Power Line Communication Protocol Using Alternating Voltage Levels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power line communication methods face inefficiencies and signal distortion due to high EMI and long transmission times, particularly when transmitting binary control signals to lighting devices, which limits data density and transmission distance.
Innovation Solution
A power line communication protocol using alternate first and second level voltage signals, where each bit is represented by the time period of either signal, reducing the need for quick switching and ensuring only half the time is required to transmit the same information, with each bit represented by a square wave formed with either signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If each bit is represented by time period of low level voltage signal followed by high level voltage signal, then power transmission stability is improved, but transmission time increases and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the necessary voltage level transitions for signal representation. By using alternating voltage levels (first level for '0', second level for '1') without requiring return-to-zero transitions, the protocol removes redundant high-level voltage signals that do not carry information, thereby reducing transmission time while maintaining power stability through controlled alternating patterns
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic alternating voltage signals where each bit is represented by a sustained voltage level for a defined period. This periodic action with controlled duration ensures sufficient power delivery during each voltage state while maintaining efficient transmission by avoiding unnecessary extended transitions, achieving both reliability and productivity goals
2Speed
If frequent voltage switching is used to represent binary signals, then data transmission speed is improved, but EMI and signal distortion increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamic voltage level selection where the voltage level transitions are optimized based on the data being transmitted. By dynamically adjusting the timing and levels of voltage transitions rather than using fixed frequent switching, the system achieves high transmission speed while minimizing EMI and signal distortion through controlled dynamic behavior
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of voltage signals (amplitude levels and time periods) to optimize transmission. By using distinct first and second voltage levels with carefully controlled time periods for each bit representation, the system achieves fast transmission while reducing harmful effects through parameter optimization rather than aggressive frequent switching
3Power
If extended voltage signal duration is used to ensure sufficient power, then power delivery is improved, but transmission time increases and FPS decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by providing sufficient voltage duration only when necessary for each bit representation. Each voltage level is maintained for the minimum required period to ensure adequate power delivery for that specific bit, rather than using uniformly extended durations for all signals, thereby optimizing the balance between power delivery and transmission time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the time period parameter for each voltage signal based on the specific requirements of the transmitted data. By adjusting the duration of each voltage level to match the information content needs rather than using fixed extended durations, the system achieves sufficient power delivery while minimizing overall transmission time and maximizing FPS
Data Source
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AI summary
A power line communication sender (10) generates a command signal that comprises a series of alternate first level voltage signals and second level voltage signals, while the time periods of each first and second level voltage signal are determined according to the value of corresponding bits in a command information. A power line communication receiver (20) is connected to the sender (10) through power lines to receive power and command signal. When the receiver (20) receives the command signal, the time periods of each first and second level voltage signals are calculated to record corresponding bits of the command signal. Since the information is carried in every first and second level voltage signal, it requires only half the time and requires no quick switching in every binary bit of the transmitted signal, therefore efficiency is improved and signal distortion is lowered.