Power Line Carrier Current Source Transient Immunity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Power line carrier (PLC) systems are susceptible to transients and electromagnetic interference (EMI) on power lines, leading to disruptions in data transmission and potential damage to electronic modules, and existing transient protection mechanisms often disrupt PLC signals, reducing effective data rates and increasing costs.

Innovation Solution

An improved PLC system uses a current source with a modulated output that is independent of the power line voltage and load, employing a transconductance stage to convert transmit signals into current signals, which are transmitted over the power line, and includes a flexible termination component to maintain predictable system termination and reduce EMI emissions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If PLC is used to transmit signals over power line, then wiring cost and system complexity are reduced, but immunity to transients and EMI deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewiring complexityVSAvoidimmunity to transients and EMI

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the fundamental parameter of signal transmission from voltage-based to current-based. The controlled current source maintains a constant output current regardless of voltage transients or EMI on the power line, thereby achieving both simplified wiring and improved immunity to electrical disturbances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent acknowledges that power lines inherently carry transients and EMI, rather than trying to eliminate these disturbances, the system converts them into manageable conditions by using a current source that is insensitive to voltage variations, thus transforming the harmful electrical environment into a workable communication medium.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

2Ease of manufacture

If voltage-based PLC is used, then signal transmission is simpler, but susceptibility to transients and EMI increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission simplicityVSAvoidsusceptibility to transients and EMI

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent fundamentally changes the transmission parameter from voltage to current. The controlled current source generates an output current that remains constant despite voltage transients or EMI on the power line, thereby maintaining transmission simplicity while achieving immunity to electrical disturbances.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If separate communication network is provided, then communication reliability is improved, but system weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidsystem weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power distribution function and communication function into a single infrastructure - the power line itself. By using the existing power lines for both power delivery and data transmission through controlled current source PLC, the system eliminates the need for separate communication wiring, thereby reducing weight while maintaining communication reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power line is given dual functionality: it serves both as a power distribution medium and as a communication channel. The controlled current source enables data transmission over the power line without interfering with its primary power delivery function, achieving multi-functionality that reduces system weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 data transmission reliability and rate by minimizing disruptions from transients and EMI, reduces the need for external components, and provides a cost-effective solution for in-vehicle communication, consolidating system communication, reducing wiring, and decreasing vehicle weight and cost.

Implementation Method 1

employing a transconductance stage to convert transmit signals into current signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTransconductance:

Data Source

PatentUS9742601B2Power line carrier/communications with improved immunity for transients and electromagnetic interferences

Publication Date: 2017.08.22 ANALOG DEVICES INC

AI summary

Power line carriers (PLCs) are susceptible to transients and electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the power line. To address transients and EMI on the power line, an improved power PLC involves transmitting a signal over the power line using a controlled current source, where the current source is modulated by the signal. The current source output is designed to be independent of the voltage on the power line and the load, and thus, is less susceptible to transients and EMI on the power line. The system architecture of the improved PLC also allows for simple, predictable, and flexible termination. In an example implementation in the automotive industry, the improved high frequency PLC may provide a low cost replacement for existing communication interfaces. The improved PLC may consolidate system in-vehicle communication, reduce in-vehicle wiring, provide system flexibility, and decrease vehicle weight and system cost.