Abstract: A device for power line communication is provided, including a transmitter adapted to transmit signals on at least two of a plurality of power line transmission paths of a power line network; a sensor adapted to determine one or a plurality of reflection parameters of one of the plurality of power line transmission paths; and a transmission impedance matching unit adapted to match the output impedance of at least two output ports of the device which each couple to one of the plurality of transmission paths to the impedance of the at least two of the power line transmission paths based on the one or the plurality of reflection parameters. Further, a device including a corresponding reception impedance matching unit is provided and corresponding methods for transmitting and receiving signals.

Abstract: A particular smart hazard detector may itself function as a guide during a process of installation of the same at an installation location. Additionally, the installation location of the particular smart hazard detector may play a central role in how various settings of the smart hazard detector are defined and adjusted over time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for sending and receiving prompts to end-users inside and outside the home. A prompt, for example, a message, image, or sound is presented to the end user in order to notify them of a health event, serve as a simple reminder, helps them through their daily activities. The invention includes, for example, the following components: a remote prompting client which runs on the end-user's home network and is typically associated with a physical display device. This entity has the ability to receive a prompt request from a remote prompting host, and display the prompt to the end-user; and a remote prompting host which runs on the end-user's home network and has the ability to scan the network and discover all existing remote prompting clients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a capacitive position encoder (1), comprising at least one capacitor with a first capacitor plate and a second capacitor plate, a dielectric modulator that is movably arranged between said first capacitor plate and said second capacitor plate, a signal source (11) for providing a phase-shifted excitation signal to the first capacitor plate of said at least one capacitor, and a charge amplifier (20) that is electrically connected to the second capacitor plate of said at least one capacitor, wherein a feedback loop (21) of the charge amplifier (20) comprises a feedback capacitor (Cf), wherein the capacitive position encoder (1) also comprises a shock cancellation circuit (30) that forms a parallel circuit with the feedback loop (21) including the feedback capacitor (Cf) and that the shock cancellation circuit (30) comprises a low pass filter (31).

Abstract: Methods of operating a communication node are provided. A method of operating a communication node may include transmitting a first power line communication signal from the communication node to a sensor device that is at or adjacent an electric grid device. The method may include receiving from the sensor device a second power line communication signal that is responsive to the first power line communication signal, at the communication node. Moreover, the method may include determining a distance between the communication node and the electric grid device by measuring an electrical parameter of the second power line communication signal, at the communication node. Related communication nodes are also described.

Abstract: In a monitoring system, a master device that is connected to a fixed telephone network so as to perform calls to other fixed telephones sets a power supply device to an operation mode in a case where a mobile phone terminal is located within a wireless communication range of the master device, and sets the power supply device to an operation stop mode in a case where the mobile phone terminal is not located within the wireless communication range of the master device. A power supply device is connected to an electric apparatus disposed in a house, supplies power to the electric apparatus in a case where the operation mode is set by the master device, and does not supply power to the electric apparatus in a case where the operation stop mode is set by the master device.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products are disclosed for alarm sensors in security systems. A powerline-to-Ethernet adapter interfaces with an alarm sensor and converts alternating current electrical power into direct current electrical power. Wires in a cable convey the direct current electrical power to the alarm sensor, and other wires in the cable convey Ethernet signals to the alarm sensor. The alarm sensor is electrically powered by the direct current electrical power and the Ethernet signals are received at an Ethernet interface.

Abstract: A power delivery and control device that includes a voltage input line, a voltage output line, a control logic unit coupled to the voltage input and voltage output line to control a voltage being delivered by the voltage output line based on a programmable behavior parameter, a voltage output register accessible to the control logic unit to define the programmable behavior parameter, a control register accessible to the control logic unit to activate and deactivate the voltage output line, and a control line coupled to the control logic unit to receive commands to change content of the voltage output register.

Abstract: A device for communication between a microcontroller (11) of an electronic module (10) and a microcontroller (22) of a sensor (20), the sensor being supplied with current by the electronic module (10) via a power supply line (W1), and: the electronic module includes a command signal generator (40) generating a voltage-modulation command signal on the power supply line, the sensor includes a command signal regulation device (30) connected to the power supply line, which includes: a high-pass filter (FPH), a voltage limiter (LT), an open collector output (CO), arranged such that the command signal at the output of the command signal regulation device is a voltage signal of constant mean value and included in the power supply voltage window of the microcontroller of the sensor.

Abstract: This invention relates to a modular combined optical data and electrical power distribution network and related system. More particularly the invention relates to a system for bi directional high-speed distribution of data and the universal transmission of significant quantities of electrical power using composite cabling which is adapted for connection to a plurality of peripheral components and devices. Previous data networks, particularly in domestic environments, for example for controlling personal computers, laptops and peripherals such as printers and scanners required dedicated power supplies and resulted in a tangled mass of wires and cabling often seen as clutter and sometimes posing safety hazards. The invention overcomes this problem by providing a relatively low voltage continual power bus, in the form of a dual or multi-core wire, which typically carries up to 100-200 Watts per node and which is also capable of carrying high volumes of data traffic typically in excess of 1 GBit/sec.

