Weighting Filter for Dual-Sub-Band PLC Power Profile Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current power line communication systems face challenges in widening the frequency band from 0 to 500 MHz due to interference and the need for distinct AFE systems for different frequency bands, leading to complexity and high costs, as well as difficulties in respecting the required power spectral density profiles and analog filtering constraints.
Innovation Solution
A weighting filter is used to jointly process the low and high bands, employing a resistance attenuator and specific filtering cells to maintain signal-to-noise ratios and respect the power spectral density profile, simplifying the AFE system structure and allowing a single physical layer for the global band 0-87 MHz.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the frequency band is widened from 0-30 MHz to 0-500 MHz to increase transmission rates, then the transmission capacity is improved, but the interference with other signals and the complexity of the AFE system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the low band (0-30 MHz) and high band (30-500 MHz) processing into a single AFE system. The weighting filter integrates both band processing paths, allowing one physical layer to handle the global band 0-87 MHz jointly, thereby reducing the need for separate AFE systems for different frequency bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The AFE system is designed with multi-functionality to process both low band and high band signals through a single physical layer. The weighting filter and associated components are configured to adaptively process signals across the entire 0-87 MHz range, making the system universal rather than band-specific.
2Productivity
If the frequency band is widened to 0-500 MHz to increase transmission rates, then the transmission capacity is improved, but the interference with FM band and television broadcasting signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing frequency-selective weighting where different parts of the spectrum receive different treatment. The weighting filter applies specific attenuation characteristics to different frequency sub-bands, allowing the system to operate in the widened band while respecting power spectral density profiles and avoiding interference with protected bands like FM and television broadcasting.
Solution Approach 2:
The weighting filter acts as an intermediary between the digital/analog converter and the analog signal path. It mediates the power spectral density distribution across frequency bands, attenuating specific bands to prevent interference with FM and television signals while allowing PLC transmission in permitted bands.
3Reliability
If distinct AFE systems are used for low band and high band to respect power spectral density profiles, then the power profile compliance is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the distinct low band and high band AFE systems into a single integrated physical layer. The weighting filter combines the processing paths for both bands, allowing one physical layer to handle the global band 0-87 MHz jointly, thereby reducing the need for separate AFE systems while maintaining power profile compliance.
Solution Approach 2:
The AFE system is designed with multi-functionality to process both low band and high band signals through a single physical layer. The weighting filter and associated components are configured to adaptively process signals across the entire 0-87 MHz range, making the system universal rather than band-specific.
4Measurement precision
If high ENOB converters are used for low band to achieve good signal-to-noise ratio, then the transmission quality is improved, but the sampling frequency is insufficient for high band wideband signals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the frequency band into low band (0-30 MHz) and high band (30-500 MHz) sub-bands. Different digital/analog converter configurations can be used for each sub-band, with the weighting filter combining their outputs. This allows optimization of each segment independently - high ENOB for low band and higher sampling frequency for high band.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its processing characteristics based on the frequency band being processed. The weighting filter and converter configuration can be adjusted to match the requirements of the current operating band, providing high ENOB when processing low band signals and high sampling frequency when processing high band signals.
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
The solution simplifies the AFE system, maintains consistent signal-to-noise ratios across bands, and respects the power profile, reducing complexity and cost while improving the efficiency of signal processing and filtering.
Implementation Method 1
the attenuation means comprise a resistance attenuator
Implementation Method 2
the filtering means comprise three filtering cells, including two cells of the "M cell" type flanking a cell of the "constant K cell" type
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5C
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The invention relates to a weighting filter to be used in a device for transmitting and/or receiving an analog signal, capable of transmitting and/or receiving said analog signal in a predetermined frequency band consisting of two adjacent sub-bands, referred to as first and second sub-bands. According to the invention, such a weighting filter includes: a first arm (41) including a means for attenuating said analog signal; a second arm (42) including a means for filtering said analog signal, said filtering means having a bandwidth corresponding to said first sub-band or to said second sub-band; and a means (43) for combining signals from said first and second arms.