Power Line Modem Dynamic Wire Pair Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power line communication systems face limitations in data transfer rates due to the reliance on a single wire pair, leading to inefficiencies and interference from radio frequency ingress, especially in residential settings with multiple electrical devices.
Innovation Solution
A system that allows data to be transmitted over various pairs of wires in a residence, with a processor selecting the optimal wire pair based on carrier wave frequency, using a combination of active, neutral, and ground wires to enhance data transfer rates and minimize interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single wire pair is used for power line communication, then the system structure is simple, but the data transfer rate is limited and reliability is reduced due to interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the power line communication system into multiple independent wire pairs (first wire pair and second wire pair), each capable of carrying communication signals. This segmentation allows the system to use multiple parallel channels for data transmission, thereby increasing the overall data transfer rate without significantly increasing the complexity of individual wire pair management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a power line modem that can operate on multiple wire pairs simultaneously, making the communication system multi-functional. The modem can select from different wire pairs based on carrier wave frequency requirements, enabling both high-speed data transmission and reliable communication across various electrical wiring configurations in residential settings.
2Reliability
If a single wire pair is used for transmission, then the device complexity is low, but reliability is reduced due to radio frequency ingress and interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a dynamic wire pair selection mechanism that adapts the communication system to changing electrical interference conditions. The system can switch between different wire pairs based on real-time carrier wave frequency requirements and interference levels, thereby maintaining high communication reliability despite varying radio frequency ingress and electrical noise in residential environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in carrier wave frequency to optimize communication reliability. By adjusting the carrier wave frequency according to the selected wire pair and current interference conditions, the system can maintain optimal signal quality and reduce the impact of radio frequency ingress, thereby improving overall communication reliability without requiring overly complex interference filtering mechanisms.
3Productivity
If multiple wire pairs are used for transmission, then data transfer rate is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple wire pairs into a unified power line communication system managed by a single modem. The first wire pair and second wire pair are both integrated into the same modem device, allowing simultaneous data transmission over multiple channels. This merging approach increases data transfer rate while keeping the modem structure relatively simple by consolidating control functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a wire pair selection mechanism that can use one or both wire pairs depending on the specific communication requirements and interference conditions. This partial action approach allows the system to maintain high data transfer rates when conditions permit while avoiding unnecessary complexity when single-wire-pair operation suffices, thereby optimizing the balance between productivity and device complexity.
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 significantly improves data transfer speeds and reliability by dynamically selecting the best wire pair for transmission, reducing noise and interference, and enabling high-speed communication between devices on different phases in residential electrical networks.
Implementation Method 1
The first transformer includes a first network side winding, a first modem side winding and a center tap. A first terminal of the first network side winding is coupled with the active wire and a second terminal of the first network side winding is coupled with the neutral wire.
Implementation Method 2
The second transformer includes a second network side winding and a second modem side winding. A first terminal of the second network side winding is coupled with the center tap and a second terminal of the second network side winding is coupled with the ground wire.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting and receiving signals over residential electrical cables includes at least one active wire, neutral wire and ground wire, including at least two power line modems, each coupling an electrical device with an electrical socket, each one of the power line modems including a processor. The system has transmitters and at least one receiver, the transmitters and the receiver including a coupling circuit, the coupling circuit including a first transformer and a second transformer, the first transformer including a center tap. Receive and transmit wire pairs are respectively formed from two of the active, neutral and ground wires and the midpoint, the transmitters defining a carrier wave set over the transmit wire pair. The processor determines a frequency carrier wave for the signals and provides the signals to a respective one of the transmitters according to the carrier wave set the frequency carrier wave is in.