Power Line Control Signal Transmission via AC Interruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional control systems for LED lamps and other loads require separate signal lines for control, leading to complexity and increased costs, as they need to connect control devices and loads through both power and signal lines.
Innovation Solution
A control system that uses a power line to transmit control signals by interrupting the power supply to the load for a duration shorter than a half cycle of AC output, allowing the load to receive and act upon control signals without the need for an additional signal line, utilizing interruption means and transmission means within the control device and load to modulate power supply and demodulate control signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate signal lines are used for control, then control signals can be transmitted reliably, but the control system becomes complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply function and control signal transmission function into a single power line. The control device modulates the power supply to the load by interrupting it for specific durations, and the load detects these interruptions to extract control signals, eliminating the need for separate signal lines while maintaining reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line is given dual functionality: it serves both as the power supply conduit and as the control signal transmission medium. By encoding control information in the temporal pattern of power interruptions, the same physical infrastructure performs multiple functions, reducing system complexity.
2Reliability
If separate signal lines are used for control, then control signals can be transmitted clearly, but the system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power supply and control functions into a single channel, eliminating the need to manufacture and install separate signal lines. This reduces material costs, installation costs, and maintenance costs while preserving reliable control signal transmission through temporal modulation of the power line.
3Device complexity
If power supply is interrupted for control signal transmission, then control signals can be transmitted through the power line, but the load experiences power interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The control device transmits control signals by periodically interrupting the power supply for specific durations that are shorter than half a cycle of the AC power frequency. The load is designed to detect these brief interruptions and extract control information while maintaining continuous operation, as the interruptions are too short to disrupt the load's functioning.
Data Source
AI summary
A control system includes a load including an operative part, and a control device for supplying AC power to the load through a power line and operating the operative part. The control device includes an interruption mechanism and a transmission mechanism. The load includes a controller. The transmission mechanism transmits a predetermined control signal to the load through the power line by blocking the power supply to the load by the interruption mechanism for a time duration shorter than a half cycle of AC output. The controller controls the operative part based on the control signal received from the control device.