DSL Network Device Dying Gasp Signal Capacitor Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DSL network devices face challenges in generating a dying gasp signal when power is depleted due to energy consumption by DC-DC converters, leading to increased costs and PCB layout issues with high-capacity capacitors.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a system-on-a-chip (SoC) and a line driver, utilizing two independent energy-storage units and conversion units to generate and transmit a dying gasp signal, allowing the SoC to generate the signal using one energy-storage unit and the line driver to amplify and transmit it using the other, reducing simultaneous energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the capacitances of the equipped capacitors are increased to ensure the dying gasp signal can be sent when power runs out, then the reliability of signal transmission is improved, but the cost and PCB space occupation are increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large capacitor into multiple smaller capacitors (first capacitor and second capacitor) that are connected in parallel. This segmentation achieves the same total capacitance value needed for reliable dying gasp signal transmission while improving PCB layout flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs. The multiple smaller capacitors can be more efficiently arranged on the PCB compared to a single large capacitor of equivalent capacitance.
2Reliability
If the capacitances of the equipped capacitors are increased to ensure the dying gasp signal can be sent when power runs out, then the reliability of signal transmission is improved, but the cost is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large capacitor into multiple smaller capacitors (first capacitor and second capacitor) that are connected in parallel. This segmentation achieves the same total capacitance value needed for reliable dying gasp signal transmission while improving PCB layout flexibility and reducing manufacturing costs. The multiple smaller capacitors can be more efficiently arranged on the PCB compared to a single large capacitor of equivalent capacitance.
3Device complexity
If a single energy-storage element is used to power both DC-DC converters when power runs out, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of dying gasp signal transmission deteriorates due to simultaneous energy consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single energy-storage element into multiple independent energy-storage elements (first capacitor and second capacitor). The first capacitor is connected to power the first DC-DC converter while the second capacitor powers the second DC-DC converter. This segmentation ensures that when the main power fails, each converter has dedicated energy storage, preventing simultaneous energy depletion and ensuring the dying gasp signal can be transmitted reliably.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces independent energy-storage elements as intermediaries between the power source and each DC-DC converter. These intermediary capacitors buffer the power supply to each converter, ensuring that when main power fails, each converter can operate independently using its own capacitor, thus ensuring the dying gasp signal transmission reliability.
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 solution enables effective generation and transmission of the dying gasp signal without consuming energy from both conversion units simultaneously, reducing the need for high-capacity capacitors and minimizing cost and PCB space issues.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy-storage unit coupled to the first conversion unit, for providing a first DC power relating to the DC input voltage to the first conversion when the network runs out of power
Implementation Method 2
a second energy-storage unit coupled to the second conversion unit, for providing a second DC power relating to the DC input voltage to the second conversion when the network runs out of power
Data Source
AI summary
A network device relating to a digital subscriber line (DSL) such as an asymmetrical DSL (ADSL) or a very high bit rate DSL (VDSL) is provided. In the present invention, the capacitors equipped into the network device are separated and grouped into two independent groups. When the network device runs out of power, the energy of one of the two independent groups is provided for generating the dying gasp signal, and the energy of the other of the two independent groups is provided for amplifying and transmitting the dying gasp signal to a Central Office (CO). Accordingly, the CO can be accurately known whether the network device runs out of power or not, and the respective capacitances of the two independent groups can be significantly reduced so as to reduce the cost of the network device.