Serial Interface Power Delivery via Data Line
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Solution Overview
Problem
Many serial interface technologies, such as RS-485 and RS-422, do not provide power to peripheral devices, making it difficult to use them for remote telemetry or configuration without hard-wired retrofitting, especially in installations lacking additional power outlets or provisions for external power.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a data communications signal line to transmit power generation characters, which are distinguished from non-power generation characters, allowing a peripheral device to receive power even when the interface is in a high impedance, un-powered state, using a power conversion module and controller to store and manage this power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If serial interface technologies (RS-485, RS-422) are used for remote communication, then data transmission capability is improved, but power supply capability to peripheral devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The serial communication interface is designed to perform dual functions: data transmission and power supply. The same signal line that carries data characters also carries power generation characters, allowing the interface to serve both communication and power delivery purposes without requiring separate power infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the electrical parameters of the serial interface by transmitting specific power generation characters that, when received, cause the interface to transition from a high-impedance state to an active state that can deliver power. This parameter change enables the interface to dynamically switch between data-only mode and power-delivery mode.
2Use of energy by moving object
If additional power outlets or power lines are installed to power peripheral devices, then power supply capability is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the power delivery function with the existing serial communication infrastructure. Instead of installing separate power outlets and running additional power lines, the system combines power transmission with the already-installed data communication lines, eliminating the need for additional installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The serial interface system serves itself by using its own existing infrastructure to provide power. The communication lines that are already part of the installation automatically become power delivery paths, allowing the system to power peripheral devices without requiring external power infrastructure or additional installation work.
3Loss of energy
If the serial interface is kept in high impedance un-powered state when idle, then power consumption is reduced, but ability to power peripheral devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses periodic transmission of power generation characters through the serial interface to deliver power to peripheral devices. Rather than maintaining a continuous powered state, the interface remains in high-impedance mode and only becomes active when power generation characters are transmitted, enabling intermittent power delivery that conserves energy while still powering devices when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous power delivery capability through the serial interface by utilizing the same communication channel for both data and power transmission. The interface can continuously transmit power generation characters without interruption, ensuring uninterrupted power supply to peripheral devices while maintaining the ability to switch to low-power state when not in use.
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 peripheral devices, like wireless transmitters, to receive power without additional power outlets or batteries, simplifying installations and reducing costs by utilizing existing communication interfaces for both data and power transmission.
Implementation Method 1
A power conversion module is electrically coupled to the data communications signal line and receives the signal. The power conversion module converts power from the received signal to a form suitable for storage.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for transferring power using a data communications signal line. The data communications signal line is in a high impedance powerless state when idle. A main device is electrically coupled to the data communications signal line. The main device generates and transmits a signal on the data communications signal line. The signal includes power generation and non-power generation characters. A peripheral device is electrically coupled to the data communications signal line. The peripheral device has a functional unit arranged to perform a desired function for the peripheral device. A power conversion module is electrically coupled to the data communications signal line and receives the signal. The power conversion module converts power from the received signal to a form suitable for storage. A controller is in electrical communication with the functional unit and the power conversion module. The controller receives the power generation and non-power generation characters, strips the power generation characters from the signal and transmits the non-power generation characters to the functional unit.