Two-Pin Power Line Modem Using Synchronous MOSFET Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power line modems require additional pins and large inductors, leading to high manufacturing costs and limited data throughput in cost-sensitive applications like e-cigarettes, where data and power need to be transmitted efficiently through a minimal pin connection.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a two-pin connection interface with MOSFETs and microcontrollers to synchronously turn on and off, allowing for short off-cycles during which data transfer occurs, eliminating the need for large inductors and reducing PCB space and cost, while maintaining high power transmission efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional power line modem design is used with additional pins and large inductors, then power transmission capability is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power transmission and data communication functions into a single two-pin interface. The same physical connection that transmits power also carries modulated data signals, eliminating the need for separate communication pins and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining power transmission capability
Solution Approach 2:
The two-pin interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power transmission, data communication, and synchronization. This multi-functional approach replaces traditional designs that required separate dedicated pins for each function, thereby reducing device complexity without sacrificing power transmission capability
2Power
If traditional power line modem design with large inductors is used, then power transmission efficiency is improved, but PCB space and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, large physical inductors with software-based timing control and synchronous switching of MOSFETs. The power transmission efficiency is maintained through precise temporal control rather than large magnetic components, significantly reducing PCB space requirements and manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters by using synchronous switching at specific frequencies and duty cycles to achieve power transmission without traditional inductive components. The MOSFETs are switched on and off in synchronization to transfer power efficiently, replacing the need for large inductors with temporal parameter control
3Productivity
If synchronous MOSFET switching with short off-cycles is used for data transfer, then data throughput is improved, but power transmission continuity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic switching of MOSFETs with synchronized on-cycles for power transmission and short off-cycles for data communication. This periodic action allows both functions to share the same interface temporally, achieving high data throughput during off-cycles while maintaining overall power transmission continuity through the recurring on-cycles
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically switches between power transmission mode and data communication mode by controlling MOSFET timing. The transition between these states is managed through synchronized switching that adapts to the immediate operational requirements, allowing the system to optimize between power continuity and data throughput based on real-time needs
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 enables efficient data transfer at higher speeds (up to 100 kBits/s) with reduced component count and cost, maintaining high power transmission efficiency and minimizing PCB space, suitable for low-cost applications like e-cigarettes.
Implementation Method 1
when the pin of the second device is coupled with the pin of the first device said first and second MOSFET are synchronously turned on and off
Implementation Method 2
during an off-cycle a data transfer between the first and second device takes place through the first and second communication peripherals of the first and second device, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A system for transmitting power and data through a two pin connection interface may have a first device having a power source, a first microcontroller with a first communication peripheral coupled with a first pin and a first control port coupled with a gate of a first MOSFET whose switch path couples the power source with the first pin; and a second device having a battery, a second microcontroller with a second communication peripheral coupled with a first pin and a second control port coupled with a gate of a second MOSFET whose switch path couples the battery with the first pin of the second device. When the devices are coupled, the MOSFETs are synchronously turned on and off, wherein during an off-cycle a data transfer between the first and second device takes place through the first and second communication peripherals of the first and second device, respectively.