In-Line Data Communication via Transmission Line Voltage Slope Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital power transmission systems face challenges in efficient and cost-effective communication methods, particularly during the power transfer period, which can interfere with data transmission and require complex hardware and software setups.
Innovation Solution
The method involves communicating data only during the sample period by modulating the transmission-line voltage using pull-up and pull-down resistor circuits, allowing for robust and high-rate communication without interfering with power transfer, and utilizing 8b/9b encoding to maintain voltage within optimal boundaries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If communication occurs during the transfer period of power transmission, then continuous power and data transmission is achieved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to interference from power transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission cycle is segmented into distinct transfer periods (power transmission) and sample periods (communication), preventing interference between power and data signals. This temporal segmentation allows reliable communication during sample periods when no power transfer occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses periodic alternating between transfer periods and sample periods to achieve both continuous operation and reliable communication. The periodic sampling of voltage characteristics during isolated periods enables embedded communication without disrupting continuous power delivery.
2Reliability
If communication is implemented during the sample period, then communication reliability is improved, but communication rate is limited by the sampling frequency
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the voltage slope parameter during communication by selectively operating transmitter or receiver electrical switches. These controlled voltage changes create detectable signals that encode data, allowing communication at rates limited only by the sampling frequency rather than requiring higher frequency carriers.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex communication protocols are used during power transfer, then communication functionality is enhanced, but hardware and software complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The communication function is extracted from the power transfer process and implemented separately during sample periods. This extraction allows simple voltage slope modulation and detection without requiring complex integrated protocols, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining communication functionality.
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 enables cost-effective, high-rate communication with minimized hardware and software requirements, effectively separating data transmission from power transfer and enhancing system reliability by maintaining transmission-line voltage within predetermined boundaries.
Implementation Method 1
the transmission line has electrical properties that include at least a finite line-to-line capacitance
Implementation Method 2
the transmission line has electrical properties that include at least a finite line-to-line resistance
Data Source
AI summary
Data is communicated between a digital power transmitter and one or more digital power receivers over a transmission line comprising positive and negative conductors. If the transmitter is sending data to the receiver, a first transmitter electrical switch is selectively operated to increase electrical charge in the transmission-line capacitance. If the receiver is sending data to the transmitter, a first receiver electrical switch is selectively operated to increase electrical charge in the transmission-line capacitance.