Variable Impedance Coupling Circuit for Wideband PLC
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power-line communication (PLC) circuits are often expensive and bulky due to the need for high inductance and high saturation current, which is challenging to achieve at a reduced cost and size, and they require adaptation for operation across a wide range of frequencies.
Innovation Solution
A coupling circuit comprising a first circuit with a parallel inductor, capacitor, and resistor, and a second inductor in series, connected between terminals, with a sensor to sense current and communication parameters, and a transceiver to adjust impedance responsive to these parameters, allowing for efficient signal transmission and reception across various frequencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a passive inductor with high inductance and high saturation current is used, then the desired electrical performance is achieved, but the cost and physical size increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single inductor function into two separate components: a first inductor providing high inductance and a second inductor providing high saturation current. These are connected in parallel between the same terminals, allowing each inductor to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring one large, expensive inductor to provide both properties simultaneously.
2Reliability
If a passive inductor with high inductance and high saturation current is used, then the desired electrical performance is achieved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single inductor function into two separate components: a first inductor providing high inductance and a second inductor providing high saturation current. These are connected in parallel between the same terminals, allowing each inductor to be optimized for its specific function rather than requiring one large, expensive inductor to provide both properties simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If PLC circuits are designed to operate across a wide frequency range, then versatility is improved, but the circuit becomes more expensive and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a controller that dynamically adjusts the impedance of the coupled inductor circuit based on the operating frequency. The controller receives frequency information and generates control signals that modify the effective impedance of the inductor circuit, allowing it to be optimized for different frequency ranges. This dynamic adjustment enables wide frequency versatility without requiring multiple fixed circuit designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller monitors the operating frequency and adjusts the inductor circuit impedance accordingly. This closed-loop control allows the circuit to automatically adapt to different frequency conditions, maintaining optimal performance across a wide frequency range without manual intervention or multiple fixed circuit configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
An apparatus comprising a coupling circuit and a transceiver. The coupling circuit is disposed in a current path and between a first terminal and a second terminal. The coupling circuit comprises a first circuit and a sensor. The first circuit comprises a first inductor connected in parallel to a first capacitor and connected in parallel to a first resistor, and at least one of a second inductor connected in series with the first inductor or a second capacitor connected in parallel with the first inductor. The sensor is configured to sense a level of current in the current path and to sense a communication parameter of the coupling circuit. The transceiver is connected to the first terminal and the second terminal, and configured to transmit a signal onto the current path, or to receive a signal from the current path, responsive to the communication parameter of the coupling circuit and the level of current in the current path.