USB Power Line Communication Interface Using Protocol Conversion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing power line communication devices cannot send network signals to terminal devices using a USB interface, limiting their ability to provide network access to devices without relying on network cables or WiFi.

Innovation Solution

A power line communication device with a USB interface, protocol conversion module, signal conversion module, coupler, and power line interface that converts Ethernet signals to USB signals, enabling network access through a USB connection by receiving electrical signals from power lines, converting them into network signals, and sending these signals to terminal devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If power line communication devices use traditional network cables or WiFi for signal transmission, then network connectivity is achieved, but USB interface network access capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveUSB interface network access capabilityVSAvoidsignal transmission structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The power line communication device is enhanced with multi-functionality by integrating a USB interface alongside traditional network cable and WiFi capabilities. This allows the device to provide network access through multiple interfaces (Ethernet port, WiFi, and USB), enabling terminals to connect via USB without requiring network cables or WiFi, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining traditional connectivity and adding USB network access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If power line communication devices add USB interface functionality, then USB network access is enabled, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication interface typesVSAvoidinternal signal conversion structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A signal conversion module serves as an intermediary component that bridges the power line communication interface and the USB interface. This module receives electrical signals from the power line, converts them to network signals, and transmits them to the USB interface for terminal access. By introducing this intermediary conversion mechanism, the device achieves USB network access capability while managing the internal complexity through a dedicated conversion component rather than integrating all functions into a single complex unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables terminal devices to access networks via USB interfaces, providing a method for network sharing and device charging by converting electrical signals from power lines into USB-compatible network signals, thus expanding the communication capabilities of power line communication systems.

Implementation Method 1

the coupler is configured to: obtain a second electrical signal from the first electrical signal, and send the second electrical signal to the first signal conversion module, where the second electrical signal is an electrical signal in a preset frequency band

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFrequency filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP3261261B1Power line communication method and device
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3261261B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3261261B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3261261B1 patent drawingFigure 4A

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a power line communications device, and the power line communications device includes a USB interface, a protocol conversion module, a signal conversion module, a coupler, and a power line interface. A first end of the USB interface is connected to a first end of the protocol conversion module, a second end of the protocol conversion module is connected to a first end of the signal conversion module, a second end of the signal conversion module is connected to a first end of the coupler, and a second end of the coupler is connected to a first end of the power line interface. During implementation of the embodiments of the present invention, the USB interface may be used to provide a network signal for a terminal device.