Two-Wire Network Interface for Bidirectional Energy and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bus systems face challenges in efficiently and flexibly providing energy to subscribers, particularly in two-wire systems where simultaneous data and energy transmission is complex, and there is a need for flexible energy supply during configuration and emergency scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A network device with a bus interface for two-wire lines that enables bidirectional energy transmission, using a diplexing device for signal separation, an energy distribution circuit, and an energy supply device with a control unit and storage unit, allowing energy to be drawn from or fed into the bus line based on operating modes, and includes isolation to prevent interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a 2-wire bus system is used for data transmission, then cost and ease of handling are improved, but energy transmission capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines data transmission and energy transmission into a single 2-wire bus system. The bus interface circuit integrates both functions by using diplexing components (inductors and capacitors) that allow simultaneous passage of data signals and energy signals through the same physical lines, eliminating the need for separate power cables while maintaining full energy transmission capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The 2-wire bus system is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: data communication, energy supply, and bidirectional power transfer. The bus interface circuit enables any connected device to both receive energy from the bus and transmit energy back to the bus, making the system universally applicable for both power consumption and power generation scenarios.
2Reliability
If separate power supply cables are used for each device, then energy supply reliability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power supply function into the existing data communication bus infrastructure. By integrating the bus interface circuit with diplexing components directly into the data transmission lines, the system eliminates separate power cables and power supply devices while maintaining reliable energy delivery through the shared 2-wire bus.
Solution Approach 2:
The bus system serves as a universal interface that simultaneously handles data communication and power delivery. Any device connected to the bus can both receive and transmit energy through the same lines, replacing the need for dedicated power infrastructure and reducing overall system complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bidirectional energy transmission is enabled, then energy supply flexibility is improved, but signal interference between data and energy signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the signal transmission by frequency using diplexing components. Inductors are configured to pass low-frequency energy signals while blocking high-frequency data signals, while capacitors are configured to pass high-frequency data signals while blocking low-frequency energy signals. This frequency-based segmentation allows bidirectional energy transmission without signal interference between data and power channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The diplexing circuit acts as an intermediary between the energy transmission path and data transmission path. The inductors and capacitors serve as mediators that selectively allow specific frequency ranges to pass while blocking others, enabling simultaneous bidirectional energy and data transmission without mutual interference.
4Ease of operation
If devices can draw energy from the bus during configuration, then ease of operation is improved, but energy supply reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic energy management where devices can automatically switch between drawing energy from the bus during configuration and supplying energy during normal operation. The bus interface circuit dynamically adjusts its behavior based on operational state, allowing flexible energy flow directions without compromising overall system reliability through centralized control of energy transactions.
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
Facilitates flexible and reliable energy supply to network devices, enabling configuration and emergency operation, while ensuring interference-free data and energy transmission, and allowing devices to act as both energy sources and sinks.
Implementation Method 1
to separate a combined data and energy signal present at the bus interface into a data signal and an energy signal, or to combine a data and energy signal into a combined data and energy signal, the network device advantageously comprises a diplexing device connected to the bus interface for frequency-selective signal splitting
Implementation Method 2
Inductors and capacitors are generally used, as inductors are highly impedant for the data signal at high frequencies, i.e., they act as a barrier, while capacitors are low-impedance for the high-frequency data signal, i.e., they are permeable
Implementation Method 3
Inductors and capacitors are generally used, as inductors are highly impedant for the data signal at high frequencies, i.e., they act as a barrier, while capacitors are low-impedance for the high-frequency data signal, i.e., they are permeable
Data Source
AI summary
To improve, simplify and/or make more flexible an energy supply to bus subscribers and/or an energy transmission in a bus system, there is disclosed a network device, which comprises at least one bus interface for connecting the network device to a bus line, in particular a two-wire bus line, wherein the bus interface is designed for data transmission and for energy transmission, and wherein the network device is designed to selectively draw electrical energy from the bus line or to feed electrical energy into the bus line, depending on an operating mode of the network device. Furthermore, a system is disclosed with at least two such network devices, which are connected to each other via a bus line.