IoT Module Using Hybrid Single-Pair Ethernet for Power and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing IoT devices require separate interfaces for data communication and power supply, necessitating additional converters or gateways, which are costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
An Internet-of-Things module with a hybrid single pair Ethernet line that integrates data transmission and power supply, enabling direct IP-based communication between devices and the network without intermediate converters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate interfaces are used for data communication and power supply, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring additional converters or gateways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data communication and power supply functions into a single hybrid interface. The first interface (hybrid single pair Ethernet) simultaneously transmits both data signals and power, eliminating the need for separate data and power interfaces. This merging resolves the contradiction by reducing device complexity while maintaining communication reliability through the unified interface design.
Solution Approach 2:
The hybrid single pair Ethernet interface serves multiple functions: it provides both data communication and power supply capabilities. The voltage regulator circuit enables the interface to handle different voltage requirements, making it a universal interface that can serve both communication and power needs, thereby reducing the number of components required while maintaining system reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate interfaces are used for data communication and power supply, then functional separation is improved, but cost increases due to requiring additional converters or gateways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges data communication and power supply into a single hybrid interface, eliminating the need for separate converters or gateways. This reduces the total component count and manufacturing cost while maintaining functional separation through the voltage regulator circuit that handles different voltage requirements internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The voltage regulator circuit acts as an intermediary that enables the hybrid interface to provide both data communication and power supply functions. It mediates between the single hybrid interface and the device's internal power requirements, allowing functional separation to be maintained at the circuit level while simplifying the overall system architecture and reducing costs.
3Device complexity
If hybrid single pair Ethernet is used for both data and power transmission, then device complexity is reduced, but voltage regulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The voltage regulator circuit serves as an intermediary component that manages the voltage regulation requirements of the hybrid interface. It handles the complexity of voltage conversion and regulation internally, presenting a simplified interface to the rest of the device. This mediator approach reduces device complexity while managing the voltage regulation challenges through a dedicated circuit module.
4Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate converters or gateways are used for communication, then communication compatibility is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the conversion and gateway functions from separate intermediate devices and integrates them directly into the device's first interface circuit. The hybrid single pair Ethernet interface and voltage regulator work together to provide both data communication and power supply with built-in compatibility handling, eliminating the need for external converters or gateways and reducing system complexity.
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
Simplifies device design, reduces costs, and enables efficient, cost-effective communication using existing IP protocols, eliminating the need for separate voltage conversion and additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
The Internet-of-Things module also has a voltage regulator for converting the first voltage applied at the first interface into a second voltage for supplying the module
Data Source
AI summary
An Internet-of-Things module is provided, comprising a first interface, via which the module can be coupled to a hybrid single pair Ethernet line for exchanging data and/or commands and for supplying voltage. The module also has a voltage regulator for converting the first voltage applied at the first interface into a second voltage for supplying the module. A controller is also provided for IP-based communication via the hybrid single pair Ethernet line. A second interface is also provided, via which the module can be coupled to a sensor and/or actuator for exchanging data, signals and/or commands and for supplying voltage.