing compact trace layout while maintaining safety distances and compliance with regulations through structured segmentation of high-voltage and low-voltage regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The Ethernet signal coupling device acts as an intermediary between the primary AC side and secondary DC side. This mediator provides inherent isolation that allows compact design while maintaining safety, as the coupling device itself enforces the necessary electrical separation without requiring large physical distances.
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
The solution effectively isolates high voltages, ensuring user safety and reducing the device's volume and fabrication costs, while maintaining high-speed Ethernet signal transmission rates above 10Mbps.
Implementation Method 1
The Ethernet signal coupling device is arranged between the primary layout region and the secondary layout region of the printed circuit board. If the external network signal from the secondary layout region is received by the Ethernet signal coupling device, the Ethernet signal coupling device generates an internal network signal to the primary layout region.
Implementation Method 2
The power converter is disposed on the primary layout region of the printed circuit board, and includes a pair of power-receiving terminals for receiving an AC voltage, thereby converting the AC voltage into a DC voltage.
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3A
AI summary
A broadband power line network device includes a printed circuit board, a power converter, a network control chip, a network connector, and an Ethernet signal coupling device. The printed circuit board includes a primary layout region and a secondary layout region. The primary layout region and the secondary layout region are separated from each other by a first distance. The power converter includes a pair of power-receiving terminals for receiving an AC voltage, thereby converting the AC voltage into a DC voltage. The network control chip is disposed on the primary layout region for receiving the DC voltage. The network connector is disposed on the secondary layout region for transmitting or receiving an external network signal. The Ethernet signal coupling device is arranged between the primary layout region and the secondary layout region.