Abstract: An energy object extension to an industrial protocol having a comprehensive suite of attributes, messages and services utilized for the monitoring and control of energy consuming or producing resources by a manufacturing automation application is provided. The energy object includes an identifier associated with an energy resource that is associated with a manufacturing automation application and an energy type associated with the energy resource. This includes a measurement characteristic associated with the energy resource to facilitate energy management by the manufacturing automation application.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a PLC device having noise detecting and filtering functions, which includes a power receiving port having one end connected to a power supply unit for receiving a power signal and a network signal; a noise filtering circuit having one end connected to the other end of the power receiving port for filtering noise of the power signal passing therethrough; a power output port connected between the other end of the noise filtering circuit and a load; a noise detecting circuit having two ends connected to a line between the first filtering unit and power receiving port and a line between the first filtering unit and power output port, respectively; and a processing unit connected to a line between the first filtering unit and power receiving port for receiving the network signal from the noise detecting circuit and transmitting the same to a network apparatus.

Abstract: A receiver is operated so as to receive data conveyed on an Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexed (OFDM) signal transmitted on a plurality of sub-carriers. Such operation includes ascertaining which of the plurality of sub-carriers have a channel quality that satisfies one or more criteria. Then, sub-carriers are selected based at least in part on whether they have the channel quality that satisfies one or more criteria. The receiver then fully processes data streams only from the selected sub-carriers, wherein fully processing data streams comprises sub-carrier channel estimation or sub-carrier equalization or both sub-carrier channel estimation and sub-carrier equalization.

Abstract: A circuit arrangement for use in a utility meter includes a processing circuit, a magnetically-actuated switch, and a first circuit. The processing circuit has a first mode and a second mode. The processing circuit performs a first set of metering operations related to energy metering in the first mode, and a second set of operations in the second mode or sleep mode. The second set of operations has fewer operations than the first set of operation, and requires less energy. The switch has is coupled to provide a first output signal to the processing circuit. The first circuit is configured to generate a pulse signal responsive to the switch transitioning states, and is operably coupled to provide the pulse signal to the processing circuit. The processing circuit causes display of stored values responsive to receiving the pulse and receiving the first output signal.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a system including a frequency mixer that combines a signal and a carrier wave to form a combined signal, and a transmitter that generates a transmission based on the combined signal. The system can also include a coupling device that emits the transmission as an electromagnetic wave guided by an outer surface of a transmission medium. The electromagnetic wave can propagate longitudinally along the surface of the transmission medium and at least partially around the surface of the transmission medium. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A fire alarm system includes a transceiver. The transceiver has: a housing; conductors for receiving power from power lines; power output conductors for transmitting the power to a local alarm; and a connector for the alarm conductor of the local alarm. The transceiver has a trigger circuit, responsive to an alarm condition. A transmitter circuit responds to the alarm condition by injecting a signal onto a power conductor, using power line carrier technology. A receiver circuit responds to a second signal, similar to the first signal, by triggering the transmitter circuit; and by triggering the local alarm.

Abstract: A first network device detects at least a first orthogonal code included in a preamble of a network packet received at the first network device from a second network device in an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) communication network. The first network device determines whether the first orthogonal code included in the preamble is associated with an assigned orthogonal code for the first network device. The assigned orthogonal code for the first network device is orthogonal to other assigned orthogonal codes for other network devices in the OFDM communication network. An operational mode of the first network device is changed from a sleep mode to an awake mode in response to determining the first orthogonal code is associated with the assigned orthogonal code for the first network device.

Abstract: A method for modulating the effective power in one or several power consuming devices disposed in an A/C system in order to transmit data on a power supply line thereof by specifically varying the effective power in the connected device. In order to transmit the data, the momentary value of the effective power is randomly varied (increased or decreased), and the data is impressed into the A/C supply line by a unit (transmitter or modulator) and is evaluated by another unit (receiver or demodulator).

Abstract: An Engineer's View (EV) wireless video system for powered and unpowered model railroad engines is disclosed. The invention uses commercially available wireless spy cameras, powered by a custom power supply circuit which is compatible with either DC or DCC track systems. The present invention is compatible with all commercial model railroad gauge diesel engines including HO and N Gauge or may be factory installed. The EV system demonstrates a remarkably stable and realistic image of a model railroad layout. Moreover, the present invention may also provide a stable source of power to the engine where stalling could occur at points of track defects.

Abstract: A home appliance can operate in a future time frame. Information is obtained from a power distributor in order to determine a time when to operate the home appliance in this future time frame. The home appliance then operates at the time determined with information from the power distributor.

Abstract: A millimeter-wave surface-wave communications system to provide network connectivity for a backhaul network and a distributed antenna system. Rather than building new structures, and installing additional fiber and cable, embodiments described herein disclose using high-bandwidth, millimeter-wave communications propagating over existing power line infrastructure. The wavelength of the transmission is comparable in size or smaller than the circumference of the power lines.

