PLC Switch Coupling Circuit for Open-Switch Fault Reporting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional power line communication (PLC) systems fail to transmit information about power-off events from switches that are open due to short circuits or overloads, leading to incomplete reporting of power-off events in the network.
Innovation Solution
A switch control apparatus with a coupling circuit connected in parallel to the switch, which transmits PLC signals to a gateway device when the switch is open or closed, ensuring reliable information transmission through different channels, and includes a PLC module for timely fault reporting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional PLC reporting method is used, then communication is simple and direct, but information transmission fails when switch is open due to short circuit or overload
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling circuit as an intermediary component connected in parallel to the switch. This coupling circuit includes a capacitor and resistor that enable PLC signal transmission through the switch even when the switch is open, acting as a mediator between the switch and the communication system to maintain reliability without requiring complete system redesign
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the communication function into two paths: the primary path through the switch for normal operation, and the secondary path through the coupling circuit for fault conditions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simple operation during normal conditions while providing reliable transmission during faults without increasing overall system complexity
2Loss of information
If all switches are equipped with communication modules, then reporting capability is comprehensive, but bandwidth is wasted due to repeated reporting when multiple switches are open
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the gateway device receives power-off event information from multiple switches and can identify when multiple switches report the same event. The system uses this feedback to suppress redundant reports, ensuring complete information collection while reducing bandwidth consumption by eliminating repeated transmissions of the same power-off event data
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of this application disclose a method, an apparatus, and a system for information transmission in a PLC network. A switch control apparatus in embodiments of this application includes a switch and a coupling circuit. The coupling circuit is connected in parallel to two ends of the switch. When the switch is open, the coupling circuit transmits a first power line communication (PLC) signal to a gateway device. In embodiments of this application, when the switch is open, the PLC signal may be sent to the gateway device and information such as power off and tripping may be reported to the gateway device.