Abstract: A system includes a first communication module to be coupled to a first transmission medium for distributing power using a voltage waveform having a first amplitude; and a second communication module to be coupled to a second transmission medium for distributing power using a voltage waveform having a second amplitude different from the first amplitude, the second transmission medium being coupled to the first transmission medium. Each of the first and second communication modules is configured to use signals that propagate between the first and second transmission media.

Abstract: A method and system for communicating over neutral power lines is provided wherein the neutral power line is isolated from the ground line and other connections, such as with transformers, by using a plurality of ferrites. The ferrites are positioned between the connections to the neutral line and the outputs of a BPL modem.

Abstract: A method for detecting a synchronization point of an alternating power in comparing the alternating waveform with a threshold voltage is provided. The method includes the steps of detecting a rising point at which the voltage of the alternating waveform changes from a level lower than the threshold voltage to a level equal to or higher than the threshold voltage; detecting a falling point at which the voltage of the alternating waveform changes from a level equal to or higher than the threshold voltage to a level lower than the threshold voltage; measuring a first interval from the rising point to the falling point subsequent to the rising point; measuring a second interval from the falling point to the rising point subsequent to the falling point; and determining the synchronization point based on a difference between the length of the first interval and the length of the second interval.

Abstract: A method of transmitting data over a power line of a switch mode power supply system includes encoding a switch frequency of the switch mode power supply with the data. A ripple voltage is generated at the encoded switch frequency relative to a voltage generated by the switch mode power supply. The ripple voltage is conducted over the power line of the system. The ripple voltage is de-coupled from the power line and the data is decoded from the encoded switch frequency of the coupled ripple voltage.

Abstract: System and method for the voltage supply of aircraft cabin modules (1). An electric supply voltage and an additive data signal are transmitted via a cable (3). The aircraft cabin modules (1) have a connection plug (2) for plugging onto the cable (3) and an isolating circuit (5), which isolates the transmitted supply voltage from the data signal.

Abstract: An apparatus, and an associated method, for powering a powerline network apparatus, such as a HOMEPLUG™ transceiver. A data signal sensor is positioned to sense a data signal that is to be operated upon by the powerline network apparatus. When a data signal is sensed, an indication is formed, and the indication is used to control the switch positioning of a switch that interconnects a power supply with the powerline network apparatus. When the indication of sensing of the data signal is formed, the switch is closed, and the power supply is connected to the powerline-network apparatus operative power is provided to power the powerline network apparatus.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an optical network terminal (ONT) for use in a passive optical network (PON) that provides reliable battery status reporting and, optionally, remote monitoring and configuration of an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) unit. In particular, the UPS unit provides power to the ONT via a power line and transmits data to the ONT via the power line. Generally, the described invention supports one-way or two-way communication of status, alarm, and configuration signals using a single power line. Specifically, such signals may be transmitted over the power line by inserting a carrier frequency, such as a carrier frequency of approximately 1 MHz, onto the power line. In this manner, the invention may provide a simple battery status monitoring system while also reducing the cost of installation.

Abstract: In accordance with at least some embodiments, a maritime well system includes a sea-surface control unit. The maritime well system also includes a sea-bed control unit coupled to the sea-surface control unit by a sub-sea cable configured to carry a direct current (DC) voltage output from the sea-surface control unit at least 30 kilometers to the sea-bed control unit. The maritime well system also includes a sub-sea tree coupled to the sea-bed control unit via a connecting line configured to carry a converted voltage output from the sea-bed control unit to the sub-sea tree. In accordance with at least some embodiments, the cross-sectional area of the sub-sea cable is designed to carry a predetermined amount of power to the sea-bed control unit as DC power and is at least 10 times smaller than a cross-sectional area needed for carrying the predetermined amount of power to the sea-bed control unit as alternating current (AC) power.

