Interface Unit Encoding Data via Power Line Voltage Level Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for transmitting data via power supply lines in electrical consumers, such as electric motors, are costly due to the need for additional communication lines and complex modulation/demodulation circuits, and often require hardware adjustments that can interfere with low-energy communication signals.
Innovation Solution
An interface unit that encodes data in level changes of the output voltage between two levels, allowing data transmission over power supply lines without reducing the average voltage below a threshold, enabling simultaneous power supply to the load and using minimal circuitry complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If complex modulation and demodulation circuits are used to transmit data via power supply lines, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential function of data transmission from the power supply system by using simple voltage level changes (high/low states) to represent binary data, eliminating the need for complex modulation and demodulation circuits while maintaining effective communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive, simple voltage switching mechanisms instead of expensive complex communication circuits, accepting that the communication function is achieved through basic electrical state changes rather than sophisticated signal processing
2Loss of information
If additional communication lines are installed for data transmission, then data transmission capability is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply lines are made multi-functional by enabling them to carry both power delivery and data transmission functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication lines and reducing overall system complexity and installation costs
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the power supply function and data communication function into a single infrastructure (the power lines), combining two previously separate functions into one unified system to reduce component count and installation requirements
3Speed
If the output voltage is changed frequently for data encoding, then data transmission rate is improved, but the average voltage may fall below the threshold required for power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses periodic voltage level changes (switching between high and low states) to encode data transmission, where the periodic nature of the switching allows for controlled duty cycles that maintain average voltage above power supply thresholds while still achieving effective data communication
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes voltage level parameters (switching between defined high and low states) to encode data, where the parameter changes are controlled to maintain the average voltage within acceptable ranges for continuous power supply operation while enabling data transmission
Data Source
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AI summary
An interface unit for transmitting data from an end device (10) via a power supply line (12) to a data sink (15) is described. The interface unit comprises: a communication interface (4) configured to receive a first communication signal from the end device (10), a first converter (5) connected to the communication interface (4) for receiving the first communication signal and configured to generate a control signal from the first communication signal, a power supply input (6) for inputting an input voltage (Uin) from a power supply (11) connected to the power supply input (6), a power supply output (7) for outputting an output voltage (U3) to the power supply line (12), means for generating a DC voltage (8) from the input voltage (Uin), and an output stage (9).The control input of the first converter (5) is connected to the control signal (U2) and generates the output voltage (U3) from the DC voltage (U1) based on the control signal (U2) and outputs it to the power supply output (7). The output stage (9) outputs either a first level or a second level as the output voltage (U3). The output stage (9) modulates the output voltage (U3) between the first and second levels such that the data contained in the communication signal is encoded in the temporal profile of the output voltage (U3). Furthermore, a system utilizing this interface unit and a corresponding method are disclosed.