Abstract: A power mains distribution panel including a data signal coupler providing a data path across multiple circuits therein. The power mains distribution or breaker panel provides mains power distribution from multiple non-neutral (i.e. having a voltage and providing a flow of current relative to each other or a common or neutral wire or virtual point, also called ‘hot’) mains circuits of a single or multiple phase for distribution within the distribution or breaker panel to branch circuits which in turn have a data path therebetween according to the present invention. Also described is a particular data signal coupler which may be used in the embodiments of the power mains distribution panels according to the present invention.

Abstract: A data transmission system forming a network including transmission line sections comprising traditional infrastructure such as AC power line (mains), twisted-pair (e.g. CAT-5) and coaxial cable wiring interconnected with a novel adapter to form a data system also providing data transfer over an extended length and diversity of connected equipment. Further combined with a data bridge connected to conventional format data (e.g. Ethernet) and to the traditional data infrastructure wiring, the novel adapter permits connection to any 2 of twisted pair/multi-pair, coaxial and power mains for data flow therebetween.

Abstract: A circuit and system having an inductive data link from one or more user-side phases to a plurality of line-side phases by individual data transformers having a winding coupled to the particular phase by a high-permeability ferrite material. The resulting connection across the primary (or primaries) and secondary (or secondaries) selectively provides and efficient coupling of data in a multi-phase environment including step-down distribution transformers and “?”-to-“Y” configured circuits while maintaining isolation at the power line frequency. Further embodiments include transfer to selected phases or single-phase applications, and selective signal-pass or -reject filtering.

Abstract: A power mains distribution or breaker panel, and individual circuit breaker or relay therein having a circuit threacross providing a data path independent of the circuit breaker or relay operation. Alternate embodiments include circuits to control the data path and data path characteristics from data provided by either the line or load side of the power mains panel.

Abstract: A transceiver device for coupling between a power line and a network interface unit includes a power line modem for transmitting and receiving data between the power line and the network interface unit and a power circuit coupled to the power line modem that is adapted to deliver a DC power signal to the network interface unit. The power circuit includes a discovery circuit adapted to determine the type of network interface unit that is attached. A load path control circuit switches the DC power signal between a PHY interface and a connector interface of the power line modem based on the determined type.

Abstract: A transceiver device for coupling between a power line and a network interface unit includes a power line modem for transmitting and receiving data between the power line and the network interface unit and a power circuit coupled to the power line modem that is adapted to deliver a DC power signal to the network interface unit. The power circuit includes a discovery circuit adapted to determine the type of network interface unit that is attached. A load path control circuit switches the DC power signal between a PHY interface and a connector interface of the power line modem based on the determined type.

Abstract: A power mains data transfer system according to one embodiment of the present invention comprises a data transceiver, a first data path to the power mains over which a data path is maintained, and a second, power path connected to the UPS output and provides a connection from which data transceiver operating power is derived. Various further embodiments provide multiple data equipment data input/output and/or power connections, and optional internal switching and filtering features. Thus, according to the present invention, an apparatus is provided for reliable data transfer over power mains even when there is an interruption in the mains' data integrity, e.g. via a UPS device, there along.