Power Line Data Transmission via Voltage Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for controlling lighting fixtures require either separate control wires or specific hardware modems for wireless communication over power lines, which are costly and not suitable for all applications, particularly street lighting.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a transformer in series with the output voltage to transmit data packets by altering the voltage levels during sine cycle periods, allowing for unidirectional communication without the need for specific hardware modems at the lighting fixtures, using techniques like eight-to-fourteen modulation and Reed-Solomon decoding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate control wires are used to transmit control signals to lighting fixtures, then communication reliability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power transmission function and data communication function into a single power line. By modulating the power line voltage to encode data packets, the system eliminates the need for separate control wires while maintaining communication capability through the existing power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The power line is made multi-functional by enabling it to carry both electrical power and digital communication signals simultaneously. The voltage modulation technique allows the same physical medium (power line) to serve dual purposes: delivering power to lighting fixtures and transmitting control data without requiring additional dedicated communication infrastructure.
2Device complexity
If wireless control signals or PLC are used without new wires, then installation complexity is reduced, but hardware cost increases due to required modems and radios
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the existing power line infrastructure to provide both power and communication functions. By modulating the voltage on the power line that already exists in the system, the invention eliminates the need for additional expensive communication hardware such as modems or radios at each lighting fixture location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses voltage modulation on the power line as an intermediary mechanism to transmit data. Instead of requiring direct electrical connections or wireless radio frequency communication, the system encodes data packets through controlled voltage changes on the power line, which can then be detected by simple voltage sensing circuitry in the lighting fixtures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If voltage levels are altered to transmit data packets, then communication capability is improved, but susceptibility to noise and interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs feedback mechanisms where the controller monitors the power line conditions and adjusts the voltage modulation accordingly. This allows the system to adapt to varying electrical conditions and maintain reliable communication by compensating for noise and interference through active monitoring and adjustment of the communication signal.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transmission is implemented through periodic voltage modulations synchronized with the AC power cycle. By encoding data in the timing and pattern of voltage changes that occur in sync with the periodic power waveform, the system creates distinct, recognizable signal patterns that can be differentiated from random noise and interference.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus for controlling a lighting fixture utilizing a communication protocol transmitted over the power line that feeds the lighting fixture. Data may be transmitted to a plurality of lighting fixtures (40) via altering the output voltage transmitted to the lighting fixture through switching of a transformer (120) connected to the output voltage. Data may be received at a lighting fixture (40) via receiving an encoded output voltage and comparing the voltage level of a plurality of sine cycle periods of the output voltage to determine an incoming data packet. One or more aspects of the lighting fixture (40) may be controlled based on the received data.