Transformer-Based Communication Circuit for EV Charging Signal Integrity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems between electric vehicles and electricity supply apparatuses face signal attenuation and noise resistance issues due to capacitors in the output and input circuits, which can degrade transmission speed and prevent the transmission and reception of control pilot signals when communication signals are superimposed on the control pilot line.

Innovation Solution

A communication system that employs transformers and lowpass filters with inductors and resistors to separate communication signals from control pilot signals, ensuring that communication signals are transmitted and received without attenuation, using a communication band of 1 MHz or higher, and maintaining the integrity of control pilot signals by reducing resonance and distortion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If capacitors are provided in the output circuit and input circuit to remove noise, then noise resistance is improved, but communication signal is attenuated and transmission speed degrades

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise resistanceVSAvoidtransmission speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal processing functions by separating the control pilot signal path from the communication signal path. The output circuit generates both signals but processes them differently, and the input circuit separately processes each signal type before combining their effects. This segmentation allows capacitors to filter noise from control pilot signals without attenuating communication signals, resolving the contradiction between noise resistance and transmission speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the transformer to couple the communication signal to the control pilot line while maintaining electrical isolation. The transformer acts as a mediator that allows high-frequency communication signals to pass through while blocking low-frequency control pilot signals from interfering with the communication band, thus preventing signal attenuation while maintaining noise resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If capacitors are provided in the output circuit and input circuit to remove noise, then noise resistance is improved, but degradation in noise resistance occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise resistanceVSAvoidnoise resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal processing functions by separating the control pilot signal path from the communication signal path. The output circuit generates both signals but processes them differently, and the input circuit separately processes each signal type before combining their effects. This segmentation allows capacitors to filter noise from control pilot signals without attenuating communication signals, resolving the contradiction between noise resistance and transmission speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If communication circuit is connected to the control pilot line to enable communication, then communication functionality is added, but transmission and reception of control pilot signal cannot be achieved

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication functionalityVSAvoidcontrol pilot signal transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the signal processing functions by separating the control pilot signal path from the communication signal path. The output circuit generates both signals but processes them differently, and the input circuit separately processes each signal type before combining their effects. This segmentation allows capacitors to filter noise from control pilot signals without attenuating communication signals, resolving the contradiction between noise resistance and transmission speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the transformer to couple the communication signal to the control pilot line while maintaining electrical isolation. The transformer acts as a mediator that allows high-frequency communication signals to pass through while blocking low-frequency control pilot signals from interfering with the communication band, thus preventing signal attenuation while maintaining noise resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If communication signal is superimposed on the control pilot line, then communication between vehicle and electricity supply apparatus is enabled, but signal attenuation occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsignal attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using the transformer to couple the communication signal to the control pilot line while maintaining electrical isolation. The transformer acts as a mediator that allows high-frequency communication signals to pass through while blocking low-frequency control pilot signals from interfering with the communication band, thus preventing signal attenuation while maintaining noise resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by operating the communication signal at a frequency band (1 MHz or higher) that is significantly different from the control pilot signal frequency. This frequency separation parameter change allows the system to transmit both signals simultaneously over the same physical medium without mutual interference, eliminating signal attenuation while enabling communication capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

The solution effectively suppresses signal attenuation and ensures reliable communication between vehicles and electricity supply apparatuses, maintaining the integrity of control pilot signals and preventing errors in signal transmission and reception, thereby enhancing noise resistance and transmission speed.

Implementation Method 1

a first communication unit provided in the electricity supply apparatus and transmitting and receiving a communication signal via a first transformer connected between the signal lines; a second communication unit provided in the vehicle and transmitting and receiving a communication signal via a second transformer connected between the signal lines

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a first lowpass filter interposed between the output circuit and the first transformer; and a second lowpass filter interposed between the input circuit and the second transformer

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 3

each of the first and the second lowpass filters includes an inductor connected in series to the signal line

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductance: Inductor

Data Source

PatentEP2725718B1Communication system and communication device
Publication Date: 2016.05.25 SUMITOMO ELECTRIC INDUSTRIES LTD
  • EP2725718B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2725718B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2725718B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided are a communication system and a communication device capable of suppressing attenuation of a communication signal superimposed upon a control pilot line. This output circuit (20) sends a control pilot signal which has been generated at a voltage generation source (21) to an input circuit (60). Between the control pilot line (4) and the ground line (3) of the output side of the output circuit (20), a communication unit (30) is connected via a transformer (31). Between the control pilot line (4) and the ground line (3) of the input side of the input circuit (60), a communication unit (70) is connected via a transformer (71). Between the output circuit (20) and the transformer (31), a lowpass filter (33) is interposed. Between the input circuit (60) and the transformer (71), a lowpass filter (73) is interposed.