Abstract: An air conditioning system including a first communication line, a second communication line, and at least one common power supply line coupling an indoor unit and an outdoor unit. The indoor unit including at least one of a first communication circuit and a second communication circuit, the first communication circuit configured to communicate through the first and second communication lines independent of the at least one power supply line, and the second communication circuit configured to communicate through the at least one power supply line and one of the first and the second communication lines.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.

Abstract: A system, method and device for communicating over a power line are provided. In one embodiment, the device includes a controller, a first port in communication with the controller and configured to communicate over a power line via any of a plurality of frequency bands, and a second port in communication with the controller and configured to transmit and receive broadband communications. The first port may be configured to select one of the plurality of frequency bands for communications and the controller configured to provide routing functions for data received via the second port to be transmitted via the first port. The second port may comprise a wireless modem or a modem configured to communicate over a power line via broadband communications. The broadband communications may use a frequency band having a bandwidth greater than at least five of the plurality of frequency bands.

Abstract: An external power supply unit (PSU) for an appliance includes rectification circuitry operable to convert an AC voltage from mains power lines to a DC voltage output, decoupling circuitry operable to decouple a broadband data signal from the mains power lines, timing circuitry operable to provide a signal representative of the mains AC voltage timing, and conveyance circuitry operable to convey the DC voltage output, a ground reference signal, the signal representative of the mains AC voltage timing, and the broadband data signal to the appliance, wherein the conveyance circuitry has no more than four conductors. The timing circuitry may be further operable to modulate the signal representative of the mains AC voltage timing onto either the DC voltage output or the broadband data signal. The timing circuitry may be a zero-crossing detector.

Abstract: This system (8) for coupling between a wire communication link (16) exhibits a characteristic line impedance suitable for transporting a single signal simultaneously comprising an electrical power supply and data, and a control unit (6) comprising an electrical power supply terminal (12) and a data terminal (14), said system (8) exhibiting an input impedance. This system (8) comprises means (34, 36, 42) for adapting the input impedance so as so match the characteristic line impedance.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for communicating over an electrically conductive line having a plurality of power line phases between a first device having a single receiver and plurality of distal devices. The power line phases are adapted to deliver an alternating electrical current. Each of the distal devices are adapted to communicate with the first device over a single phase through a modulated carrier signal at a communication frequency. The apparatus comprises a plurality of unique coupling phases for coupling to a corresponding power line phase adapted to receive a frequency band having the modulated carrier signal from each of the plurality of power line phases and a selective coupling circuit between each of the plurality of coupling phases. The method comprises receiving the modulated carrier signal from each of the plurality of power line phases, attenuating the frequency band from being received by another of said unique coupling phases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined supply and communications system for transferring data between a data server and at least one of several terminal devices over a power supply cable wherein the data server and each of the several terminal devices are each connected to the power supply cable over an incoupling/decoupling unit. In order to enable an optimum supply of consumers spread out around the aircraft both with electrical energy and with the desired communications resources and at the same time to minimize the cabling expense, the power supply cable comprises according to the invention at least four conductors wherein at least one conductor corresponds to a transfer channel in the downward direction and at least one conductor corresponds to a transfer channel in the upward direction.

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 system and method for controlling the delivery of power to a powered device in a Power over Ethernet Broad Reach (PoE-BR) application. Cabling power loss in a PoE-BR application is related to the resistance of the cable itself. A PHY can be designed to measure electrical characteristics (e.g., insertion loss, cross talk, length, etc.) of the Ethernet cable to enable determination of the cable resistance. The determined resistance in a broad reach cable can be used in increasing a power budget allocated to a power source equipment port.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first circuit and a first power supply line for powering the first circuit. A first intra-chip clock interface generates a first clock signal on the first power supply line. A second power supply line is coupled to the first power supply line and further powers the second circuit. A second intra-chip clock interface recovers the first clock signal from the second power supply line. The second circuit operates based on the first clock signal.

