Current Modulation Data Transmission on Power Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for transmitting sensor data in electrical devices, such as load actuators on aircraft, face challenges due to the need for additional dedicated signal lines, which increase cost and complexity, especially in space-constrained environments like aircraft bulkheads, and struggle with low impedance power lines that minimize voltage fluctuations.
Innovation Solution
A system that transmits data by modulating the current on a common electrical line used for both power and data, where a sensor generates a signal ratio converted into binary form, with distinct data currents for 0s and 1s, summed with the load current to create total current modulations detectable by a microprocessor, allowing data interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate dedicated signal lines are used to transmit sensor data, then data transmission reliability is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single power line. The sensor modulates the power line current to encode digital data, allowing both power delivery and information transmission through the same conductor, thereby eliminating the need for separate dedicated signal lines and reducing system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The power line is given dual functionality: it serves both as a power delivery medium and as a communication channel. By modulating the current on the existing power line, the system enables data transmission without requiring additional infrastructure, making the power line a universal medium for both energy and information transfer
2Loss of information
If voltage fluctuation is used to represent data on power lines, then data transmission is achieved, but the low impedance of power lines minimizes voltage fluctuations requiring heavy filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the modulation parameter from voltage fluctuation to current modulation. Since power lines have low impedance, voltage changes are minimal and difficult to detect. By modulating the current directly and measuring the resulting voltage drops across a known impedance, the system achieves reliable data transmission without requiring heavy filtering circuits
3Loss of information
If additional signal lines are installed in aircraft bulkhead, then data communication capability is improved, but available space is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and data communication into a single conductor, eliminating the need for additional signal lines in the aircraft bulkhead. The existing power wiring infrastructure is utilized for both power transmission and data communication, preserving valuable installation space
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
This approach enables efficient data transmission without additional signal lines, effectively interpreting current modulations to convey binary information, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining reliable data communication in constrained spaces.
Implementation Method 1
A current load coupled to a power source is modulated by an information signal. The resultant current changes cause voltage fluctuations that mirror the current changes.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system (10) and a method effective to transmit information about a load (14) that draws a load current to a recipient. The system includes a sensor effective to generate a first signal (126) containing information about the load and a reference second signal (128). A first device calculates a ratio of the first signal to the second signal and converts that ratio into a binary number. A second device converts 0 members of the binary number to a first data current (32) and 1 members of the binary number into a second data current (34) that is different from the first data current. A common electrical line transmits a total current that is a sum of the load current plus the first data current or a sum of the load current plus the second data current. The recipient communicates with the common electrical line and converts current modulations to the binary number and the binary number to the information. (Drawing Figure 1)