Abstract: A terminating device enables power line communication to be performed while suppressing degradation of the communication quality without decreasing the communication efficiency. The terminating device includes power supply plugs, a terminating circuit, a changeover switch, and power jack terminals, which are housed in an adapter case. The terminating circuit has an impedance corresponding to the impedance between power lines in the used frequency band of power line communication and is connected or disconnected between the power supply plugs by the changeover switch.

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: 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 load control system comprises a plurality of control devices, each coupled to one of a plurality of device communication links. The device communication links are each coupled to a one of a plurality of link power supplies, which provides power for the control devices on the device communication links. The link power supplies are coupled together via a repeater communication link and operate as repeater devices to retransmit digital messages received from the device communication link onto the repeater communication link, and vice versa. The retransmitted digital messages are substantially the same as the received digital messages. No control devices are coupled to the repeater communication link, such that no control devices draw current through the repeater communication link. A maximum of only two or three link power supplies are coupled between any two control devices of the load control system.

Abstract: A coupling apparatus for facilitating communications of data signals over a low voltage electric power network is provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a mains terminal configured to be connected to a low voltage electric power network carrying alternating current (AC) power and an appliance terminal configured to receive a male electric plug. The two terminals may be housed in a housing and connected via one or more inductive elements that attenuate high frequencies while allowing the AC power to pass through substantially unimpeded. Thus, interference caused by an appliance connected to the appliance terminal is filtered to prevent such interference from being conducted onto the low voltage electric power network. The apparatus also may include a third terminal that in some embodiments is electrically connected to the mains terminal to thereby output the data signals and AC power.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system for coupling communications signals to an underground medium-voltage power line includes a medium-voltage power line, a ground conductor, one or more ferrites, and a low-voltage communications line. The medium-voltage power line includes a center phase conductor and a concentric neutral conductor. The ground conductor couples the concentric neutral conductor to a ground connection. The one or more ferrites substantially surround at least a portion of the ground conductor. The low-voltage communications line includes a first conductor and a second conductor. The first conductor is coupled to the ground conductor between the one or more ferrites and the concentric neutral conductor. And the second conductor is coupled to the ground conductor between the one or more ferrites and the ground connection.

Abstract: To improve a communication performance of a communication apparatus by configuring a communication board provided with a PLC signal processor so as to be used in common in other apparatuses, the communication apparatus which performs communication through a power line and a transmission medium different from the power line includes: a power board which is provided with a power unit connected to the power line; an interface board which is separately formed from the power board and is provided with an interface for performing communication through the transmission medium; and a communication board which is separately formed from the power board and the interface board and is provided with a power line communication unit for performing communication through the power line and a connection unit electrically connectable to the power board and the interface board.

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: A large number of irrigation system devices connected to a common two-wire cable can be powered and individually controlled from a central location by transmitting over the cable DC pulses of alternating polarity. Control information is conveyed by transmitting a command pulse train consisting of a series of pulses, separated by short no-power intervals, whose polarities indicate logic ones or zeros. Following a command pulse train, a selected watering station decoder acknowledges receipt of instructions by drawing current during a predetermined pulse of an alternating-polarity power pulse cycle, while a sensor decoder returns binary data by drawing current during one or the other of the alternating-polarity pulses of a series of power pulse cycles.

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 combinational power cord for multimedia use includes one or more multimedia power devices mutually connected to provide power and to enable data transmission among different multimedia devices. The combinational power cord is extensible by connecting a plurality of multimedia power devices to provide power and signal connection at the same time without any circuit redesign, thereby fulfilling the data transmission requirements and connectivity of different multimedia devices.

Abstract: A control and supply system for electrical devices comprises at least one voltage supply and control device above sea level, a subsea cable connecting the voltage supply and control device with the electrical devices, and a control and actuating device which is associated essentially in situ with the electrical devices. The control and supply system allows supplies over larger distances, uses fewer devices, obtains higher efficiency and makes better use of the system. In order to achieve this, the voltage supply and control device comprises at least one AC/DC converter for producing a direct voltage in order to feed the subsea cable. The control and actuating device is associated with at least one DC/DC or DC/AC converter for converting the DC voltage transmitted by the sub-sea cable into a DC voltage or an AC voltage. The voltage generated thereby can be transmitted to the electrical device via a connecting line.

