Power Line Impedance Matching for Stable MIMO Signal Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power line communication modems based on single input - single output (SISO) schemes face challenges due to variations in input impedances at different locations and changing network topologies, which affect signal transmission and reception in power line networks, especially when dealing with multiple input - multiple output (MIMO) schemes and electromagnetic interference.
Innovation Solution
A device and method for power line communication that includes a transmitter and receiver with a sensor to determine reflection parameters and a matching unit to adjust the impedance of output and input ports to match the impedance of power line transmission and reception paths, allowing for efficient impedance matching across multiple paths based on a single measurement of reflection parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If MIMO schemes are used to improve data rate and coverage, then communication performance is improved, but impedance variations across multiple paths cause signal transmission problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic impedance matching by continuously measuring reflection parameters and adjusting matching network components (variable capacitors, inductors) to adapt to changing impedance conditions across multiple MIMO paths, resolving the contradiction between improved data rate and maintained signal transmission stability
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (impedance values) of matching network components based on measured reflection parameters to optimize signal transmission across different MIMO paths, thereby maintaining reliability while achieving high data rates through multiple communication channels
2Reliability
If impedance matching is performed for each power line path individually, then signal transmission quality is improved, but device complexity and measurement requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple impedance measurements into a single composite reflection parameter measurement that represents the overall impedance state of the power line network, allowing a single set of matching network adjustments to optimize performance across all MIMO paths simultaneously, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining signal transmission quality
Solution Approach 2:
The impedance matching unit is designed with universal components that can simultaneously match multiple transmission paths through a single measurement and adjustment process, making the system multi-functional without requiring separate matching circuits for each path, thereby reducing overall device complexity
3Measurement precision
If reflection parameters are measured and used for impedance matching, then impedance matching accuracy is improved, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-measurement of reflection parameters using its own transmission signals and automatically adjusts its impedance matching based on these measurements without requiring external measurement equipment or complex control systems, thereby achieving high measurement precision while keeping device complexity manageable
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where reflection parameters are continuously measured and used to automatically adjust impedance matching network components, creating a closed-loop system that achieves accurate impedance matching through simple measurement and control mechanisms
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 enables effective impedance matching for multiple power line communication paths, improving data rate, coverage, and robustness against disturbances by adapting impedance individually at each frequency, thereby enhancing the performance of MIMO power line communication systems.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor (120) adapted to determine one or plurality of reflection parameters of one of the plurality of power line transmission paths (104, 106)
Implementation Method 2
a transmission impedance matching unit (130) adapted to match the output impedance of at least two output ports (180, 190) of the device which each couple to one of the plurality of transmission paths to the impedance of the at least two of the power line transmission paths
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for power line communication is provided, including a transmitter adapted to transmit signals on at least two of a plurality of power line transmission paths of a power line network; a sensor adapted to determine one or a plurality of reflection parameters of one of the plurality of power line transmission paths; and a transmission impedance matching unit adapted to match the output impedance of at least two output ports of the device which each couple to one of the plurality of transmission paths to the impedance of the at least two of the power line transmission paths based on the one or the plurality of reflection parameters. Further, a device including a corresponding reception impedance matching unit is provided and corresponding methods for transmitting and receiving signals.