Power Line Data Coupling With Edge Detection and Fewer Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing signal transmission methods between electronic devices face challenges in minimizing contacts, reducing production costs and complexity, and mitigating electromagnetic interference, particularly in small form factor devices.
Innovation Solution
A circuit design that enables data transmission over power lines using capacitive coupling and edge detection, minimizing the number of contacts required and eliminating the need for modulation and demodulation modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If modulation systems with high-frequency carriers are used to transmit data over power lines, then data transmission capability is improved, but electromagnetic interference is introduced and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the modulation and demodulation modules from the system, eliminating the high-frequency carrier generation that causes electromagnetic interference. Data is transmitted directly over the power line without modulation, using simple voltage level detection at the receiver end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex electromagnetic modulation system with a simple electrical voltage detection system. Instead of using high-frequency carriers and modulation techniques, the system uses direct voltage level sensing on the power line to detect data signals.
2Productivity
If modulation and demodulation modules are added to enable data transmission over power lines, then data transmission capability is improved, but device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the modulation and demodulation modules from the system, eliminating the high-frequency carrier generation that causes electromagnetic interference. Data is transmitted directly over the power line without modulation, using simple voltage level detection at the receiver end.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses simple, inexpensive components such as capacitors and voltage dividers instead of complex modulation modules. The solution employs basic electrical components that are cheap to manufacture and easy to integrate, significantly reducing production costs.
3Reliability
If the number of contacts between devices is reduced to minimize pins and improve reliability, then reliability is improved, but the ability to transmit various signals simultaneously is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the power line serve multiple functions: it simultaneously provides power delivery and data communication. By detecting voltage level changes on the power line, the system enables bidirectional data transmission without requiring separate communication contacts, thus maintaining versatility while reducing contact count.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the power delivery function and data communication function into a single power line connection. Instead of requiring separate pins for power and data, the system combines these functions by modulating data signals onto the power line voltage, allowing both functions to coexist on the same physical medium.
4Quantity of substance
If time-division multiplexing systems are used to transmit power and data over the same power line, then the number of contacts is reduced, but detection mechanisms and communication systems add cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the complex time-division multiplexing detection mechanisms and communication systems. Instead of using TDM protocols with sophisticated synchronization and detection, the system uses simple simultaneous voltage level detection on the power line, eliminating the need for complex control infrastructure.
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 device contacts, lowers production costs, enhances reliability, and minimizes electromagnetic interference while supporting high data rates without complex detection mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
a first capacitor (327) coupling the transmitter line (325) to the power line (315) at a connection point (301), the first capacitor (327) configured to filter DC components from the data signals (401) and output a filtered signal (403) that is carried to the power line (315)
Implementation Method 2
a receiver (350) configured to receive the filtered signal (403), the receiver (350) connected to the power line (315) via a first reception line (345) and a second reception line (346), wherein a second capacitor (347) couples the first reception line (345) and the receiver (350) and a third capacitor (348) couples the second reception line (346) and the receiver (350)
Data Source
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AI summary
The technology provides for a power line communication system capable of providing data from a first device to a second device over a power line. The first device may include a set of contacts and a second device may include a second set of contacts. The second set of contacts may be adapted to electronically engage with the first set of contacts of the first device to form at least a power and ground lines connection. Circuitry within the first device and the second device may include circuitry for providing data over the power line connection between the first device and the second device. The circuitry may comprise a power line, a ground line, a transmitter line carrying data signals, a capacitor coupling the transmitter line to the power line at a connection point, and a receiver comprising two field effect transistors.