Modular Connectors with Integrated Optical Transceivers for Noise-Immune Data Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrical power distribution systems face challenges in efficiently monitoring and managing electrical energy due to limitations in data transmission methods, particularly in noise susceptibility and speed, especially when using conductive wires for intelligent electronic devices (IEDs) and current sensors.

Innovation Solution

The use of fiber-optic cables with modular connectors, such as RJ-45 connectors, for data transmission between IEDs and current sensors, employing voltage-to-light and light-to-voltage conversion circuits within the connectors to eliminate noise and enhance transmission speed, allowing for reliable and high-speed data exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conductive wires are used for data transmission between IEDs and current sensors, then electrical power can be transmitted, but noise susceptibility increases and transmission speed decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise immunityVSAvoiddata transmission speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces electrical signal transmission through conductive wires with optical signal transmission through fiber-optic cables. The modular connectors incorporate optical transceivers that convert electrical signals to optical signals for transmission through the fiber-optic cable, eliminating electromagnetic interference and noise susceptibility while enabling high-speed data transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces optical transceivers as intermediary devices within the modular connectors. These transceivers convert electrical signals from IEDs and current sensors into optical signals that travel through the fiber-optic cable, serving as a mediator that enables noise-free, high-speed communication between electrical devices while utilizing optical transmission medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If traditional wiring methods are used for connecting IEDs and current sensors, then installation is straightforward, but data transmission accuracy deteriorates due to noise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission accuracyVSAvoidelectromagnetic noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes electrical signal transmission with optical signal transmission by incorporating optical transceivers in the modular connectors. This replacement eliminates the harmful effect of electromagnetic noise on data transmission accuracy, as optical signals are immune to electromagnetic interference while maintaining ease of connection through standardized modular interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If fiber-optic cables with modular connectors are used for data transmission, then noise immunity and transmission speed improve, but device complexity increases due to voltage-to-light and light-to-voltage conversion circuits

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission speedVSAvoidconnector complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the optical transceiver functionality directly into the modular connector structure. By integrating the voltage-to-light and light-to-voltage conversion circuits within the connector housing, the system eliminates the need for separate external transceiver devices, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high-speed, noise-immune data transmission capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular connectors are designed to perform multiple functions: electrical connection, optical signal conversion, and data transmission. By making the connectors multi-functional with integrated transceivers, the patent reduces the number of separate components needed in the system, offsetting the internal complexity increase with overall system simplification and enhanced performance.

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

This solution provides a noise-immune, high-speed data transmission method that enhances the accuracy and reliability of electrical energy monitoring and management, enabling efficient communication between IEDs and current sensors, even in high-voltage environments.

Implementation Method 1

employing voltage-to-light and light-to-voltage conversion circuits within the connectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage-to-light conversion: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

employing voltage-to-light and light-to-voltage conversion circuits within the connectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight-to-voltage conversion: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10585125B2Devices, systems and methods for data transmission over a communication media using modular connectors

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 ELECTRO INDUSTRIES GAUGE TECH

AI summary

Devices, systems and methods for coupling sensors to intelligent electronic devices (IED's), e.g., an electrical power meter, via various communication media are provided. The present disclosure provides a mechanism for coupling an IED to another desired device, e.g., a current sensor, using modular connectors (e.g., a RJ-45 connector) and fiber-optic cables. The present disclosure also provides for coupling devices using modular connectors via wired or wireless connectivity.