PLC Diversity Coupling Module for Channel Reliability

Solution Overview

Problem

Powerline communication systems face challenges in implementing diversity schemes efficiently due to the need for separate hardware units for each channel, which increases hardware costs, power consumption, and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A PLC diversity coupling module that splits and combines communication signals across multiple powerline channels using dual or single transformer coupling units, sharing common hardware units to transmit and receive signals on multiple channels, thereby reducing hardware requirements and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate hardware units are used for each powerline communication channel, then channel reliability is improved, but hardware cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple powerline communication channels (Line/Neutral, Line/Ground, Neutral/Ground) into a single integrated hardware unit. The coupling module merges the transmission and reception functions across all three channels into one device, eliminating the need for separate hardware units for each channel while maintaining channel diversity for reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling module is designed as a universal hardware unit that can simultaneously handle multiple powerline communication channels. It performs both transmission and reception functions across Line/Neutral, Line/Ground, and Neutral/Ground channels, making the hardware multi-functional rather than requiring dedicated units for each channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If separate hardware units are used for each powerline communication channel, then channel reliability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechannel reliabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple powerline communication channels (Line/Neutral, Line/Ground, Neutral/Ground) into a single integrated hardware unit. The coupling module merges the transmission and reception functions across all three channels into one device, eliminating the need for separate hardware units for each channel while maintaining channel diversity for reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple powerline communication channels are utilized, then signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but hardware cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal-to-noise ratioVSAvoidhardware cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple powerline communication channels (Line/Neutral, Line/Ground, Neutral/Ground) into a single integrated hardware unit. The coupling module merges the transmission and reception functions across all three channels into one device, eliminating the need for separate hardware units for each channel while maintaining channel diversity for reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 enhances signal-to-noise ratios and data rates while minimizing power consumption and protocol overhead, achieving improved reliability and efficiency in powerline communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

dual transformer coupling unit or a single transformer coupling unit with two secondary windings

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9325374B2Powerline communication diversity coupling technique

Publication Date: 2016.04.26 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A powerline communication diversity coupling mechanism may implement a transformer coupling unit. The transformer coupling unit can receive a communication signal to be coupled to a plurality of powerline communication channels for transmission in a powerline communication network. The transformer coupling unit can split the communication signal into a plurality of communication signals for transmission. The transformer coupling unit can couple each of the plurality of the communication signals to a corresponding one of a plurality of the powerline communication channels for transmission in the powerline communication network. Also, the transformer coupling unit can receive a plurality of communication signals on each of a plurality of powerline communication channels. The transformer coupling unit can combine the plurality of the communication signals into a communication signal. The transformer coupling unit may then couple the communication signal to an analog front end and other processing units for processing the communication signal.