PLC Node Reception Chain Parallel Frequency Band Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power line communication networks, particularly in Automated Meter Management systems, face challenges in efficiently utilizing multiple frequency bands simultaneously due to complex reconfiguration requirements and capacity limitations, which hinder network expansion and data exchange capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A method and node device configuration that enable receiving data in multiple separate frequency bands in parallel, using extended frequency bands, by converting, filtering, demodulating, recording, and de-interleaving data across multiple frequency bands with specific modes, allowing for coherent data processing and minimizing interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a node device uses only one frequency band as per G3-PLC standard, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but network capacity and data transmission speed are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The extended frequency band is segmented into multiple separate frequency bands (e.g., CENELEC A, CENELEC B, FCC, ARIB bands). The reception chain processes each frequency band separately through dedicated filtering circuits that isolate specific bands, allowing parallel reception and processing of multiple bands simultaneously without interference, thereby increasing data transmission capacity while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-band sequential communication to multi-band parallel communication by adding a frequency dimension. The node device can simultaneously receive data across multiple frequency bands (CENELEC A, CENELEC B, FCC, ARIB) rather than switching between them sequentially, effectively multiplying the communication capacity by utilizing the frequency domain as an additional dimension for data transmission
2Productivity
If frequency bands are used in parallel, then network capacity increases, but reconfiguration complexity increases when switching between bands
Solution Approach 1:
The reception chain is pre-configured with multiple filtering circuits corresponding to different frequency bands (CENELEC A, CENELEC B, FCC, ARIB) before operation begins. When data transmission is detected on a specific band, the system activates the corresponding pre-configured filter without requiring complex real-time reconfiguration, thereby enabling fast band switching while maintaining multi-band capability and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its operation mode based on detected transmission conditions. It can switch between single-band mode (for compatibility and lower complexity) and extended multi-band mode (for higher capacity) depending on network requirements. The reception chain flexibly activates or deactivates specific filtering circuits based on which frequency bands are currently in use, optimizing performance while managing complexity
3Productivity
If multiple frequency bands are supported simultaneously, then data exchange capacity increases, but interference management becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The extended frequency band is segmented into multiple separate frequency bands (CENELEC A: 35-91 kHz, CENELEC B: 98-122 kHz, FCC: 150-480 kHz, ARIB: 150-400 kHz). Dedicated filtering circuits are provided for each band, physically separating the frequency ranges and preventing inter-band interference. This segmentation allows simultaneous operation across multiple bands while maintaining signal integrity and simplifying interference management through frequency isolation
Solution Approach 2:
Filtering circuits act as intermediary elements between the received signal and the processing stages. These filters selectively pass only the desired frequency band components while attenuating others, serving as mediators that prevent harmful interference from adjacent bands. The filtering circuits are configured with appropriate center frequencies and bandwidths to ensure clean separation between bands, thereby managing interference automatically through the intermediary filtering function
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission method in a first node device of a power line communication network, the first node device being configured so as to apply a reception mode for receiving data transmitted by a second node device in one or more separate frequency bands in parallel or else in a frequency band called “extended frequency band” comprising at least two separate frequency bands, the method comprising steps of de-interleaving the data read from a buffer memory in a first de-interleaving mode specific to reception in an extended frequency band and detecting whether the de-interleaved data are coherent and, if the obtained data are coherent, recording the de-interleaved data and, if not, de-interleaving data, for each of the separate frequency bands, in a de-interleaving mode specific to the separate frequency band for which the de-interleaving is performed and, if the de-interleaved data are coherent, recording the de-interleaved data.