Abstract: An apparatus for collecting characteristics of a power line in a broadband over power line system that comprises a power line characteristic measuring device for measuring power line characteristics and a collector unit for collecting data from the power line characteristic measuring device and sending the data over the broadband over power line system to a remote location where the collector unit is a regenerator. Further, the apparatus can comprise a coupler, to couple the power line to the power line characteristic measuring device and the collector unit and allows a broadband over power line signal to pass from the power line to the collector unit.

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: 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: Methods of treating a medical condition of a patient include applying at least one stimulus to a target nerve within the patient with an implanted system control unit in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters. The target nerve may include any nerve originating in an upper cervical spine area of the patient or a branch of any nerve originating in the upper cervical spine area of the patient. Systems for treating a medical condition of a patient include a system control unit that is implanted within the patient and that is configured to apply at least one stimulus to the target nerve within the patient in accordance with one or more stimulation parameters.

Abstract: A system or device includes a consumer supplied via a supply line, electrical power and data being transmittable via the supply line, the power signal and the data signal being alternately transmittable.

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: A power line communications system includes slave apparatuses individually connected to multiple electric power line wirings; a master apparatus connected to one of the multiple electric power line wirings; and couplers each connected between the master apparatus and the others of the multiple electric power line wirings. The master apparatus includes a communicator for performing power line communications with the slave apparatuses via the electric power lines; a power supply terminal device connected to the one electric power line wiring; a communication connector provided between the communicator and the power supply terminal device; and a coupler connecting terminal device connected to each of the couplers via a signal line.

Abstract: The power line communications system of the present invention comprises a power line L that has a plurality of branch lines LB1 to LBn branched at a branch point; communications devices T1 to Tn that are connected to the branch lines LB1 to LBn and perform sending and receiving of data via the branch lines LB1 to LBn; and a relay device 1 that is disposed at the branch point and relays sending of the data. It is also provided with a branching device Y that consists of a plurality of couplers K1 to Kn that couple the relay device 1 and the plurality of branch lines LB1 to LBn and have different resonance frequencies for each of the respective branch lines LB1 to LBn, with the relay device 1 performing sending of data by changing the communication frequency to the resonance frequency of the branch lines LB1 to LBn through which the data are sent.

Abstract: An Ethernet interconnection device and method. The apparatus includes an input Ethernet connector, a signal separating circuit electrically connected to the input Ethernet connector, a voltage regulator circuit electrically connected to the signal separating circuit, an Ethernet signal repeater circuit electrically connected to the signal separating circuit, and an output Ethernet connector electrically connected to the Ethernet signal repeater circuit. The receiving circuit receives a first voltage signal and an Ethernet data signal from an Ethernet cable. The signal separating circuit separates the first voltage signal from the Ethernet data signal. The voltage regulator conditioning circuit generates a second voltage signal from the first voltage signal. The second voltage signal is a power source the Ethernet signal repeater circuit.

Abstract: The compensation circuit comprises an oscillator, a first variable delay line, a second variable delay line, a phase detector and a controller. The oscillator generates an oscillation signal to input into a first transmission line and a second transmission line. The first variable delay line receives the oscillation signal transmitted through the first transmission line. The second variable delay line receives the oscillation signal transmitted through the second transmission line. The phase detector compares the phases of the two oscillation signals from the variable delay lines to generate a phase difference signal. The controller adjusts the variable delay lines to compensate for asynchronous signal transmission of the transmission lines according to the phase difference signal.

