Three-Phase Power Line Data Transmission via Frequency Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current broadband over power line (BPL) communication systems for aircraft are limited by noise and cross-coupling between conductors in three-phase power systems, resulting in reduced data transfer rates, as they are not optimized for simultaneous data transmission across all three conductors.

Innovation Solution

The system generates carrier signals in separate frequency bands and modulates data onto each conductor of the three-phase power line, using dynamic frequency selection and modulation frequency ranges specific to each conductor to minimize interference and maximize data transfer rates, allowing for tripling of data rates compared to single-phase systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If data is transferred over all three conductors of the three-phase system, then the data rate is tripled, but noisy coupling between conductors reduces the data rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata rateVSAvoidnoisy coupling between conductors
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the data transmission across three separate conductors, with each conductor carrying a portion of the total data stream. This segmentation allows the system to achieve triple the data rate of a single-conductor system while managing interference through frequency separation between the conductors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the frequency parameter of carrier signals transmitted on each conductor, using different frequency ranges for each phase. This frequency diversification reduces mutual interference and noisy coupling between conductors, enabling simultaneous data transmission on all three conductors without significant degradation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If unshielded conductors are used in the three-phase system, then the system is simpler, but inductive and capacitive coupling causes noise and reduces data rate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconductor shieldingVSAvoidinductive and capacitive coupling noise
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding physical shielding, the patent changes the electrical parameter (frequency) of the signals transmitted on each conductor. By operating at different frequency ranges, the system reduces inductive and capacitive coupling effects without increasing physical complexity or adding shielding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical solution of conductor shielding with an electrical solution based on frequency domain separation. This substitution maintains system simplicity while effectively reducing noise from conductor coupling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If carrier signals in separate frequency bands are used on each conductor, then interference is minimized and data rate is maximized, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata transfer rateVSAvoidfrequency management
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the frequency spectrum into different bands for each conductor, allowing simultaneous data transmission without significant interference. This frequency segmentation enables high data rates while the modular nature of the approach keeps implementation complexity manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 improves the signal-to-noise ratio and enables higher data transfer rates, providing stable and reliable broadband Internet and data services to aircraft, with throughput up to three times that of single-phase systems, while minimizing interference with aircraft systems.

Implementation Method 1

generating carrier signals in three separate frequency bands, modulating various data onto three carrier signals to generate three transmission signals

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectModulation: Phase Modulation

Implementation Method 2

the reduction in data rate caused by inductive and capacitive coupling of the signal and noise between the three phases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInductive coupling: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 3

the reduction in data rate caused by inductive and capacitive coupling of the signal and noise between the three phases

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapacitive coupling: Capacitance

Data Source

PatentEP3425814B1Methods and system for increasing data transmission rates across a three-phase power system
Publication Date: 2020.08.05 THE BOEING CO
  • EP3425814B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3425814B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3425814B1 patent drawingFigure 3A

AI summary

A method and system for providing information by optimizing the data rate over a three-phase power line utilized to provide power is described. The method includes generating carrier signals in three separate frequency bands, modulating various data onto the three carrier signals to generate three transmission signals, switching the three transmission signals onto respective conductors of the three-phase power line, demodulating the various data, and providing the various data to one or more systems. The three transmission signals are dynamically monitored such that the three frequency bands are controlled to optimize a data rate of the transmission.