Power Line Signal Pre-Processing Circuit for High Data Rate Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transmitting high data rate multiplexed control signals along power lines is hindered by the power line acting as an antenna and varying impedance, which reduces signal rise and fall times and limits data rate due to loading effects on circuits controlling loads like lighting assemblies and motors.
Innovation Solution
A circuit with a low pass filter and digital control signal pre-processing unit that blocks voltage biasing, generates positive and negative voltage impulses, and produces a revised signal to overcome impedance issues and noise, allowing effective control of electrical power to loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If control signals are transmitted along the power supply line to reduce cable quantity, then the number of cables is reduced, but the power line acts as an antenna and does not provide constant impedance, reducing signal quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the power line into separate functional zones using low pass filters at each circuit. These filters create isolated frequency domains, allowing the power line to carry both power and control signals simultaneously without interference. Each circuit processes only the relevant signal portion, effectively dividing the shared medium into independent communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces low pass filters as intermediary devices between the power line and control circuits. These filters act as mediators that separate power signals from control signals, allowing both to coexist on the same line without mutual interference. The filter serves as a buffer that protects the control circuit from power line noise while allowing control signals to pass through.
2Measurement precision
If multiplexed pulsed control signals with high data rates are transmitted, then control precision is improved, but the internal impedance of each circuit loads the signal, significantly reducing rise and fall times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a signal pre-processing unit as an intermediary between the power line and the control circuit. This unit includes a differentiator circuit that generates sharp positive and negative voltage impulses from the incoming control signals. These impulses have much faster rise and fall times than the original signals, compensating for the loading effects of circuit impedance and enabling high data rate transmission with preserved signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the voltage parameters of the control signal through the pre-processing unit. By generating positive and negative voltage impulses with amplitudes proportional to the rate of change of the input signal, the system transforms slow-rising signals into sharp impulses. This parameter transformation maintains signal integrity despite circuit loading, enabling high precision control at high data rates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If control circuits are added to multiple loads along the power line, then system versatility is improved, but signal loading increases, limiting the maximum data rate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control signal processing at each circuit using low pass filters. Each filter is designed to pass only the specific frequency range relevant to its circuit, effectively dividing the shared power line into multiple independent communication channels. This segmentation allows multiple circuits to operate simultaneously without cumulative loading effects limiting the data rate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements identical low pass filter circuits at each load location along the power line. By copying the same filter design throughout the system, each circuit processes signals in the same manner, creating consistent signal characteristics across all loads. This uniformity allows the system to scale to multiple circuits while maintaining signal integrity and data rate performance.
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
The solution enhances data rate transmission by isolating digital control signals from power supply nodes, reducing signal loading and noise, and maintaining edge integrity, thereby effectively controlling electrical power to multiple loads.
Implementation Method 1
a low pass filter coupling one of the supply input terminals to a first one of the controller power supply input nodes, wherein a second one of the supply input terminals is coupled to a second one of the controller supply input terminals and wherein the low pass filter is arranged to block the digital control signal from being received across the power supply input nodes
Implementation Method 2
a digital control signal pre-processing unit coupling one of the power supply input terminals to the controller data input node, the digital control signal pre-processing unit including a capacitor arranged to block voltage biasing resulting from power supplied to electrical power supply input terminals from being supplied to the controller data input node, wherein the digital control signal pre-processing unit is arranged to generate positive and negative voltage impulses in response to corresponding rising and falling edges
Data Source
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AI summary
A circuit, system and method for controlling electrical power to a load, the circuit has a controller with power supply input nodes and a controller data input node. Two power supply input terminals supply electrical power to the circuit. A digital control signal pre-processing unit couples one of the power supply input terminals to the controller data input node. The digital control signal pre-processing unit has a capacitor arranged to block voltage biasing resulting from power supplied across electrical power supply input terminals from being supplied to the controller data input node. The digital control signal pre-processing unit is arranged to generate positive and negative voltage impulses in response to corresponding rising and falling edges of a digital control signal provided at the power supply input terminals. The digital control signal pre-processing unit is further arranged to generate a revised version of the digital control signal without the voltage biasing.