Abstract: The present invention provides a power line terminating circuit and method and a power line relay device for setting indoor power lines to a state adapted to communications by making impedances match each other irrespective of a device connected, thereby enabling noise entering from an electric device to the power lines to be reduced. By a capacitor (33) provided between connection ends (35A) and (35B) and an inductor (34) provided between a termination (32A) of an indoor power line (1A) and the connection end (35A), a series resonance circuit having a series resonance point in a frequency band which is higher than a frequency of a power source voltage and is lower than a communication frequency band is configured. A resistor (31) having a resistance value corresponding to a characteristic impedance of the indoor power line (1A) and an indoor power line (1B) is provided in parallel with the inductor (34).

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: A communication circuit for an electronic dimming ballast provides high-voltage miswire protection and improved rise and fall times of a transmitted digital signal. The electronic dimming ballast comprises a control circuit, which is coupled to a digital communication link, for example, a DALI communication link, via the communication circuit. The communication circuit comprises a receiving circuit for detecting when the digital ballast communication link is shorted and for providing a received digital message to the control circuit. The communication circuit also comprises a transmitting circuit for shorting the communication link in response to the control circuit. The communication circuit also includes a high-voltage fault protection circuit for protecting the circuitry of the communication circuit if the communication circuit high-voltage mains voltages. The communication circuit is operable to reliably transmit digital messages having improved rise and fall times.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for upgrading an existing service outlet (e.g. LAN, telephone, power or CATV outlet) in a house by adding functionality thereto. The functionality is added by an add-on module, connected electrically and secured mechanically to the existing outlet. Several attachment devices are exampled, including surface attachment, side clamping, snap locking, strap securing and fastening screws. The add-on module may include a service connector for retaining the basic existing outlet function. The module may be attached in a permanent way or by using a detachable solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing power and network signal from a powerline network includes: a power component to connect the powerline network; a power unit electrically connected to the power component; a PoE module electrically connected to the power unit and a connecting port, so as to provide the power from the power unit for network power; and a network communication module electrically connected to the power component, the power unit and the PoE module, to access a network signal from the power component and integrate the PoE module, which providing power to the connecting port.

Abstract: A large number of irrigation system devices connected to a common two-wire cable can be powered and individually controlled from a central location by transmitting over the cable DC pulses of alternating polarity. Control information is conveyed by transmitting a command pulse train consisting of a series of pulses, separated by short no-power intervals, whose polarities indicate logic ones or zeros. Following a command pulse train, a selected watering station decoder acknowledges receipt of instructions by drawing current during a predetermined pulse of an alternating-polarity power pulse cycle, while a sensor decoder returns binary data by drawing current during one or the other of the alternating-polarity pulses of a series of power pulse cycles.

Abstract: The present invention includes: a transformer; a primary source for supplying an alternating voltage of at least two frequencies to a primary winding of the transformer; and a filter circuit connected to a secondary winding of the transformer and having an attenuation that varies according to the frequency of the alternating voltage, where the frequency of the alternating voltage supplied to the primary winding of the transformer is controlled so that a desired alternating voltage is outputted from the filter circuit connected to the secondary winding of the transformer.

Abstract: Devices and system for interfacing multiple power line communications (PLC)-enabled communication devices in a building are disclosed. In various embodiments, the system can include a high-frequency transformer coupled to a high-frequency communications device, a low-frequency transformer coupled to a low-frequency communication device, and one or more components adapted to appreciably abate distortion and/or attenuation of high-frequency signals passing through the first coupling device.

Abstract: A method and system to increase the throughput of a communications system that uses an electrical power distribution system as a communications pathway, determines the phase of the power distribution power cycle and compares this determined phase to predetermined regions of the power cycle. If the power cycle is within a predetermined region, a particular communication scheme is used for transmitting and receiving information. The power cycle can have two or more predetermined regions. Optionally, the throughput for any or all regions can be determined so as to provide for modification of the associated communication scheme if the throughput is determined to be outside some predetermined range.

Abstract: In a communication system, a first modulator converts first data created one of a power-generator and an external unit into a first modulated signal, and transmits the first modulated signal to the other of the power-generator and the external unit such that the first modulated signal is superimposed on the output voltage at the output terminal of the power-generator. When a second modulated signal containing second data is transmitted from the other of the power-generator and the external unit such that the second modulated signal is superimposed on the output voltage at the output terminal of the power-generator, a first demodulator receives the transmitted second modulated signal. The first demodulator demodulates the received second modulated signal into the second data.