Abstract: Borehole instruments are powered by AC instrument power transmitted on all three phases of a power cable concurrently carrying three phase motor power, the instrument power transmitted at a multiple of the motor power frequency and having a corresponding fraction of the motor power voltage, and received via a capacitive coupling sufficient to withstand high-voltage cable insulation testing. The phase-to-neutral motor power provides approximately the same power level to the borehole instruments if a phase shorts to ground.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are provided for communicating to a powered element in a rack system. A controller injects communication data onto power lines that provides power to a plurality of powered elements. The powered elements determine if the communication data transmitted via the power lines should be used for configuration using an address embedded within the communication data. The powered elements compare an embedded target address within the communication data to the address of the particular element. If there is a match between the addresses, the corresponding powered element processes the communication data to configure the powered element. As a result, data may be communicated over the power lines thereby eliminating the need for separate communication lines. Thus, the amount of cables required to interconnect the powered elements of the distributed data processing system may be reduced by eliminating the communication lines from the system configuration.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a substrate. A first integrated circuit die includes a first circuit and a first intra-chip clock interface that transmits a first clock signal via the substrate. A second integrated circuit die includes a second circuit that operates based on the first clock signal and a second intra-chip clock interface that recovers the first clock signal from the substrate.

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: There is provided a method for measuring a parameter of a power frequency current being carried by a power line. The method that includes (a) transducing a power frequency current flowing through a power line, into a power frequency voltage, via an inductive coupler that couples a communications signal from the power line, (b) separating the power frequency voltage from the communications signal, and (c) determining a value of a parameter of the power frequency current from the power frequency voltage. There is also provided a system and an apparatus for measuring the parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved noise reducing apparatus using an anti-circuit, including a digital logic circuit and a digital anti-circuit corresponding to the digital logic circuit. The digital anti-circuit functions to cancel noise generated by the digital logic circuit. The anti-circuit includes logic to generate a similar number of switching edges as the logic circuit, where the anti-circuit edges are in the opposite direction as the logic circuit. The anti-circuit may have a circuit structure close to that of the noisy circuit, or can be formed of components different in structure but generating an output pattern similar to (and opposite from) the noisy circuit. In some embodiments, the differently structured components can include a state machine coupled to a memory or look-up-table.

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: Disclosed herein is a communication system including: at least one power line communication apparatus connected via a general power line for supplying a commercial alternate current power; a communication terminal having a modem for power line communication, and a plurality of first coils having different directivities; and a coupling apparatus, connected to a power line, having a filter for attenuating an alternate current component of the power line, and a second coil arranged after the filter; wherein the communication terminal executes mutual communication with any of the power line communication apparatus connected via the general power line through proximity communication based on an electromagnetic coupling action that is generated between the plurality of first coils and the second coil when the communication terminal is brought to the proximity of a coupling surface of the coupling apparatus.

Abstract: A power line communication apparatus includes power lines disposed independently and individually, for connecting various loads to a battery by way of fuses, respectively, an inductor disposed at an end portion of each of the above-mentioned power lines on a side connected to the above-mentioned battery, and an information unit for transmitting information by way of each of the above-mentioned power lines.

Abstract: A model train and layout control system based on on-board sound and locomotive modules, new signaling methods, bi-directional communication, environmental sound, turnout control, train location methods, computer interaction and accessory control, by adding components to existing technology. AC power signal waveforms are variously altered to convey digital command words.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling RF and AC signals to provide power to a multipole in a mass spectrometer is provided. A first circuit comprises: an RF power source for providing difference mode power to the multipole via the RF signal; at least one inductor for forming at least one resonant LC circuit with the multipole for providing voltage gain for the RF signal; and a transformer, comprising a secondary tap, the transformer connected in parallel to the RF power source and further connected to the at least one inductor such that the signals injected into the secondary tap are communicated to the at least one resonant LC circuit.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first circuit and a first power supply line for powering the first circuit. A first intra-chip clock interface generates a first clock signal on the first power supply line. A second power supply line is coupled to the first power supply line and further powers the second circuit. A second intra-chip clock interface recovers the first clock signal from the second power supply line. The second circuit operates based on the first clock signal.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention comprises a system comprising: a master data clock source; one or more transponders; and a plurality of remote power line transceivers; wherein all of said plurality of transceivers are connected to a common alternating current power distribution grid; and wherein each of said plurality of transceivers has a location is operable to monitor a voltage waveform of a power line prevailing at said location. In another aspect, the invention comprises a system comprising: transponders and remote power line transceivers each connected to a common alternating current power distribution grid each operable to monitor the voltage waveform of the power line prevailing at its own location, and generate selectable frequencies from said local power line waveform of a frequency of p/q times the frequency of said power line where p and q are positive integers greater than or equal to 1.

