Pulse-Based Binary Communication on Power Lines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional communication methods in modular power systems face challenges such as space and cost constraints, increased complexity, and overkill in systems requiring simple interactions, especially when using dedicated communication lines or wireless communication, and power line communication systems require specialized circuits, adding to cost and complexity.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for communicating binary information using a transmitting device that generates a supply voltage with pulses based on binary values, allowing a receiving device to detect these pulses and determine the binary value, enabling high-level communications with increased length and complexity without the need for dedicated communication lines or circuits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated communication lines are used for control between master and slave modules, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and communication functions into a single conductor. The power supply line carries both electrical power and modulated communication signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated communication lines. This merging approach maintains communication reliability while reducing device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The power supply conductor is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: delivering electrical power to slave modules and transmitting bidirectional communication signals. By making the power line universal, the system avoids additional communication infrastructure while maintaining reliable control between master and slave modules.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dedicated wireless communication is implemented for control, then communication flexibility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to transmitters and receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges wireless communication functionality into the existing power supply infrastructure. By using the power line as a communication medium, the system achieves communication flexibility without requiring separate wireless transmitters and receivers, thereby reducing device complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional power line communication with modulated carrier signals is used, then communication capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to specialized communication circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the communication function from specialized communication circuits and implements it through simple voltage level changes on the power line. By removing the need for complex modulated carrier signal generation and detection circuits, the system achieves communication capability with minimal additional complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses simple, inexpensive voltage transitions instead of complex communication circuits. The communication signals are implemented through basic voltage changes that can be generated and detected with simple circuitry, effectively replacing expensive specialized communication components.
4Reliability
If conventional power line communication systems are used, then communication effectiveness is improved, but space requirements increase due to specialized communication circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and communication functions in the same physical infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate communication circuits and their associated space requirements. The power supply lines serve dual purposes, reducing the overall space needed for communication hardware.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems and methods for pulse-based binary communication are provided. An example system may include a transmitting device and a receiving device. The transmitting device may be configured to generate a supply voltage for use in operating the receiving device and to cause at least one pulse to occur in the supply voltage, the at least one pulse being based on a binary value. The at least one pulse may comprise, for example, a temporary change in the supply voltage. The receiving device may be configured to receive the supply voltage from the transmitting device, to detect the at least one pulse in the supply voltage and to determine the binary value based on the at least one pulse. The receiving device may then perform an action based on the binary value.