Transmission of pulse power and data in a communications network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Power over Ethernet (PoE) and Power over Data Line (PoDL) systems are limited in power capacity, typically delivering up to 100W, which is inadequate for many devices, and face interference issues during pulse power transitions that can corrupt data transmission.

Innovation Solution

The method involves transmitting data on two wire pairs carrying pulse power, with voltage pulses offset between pairs to provide continuous power, and controlling data transmission during pulse power transitions to prevent interference, using techniques such as suspending data transmission, applying Forward Error Correction, and modifying data at the receiver.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If pulse power transitions are used to deliver high power, then power delivery capacity is improved, but data transmission reliability deteriorates due to interference and corruption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower delivery capacityVSAvoiddata transmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The data transmission is segmented into multiple phases: transmission during stable power periods, suspension during transition periods, and error correction processing. This segmentation allows the system to maintain high power delivery while protecting data integrity by isolating data transmission from harmful power transitions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary error detection and correction before data is corrupted by power transitions. Forward Error Correction (FEC) codes are applied in advance, and the system proactively suspends data transmission before transition interference occurs, preventing rather than merely reacting to data corruption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If data transmission is continuous, then productivity is improved, but data corruption occurs during pulse power transitions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transmission efficiencyVSAvoiddata corruption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Data transmission is performed periodically during stable power delivery phases, with intentional suspension during transition phases. This periodic pattern—transmit during stable periods, pause during transitions—maintains overall productivity while preventing data corruption from transition interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the receiver detects power transition states and signals the transmitter to suspend data transmission accordingly. This feedback loop ensures data is only transmitted during stable power conditions, preventing corruption while maintaining efficient overall transmission rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Power

If power capacity is increased to hundreds or thousands of watts, then power delivery is improved, but interference during transitions worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower capacityVSAvoidinterference during transitions
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful transition periods are extracted and separated from the data transmission process. By identifying and removing transition intervals from active data transmission windows, the system eliminates the source of interference while maintaining high power delivery capability during the remaining stable periods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Error correction codes and control signaling act as intermediaries between the high-power pulse system and the data transmission system. These intermediaries detect, mark, and correct errors introduced by transitions, allowing the system to tolerate higher power capacities without proportionally increasing interference impact.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3915229B1Transmission of pulse power and data in a communications network
Publication Date: 2023.09.13 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP3915229B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3915229B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3915229B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

In one embodiment, a method includes transmitting data on two wire pairs carrying pulse power, wherein the pulse power comprises a plurality of voltage pulses with the voltage pulses on the wire pairs offset between the wire pairs to provide continuous power and identifying transitions between at least one of a pulse-on time and a pulse-off time, and a pulse-off time and a pulse-on time on at least one of the wire pairs. Data transmission on the wire pair is controlled during the identified transitions on the wire pair to prevent interference between the pulse power and the data.