Half-Duplex Transceiver Using Power Conductors for Data

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional half-duplex communication systems require dedicated communication lines, which are costly and impractical for emergency vehicle warning signal equipment, and wireless solutions are expensive due to infrequent use.

Innovation Solution

A half-duplex communication system utilizing existing power conductors for two-way communication between warning signal equipment and external systems, employing microprocessors to alternate voltage sources and detect current pulses for data transmission and reception, allowing communication without additional dedicated lines or costly wireless links.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a dedicated communication line is added to warning signal equipment, then communication capability is improved, but material and installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidmaterial and installation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The existing power conductor is made to serve dual purposes: delivering power to the warning signal equipment and transmitting communication data. The transceiver uses the same conductor that already exists for power supply, eliminating the need for separate communication wiring. This multi-functional use of the conductor resolves the contradiction by achieving communication capability without additional material and installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The power delivery function and data communication function are merged into a single conductor. The transceiver combines power supply circuitry and communication transceiver circuitry to share the existing power conductor, thereby achieving two-way communication without adding dedicated communication lines, thus avoiding increased material and installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If wireless communication hardware is added to warning signal equipment, then communication capability is improved, but device cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoiddevice cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microprocessor in the warning signal equipment is made to perform dual functions: controlling the warning signal operations and handling data communication. By programming the existing microprocessor to execute communication protocols and process data received through the power conductor, the system achieves communication capability without adding expensive wireless communication hardware, thus reducing device cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If voltage or current modulation is used on existing power conductors, then communication capability is improved, but signal interference may worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidsignal interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transceiver uses periodic pulse signals for communication, where data is transmitted through timed sequences of voltage or current pulses on the power conductor. The half-duplex operation alternates between transmission and reception phases, using periodic timing to separate communication signals from power delivery, thereby reducing signal interference and enabling reliable data exchange on the shared conductor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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 cost-effective, two-way communication with emergency vehicle warning signal equipment using existing infrastructure, reducing material and installation costs while maintaining functionality without the need for separate communication conductors or expensive wireless hardware.

Implementation Method 1

receive data in the form of pulses of current on the conductor detected by said current sensor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical current detection: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 2

The at least one second half-duplex transceiver includes a voltage sensor. The voltage sensor is arranged to detect voltage applied to the conductor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical voltage detection: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10728013B2Half-duplex communication system

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 WHELEN ENGINEERING COMPANY

AI summary

A half-duplex communication system includes a first half-duplex transceiver. The first half-duplex transceiver includes a first microprocessor and a current sensor connected to an input of the microprocessor, and the half-duplex transceiver is coupled to a first and second voltage source. The first voltage source is at a first voltage level and the second voltage source is at a second voltage level. The first microprocessor is configured to transmit data by alternatively connecting the first voltage source and the second voltage source to a conductor and to receive data in the form of pulses of current on the conductor detected by said current sensor.