Abstract: Power supply apparatus and method based on parasitic power extraction is disclosed. Power is extracted from signals that are inbound and/or outbound from an equipment. The extracted power is converted to dc voltages for a device associated with the equipment. The positive portions of the extracted power are combined in an additive manner to provide a first potentially time-varying signal and negative portions of the extracted power are also combined in an additive manner to provide a second potentially time-varying signal. The two potentially time-varying signals are also combined in an additive manner and divided into the desired number of dc voltages and magnitudes. An optional dc voltage power source is provided should the extracted power be inadequate to provide the dc voltages.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that provides a gateway function. The apparatus has an enclosure surrounding a network interface device. The network interface device has a communications network interface to a communications network and a power line network interface to a power line carrier-based network. A communications module stores in a memory device, a processor communicates with the memory device, and the communications module provides gateway services for the communications network and for the power line network.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for adjusting the phase difference between different phases in a power line communication (PLC) system. The apparatus includes a power signal blocking unit blocking a power signal and allowing a data signal to pass between two different phases on three-phase power lines; and a data signal delaying unit delaying the data signal by the phase difference between the two different phases. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent data collision and a time delay in data transmission between different phases by employing the phase adjusting apparatus in a PLC system, thereby improving the performance of PLC.

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: The fiber optic isolator of the present invention transports data signals between high voltage power lines and a communications interface device, bypassing a step down transformer to low voltage power. The communication interface device includes a low voltage power line as well as telecommunications and wireless interfaces. The signals are coupled and de-coupled off of a high voltage power line by a power line coupler. The fiber optic isolator gets the signals (in light form) and transports them to and from the communications interface device. This insulates the system from current flow between the high voltage power lines and the communications interface.

Abstract: The invention concerns a local network for the transfer of information among several communication devices connected to an alternating current electrical power distribution system with a pre-determined frequency, the information conveyed in the local network being transferred in the form of electrical signals forming waves in the electrical power distribution system in a frequency band higher than the pre-determined frequency, the electrical power distribution system being connected to an electrical power supply system, characterized in that the local network comprises at least one wave reflection device forming reflected waves in the power distribution system and attenuating the waves of the power distribution network in the electrical power supply system. The invention also concerns the reflection device.

Abstract: A system for bi-directional power distribution line communication. The system is configured for data communication with an endpoint transceiver located at a customer premise. The system comprises a time server in electrical communication with the transceiver, the time server configured to retrieve the time. A substation controller is in electrical communication with a power distribution line. The substation controller includes a transceiver and a programmable circuit. The programmable circuit includes a substation clock. The programmable circuit is programmed to periodically retrieve the time from the time server to calibrate the substation clock to the retrieved time, and to control the transceiver to transmit the time to the endpoint transceiver.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for modifying a three-phase power distribution network in a building in order to provide data communication by using a Power Line Carrier (PLC) signal to an approximate electrical central location point of Wye-connected and Delta connected power distribution system remote from the data entry point of the building. A passive coupler device is attached to a centrally located service panel. The passive coupler receives the Power Line Carrier (PLC) signal from the remote entry point in the building and conditions the signal for entry at the service panel onto each phase of the three phase power distribution network.

Abstract: There is provided an arrangement of inductive couplers. The arrangement includes a first inductive coupler on a conductor, and a second inductive coupler on the conductor. The first inductive coupler has a first winding for a data signal, and the second inductive coupler has a second winding for the data signal. The arrangement also includes a connection module that connects the first winding to the second winding.

