Power Line Modem Dynamic Wire Pair Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power line communication systems face limitations in efficiently switching data transmission between different pairs of wires, leading to suboptimal data transfer rates and increased noise interference.

Innovation Solution

A novel power line modem configuration and method that allows for selective switching between various wire pairs using a processor and switch, enabling the choice of optimal communication channels based on noise levels and quality, thereby improving data transfer rates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data transmission is performed on a fixed wire pair in existing power line communication systems, then the system structure is simple, but the data transfer rate is suboptimal and noise interference is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between different wire pairs (LN, LG, NG) based on real-time channel quality assessment. The system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic reconfigurable architecture where the switch component enables adaptive selection of optimal transmission paths, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and high productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the transmission parameter by selecting different wire pair combinations (LN, LG, or NG) based on noise levels and channel characteristics. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to varying electrical conditions, improving data transfer rates while managing the added complexity through intelligent control algorithms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system uses all three wire pairs for communication, then the adaptability is improved, but the noise interference and complexity of channel management increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel selection flexibilityVSAvoidnoise interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors channel quality metrics (noise levels, signal strength) for each wire pair and uses this information to make intelligent switching decisions. This feedback loop enables the system to select the least noisy channel while maintaining adaptability across different electrical conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic switching capability allows the system to adaptively select from multiple wire pairs (LN, LG, NG) based on real-time conditions. By making the system dynamic rather than static, it achieves versatility in channel selection while managing noise interference through intelligent decision-making algorithms that select the optimal low-noise path

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If dynamic switching between wire pairs is implemented, then the data transfer rate is enhanced, but the device complexity increases due to additional switching components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidswitching components
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a switch component that enables dynamic reconfiguration of the transmission path between different wire pairs. This dynamic element allows the system to optimize communication efficiency by selecting the best available channel, accepting the necessary increase in device complexity as a trade-off for improved productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switch component serves multiple functions: it selects optimal transmission paths, isolates noisy channels, and enables adaptive channel switching. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent reduces overall system complexity despite the added capability for dynamic wire pair switching and enhanced communication efficiency

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2453583B1Power line communication method and apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.08.24 SIGMA DESIGNS ISRAEL S D I
  • EP2453583B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2453583B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~4A
  • EP2453583B1 patent drawingFigure 4B~4E

AI summary

Apparatus for transmitting and receiving signals over residential electrical cables, including a processor, at least one transmitter, at least one receiver and at least one switch, the transmitter and the receiver both being coupled with the processor, the switch being coupled with at least one of the transmitter and the receiver, the transmitter for transmitting the signals, the receiver for receiving the signals, the apparatus being coupled with an electrical cable including an active wire, a neutral wire and a ground wire, the switch being coupled with the active wire, the neutral wire and the ground wire, the active wire and the neutral wire forming a first communication channel, the active wire and the ground wire forming a second communication channel and the neutral wire and the ground wire forming a third communication channel, the switch enabling at least one of the transmitter and the receiver to be coupled with one of the first communication channel, the second communication channel and the third communication channel.