Ethernet Link Device for Secure Data and Power Transmission

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Ethernet connections for electronic equipment lack security and throughput, and adding secondary connections for security in aeronautical applications increases weight and complexity, while existing Power over Ethernet techniques do not fully address these issues.

Innovation Solution

A device with ETHERNET interfaces interconnected by rising and falling lines, incorporating power supply modules for common mode alternating current power transmission and secondary transmission modules for data modulation, allowing secure and efficient data transmission with reduced weight and volume.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a second connection device is added to provide secure link for sensitive information transmission, then security level is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity levelVSAvoidweight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines data transmission and power supply functions into a single Ethernet connection device. The first connection device handles both data communication and power delivery through the same physical link, eliminating the need for separate power cables and reducing overall system weight while maintaining security requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The Ethernet connection device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: data transmission in differential mode and power supply in common mode through the same interface. This multi-functional approach replaces what would traditionally require separate dedicated connections, reducing weight without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If Power over Ethernet technique is implemented, then power supply is integrated, but electromagnetic interference increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply integrationVSAvoidelectromagnetic interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the transmission modes by function: differential mode for data transmission and common mode for power supply. This functional segmentation allows each mode to operate optimally without interfering with the other, reducing electromagnetic interference while maintaining power supply integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses modulation techniques as an intermediary mechanism to transmit power and data through the same Ethernet infrastructure. By modulating the power signal and using secondary transmission modules, the system can deliver power while minimizing electromagnetic interference with data communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 secure, high-speed data transmission with simultaneous power supply over Ethernet links, reducing weight and volume, and supporting large communication distances with minimal electromagnetic interference.

Implementation Method 1

two power supply modules each associated with one of the devices and mounted in common mode between the uplink and downlink lines to transmit an alternating current power carrier signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCommon mode transmission:

Implementation Method 2

two secondary transmission modules each associated with one of the power supply modules and arranged to allow data transmission by modulation of the power supply carrier signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal modulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 3

two ETHERNET interfaces which are interconnected by a rising line and a falling line and which are arranged to be each connected to one of the devices so as to transmit data in differential mode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDifferential mode transmission:

Data Source

PatentEP2803167B1Device for connecting two pieces of equipment via an ethernet link and a docking station for one of said pieces of equipment
Publication Date: 2017.05.17 SAFRAN ELECTRONICS & DEFENSE (FR)
  • EP2803167B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

A device (1) for connecting a first piece of electronic equipment (100) to a second piece of electronic equipment (101), comprising two ETHERNET interfaces (10.1, 10.2) connected to each other by an uplink (2.b) and a downlink (2.a) and each arranged to be linked to one of the pieces of equipment and to transmit data in differential mode, two power supply modules (15.1, 15.2) each associated with one of the pieces of equipment and fitted in common mode between the uplink and downlink to transmit an alternating current power supply carrier signal, and two secondary transmission modules (17.1, 17.2) each associated with one of the power supply modules and arranged to allow transmission of data by modulation of the power supply carrier signal.