Power Line Communication Timing for Low Interference
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Solution Overview
Problem
Power line communications are affected by noise and interference that vary during the AC mains cycle due to variable loading, leading to increased packet error rates.
Innovation Solution
Obtaining timing information for the AC mains signal to identify intervals of lower and higher loading, and transmitting data packets only during the high impedance times, using zero crossing information to avoid interference and reduce packet errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data packets are transmitted continuously over the power line, then communication throughput is maintained, but packet error rate increases due to noise and interference during high loading intervals
Solution Approach 1:
The system transmits data packets periodically during specific intervals of the AC mains cycle when loading is lowest, rather than continuously. The transmitter identifies optimal transmission windows within each AC cycle and schedules packets accordingly, accepting that not all packets can be transmitted immediately but improving overall reliability through selective transmission during low-interference periods
Solution Approach 2:
The transmission strategy dynamically adapts to the varying loading conditions of the power line by continuously monitoring the AC mains cycle and adjusting transmission timing accordingly. The system shifts between different transmission modes based on real-time loading detection, transitioning from continuous transmission during low-loading periods to silent periods during high-loading intervals
2Reliability
If data packets are transmitted during high impedance times only, then packet error rate decreases, but transmission time increases due to limited transmission windows
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary identification of optimal transmission intervals by analyzing the AC mains cycle characteristics and loading patterns before actual data transmission occurs. This allows the transmitter to pre-schedule packets during anticipated low-loading periods, reducing wait times and optimizing the transmission window utilization
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver provides feedback information about actual loading conditions and packet reception status to the transmitter. This feedback loop enables the transmitter to adjust its transmission timing strategy in real-time, learning from previous transmission success rates and adapting future transmission schedules to minimize both errors and time loss
Data Source
AI summary
A method of power line communications includes obtaining timing information for an AC mains signal transmitted on a power line in a power line communication (PLC) system that includes at least one receiver and at least one other device connected on the power line which provides variable loading during cycles of the AC mains signal. A first loading interval within at least a first cycle of the cycles having lower loading and at least a second loading interval within said first cycle having higher loading are identified using the timing information. At least one data packet is transmitted only during the first loading interval over the power line to the receiver.