Isolated DC-DC Converter Carrying Power Line Communication

Solution Overview

Problem

Power line communication signals cannot pass through DC-DC voltage converters in power distribution systems, requiring additional infrastructure like separate data networks and dual modems, which are costly and heavy, especially in aerospace applications where weight is a critical factor.

Innovation Solution

A voltage converter that superposes a power line communication signal onto a target DC output voltage, adjusts the converter's operation to drive the output voltage towards a target value, and includes a controller to manage this process, allowing communication to downstream loads without additional infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If additional infrastructure (separate data network and dual modems) is added to enable power line communication through DC-DC converters, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower line communication capabilityVSAvoidinfrastructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power line communication signal transmission function with the existing DC-DC voltage converter by superimposing the communication signal onto the voltage output. This merging eliminates the need for separate communication infrastructure while maintaining both power conversion and communication capabilities through a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DC-DC voltage converter is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage conversion and power line communication signal transmission. By making the converter universal, the system eliminates dedicated communication hardware and uses the existing power infrastructure for both power delivery and data communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If additional infrastructure (separate data network and dual modems) is added to enable power line communication through DC-DC converters, then communication capability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower line communication capabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power line communication signal transmission function with the existing DC-DC voltage converter by superimposing the communication signal onto the voltage output. This merging eliminates the need for separate communication hardware while maintaining both power conversion and communication capabilities through a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DC-DC voltage converter is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage conversion and power line communication signal transmission. By making the converter universal, the system eliminates dedicated communication hardware and uses the existing power infrastructure for both power delivery and data communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additional infrastructure (separate data network and dual modems) is added to enable power line communication through DC-DC converters, then communication capability is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower line communication capabilityVSAvoidsystem cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the power line communication signal transmission function with the existing DC-DC voltage converter by superimposing the communication signal onto the voltage output. This merging eliminates the need for separate communication hardware while maintaining both power conversion and communication capabilities through a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The DC-DC voltage converter is designed to perform multiple functions: voltage conversion and power line communication signal transmission. By making the converter universal, the system eliminates dedicated communication hardware and uses the existing power infrastructure for both power delivery and data communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-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

Enables power line communication across DC-DC converters without the need for separate data networks or dual modems, reducing weight and cost in power distribution systems.

Implementation Method 1

superpose a power line communication signal onto a target DC output voltage to provide a target output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuperposition:

Implementation Method 2

a voltage converter for converting an input voltage to an output voltage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4637012A1Isolated DC/DC converter with powerline communication transmission

Publication Date: 2025.10.22 HAMILTON SUNDSTRAND CORP

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AI summary

A voltage converter (110) for converting an input voltage to an output voltage. The voltage converter includes a controller (116) arranged to: superpose a power line communication signal onto a target DC output voltage to provide a target output voltage; compare the output voltage of the voltage converter with the target output voltage; and adjust operation of the voltage converter so as to drive the output voltage towards the target output voltage.