Communication Cable Identification via AC Voltage Injection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication monitoring devices face challenges in identifying the connection destination of communication cables, especially when multiple cables are used, leading to potential errors and increased costs due to the need for additional signal lines.
Innovation Solution
A communication monitoring device that applies an alternating current voltage at a predetermined frequency between the signal lines of a communication cable, using a first voltage application circuit at one end and a second display portion at the other end to detect and display this voltage, allowing identification of the connection destination without additional signal lines, and enabling Power over Ethernet (PoE) functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an additional signal line is added to identify the connection destination of the communication cable, then the connection destination can be identified, but the cost of the total system becomes expensive and versatile communication cables cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by enabling communication cables to serve dual purposes: transmitting both data signals and identification signals through the same existing infrastructure. The voltage application circuit injects identification signals into the communication cable's signal lines, allowing the cable to function as both a data transmission medium and an identification carrier, eliminating the need for separate identification wiring
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a voltage application circuit and detection circuit as mediators. These circuits apply alternating current voltages at specific frequencies to the communication cable and detect the resulting voltages, serving as intermediaries that enable identification functionality without requiring modifications to the communication cable itself
2Measurement precision
If an additional signal line is added to identify the connection destination, then the connection destination can be identified, but versatile communication cables cannot be used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables communication cables to perform multiple functions simultaneously - data transmission and identification signaling - through the same physical medium. By injecting identification signals into the existing signal lines and detecting them at the other end, the system maintains compatibility with standard communication cables while adding identification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the electrical parameters of the communication cable by applying alternating current voltages at specific frequencies (e.g., 1 kHz, 3 kHz, 5 kHz) to the signal lines. These frequency-based parameter changes enable identification without altering the cable's physical structure or requiring different cable types
3Productivity
If multiple communication cables are laid under a floor, then communication connectivity is provided, but it becomes difficult to identify the connection destination of any one cable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning unique identification characteristics to each communication cable through frequency differentiation. Each cable can be associated with a specific frequency (e.g., first cable at 1 kHz, second cable at 3 kHz), allowing local identification of each cable's connection destination without affecting the overall connectivity provided by the cable bundle
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary identification actions by applying test voltages at specific frequencies to each communication cable before actual use. The detection circuit预先 detects which cable connects to which destination by measuring the applied voltages, establishing identification information in advance that simplifies future cable management
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
Enables identification of the connection destination of versatile communication cables while transmitting direct current, reducing misconnection risks and costs by utilizing existing cable infrastructure, and supporting PoE applications.
Implementation Method 1
a first voltage application circuit, mounted on a first connector portion arranged at one end of a communication cable having at least two signal lines, or on a first repeater or a first communication device, connecting the first connector portion, wherein the first voltage application circuit applies an alternating current voltage at a predetermined frequency to between any signal lines in the communication cable
Implementation Method 2
a second display portion, mounted on a second connector portion arranged at the other end of the communication cable, or on a second repeater or a second communication device, connecting the second connector portion, wherein the second display portion detects and displays the alternating current voltage at the predetermined frequency applied to between any signal lines in the communication cable
Implementation Method 3
PoE (Power over Ethernet, where Ethernet is known as the resisted trade mark) that also sends direct current through the communication cable
Data Source
AI summary
A communication monitoring device includes, a first voltage application circuit 5, mounted on a first connector portion 2b arranged at one end of a communication cable 2 having at least two signal lines 2a, or a first repeater 3 or a first communication device, connecting the first connector portion 2b, wherein the first voltage application circuit 5 applies an alternating current voltage at a predetermined frequency to between any signal lines 2a in the communication cable 2, and a second display portion 6, mounted on a second connector portion 2c arranged at an other end of the communication cable 2, or a second repeater 4 or a second communication device, connecting the second connector portion 2c, wherein the second display portion 6 detects and displays the alternating current voltage at the predetermined frequency applied to between the any signal lines 2a in the communication cable 2.