Power Line Symbol Amplitude Control Under Variable Load
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In power line communication networks, data transmission reliability is compromised due to variable load conditions, leading to bit error rates and interference with neighboring endpoints, as existing amplifiers require manual adjustments that are time-consuming and costly.
Innovation Solution
A system with a symbol generator that adjusts fundamental frequency and duty cycle of waveforms to optimize amplitude transmission, using a bandpass filter to ensure only specific harmonics pass through, allowing remote adjustment of signal amplitude without altering the transmitter's output amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the amplitude at which data are transmitted is increased to ensure reliable reception by endpoints, then data transmission reliability is improved, but interference with neighboring endpoints increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the fundamental frequency of the waveform generator based on detected transmission errors. When bit error rates exceed thresholds, the system changes the fundamental frequency to a different value, which alters the harmonic spectrum. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to optimize signal characteristics in real-time, improving reliability without causing excessive interference to neighboring endpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental frequency parameter of the transmitted signal to modify the harmonic content. By selecting different fundamental frequencies, the system can place harmonics at optimal positions within the pass-band, thereby improving signal quality and reliability while controlling interference levels to neighboring endpoints.
2Reliability
If manual adjustment of amplifier settings is performed to optimize transmission, then transmission quality is improved, but time consumption and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting transmission errors (bit error rates) and autonomously changing the fundamental frequency in response. This eliminates the need for manual amplifier adjustments, reducing time consumption and operational costs while maintaining optimal transmission quality. The system serves itself by monitoring its own performance and making necessary parameter changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where transmission error data from endpoints are received and analyzed. Based on this feedback, the system automatically adjusts the fundamental frequency to optimize transmission quality. This closed-loop control eliminates manual intervention and enables continuous optimization without time loss.
3Reliability
If the fundamental frequency is adjusted to optimize harmonic placement in the pass-band, then data transmission reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system optimizes data transmission reliability by changing the fundamental frequency parameter to position harmonics effectively within the pass-band. The waveform generator is configured to output waveforms at multiple selectable fundamental frequencies, and the system selects appropriate frequencies based on transmission conditions. This parameter adjustment approach improves reliability while keeping the device architecture relatively simple.
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
This approach increases data communication reliability by adjusting amplitude in response to load changes and packet loss, reducing bit error rates and minimizing interference with neighboring endpoints, while enabling remote and efficient amplitude control.
Implementation Method 1
a bandpass filter having a pass-band that corresponds to a communications channel of a communications network
Implementation Method 2
a waveform generator configured to output waveforms at a plurality of selectable fundamental frequencies and with a selectable duty cycle
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for varying symbol amplitude. In one aspect, a system includes a symbol generator that includes a waveform generator configured to output waveforms at a plurality of selectable fundamental frequencies and with a selectable duty cycle. The symbol generator can also include a bandpass filter having a pass-band that corresponds to a communications channel of a communications network. The system can also include data processing apparatus operable to interact with the symbol generator and further operable to determine that at least a threshold number of endpoints that receive symbols from the symbol generator are experiencing a same type of transmission error. In response to the determination, the data processing apparatus can cause the waveform generator to adjust at least one of the fundamental frequency or a duty cycle of the waveforms. The fundamental frequency can be adjusted to a frequency having a harmonic that is within the pass-band.