Power Line Data Communication Protocol for Distributed Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Distributed sensing systems require significant wiring due to separate power and data cables, increasing complexity and weight, especially in applications where the control unit and power source are distant from sensors.
Innovation Solution
A wireless power and data communication protocol that uses the same power distribution lines for both power transfer and data communication, employing a transformer to inductively couple power and data between a stationary and rotating portion of the system, reducing the need for physical wiring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate power and data cables are used to transmit power and data from the control unit to remote sensors, then reliable power supply and data communication are ensured, but the amount of wiring and system complexity effectively doubles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate power and data communication functions into a single communication line. The control unit transmits both power signals and data signals through the same physical medium (communication line), eliminating the need for separate power and data cables. This merging reduces wiring complexity while maintaining functional reliability through signal multiplexing techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The communication line is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as both a power transmission medium and a data communication channel. By making the communication line universal, the system eliminates dedicated power cables while ensuring both power supply and data communication requirements are met through a single multi-functional interface.
2Reliability
If separate power and data cables are deployed across the entire distributed system, then power and data transmission are reliable, but the overall system weight increases due to doubled wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power transmission and data communication into a single communication line, reducing the total amount of physical wiring by approximately half. This consolidation directly reduces system weight while maintaining transmission reliability through sophisticated signal processing and power management techniques that allow both functions to coexist on the same medium.
3Adaptability or versatility
If significant wiring is used to connect control units and power sources to remote sensors, then system functionality is ensured, but installation and maintenance difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power and data transmission into a single communication line, reducing the number of physical connections required during installation. This simplification makes system deployment easier while maintaining full functionality through integrated signal processing. Fewer cables mean fewer connection points to manage during both installation and maintenance phases.
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 reduces the overall number of wires and system weight by enabling power and data transmission over the same lines, enhancing system efficiency and usability in various applications, including aircraft monitoring systems.
Implementation Method 1
employing a transformer to inductively couple power and data between a stationary and rotating portion of the system
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
Distributing sensing systems that are capable of wirelessly communicating power and data over power lines are provided. The distributed sensing system may comprise a distributed sensing portion 220 and a primary portion 210. The distributed sensing portion may include a sensor 226, an analog to digital converter ("ADC") 236 and a microcontroller 238. The sensor may be capable of monitoring a parameter. The sensor may be configured to output an analog reading. The ADC may be configured to convert the analog reading to a digital signal. The microcontroller may be configured to modulate a power signal to encode the digital signal in the power signal. The primary portion may be configured to wirelessly receive the power signal from the distributed sensing portion. The primary portion may include a signal demodulation module 250. The signal demodulation module may be configured to extract the digital signal from the power signal.