Remote Node Powering via Time Division Multiplexing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote node powering techniques face challenges in achieving low-cost power consumption logging and fair power distribution across subscriber lines, often requiring multiple converters and resulting in high power losses and electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Innovation Solution
A remote node system that allows all lines to contribute to power delivery, using fewer DC/DC converters than lines, with a power control mechanism that switches between lines to balance energy distribution and employs time division multiplexing to optimize power usage, enabling more lines to be used simultaneously for remote powering, reducing power losses and EMI.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple DC/DC converters are used for each subscriber line to enable reverse powering, then the remote node can be powered reliably, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple converter modules into a single converter module that can serve multiple subscriber lines. The converter module includes a power control unit that can dynamically allocate power from multiple active lines to the remote node, eliminating the need for separate converters on each line while maintaining reliable powering.
Solution Approach 2:
The converter module is designed with multi-functionality to handle power from multiple subscriber lines simultaneously. The power control unit can selectively draw power from any combination of active lines, making the single converter module universal for serving multiple lines rather than requiring dedicated converters for each line.
2Adaptability or versatility
If power is drawn from multiple active subscriber lines simultaneously, then fair power distribution is achieved, but power losses and EMI increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic action by having the power control unit dynamically switch between different combinations of active subscriber lines over time. Instead of simultaneously drawing power from all active lines which causes interference, the system periodically alternates between different line combinations, achieving fair power distribution while minimizing power losses and EMI through time-division multiplexing.
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 system achieves lower power losses and reduced EMI by optimizing the number of DC/DC converters and using time division multiplexing to distribute power fairly across multiple lines, allowing for efficient and cost-effective remote node powering.
Implementation Method 1
a converter module that converts power from the lines to power the remote node
Implementation Method 2
The multiplexing part is capable of electrically connecting each line with a DC/DC converter, and the power control part is configured for controlling the connecting in function of the states of the lines
Data Source
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AI summary
System for use in combination with a remote node powered by a first number of lines, each line thereof being capable of providing power to the remote node in an active state of the line and not being capable of providing power to the remote node in a non-active state of the line; said system comprising: a second number of convertors; and a power control part configured for controlling the power provided by each line of said first number of lines to a converter of said second number of converters, in function of the time, depending of the states of the first number of lines.