Power Extraction From Active Twisted Pair Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for powering remote electronics associated with active twisted pair telephone lines are inefficient, often disrupting normal service operations or requiring unnecessary resource usage, as they either tap inactive lines for power or attempt to extract power from active lines, causing interference.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves an apparatus and method that extracts power from active twisted pair telephone lines using a power supply and current regulators to provide stable operating power to auxiliary devices without disrupting normal service operations, by regulating current flow to ensure it remains within predetermined values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If power is extracted from an active twisted pair of lines, then operating power for auxiliary electronics is provided, but normal signaling and control functions are interfered with and POTS service is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power extraction function from the signal transmission function by introducing a coupler that selectively couples to either the power signal or the data signal, but not both simultaneously. This allows the same twisted pair to serve dual purposes without interference - power can be extracted during periods when data transmission is not occurring, or the coupler can switch between functions based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control through a controller that monitors line conditions and actively switches the coupler between power extraction mode and data transmission mode. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize power extraction based on real-time conditions while ensuring that POTS service requirements are always met, resolving the contradiction between power availability and service reliability.
2Use of energy by moving object
If inactive twisted pairs are used to carry power to remote devices, then power can be provided to auxiliary electronics, but valuable line resources are consumed and large amounts of power are used
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the active twisted pair multi-functional by enabling it to carry both data signals and power signals at different times. The coupler and controller system allows the same physical infrastructure to serve dual purposes - transmitting broadband DSL data during active periods and delivering power during inactive periods, or alternating between functions as needed. This eliminates the need for separate inactive lines dedicated to power delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the active twisted pair to serve itself by extracting power from its own infrastructure rather than requiring separate power delivery lines. The power is drawn from the same lines that carry data, using the existing electrical infrastructure to provide both communication and power functions, thereby eliminating waste of line resources and reducing overall power consumption.
3Use of energy by moving object
If AC power grid is tapped at remote location to provide operating power, then power is available for electronics, but high voltage wiring requirements and access restrictions apply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupler as an intermediary device that bridges the twisted pair infrastructure and the auxiliary electronics. This coupler serves as a mediator that extracts power from the low-voltage twisted pair signals and delivers it to the electronics, eliminating the need for direct connection to high-voltage AC power grids. The coupler handles all power extraction and regulation functions, making the system safe and convenient to install and maintain without requiring specialized high-voltage wiring knowledge.
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 allows for flexible and convenient powering of remote electronics without interfering with existing services, ensuring stable operation of signal processing devices and maintaining normal telephone service functionality.
Implementation Method 1
extracts power from one or more signals carried on the active telephone lines, and convert this power to a suitable operating power for auxiliary devices
Implementation Method 2
current regulators to provide stable operating power to auxiliary devices without disrupting normal service operations, by regulating current flow to ensure it remains within predetermined values
Data Source
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AI summary
Apparatus and methods for deriving power from an active POTS twisted pair of lines for powering associated auxiliary electrical devices, such as signal processing electronics, includes a power supply for providing a regulated DC voltage and current, and a current regulator for limiting the current flowing in the twisted pair to a predetermined value that does not disrupt the normal signaling and operation of the telephone circuit. Another current regulator in the power supply limits the input current from the twisted pair during power surges to another predetermined value that prevents line latching in an off hook condition. A shared power arrangement derives power from a plurality of twisted pairs and powers another plurality of auxiliary electrical devices in parallel, thereby limiting the line current of any one twisted pair to a value that avoids disrupting the normal operation of the telephone circuit.