Power-Line Communication Collector Circuit for Data Aggregation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Data communication between a command center and thousands of endpoint devices over power distribution lines is challenging due to endpoint processing power, memory size, interference from AC power, and other factors, complicating digital signal processing.
Innovation Solution
A power-line communication (PLC) apparatus with a central processing circuit and remoteable data-collector circuit, including high-throughput data reception circuits and data interface units, operates over power lines to collect and process data from multiple customer sites, using a broadband communication network and data-transfer protocols to enhance system throughput and control peripheral equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If data collection is performed directly at the command center from thousands of endpoint devices, then complete data coverage is achieved, but system complexity and processing difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the data collection system into multiple hierarchical levels: endpoint devices at customer sites, data-collector circuits at intermediate locations, and a central command center. Each level collects and processes data locally before forwarding to the next level, segmenting the overwhelming task of collecting data from thousands of endpoints into manageable regional subsets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces data-collector circuits as intermediary devices between endpoint devices and the command center. These collectors aggregate data from multiple endpoints in their geographic area and forward consolidated data to the command center, acting as mediators that reduce the direct communication burden on the central system.
2Length of moving object
If high-voltage power lines are used for long-distance data transmission, then transmission distance is extended, but signal interference from AC power increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data collection function from the high-voltage power transmission system by deploying data-collector circuits at intermediate locations along the power lines. These collectors gather data locally and use separate communication channels to transmit to the command center, separating the data communication function from the high-voltage power transmission that causes interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate data-collector circuits as mediators between endpoint devices and the command center. These collectors are positioned at strategic locations along the power distribution network, gathering data from nearby endpoints and forwarding it via communication paths that avoid the harshest electromagnetic interference zones.
3Productivity
If endpoint devices are equipped with high processing power and memory, then data processing capability is improved, but endpoint device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the data processing function across multiple levels: minimal processing at endpoint devices, aggregate processing at data-collector circuits, and central processing at the command center. This distribution allows endpoint devices to remain simple and inexpensive while the system as a whole maintains high processing capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service at the data-collector level, where collectors autonomously aggregate, filter, and pre-process data from multiple endpoints before forwarding to the command center. This intermediate self-processing reduces the burden on both endpoints and the central system, allowing endpoints to remain low-cost.
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 PLC apparatus effectively manages and communicates data across broad geographic areas, improving signal quality, reducing bandwidth requirements, and enabling efficient data processing and control of power-line coupled equipment, while minimizing costs and interference.
Implementation Method 1
a transformer circuit for selectively receiving data from a subset of the plurality of communication devices via the power lines
Data Source
AI summary
Power-line communication (PLC) systems collect information over power lines from end-point devices respectively associated with customer sites, for assessment by a central processing circuit operated on behalf of a power utility company. In the PLC system, each of a number of PLC data-collector circuits includes a plurality of data interface units and PLC end-point device data computation circuit. Typically, one data interface circuit is located proximate, and another is distal, the location of the computation circuit. Each data interface unit includes a transformer circuit for selectively receiving data from a subset of the end-point devices via the power lines, a transformer-coupling circuit for selectively sending data to the subset of the end-point devices via the power lines, and a high-throughput data driver circuit for outputting data in accordance with a data-transfer protocol which is common to the other high throughput driver circuits which operate in accordance with the data-transfer protocol.