Power Line Surface Wave Data Coupling

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing technologies face challenges in providing cost-effective broadband data connectivity, especially in rural areas where fiber connectivity and wired Ethernet are lacking, due to high installation complexity and low Return on Investment for telecom companies.

Innovation Solution

The use of power lines as a medium for data transmission, employing transmission and receiver elements with conductive structures that propagate data as surface waves, allowing for non-intrusive coupling and isolation from high-voltage power lines, enabling efficient data communication over long distances.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fiber connectivity or wired Ethernet is deployed in rural areas, then broadband data connectivity is provided, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroadband data connectivityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power line communication system enables existing power lines to serve dual purposes: traditional electrical power transmission and data communication. By using the same infrastructure for both functions, the system eliminates the need for separate fiber or Ethernet installations in rural areas, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining broadband connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages the already-deployed power line infrastructure to provide data communication services. Instead of requiring new infrastructure installation, the solution utilizes existing assets (power lines) to deliver broadband connectivity, significantly reducing deployment complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If fiber connectivity is deployed in rural areas, then broadband data connectivity is provided, but Return on Investment decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebroadband data connectivityVSAvoidReturn on Investment

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The power line communication system enables existing power lines to serve dual purposes: traditional electrical power transmission and data communication. By using the same infrastructure for both functions, the system eliminates the need for separate fiber or Ethernet installations in rural areas, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining broadband connectivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages the already-deployed power line infrastructure to provide data communication services. Instead of requiring new infrastructure installation, the solution utilizes existing assets (power lines) to deliver broadband connectivity, significantly reducing deployment complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If transmission elements are coupled to high-voltage power lines, then data transmission is enabled, but isolation from high-voltage is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmissionVSAvoidhigh-voltage isolation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission element acts as an intermediary device that couples data signals to the power line while providing electrical isolation. The conductive structure wrapped around the power line enables data transmission without direct electrical connection to high-voltage conductors, and the insulator material provides the necessary electrical isolation to protect against high-voltage hazards

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive structure is wrapped around the power line using insulator material that forms a protective barrier. This flexible wrapping provides both the coupling mechanism for data transmission and the electrical isolation from high-voltage power lines, addressing both functionality and safety requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution provides a cost-effective and efficient means of broadband data connectivity by leveraging existing power line infrastructure, reducing installation complexity and increasing the reach of data communication in areas without fiber or wired Ethernet, thereby addressing the challenge of rural connectivity.

Implementation Method 1

Each of the sequence of data elements is communicated (transmitted) on a surface of the conducting wire from the first portion to the second portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSurface wave propagation: Surface Acoustic Wave

Data Source

PatentUS11450936B2Transmission of data over conducting wires

Publication Date: 2022.09.20 INTEL CORP

AI summary

A communication system communicates data elements on a conducting wire. In an embodiment, a sequence of data elements to be transmitted is electrically represented on a pair of terminals, and a transmission element located at a first portion of the conducting wire transmits the sequence in the form of a wave on a surface of the conducting wire. The transmission element includes a first conductor wrapped around the first portion of the conducting wire, a first insulator located between the first conductor and the first portion of the conducting wire, and a conductive structure disposed around the first conductor. The conductive structure has a narrow cross section at one end and extends outwardly to a broader cross section at the other end. A first terminal of the pair of terminals is electrically connected to the first conductor and the second terminal is electrically connected to the conductive structure.