Mobile Connection Terminal With Variable Impedance for PLC Mode Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mobile devices require a separate pin for data exchange, increasing their size and limiting their compactness, especially in wireless earphones and charging cases where space is a concern.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mobile system with variable impedance devices and processing circuitry that allows for power line communication (PLC) modes, enabling data and power transfer through the same connection terminal, eliminating the need for a separate pin by switching between low-speed and high-speed PLC modes based on requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate pin is used for data exchange, then data communication capability is improved, but device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single connection terminal. The power line communication module enables data exchange by modulating voltage levels on the power transmission line, eliminating the need for separate data pins. This merging of functions directly resolves the contradiction by maintaining data communication capability while reducing device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection terminal is designed to serve multiple functions: it can transmit power, exchange data, and control impedance switching. The processing circuitry determines whether to operate in power transmission mode or data communication mode, making the terminal universal. This multi-functionality allows the device to maintain versatility without adding separate components, thus reducing overall device volume.
2Speed
If impedance is increased for high-speed data transfer, then data transfer rate is improved, but power transmission efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic impedance switching through a switch connected to the power line communication module. The processing circuitry determines the operational mode (power transmission or data communication) and adjusts impedance accordingly. During data transfer, impedance is increased to enable high-speed communication; during power transmission, impedance is reduced to maximize efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by optimizing parameters based on real-time operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical impedance parameter based on the operational mode. The power line communication module switches between high-impedance state for data communication and low-impedance state for power transmission. This parameter change allows the system to achieve both high data transfer rates and efficient power transmission at different times, resolving the inherent trade-off between these two performance metrics.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PLC mode switching is implemented, then communication flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing circuitry performs preliminary determination of the operational mode before initiating communication or power transmission. The impedance switch is pre-configured to respond to control signals from the processing circuitry. This preliminary action simplifies the overall control logic by establishing a clear decision-making sequence, reducing the complexity that would otherwise arise from continuous mode monitoring and switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line communication module acts as an intermediary between the processing circuitry and the connection terminal. It handles the impedance switching and mode determination logic, isolating the complexity from the main device architecture. This intermediary structure enables flexible PLC mode switching while keeping the overall device complexity manageable by concentrating the complex functions in a dedicated module.
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 efficient data exchange and power transfer without the need for additional pins, reducing device size and improving data transfer rates compared to conventional methods.
Implementation Method 1
a variable impedance device connected to the connection terminal, the variable impedance device configured to vary an impedance
Data Source
AI summary
A first mobile device including a connection terminal configured to electrically connect to a second mobile device, a variable impedance device connected to the connection terminal, the variable impedance device configured to vary an impedance, processing circuitry configured to determine a power line communication (PLC) mode between the first mobile device and the second mobile device to be one of a low-speed PLC mode or a high-speed PLC mode, and control the impedance of the variable impedance device according to the determined PLC mode, and a PLC modem configured to receive power from the second mobile device or communicate data with the second mobile device based on the determined PLC mode.