Abstract: A Powered Device (PD) in a Power Over Ethernet system that supports increased cable lengths of more than 100 m is provided herein. The proposed PD design requires no modifications at the PSE side. Embodiments include example modifications of IEEE 802.3af PD system rules, including example modifications of PD classification and port voltage ranges to enable increased cable length PoE.

Abstract: A method and network device increases the power of the signal transmitted by the device on a wired communications network, such as a powerline communications (PLC) network, without exceeding the maximum allowable common-mode (CM) current specified by regulatory bodies. The device is first tested for regulatory body compliance on a standard network. The output voltage of the device is adjusted until the maximum allowable CM current is detected, and this voltage level and CM current are recorded and stored in non-volatile memory of the device. The device is then connected to the actual network and the output voltage set to the previously recorded value. At this voltage level, the CM current in the actual network is measured and recorded.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first circuit and a plurality of first power supply lines for providing a first power to the first circuit. A first intra-chip clock interface generates a first clock signal on the first power supply lines. A plurality of second power supply lines are coupled to the plurality of first power supply lines and further couple a second power to the second circuit. A second intra-chip clock interface recovers the first clock signal from the second power supply lines. The second circuit operates based on the first clock signal.

Abstract: A wireless power supply system that detects communications in the input power to the switching circuit. In this aspect of the invention, the wireless power supply includes a detector for generating a signal indicative of the current in the input to the switching circuitry, a band-pass filter for filtering the detected signal, an amplifier for amplifying the filtered signal, a filter for filtering the amplified signal and a comparator for converting the final signal into a stream of high and low signals that can be passed to a controller for processing as binary data stream.

Abstract: A communication apparatus has a electrical outlet that is electrically connected to a power connector so as to supply power externally; a connection detector that detects connection of an external plug to the electrical outlet; and a controller that uses a receiver and a transmitter so as to perform setting with a device connected to the electrical outlet, when external connection is detected at the electrical outlet.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the delivery of power to a powered device in a Power over Ethernet Broad Reach (PoE-BR) application. Cabling power loss in a PoE-BR application is related to the resistance of the cable itself. A PHY can be designed to measure electrical characteristics (e.g., insertion loss, cross talk, length, etc.) of the Ethernet cable to enable determination of the cable resistance. The determined resistance in a broad reach cable can be used in increasing a power budget allocated to a power source equipment port.

Abstract: A signal coupling apparatus for power line communications includes an impedance matching transformer and a transmission mode control circuit for high data rate power line communications on a three-phase four-wire distribution line. Therefore, it is possible to improve the efficiency of power line communications, to minimize signal loss, and to construct an optimal high voltage distribution path.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.

Abstract: A method for causing, in a power distribution network, an oscillation allowing data to be transmitted, includes connecting at least one capacitive load in series with a modulation circuit between two wires of the network. The amplitude modulation circuit includes at least one Zener diode and at least one switch. A short make pulse is applied to the switch such that it is conductive and short-circuits the Zener diode by modulating the amplitude of the network voltage. The duration of the make pulse is such that the amplitude modulation of the network voltage causes a response of the network in the form of a high-frequency oscillation of the network voltage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for communicating over a power line are configured to substantially simultaneously communicate over a plurality of wideband frequency ranges. Signals may be communicated two or from a communication node at two different frequencies simultaneously. These signals may be exchanged with different nodes and/or include independent data. In some embodiments, some of the wideband frequency ranges are above 30 MHz.

