Power-Line Communication Coupler-Antenna Bridge for Lower Circuit Cost
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication apparatuses with both power line communication and radio communication circuits incur increased cost and circuit size.
Innovation Solution
A communication apparatus utilizing a coupler and antenna to bridge wired and radio communication, eliminating the need for radio circuitry to convert PLC signals, thereby reducing circuit size and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If both power line communication circuit and radio communication circuit are included, then communication versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a radio communication antenna and a power line communication antenna. The coupler enables the antenna to handle both wired and wireless communication modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each communication type while maintaining communication versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler acts as an intermediary device that bridges the power line communication circuit and the antenna. It enables signal conversion and transmission between wired and wireless modes without requiring complex conversion circuits, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-mode communication capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If radio communication circuit is added for wireless communication, then communication flexibility is improved, but device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The antenna is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a radio communication antenna and a power line communication antenna. The coupler enables the antenna to handle both wired and wireless communication modes, eliminating the need for separate dedicated circuits for each communication type while maintaining communication versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power line communication antenna and radio communication antenna into a single antenna structure. By combining these functions into one component and using the coupler to manage signal routing, the design reduces the number of separate circuits needed, thereby lowering manufacturing cost while maintaining communication flexibility.
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
The solution enables reduced circuit size and cost by eliminating the need for radio circuitry, facilitating efficient communication between wired and radio communication apparatuses.
Implementation Method 1
an antenna that is connected to the coupler, radiates a signal of the wired communication scheme to a second communication apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
A communication apparatus includes a coupler that is connected to a cable to which a first communication apparatus is connected, the first communication apparatus performing communication based on a wired communication scheme; communication circuitry that is connected to the coupler; and an antenna that is connected to the coupler, radiates a signal of the wired communication scheme to a second communication apparatus, and receives a signal of the wired communication scheme from the second communication apparatus. The coupler outputs, to the cable and the antenna, the signal of the wired communication scheme outputted from the communication circuitry, outputs, to the communication circuitry and the cable, the signal of the wired communication scheme received by the antenna, and outputs, to the communication circuitry and the antenna, the signal of the wired communication scheme received from the cable.