Power Line Communication Board Segmentation for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power line communication systems face challenges with noise interference due to the proximity of analog signal processors to couplers, which deteriorates communication performance, and require separate units for power supply, signal processing, and network interfaces, increasing design and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus is designed with a power board, interface board, and communication board, where the communication board with a signal processor for power line communication is separate and can be used across various types of apparatuses, reducing noise interference by separating analog and digital signal paths and reducing design costs through modular configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the analog signal processor is placed close to the coupler, then the communication performance should be improved, but noise increases in the analog high frequency signal deteriorating communication performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the PLC device into separate functional modules: the coupler is separated from the analog signal processor, and further separation is achieved by placing the analog signal processor on a different board (communication board) than the digital signal processor (interface board). This physical segmentation reduces noise coupling between digital and analog circuits while maintaining signal integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If various units (power supply, signal processor, interface unit) are arranged separately, then noise interference is reduced, but the number of components and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into three main boards: power board, communication board, and interface board. Each board contains specific functional units that are physically separated to minimize noise interference. The communication board houses the analog signal processor close to the coupler, while the interface board contains the digital signal processor, preventing digital noise from affecting analog signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ground board as an intermediary element that provides a common reference potential and noise shielding between the communication board and interface board. This ground board acts as a mediator that maintains signal integrity while allowing physical separation of noisy digital circuits from sensitive analog circuits.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the PLC modem is designed according to specific apparatus types, then the apparatus can be customized, but design cost and manufacture cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal communication board that can be integrated into various types of apparatus (AC adapter type, single modem type, apparatus-integrated type). The standardized communication board with analog signal processor and coupler can be used across different PLC modem configurations, reducing design and manufacturing costs while maintaining adaptability to different application requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A power line communication apparatus includes a power plug configured to connect to a power line, and a power plug receiver configured to connect to the power plug. The power line communication apparatus also includes a power line communicator configured to receive a signal transmitted through the power line, and a power supplier configured to generate power based on power received from the power plug and supply the generated power to the power line communication apparatus. The power line communication apparatus further includes a power board on which the power plug receiver is mounted, and a heat radiator that connects to the power line communicator and radiates heat generated from the power line communicator, wherein a portion of the heat radiator overlaps a portion of the power board when viewed perpendicular to the power board, and the portion of the power board does not include the power plug receiver.