Power Line Communication Control Using Interference Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication systems for controlling devices in large commercial buildings face challenges due to interference and range limitations in wireless connections and the need for wired connections, which are costly and difficult to expand beyond 400 meters with DMX-512 systems, and PLC protocols do not scale for controlling multiple devices.

Innovation Solution

A power line communication system that uses a controller plugged into an AC outlet to analyze interference and select clear frequencies and paths for reliable communication with devices, utilizing FFT or neural networks to predict interference patterns and transmit commands in bursts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If wireless communication (Bluetooth/WiFi) is used to control devices, then ease of installation and initial cost are improved, but reliability and range are worsened due to interference and range limitations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidcommunication reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses power lines as an intermediary medium for communication. Instead of direct wireless communication between controller and devices, the system modulates communication signals onto the existing power line infrastructure, which acts as a reliable physical medium to carry commands throughout the building, eliminating wireless interference issues while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If wired communication (DMX-512) is used to ensure reliable connection, then communication stability is improved, but scalability and ease of expansion are worsened beyond 400 meters

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidsystem scalability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the power line infrastructure serve multiple functions: it continues to provide electrical power to devices while simultaneously serving as a communication medium. This eliminates the need for separate communication wiring, allowing the system to scale throughout the entire building using the existing power distribution network without distance limitations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If power line communication is used to control multiple devices, then scalability is improved, but interference from power line noise worsens communication quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice scalabilityVSAvoidpower line interference

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful power line interference into a useful communication carrier. By modulating low-frequency communication signals onto the high-frequency power line background noise, the system uses the existing electrical infrastructure as both power source and communication medium, turning the previously harmful electromagnetic environment into a functional communication channel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs periodic time-division multiplexing where communication signals are transmitted in periodic bursts during intervals when power line interference is minimal. The controller periodically probes the power line environment and schedules communications during favorable intervals, converting the continuous interference problem into a manageable periodic transmission scheme.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

Enables reliable and economical control of multiple devices by predicting interference-free transmission windows, overcoming range and scalability issues in challenging environments.

Implementation Method 1

the controller performs an analysis of the interference that is present on the power lines that run throughout the building

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFast Fourier Transform:

Implementation Method 2

a neural network can be used to identify signals that have arrived over the selected path

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNeural network pattern recognition:

Implementation Method 3

A power line communication system that uses a controller plugged into an AC outlet to analyze interference and select clear frequencies and paths for reliable communication with devices

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPower line communication modulation:

Data Source

PatentUS12511525B2Method and apparatus for power line communication network

Publication Date: 2025.12.30 ENDURA IP HOLDINGS

AI summary

A reliable method and apparatus for communications over AC power lines that may have substantial interference is disclosed. A controller can be plugged into an AC outlet and communicate with a device plugged into any other AC outlet over the power lines within the facility. The controller may perform an analysis of the interference that is present on the power lines that run throughout the facility. In some cases, the particular path for power line signals can be selected to reduce the potential for interference. In some cases, the controller has a front end that comprises a Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) module and a neural network. In addition, devices under the control of the controller may have neural networks that can be used in combination to form a collaborative neural network.