Pluggable Surge Protection in Communication Modules
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication modules with separate overvoltage protection modules face challenges such as increased wiring effort and incorrect wiring, which can lead to communication failures due to electromagnetic interference and surges, especially in industrial settings where copper cables are being upgraded to fiber optics.
Innovation Solution
A communication module with a pluggable overvoltage protection module integrated into the communication circuit, featuring a gas arrester, protective diode, or thyristor, which reduces wiring effort and prevents incorrect connection through a secure single connection side, and includes a data interface for fault detection and reporting, allowing for remote monitoring and status querying.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate surge protection modules are used for communication modules, then overvoltage protection is provided, but wiring effort increases and incorrect wiring may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the communication module and surge protection module into a single integrated unit. The surge protection circuit is built into the communication module housing, eliminating the need for separate surge protection devices and reducing wiring complexity while maintaining protection functionality
2Reliability
If separate surge protection modules are used, then overvoltage protection is achieved, but incorrect wiring and installation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the surge protection function directly into the communication module, the patent eliminates the separate installation step that could lead to wiring errors. The unified design ensures that protection is automatically configured correctly when the communication module is installed
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated design makes the surge protection self-configuring - it automatically works correctly when the communication module is installed without requiring separate wiring or configuration steps that could introduce errors
3Ease of repair
If pluggable surge protection module is integrated, then replacement of defective components is enabled, but device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication module into separable functional units - the communication circuit and the surge protection module - where the surge protection module can be independently removed and replaced. This modular segmentation enables easy replacement of defective components while maintaining an organized internal structure
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 provides efficient overvoltage protection, reduces wiring complexity, prevents incorrect connections, and enables timely replacement of defective components, enhancing communication reliability and availability by integrating surge protection directly into the communication module.
Implementation Method 1
the pluggable surge protection module comprises a gas discharge tube
Implementation Method 2
the pluggable surge protection module comprises a gas discharge tube, a protective diode, and/or a thyristor
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a communication module (100) comprising a communication circuit (101), a communication interface for transferring data to an electric data line (103); and to an overvoltage protection module (105) for protecting the communication circuit (101) from an overvoltage on the electric data line (103) which is integrated in an insertable manner into the communication module (100).