Powerline Communication PLC Data Injection via Modulated Carrier
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Solution Overview
Problem
The integration of PLC modules with power supply units in home multimedia equipment results in bulky and inflexible installations due to dual wiring requirements, along with significant thermal stress from heat generation, which complicates cooling and increases the risk of failure.
Innovation Solution
Generating a carrier frequency outside the PLC spectrum and modulating it at the mains frequency, then injecting this modulated carrier onto the DC supply voltage to transfer necessary signals like zero crossing detection and PLC data, allowing these signals to be extracted at the equipment for PLC module operation without needing a separate digital data transmission cable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PLC module is integrated with power supply unit, then communication functionality is achieved, but installation becomes bulky and inflexible due to dual wiring requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PLC communication circuits and power supply circuits into a single integrated module, allowing both power delivery and data communication to occur over the same electrical wiring infrastructure. This merging eliminates the need for separate communication cables while maintaining both functionalities.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical wiring system is made multi-functional by enabling it to simultaneously carry both power supply current and PLC communication signals. The integrated module allows the same physical infrastructure to serve multiple purposes: delivering power to equipment and transmitting digital data for home networking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If PLC module is integrated with power supply unit, then communication functionality is achieved, but thermal stress increases due to heat generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a transformer as an intermediary component that provides galvanic isolation between the high-voltage power supply circuit and the low-voltage PLC communication circuit. This transformer allows signal transmission while maintaining electrical separation, enabling the PLC module to be positioned away from heat-generating power supply components and reducing thermal stress on communication circuits.
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 reduces the size of the equipment, minimizes thermal stress, and enables efficient cooling of PLC circuits while maintaining communication functionality, ensuring reliable and compact home multimedia setups.
Implementation Method 1
by modulating one or more carriers in a frequency band usually located in the 2-30 MHz range
Implementation Method 2
These signals are generally conveyed via a transformer isolating the low voltage part comprising the digital circuits and the CPL modulation/demodulation circuits from the dangerous high voltage part of the electrical network
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 3~6
AI summary
The assembly has a power supply (10) comprising an oscillator (38) generating a sine wave at a frequency greater than the main frequency and located outer side of modulation/demodulation frequency band of power line communication signals, where the wave is modulated by a control signal issued by an additional circuit (36). An oscillator output is coupled to a low voltage conductor to inject the modulated wave by superposition of direct current supply voltage. A synchronization circuit includes a pulse extractor circuit (50) at main frequency, and is coupled to an input of the conductor.