Power Line Data Transmission via Redundant Sidebands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automotive data communication over power supply lines faces challenges due to noise, interference, and fluctuations, which can lead to connection losses and safety concerns, especially in vehicles where robust data transfer is critical.
Innovation Solution
A transmitter and receiver system that encodes serial bit streams into baseband signals and redundantly conveys them in multiple spectral sidebands of a carrier wave, allowing robust data transmission over automotive power supply lines, even in noisy environments, using techniques like AM, FM, QPSK, FSK, or MSK, and configuring redundancy levels for optimal performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If data is transmitted over automotive power supply lines, then existing power cables can provide the physical layer for communication, but the transmission is susceptible to noise, interference, and connection losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces PLC modems as intermediary devices that convert data signals into forms suitable for power line transmission. These modems act as mediators between the digital communication system and the noisy power distribution network, enabling reliable data transfer over existing power cables without requiring new communication infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs parameter changes by modulating data signals across multiple frequency bands and adjusting transmission parameters dynamically. By changing the frequency, amplitude, and timing parameters of the transmitted signals, the system adapts to varying power line conditions and maintains reliable communication despite noise and interference
2Power
If heavy inductive loads are connected to the power network, then power delivery capacity is increased, but data connection is temporarily lost or data packages are dropped
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through error detection and correction codes that are embedded in the transmitted data before it encounters interference. By pre-packaging redundancy and error-handling mechanisms into the data stream, the system prepares for potential packet loss and enables recovery without retransmission, maintaining data integrity even when heavy loads cause connection disruptions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the receiving end monitors transmission quality and sends acknowledgment signals back to the transmitter. This feedback loop allows the system to detect lost packets and request retransmission, or to adjust transmission parameters in response to power line conditions caused by heavy inductive loads
3Area of stationary object
If the power supply is routed in parallel to many signal lines, then power distribution is achieved, but the environment becomes dense and noisy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the data transmission into multiple frequency bands or channels that are transmitted simultaneously over the power line. This segmentation allows the system to spread the data across different spectral segments, reducing the impact of narrowband interference and electromagnetic noise from other signal lines routed in parallel
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from time-domain transmission to frequency-domain transmission by using spectral spreading techniques. By moving the data transmission into the frequency dimension and utilizing multiple spectral sidebands, the system can coexist with other time-domain signals on the same power lines without mutual interference, effectively adding a dimensional separation between communication and power distribution
4Adaptability or versatility
If the automotive supply has huge fluctuations in transfer function, then power delivery flexibility is achieved, but frequency response varies significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the transmission system adaptive to changing power line conditions. The PLC modems continuously monitor the transfer function and frequency response of the power line, dynamically adjusting modulation parameters, bit rates, and frequency allocation to maintain stable communication despite huge fluctuations in the power supply's transfer function caused by varying vehicle loads
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 ensures reliable and robust data communication over automotive power supply lines, reducing the risk of connection losses and maintaining data integrity despite electromagnetic interference and frequency fluctuations, thereby enhancing vehicle safety and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a modulator unit for emitting the radio frequency signal. The modulator unit is adapted for encoding the serial bit stream into a baseband signal and generating the radio frequency signal by mixing the baseband signal with a carrier wave so as to redundantly convey the baseband signal in at least four spectral sidebands of the carrier wave
Data Source
AI summary
A transmitter and a receiver for transmitting and receiving data via a power supply line comprise a local signal port for respectively receiving and transmitting a serial bit stream and a power line connection port for respectively transmitting a radio frequency signal and receiving the radio frequency signal via the power supply line. The transmitter comprises a modulator unit adapted for encoding the serial bit stream into a baseband signal and generating the radio frequency signal by mixing the baseband signal with a carrier wave so as to redundantly convey the at least one baseband signal in at least four spectral sidebands of the carrier wave. The receiver comprises a demodulator unit adapted for detecting the at least four spectral sidebands of the carrier wave in the radio frequency signal, isolating a baseband signal from the at least four spectral sidebands and decoding the baseband signal into the serial bit stream.