Carrier Current Adapter Signal Detection and Power Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current carrier current adapters consume excessive energy due to inefficient activity detection on their DC interfaces, as existing methods require costly energy-intensive modules from the OFDM modulation structure to detect modulated signals.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that sample signals for a predetermined period, determining the presence of a modulated signal by assessing deviations from an average value, allowing for low-energy detection and optimal power management by switching interfaces to standby or active modes based on signal activity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If energy-intensive modules from the OFDM modulation structure are used to detect modulated signals on the DC interface, then detection reliability is improved, but power consumption increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The detection function is segmented into two distinct stages: a low-power initial detection phase using simple energy detection on the DC interface, and a full-power confirmation phase using OFDM modulation structure modules. This segmentation allows the system to perform frequent initial checks with minimal energy consumption while maintaining reliable detection capability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by performing energy detection before activating the full OFDM modulation structure. The energy detection module continuously monitors the DC interface and only triggers the power-intensive OFDM modules when signal activity is detected, thereby avoiding unnecessary power consumption while ensuring reliable detection when signals are present.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Speed

If the power line adapter remains in active mode continuously, then signal detection responsiveness is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal detection responsivenessVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic action by switching between active and standby modes based on detected signal activity. The energy detection module operates periodically to monitor the DC interface, and the adapter transitions to standby mode during periods of no activity, reducing power consumption while maintaining the ability to quickly detect and respond to new signals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies dynamics by making the power state of the adapter dynamic rather than static. The system can adaptively switch between active and standby states based on real-time signal conditions detected on the DC interface, optimizing the balance between responsiveness and energy efficiency according to actual operational needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2489134B1Method and device for detecting the presence of a modulated signal on a medium
Publication Date: 2019.01.30 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP2489134B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2489134B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2489134B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for detecting the presence of a modulated signal on a medium, which is characterized in that, during a predetermined time period (T), it involves collecting at least one sample (Si) of a signal present on said medium and determining that a modulated signal is present on the medium if the number of samples (Si), for which the values (V(Si)) deviate from the mean value of said signal by a predetermined value (d1,d2,d), is higher than a predetermined threshold (Th), and, if the contrary holds true, determining that no modulated signal is present on the medium. The invention also relates to a detector of the presence of a modulated signal on a medium as well as the use thereof for placing the carrier current interface of an adaptor on stand-by and reactivating same.