Power Line Communication Using Current Signal Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power line communication systems require complex circuit structures and additional components to load data signals onto voltage signals, increasing product costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A power line communication apparatus that loads data signals onto current signals, using a transmission unit with a current sensor and signal processing unit to detect and restore data signals on the power line, allowing for communication through a simpler circuit structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If voltage signal loading method is used for power line communication, then communication capability is achieved, but circuit complexity increases due to required filters, transformers, and diodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data signal from the voltage signal domain and transfers it to the current signal domain for transmission. By separating the communication function (current signal modulation) from the power supply function (voltage signal), the complex voltage loading circuits (filters, transformers, diodes) are eliminated while maintaining reliable communication capability through the simpler current-based modulation approach
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the traditional voltage-based electrical signal loading mechanism with a current-based mechanism. This replacement eliminates the need for complex passive components (filters, transformers, diodes) required in voltage loading, achieving the same communication function through a simpler electrical mechanism that directly modulates current rather than voltage
2Reliability
If voltage signal loading method is used for power line communication, then communication is enabled, but product cost increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from the complex voltage loading circuitry and relocates it to the current signal domain. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive additional components (filters, transformers, diodes), reducing manufacturing costs while preserving the essential communication capability through current-based modulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simpler, more cost-effective current signal modulation approach that replaces expensive passive components with more economical active circuit elements. The current-based method uses fewer and cheaper components (such as simple current sources and detectors) compared to the expensive voltage loading components, achieving the same communication function at lower manufacturing cost
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 efficient power line communication with reduced circuit complexity and cost by using current signals as carriers, facilitating load power monitoring and status information transmission.
Implementation Method 1
The current sensor may be configured to detect the data signal being received through the power line by detecting an amount of current that flows through the power line
Data Source
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AI summary
A load power monitoring apparatus and method use a power line communication apparatus and method. The power line communication apparatus is capable of performing power line communication through a simple circuit structure by loading a data signal on a current signal supplied over the power line. The power line communication apparatus includes a transmission unit configured to generate a data signal using the current signal, which is supplied through the power line, as a carrier wave, and to transmit the data signal through the power line, and a reception unit configured to receive the data signal, which is generated by the transmission unit, through the power line.