Modulating Identification Signals on Supply Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pluggable systems face challenges in identifying electrical connections accurately, particularly during installation and maintenance, due to the risk of mismatched connections and the complexity of implementing RFID technology.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that modulate an identification signal onto a supply signal using a transmitting stage, allowing the identification signal to be demodulated by a receiving stage, thereby enabling the characterization of electrical connections using simple communication standards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If RFID tags and antennas are used to identify connectors, then identification accuracy is improved, but device complexity and installation effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/electromagnetic RFID system with an electrical signal-based identification system. Instead of using RFID tags and antennas that require precise spatial alignment, the invention modulates identification signals onto existing supply voltage or supply current lines, eliminating the need for separate identification hardware and reducing system complexity while maintaining identification accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the supply voltage or supply current serve dual functions: both powering the component and carrying identification information. By modulating the identification signal onto the existing power lines, the system eliminates the need for separate identification infrastructure, reducing device complexity while maintaining identification capability
2Adaptability or versatility
If RFID tags and antennas are implemented, then identification capability is improved, but installation effort and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The supply voltage or supply current is made to serve multiple purposes simultaneously - providing power to the component and transmitting identification information. This eliminates the need for separate RFID tags and antennas, significantly reducing installation effort and cost while maintaining identification capability across all connectors
Solution Approach 2:
The existing power lines automatically serve the dual purpose of power delivery and identification signal transmission. The system utilizes already-present infrastructure (supply voltage/current lines) rather than requiring additional dedicated identification infrastructure, reducing both installation effort and overall system cost
3Ease of operation
If standardized connectors are used, then ease of connection is improved, but connection accuracy deteriorates due to mismatched connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic identification and verification of connector connections by modulating and transmitting identification signals through the connected cables. The system reads back the identification information to verify that the correct connectors are paired, providing feedback that confirms proper connection or alerts to mismatches, thereby maintaining ease of connection while improving connection accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of relying on mechanical coding features on connectors, the patent uses electrical signal modulation to carry identification information. This electronic identification system works seamlessly with standardized connectors, maintaining their ease of use while adding verification capability to prevent mismatched connections
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 allows for a simple and cost-effective identification of electrical connections, reducing the need for complex installation and maintenance procedures, and ensuring accurate plug connections.
Implementation Method 1
modulating an identification signal onto the supply signal by means of a transmitting stage to obtain a transmission signal transmitted via the electrical line
Implementation Method 2
demodulating the transmission signal by means of a receiving stage to obtain the identification signal from the transmission signal
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for identifying electrical connections in pluggable systems (10) is shown, wherein the pluggable system (10) comprises at least one electrical line (24) via which a supply signal is provided for a component (12). The method comprises at least the following steps: - providing a supply signal that is made available to the component (12) via the electrical line (24), - modulating an identification signal onto the supply signal by means of a transmitting stage (34) in order to obtain a transmission signal that is sent via the electrical line (24), wherein the identification signal comprises information for identifying the electrical connection, and - demodulating the transmission signal by means of a receiving stage (36) in order to obtain the identification signal from the transmission signal.Furthermore, a pluggable system (10) for electrically connecting at least one component (12) and a contact carrier (32) for a plug (20) or a socket (22) of a pluggable system (10) are shown.