Circuit Element for Data Communication via Supply Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data communication systems in vehicles, which use supply lines for both electrical energy and data transmission, face challenges in effectively separating high-frequency data signals from low-frequency supply voltages, particularly in direct voltage lines, leading to signal attenuation and interference.
Innovation Solution
A circuit element with a communication interface connected via a coupling coil to a supply interface, utilizing a coupling capacitor to block supply voltage and allow high-frequency signals to pass through, enabling efficient data communication via direct voltage lines while minimizing signal attenuation, and incorporating modulator/demodulator circuits and bandpass filters for improved signal quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If data is transmitted via power lines using high-frequency signals superimposed on low-frequency supply voltage, then data communication capability is improved, but signal attenuation and interference increase due to difficulty in separating high-frequency data signals from low-frequency supply voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit element separates the power line into two distinct functional paths using a coupling coil: one path for low-frequency supply voltage (through the coil) and another path for high-frequency data signals (through the capacitor). This segmentation allows simultaneous power transmission and data communication without mutual interference, resolving the contradiction between communication capability and signal quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling coil acts as an intermediary component that magnetically couples the power line to the circuit element while presenting high impedance to high-frequency data signals. This intermediary structure enables the supply voltage to pass through while blocking data signals from entering the power supply path, thereby maintaining signal quality while enabling data communication.
2Use of energy by moving object
If a coupling coil is used to connect communication interface to supply interface, then supply voltage transmission is maintained, but high-frequency data signals are attenuated due to the coil's high impedance
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling capacitor serves as an intermediary element that selectively passes high-frequency data signals while blocking the low-frequency supply voltage from entering the communication circuit. This intermediary component resolves the impedance mismatch issue by providing a low-impedance path for data signals while maintaining the supply voltage transmission through the coupling coil.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit element exploits the frequency-dependent impedance characteristics of the coupling coil and capacitor. The coil presents low impedance to low-frequency supply voltage while presenting high impedance to high-frequency data signals. Conversely, the capacitor presents high impedance to low-frequency voltage while presenting low impedance to high-frequency signals. This parameter change with frequency enables simultaneous power and data transmission without mutual interference.
3Reliability
If control units include separate data lines for data transmission, then data communication reliability is improved, but system complexity increases due to requiring both power lines and separate data lines
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit element enables the power line to serve dual functions: transmitting both supply voltage and data signals. By integrating the coupling coil and capacitor within the circuit element, the system can use existing power line infrastructure for both power delivery and data communication, eliminating the need for separate data lines while maintaining communication reliability through dedicated signal processing paths.
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 reliable bi-directional data communication over supply lines with reduced signal interference, supporting various communication protocols and protocols conversion, suitable for use in electric, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid vehicles, and can function as a transmitter, receiver, or gateway between different bus systems.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling coil represents a relatively high impedance for the high-frequency signals. Thus, for example, an at least approximately smoothed DC voltage is present at the supply interface, while the high-frequency signals are not present at the supply interface or are only very strongly attenuated.
Implementation Method 2
The communication interface is connected to a primary communication unit via a coupling capacitor, and a coupling unit is provided by means of which the communication units can be coupled to one another. The coupling capacitor represents a relatively low impedance for the high-frequency signals. Thus, only the high-frequency signals are present at the primary communication unit, while the supply voltage is blocked by the coupling capacitor.
Implementation Method 3
The communication interface is connected via a coupling coil to a supply interface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a circuit element (10) for data communication via at least one supply line (12), comprising at least one communication interface (20) for connecting to the at least one supply line (12), at least one supply interface (30), which is connected to the at least one communication interface (20) by means of a coupling coil (22), and at least one data interface (40) connected to a secondary communication unit (50). The communication interface (20) is connected to a primary communication unit (60) by means of a coupling capacitor (24), and the communication units (50, 60) can be coupled by means of a coupling unit (70).