Abstract: There is provided a method for protecting loads associated with power distribution system inductive signal couplers. The method includes (a) providing an inductive signal coupler having a first winding in series with a line conductor of a power distribution system, a second winding having a terminal, and a magnetic core for coupling a signal between the first winding and the second winding, (b) situating a layer of electrical insulation between the second winding and the magnetic core, and (c) connecting the terminal to an electrical ground so that a voltage between the magnetic core and the electrical ground is placed across the layer of electrical insulation. There is also provided an inductive signal coupler having (a) a winding in series with a line conductor of a power distribution system, and (b) a conductive plate at an end of the coupler distal from the first winding, for routing a flashover current to an electrical ground.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an electrically “closed” method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data signals over a high voltage power line. Inductive coupling is employed for coupling and decoupling the data signal directly on to and off of a single power line wire. An exemplary device includes a high frequency inductive coupling toroid for data signals, a second (50-60Hz) inductive coupling toroid for providing power, signal conditioning electronics for the receive and transmit signal, a fiber optics interface for electrical isolation purposes, and a weather-proof enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the toroids are hinged for ease of installation on a power line. A pair of such couplings on either side of a fiber-optic isolator can be used to bridge transformers.

Abstract: A method for operating a matrix converter that includes converting m phases of a generator into alternating voltage with n phases of a load connected to a network, wherein n<m. The n phases of the load are alternatingly connected via a multiple number of controllable bi-directional switches arranged in an (m×n) matrix, whereby n phases of the generator are always connected with the load while (m?n) phases of the generator are not connected with the load. The matrix converter may be used for at least part of the start-up process, in particular for the initial part of the start-up process of the generator reversely operating the matrix converter in cycloconverter mode using power available from the network, wherein the group of m phases of the generator are grouped in corresponding subgroups.

Abstract: A method for emitting a predetermined series of pulses on an electricity distribution network carrying a determined voltage includes linking an electric element to the network by a switch and supplying a control signal to the switch. The switch is driven by the control signal, such that high frequency spurious pulses are emitted at the rate of the control signal. According to one embodiment, the control signal is data bearing, such that data-bearing high frequency spurious pulses are emitted at the rate of the control signal.

Abstract: A method and a device for conditioning electric installations in buildings for the rapid transmission of data produces symmetrical transmissions paths, along which high frequency signals can be transmitted with substantially no interference, using low-level emission. By introducing an inductance coil into the neutral conductor, as closely as possible to the earth point of the building, the conductor becomes insulated for high frequencies whereas the remaining conductors constitute the high-frequency earth. The high-frequency communication signals are transmitted between the neutral conductor and the protective conductor. This produces transmission channels with relatively good symmetry and negligible interference, which permit a significantly improved exploitation of resources.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an electrically “closed” method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving data signals over a high voltage power line. Inductive coupling is employed for coupling and decoupling the data signal directly on to and off of a single power line wire. An exemplary device includes a high frequency inductive coupling toroid for data signals, a second (50–60 Hz) inductive coupling toroid for providing power, signal conditioning electronics for the receive and transmit signal, a fiber optics interface for electrical isolation purposes, and a weather-proof enclosure. In a preferred embodiment, the toroids are hinged for ease of installation on a power line. A pair of such couplings on either side of a fiber-optic isolator can be used to bridge transformers.

Abstract: Data signals are communicated between a power line and a computer, wherein the power line provides power to the computer via a distribution transformer and the computer is in communication with a wireless communication path. A first data signal is communicated with the power line. A conversion is made between the first data signal and a second data signal capable of being communicated wirelessly. The second data signal is wirelessly communicated with the wireless communication path.

Abstract: A splitter for enabling a power signal and a communication signal to be transmitted over a common communication link is provided. The splitter includes a line port adapted to be coupled to a communication line, a power port adapted to be coupled to a power supply to receive a power signal, and a communication port adapted to be coupled to a communication circuit that generates and receives communication signals. The splitter also includes a low pass filter coupled between the power port and the line port, the low pass filter including a coupled inductor, a high pass filter coupled to the communication port, and wherein the communication signals and the power signal are transported on the communication line at the line port.

Abstract: A power supply that includes networking capabilities where networking data is sent and received to and from other systems over the power line and to and from the rest of the system that is being powered over the power supplies output power. The power supply can be included within a system or be external to the system, but in either case, the data from the network is transferred to and from the rest of the system over the same cables that are used to transfer output power from the power supply to the system.