Spread Spectrum Power Line Data Transmission via Phase Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing powerline data transmission systems require multiple repeaters due to signal attenuation, increasing installation costs and reducing transmission robustness.

Innovation Solution

A modulation scheme that distributes different signals on each phase of the electrical power supply network, using multi-component spreading codes to spread the signal across multiple carriers, thereby increasing transmission robustness and reducing the need for repeaters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the same signal is transmitted on all three phases, then signal duplication ensures reception, but signal attenuation limits transmission distance and requires more repeaters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesignal transmission robustnessVSAvoidtransmission distance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the signal transmission by distributing different signal components across the three phases instead of duplicating the same signal. Each phase carries a unique portion of the spread spectrum signal, transforming a single redundant path into three diverse transmission paths that collectively extend the reliable transmission distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from temporal redundancy (signal duplication over time) to spatial diversity (signal distribution across multiple phases). By utilizing the phase dimension as an additional transmission dimension, the system achieves extended coverage without proportionally increasing the number of repeaters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Length of stationary object

If repeaters are installed to extend transmission distance, then signal robustness is maintained, but installation cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission distanceVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission distance extension is achieved by segmenting the signal across three phases with inherent spatial diversity, eliminating the need for intermediate repeaters. This segmentation approach replaces expensive hardware installations with a signal processing strategy that utilizes existing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The three-phase power distribution infrastructure serves dual purposes: delivering electrical power and transmitting data signals. By making the power lines multi-functional, the system extends transmission distance without requiring additional dedicated transmission infrastructure or repeater installations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If signal is spread across multiple carriers, then transmission robustness increases, but signal attenuation still limits distance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission robustnessVSAvoidtransmission distance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention adds the phase dimension to the frequency diversity already provided by multi-carrier spread spectrum. This dimensional extension allows the signal to exploit both frequency and spatial diversity, thereby extending transmission distance beyond what frequency spreading alone can achieve while maintaining robustness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP1914906B1Method for transmitting data over power lines and devices using the method
Publication Date: 2009.04.15 SAGEMCOM BROADBAND SAS
  • EP1914906B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1914906B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1914906B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The method involves spread spectrum of a signal by multiplying signal with each component of a multi-component spreading code. Signals resulting from the multiplication are transmitted on different carriers. The carriers are distributed without duplication on different channels within a set of channels connecting the transmitter and the receiver. The size of the spreading code corresponds to total number of carriers available on the channels. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a method for receiving a signal from a transmitter (2) a receiver for receiving a signal from a transmitter.