Interpolated Time Markers for Three-Wire CAN Bandwidth
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing controller area network communication systems, such as the Enviracom™ system, are limited by a bandwidth of 120 bits per second due to the use of 60 Hz alternating current for power, which restricts data transmission efficiency, especially as the number of devices increases, and require sophisticated hardware and software for higher bandwidths.
Innovation Solution
The method introduces additional time markers between the zero-crossings of the power lines to demarcate bit containers, allowing for increased data transmission by interpolating time markers and using rectified signals to determine bit content, thereby enhancing bandwidth without complex hardware changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If 60 Hz alternating current is used for power supply on the controller area network, then power can be provided to devices, but the bandwidth is limited to 120 bits per second
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the periodic zero-crossings of the 60 Hz power signal as timing references and introduces additional interpolated time markers between these zero-crossings. This periodic structure allows multiple bit containers to be defined within each power cycle, enabling higher data transmission rates while maintaining power delivery through the same electrical infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from using only the zero-crossings of the power signal for timing (one dimension) to introducing additional interpolated time markers between zero-crossings (adding temporal resolution). This dimensional expansion in the time domain allows more bit containers to be packed into each power cycle, effectively increasing bandwidth without changing the power frequency.
2Productivity
If sophisticated hardware and software are used to achieve higher data rates, then bandwidth increases, but cost and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the existing power lines serve a dual function: they continue to provide power delivery while simultaneously providing the timing reference (through zero-crossings) and enabling data transmission. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate sophisticated hardware by utilizing the existing power infrastructure for both power and communication functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the power lines to perform multiple functions: power delivery, timing reference provision, and data transmission synchronization. By making the power infrastructure multi-functional, the system achieves higher bandwidth without requiring additional dedicated communication hardware, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Quantity of substance
If the number of devices on the network increases, then network capability enhances, but bandwidth requirements increase exponentially
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-defines multiple bit containers within each power cycle by introducing interpolated time markers between zero-crossings. This preliminary structuring of time slots allows the network to handle increased device counts and data traffic demands without requiring dynamic bandwidth negotiation or complex protocol changes, as the capacity is预先 allocated.
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 increases the bandwidth of the controller area network, enabling more efficient data communication across the data bus with minor software modifications, reducing the impact of noise and allowing for higher data transmission rates without the need for expensive hardware upgrades.
Implementation Method 1
the two power lines provide an alternating current power source across the power lines to the devices which can be used to power the electronics of the connected device
Implementation Method 2
the 60 Hz sinusoidal waveform, such as that transmitted across the power lines, the sinusoidal signal has two zero-crossings per cycle. In the communication system, the zero-crossing can be used as a clock for regulating the data transmitted across the data bus
Implementation Method 3
the third line, a data line is used to transmit and receive data across the network
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is an improvement to previously known systems for controller area networks and the method of communicating across such networks. The system and method introduces interpolated time markers to provide higher resolution bit container, for communicating data bits across the data bus of a three-wire controller area network. The interpolated time markers allow devices on a controller area network to effectively double tie amount of bandwidth available for communication and can in some cases even further increase the bandwidth beyond a factor of two.