Two-Wire Link Antenna for Metering Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing two-wire link assemblies for gas or electricity meters, which include a pulse sensor and a transmission/reception unit, are constrained by the size and cost of dedicated antennas, particularly at frequencies like 169 MHz.
Innovation Solution
The two-wire link itself is repurposed as a radiating antenna by incorporating coupling means such as inductive or capacitive elements, allowing communication regardless of the switch state, eliminating the need for a dedicated antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dedicated antenna is provided for communication at 169 MHz, then communication reliability is improved, but device size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the two-wire link (used for pulse counting) with the antenna function for radio communication. The same physical wires that connect the pulse sensor to the processing unit are configured to serve as the radiating element at 169 MHz, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated antenna structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-wire link is designed to perform dual functions: (1) digital signal transmission for pulse counting between the sensor and processing unit, and (2) electromagnetic radiation for radio frequency communication at 169 MHz. This multi-functionality reduces component count and overall device complexity.
2Device complexity
If the two-wire link is used as an antenna, then device complexity is reduced, but communication stability may be affected by switch state changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces coupling means (capacitors or inductors) as intermediary elements between the two-wire link and the transmission/reception unit. These coupling components act as mediators that maintain consistent electrical characteristics for antenna operation regardless of whether the pulse switch is in ON or OFF state, thereby stabilizing communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means modify the electrical parameters (impedance, capacitance, or inductance) of the two-wire link at the antenna connection points. This parameter adjustment ensures that the antenna's resonant frequency and radiation characteristics remain stable even when the pulse switch changes state, maintaining communication reliability.
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 configuration reduces the size and cost of the antenna while maintaining effective communication at predetermined frequencies like 169 MHz, enhancing the efficiency and affordability of the metering system.
Implementation Method 1
the coupling means and the two-wire link being arranged so that at least part of the two-wire link constitutes a radiating antenna at a predetermined frequency
Implementation Method 2
the coupling means comprise an element inductive, such as a transformer or an inductor, between the transmit/receive unit and the two-wire link
Implementation Method 3
the coupling means comprise a capacitor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to an assembly including a first device (1) and a second device (2), said first device comprising an electrical circuit (3) including a switch (6) which has two states for supplying pulses and is connected via a two-wire connection (5) to an electrical circuit (4) of the second device. The aforementioned circuit of the second device comprises a unit (7) for processing the pulses, a pull-up resistor (R1) mounted between the two-wire connection and the processing unit in order to define a pulse level, and a transceiver unit (8) connected to the processing unit and arranged to exchange data from the processing unit with the outside. The assembly is characterised in that the circuit of the second device also comprises means for coupling the two-wire connection to the transceiver unit, said coupling means and two-wire connection being arranged such that at least part of the two-wire connection forms an antenna radiating at a predetermined frequency regardless of the switch state.