Abstract: Methods and systems for transmitting power and digital communication are provided. The method includes communicatively coupling a broadband over power line interface unit to a power conductor of a temporary power cable, communicatively coupling the broadband over power line interface unit to a network access point, electrically coupling the power conductor to a vehicle power receptacle, and transmitting network data between the network and the vehicle, and powering the vehicle simultaneously through the power conductor.

Abstract: A transmitter for sending a data transmission signal to an f electric net, whereby the apparatus comprises signal-shaping and adjustment devices (3) and connecting devices (50) including necessary accessories for connection to the electric net, signal amplifiers (20) and a connecting cable between the transmitter and the connecting point of the electric net, as for instance 230 V, 50 Hz phase rail (L) and zero rail (N) or a wall outlet as connecting points. The apparatus is divided into two or several parts, at least a first part (3) and a second part (TX/REMU), whereby second part (TX/REMU) includes at least connecting a unit (50) for connection to the electric net and a connecting cable and for connecting said second part to the electric net, whereby the length (LW) of connecting cable is under 5 m.

Abstract: A device including an element for receiving an electrical signal comprising a high-frequency data signal component and a low-frequency power supply component. The electrical signal is conveyed in an electrical cable of an electrical installation. The device further includes impedance matching operative in a band of frequencies of the high-frequency signal component, the impedance matching being determined as a function of one or more characteristics of the electrical cable. Such a device can be integrated into a socket outlet or an electrical device or take the form of a socket adaptor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for signal transmission with isolation in medical devices. Data signals, such as patient measurement data and medical instrumentation control signals are converted to dynamic signals which are transmitted on power lines through an isolation module, such as a transformer. The dynamic signals are then converted to data signals having a voltage based on the frequency of the dynamic signals.

Abstract: A transmission system for exchanging information data between an electric load having an emitter and a converter having a receiver is disclosed. The converter and the load are connected by a multi-phase supply cable which is connected to a sinus filter having in-line coils and filter capacitors connected across the phases. An inductive component is integrated in the electric circuit formed by the transmitter, a phase conductor of the supply cable and the receiver, wherein the core of the inductive component already saturates even if the current is significantly less than a rated current of the electric load. This transmission system for information data exchange is easy to implement and enables stable data transfer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling a charging station to a power line segment that is terminated at a first end by a charging terminal are disclosed. The apparatus includes multiple taps coupled to the power line segment and circuitry coupled to the charging station and coupled to the multiple taps. The circuitry is configured to differentiate between communication signals propagating on the power line segment in the direction from the first end to a second end of the power line segment and communication signals propagating on the power line segment in the direction from the second end to the first end based at least in part on multiple measurements of respective phase shifts associated with different portions of a communication signal, each portion received over at least a first tap and a second tap.

Abstract: A system and method for processing data includes coupling circuitry for connecting a system to a power line and receiving data from the power line, packet detection circuitry for detecting synch mark in the data, and a processor for processing data upon detecting a synch mark.

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 system including associated equipment for transmitting radio-frequency power line carrier signals on high voltage ac or dc transmission lines within a multi-conductor bundle, one path for which is provided by one or more conductors located at the center of the bundle, and the other by the remaining conductors connected in electrical parallel and arrayed in a generally circular pattern around the center. Insulated conductor spacers hold the conductors in their symmetrical configuration and insulate the center conductor, allowing it to serve as a radio frequency path similar to that in a conventional coaxial cable. The system provides low attention, low vulnerability to external noise and low radiation of the carrier signal while providing redundant channels—three for ac transmission lines and two for bipolar dc transmission lines.