Power Supply Arrangement for Integrated Powerline Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional powerline communication (PLC) methods require additional converters and network components, making it costly and inefficient to integrate PLC adapters into terminals, as the power supply unit is indivisibly connected to the embedded logic of the PLC modem, necessitating separate devices and multiple cables.
Innovation Solution
A power supply arrangement that decouples the power pack from data transmission, allowing separate exchange of power supply units and communication modules, using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) to modulate data signals onto the power line, and a communication module to demodulate these signals, eliminating the need for separate converters and adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If PLC adapters are integrated into terminals with indivisible power supply connection, then communication functionality is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring separate converters and multiple cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply unit and PLC modem into a single integrated module that can be directly connected to the terminal's power input. This merging eliminates the need for separate PLC adapters and converters, reducing component count while maintaining both power supply and communication functions. The integrated module processes both electrical power and data signals through a unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply unit is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical power to the terminal and embedded logic, while also serving as a PLC communication interface. This multi-functional design allows the same component to handle both energy delivery and data transmission, eliminating the need for dedicated separate devices for each function.
2Loss of information
If separate PLC converters are used for each terminal, then communication signal transmission is enabled, but loss of substance increases due to requiring multiple cables and network components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the communication signal transmission function into the existing power supply cable infrastructure. By integrating the PLC modem within the power supply unit, the same physical cable that delivers electrical power also carries communication signals, eliminating the need for separate network cables and reducing material consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply cable is designed to serve dual purposes: transporting electrical energy and transmitting communication signals simultaneously. This universal usage of the cable infrastructure reduces the total amount of cabling required in the network, as the same physical medium handles both power delivery and data communication functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If power supply unit is indivisibly connected to PLC modem, then integrated communication is achieved, but ease of repair deteriorates as components cannot be separately replaced
Solution Approach 1:
While the power supply unit and PLC modem are functionally integrated, the design maintains modular segmentation that allows the PLC communication module to be independently replaced or upgraded without replacing the entire power supply unit. This segmentation enables selective maintenance and repair of specific components based on their individual lifecycles and failure modes.
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 cost-effective integration of PLC technology into existing electrical infrastructure by allowing separate replacement of power supply units and communication modules, reducing the need for additional network components and adapters, while maintaining compatibility with existing Ethernet standards and protocols.
Implementation Method 1
using orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) to modulate data signals onto the power line
Implementation Method 2
a communication module to demodulate these signals
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a power supply arrangement and a corresponding network arrangement which allow conventional power supply networks or end devices to be upgraded so cost-effectively that they can provide a communication service via powerline communication. Thus, data signals and electrical energy can be transmitted and received by end devices via a power supply network in a particularly cost-effective manner.