Power Line PLC Blocking with Dual-Port Detection and Noise Injection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for preventing and detecting power line communication (PLC) are inadequate in maintaining high levels of communication prevention and detection, especially when using basic elements, due to parasitic paths, insufficient attenuation, and high noise levels, leading to issues like miss-detection and false alarms.

Innovation Solution

A compact and cost-effective system using dual port PLC signal detectors, filters, and noise generators, with differential settings for protected and unprotected sides, to achieve high-level PLC prevention and detection, even under low signal-to-noise ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a PLC filter is used to prevent PLC communication, then the attenuation of PLC signals is improved, but parasitic and alternative paths enable communication despite the filter

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePLC communication prevention levelVSAvoidparasitic paths

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A noise generator is introduced as an intermediary element that injects controlled noise onto the power line between the filter and the protected device. This noise acts as a mediator that disrupts PLC communication by degrading the signal-to-noise ratio, preventing communication even when parasitic paths bypass the filter's attenuation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of PLC signals before they can establish communication. When PLC activity is detected on the power line, the system preemptively activates noise injection and enhances filtering, preventing the communication from succeeding before it can be fully established.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

2Reliability

If a noise source is used to inject noise to the line, then communication prevention is improved, but some modems can overcome high noise levels to enable communication

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePLC communication prevention levelVSAvoidmodem noise resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The noise generator is configured to dynamically adjust its noise injection level based on detected PLC signal characteristics and communication attempts. The system varies noise intensity, frequency content, and timing to adapt to different modem types and their noise resistance capabilities, preventing communication across diverse modem implementations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes multiple parameters of the injected noise including frequency spectrum distribution, amplitude modulation patterns, and temporal characteristics. By varying these parameters, the system overcomes modems designed to handle specific noise profiles, making it difficult for any single modem type to overcome the noise effectively.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If detection methods are used to detect PLC signals, then communication detection capability is improved, but miss-detect and false alarm levels increase especially when signal is weak or SNR is low

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePLC signal detection capabilityVSAvoiddetection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback loop where the noise generator continuously monitors detected PLC signals and adjusts its noise injection strategy in real-time. When weak PLC signals are detected, the feedback mechanism increases noise injection intensity and modifies frequency targeting, ensuring communication prevention while reducing false alarms through adaptive threshold adjustment based on ambient noise levels.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

The system effectively prevents and detects PLC communication, ensuring low signal-to-noise conditions and maintaining a protected environment, even with basic elements, by utilizing dual port detectors and generators to overcome parasitic paths and noise.

Implementation Method 1

PLC signal filters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltering: Filter (electronic)

Implementation Method 2

PLC noise generator that may be used to generate noise to be injected onto a power line

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNoise generation:

Implementation Method 3

PLC signal detectors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSignal detection:

Data Source

PatentUS12556300B2Systems, devices and methods for detection and/or prevention of power line communication

Publication Date: 2026.02.17 S G A INNOVATIONS LTD

AI summary

There are provided systems, devices and methods for detection and/or prevention of power line communications. In particular, there are provided systems, devices, and methods for preventing and/or detecting the possibility to communicate with an end unit via power line communication.