USB Power Line Communication for Ethernet-to-USB Network Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate 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.
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 protocol signals to USB protocol signals for transmission to terminal devices via USB, enabling network access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a power line communication device uses traditional network cable or WiFi signal transmission, then network connectivity is achieved, but USB interface compatibility and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The power line communication device is designed with a USB interface that can both transmit and receive data signals, enabling it to function as a multi-purpose communication device. The USB interface replaces the need for separate network cable connections, allowing the device to provide network access through a universal interface that works with various terminal devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a USB interface as an intermediary between the power line communication system and terminal devices. This intermediary component enables signal conversion and transmission through the USB protocol, bridging the gap between power line communication and standard USB-connected devices.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a USB interface is added to enable network signal transmission to terminal devices, then interface versatility is improved, but device structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the USB interface functionality with the existing power line communication device structure. The USB interface is integrated into the device housing and circuit board, merging multiple functions (power supply, data transmission, signal conversion) into a single unified device rather than requiring separate components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion from Ethernet to USB is implemented, then USB protocol compatibility is achieved, but signal conversion complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A protocol conversion module serves as an intermediary between the Ethernet protocol layer and USB protocol layer. This module performs the necessary signal conversion and protocol translation, enabling communication between systems that use different protocols while maintaining a relatively simple implementation by handling only the essential conversion functions.
Data Source
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.