Decoupling High-Frequency Signals on Data Lines Without Disconnection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for measuring power spectral density on data transmission lines, such as DSL and VDSL connections, suffer from low measurement accuracy and require disconnecting the line, leading to potential errors and increased work time.

Innovation Solution

A device with a pick-off module and a current clamp module allows for uninterrupted measurement of high-frequency signals and interference voltages on data transmission lines, using push-pull and common-mode operations respectively, without altering the line's configuration, enabling precise measurement without disconnecting the line.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the data transmission line is disconnected for measurement, then measurement can be performed, but measurement accuracy decreases and work time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidwork time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a measurement device that couples to the data transmission line through a coupling module and current clamp module, serving as an intermediary that enables measurement without direct disconnection. The coupling module connects to the first and second sub-lines at a first tapping point, while the current clamp module couples to the first sub-line at a second tapping point, creating an indirect measurement path that maintains line continuity while enabling accurate spectral power density measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the data transmission line is disconnected and reconnected, then measurement can be performed, but errors may occur due to configuration changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidconfiguration stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables continuous measurement action by maintaining the data transmission line connection throughout the measurement process. The measurement device couples to the line without requiring disconnection, ensuring that the line configuration remains stable and unchanged during measurement. This continuous coupling approach eliminates the need to disconnect and reconnect the line, preventing configuration changes and associated measurement errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If a conventional directional coupler in closed design is used, then measurement can be performed, but the line must be disconnected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement capabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the measurement device into distinct functional modules: a coupling module that connects to the first and second sub-lines, and a current clamp module that couples to the first sub-line. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function independently while working together to enable measurement without line disconnection, improving ease of operation compared to conventional closed-design directional couplers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 enhances measurement accuracy and reduces work time by allowing continuous data transmission during measurement, avoiding errors caused by reconnection and ensuring precise measurement of spectral power density and interference location.

Implementation Method 1

a connection of the pick-off module (20) to the first and second sub-line (51, 52) is provided at a first pick-off location (61) of the data transmission line (50) to decouple the high-frequency signal and interference voltages

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

the current clamp module (30) is coupled to the first sub-line (51) at a second tapping point (62) of the data transmission line (50) in order to decouple the high-frequency signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP2553822B1Device for extracting high frequency signal transmitted on a data transmission line
Publication Date: 2017.07.05 DEUTSCHE TELEKOM AG
  • EP2553822B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2553822B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2553822B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An apparatus for decoupling a radio-frequency signal transmitted on a data transmission line is proposed. In addition, use of such an apparatus for performing measurement on the data transmission line and a method for performing measurement on a data transmission line are proposed. In this context, the apparatus has a tapping module and a current probe module, wherein provision is made for the tapping module to be connected to the first and second line elements at a first tapping location on the data transmission line for the purpose of decoupling the radio-frequency signal and wherein provision is made for the current probe to be coupled to the first line element or to the first and second line elements at a second tapping location on the data transmission line for the purpose of decoupling the radio-frequency signal.