Abstract: A power device may include channels coupled to conductors in lines, where each one of the channels is coupled to a different one of the lines than the other channels and where the channels deliver direct current power signals over the conductors to the load devices. Each one of the load devices may be powered by a different one of the direct current power signals. The power device may include a power communicator that communicates with the load devices over the conductors that propagate the direct current power signals. The power communicator may determine a target power level for the load devices based on the communication over the conductors. The load device may adjust an amount of power in the direct current power signals in order to match the target power level.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a circuit coupled to a line, where the circuit may power a device, and where the power is transmitted to the device over the line as a pulse-width modulated signal. The circuit may set a duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated signal in order to transmit a determined power level to the device. The apparatus may vary a frequency of the pulse-width modulated signal to transmit data to the device while the duty cycle of the pulse-width modulated signal is fixed in order to continue to transmit the determined power level to the device. A variation in the frequency of the pulse-width modulated signal may be detectable by the device and represents at least a portion of the data.

Abstract: A fire alarm system 4 for a structure, has a two-wire interconnected transceiver 4J that uses power line carrier technology to inject a radio signal onto two power conductors, 6B & 6W. The transceiver 4J includes a transmitter circuit 7 and a receiver circuit 9. The transmitter circuit 7 includes a trigger circuit 10, attachable to an output line of a local fire alarm 5. The trigger circuit 10, can monitor the output line (6 Yellow) for an alarm condition output signal, for the purpose of sensing an alarm condition. The transmitter circuit 7 responds to the alarm condition output signal by injecting the radio signal onto the two power conductors. The radio signal would activate a second fire alarm system 4B attached to power lines in the structure.

Abstract: An alarm system control center has subscribers connected to it by a two-wire line. The subscribers receive via the two-wire line both a power supply voltage and communication messages in the form of pulse trains impressed on the power supply voltage as voltage modulation. Each subscriber includes a constant current circuit which is connected to the two-wire line and which is used to charge a storage capacitor with a voltage regulator coupled to it. In order to reduce communication errors, a transformer is provided to reduce power supply voltage to an internal value which is lower than the than the power supply voltage at least by the voltage swing of the pulses of the communication messages on the two-wire line.

Abstract: Power adapters for providing power to accessory devices in refrigerated containers are provided herein. The power adapter comprises a first connector communicatively coupled with a plurality of conductors; a second connector communicatively coupled with two or more of the plurality of conductors; and a shunt communicatively coupled with at least four of the plurality of conductors and configured to provide power to an accessory output in response to the accessory connection being communicatively coupled with an accessory device.

Abstract: A first communication apparatus 100 transmits a pilot signal which was generated by a pilot signal generation section 14, at predetermined timing, and detects an unbalance component of a transmission line 300 at the time of pilot signal transmission in an unbalance component detection section 13, and controls a transmission signal in such a manner that an unbalance component is reduced by a transmission control section 12 on the basis of the detected unbalance component.

Abstract: Household appliance control system, comprising at least one appliance switch, at least one device supplying functional commands, at least one device supplying power and at least one household appliance, wherein the aforementioned devices are at least partially arranged in a building power supply network, and wherein these devices at least partially communicate among each other via said building power supply network, by impressing information independently to their respective zero-crossing either on an alternating voltage or on an alternating current, whereby said information can be read out again from both of the voltage and current, and whereby said information exclusively consists of real power instead of using high frequency modulation or even an additional line for data transmission purpose.

Abstract: A system, computer program product and method to provide information related to a power distribution system based on information provided by a plurality of network elements electrically connected to a plurality of power lines of the power distribution system at a plurality of locations is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving a notification from a group of network elements that have detected a voltage signature indicating an imminent power outage, determining location information of the power outage, outputting the location information of the power outage, receiving a live notification from a first network element of the group of network elements indicating a first power restoration at a location of the first network element, determining location information of the first power restoration, and outputting the location information of the first power restoration.

Abstract: A power and data delivery system includes a conductor for transferring both power and data, a plurality of device connectors, which each define at least one of a power link and a communication link, and a plurality of smart connectors connecting the conductor with the device connectors. Each of the smart connectors includes a memory having a device testing algorithm stored thereon, and a processor configured to execute the device testing algorithm. The device testing algorithms, which are executed simultaneously, are configured to evaluate a plurality of characteristics, including a current and voltage, associated with one or both of the power link and the communication link.

Abstract: A system for monitoring operating functions of railway devices such as switch machines of turnouts and signal lamps is described. The system comprises a wireless network for communication among operating parameter local detection units associated to individual railway devices and a data collection server and/or remote portable units. The local units detecting operating parameters can be powered via power lines of a railway device to be monitored and for a period of time during which a power signal powering the monitored railway device is provided.

Abstract: A process field device for use in monitoring or controlling an industrial process includes first and second loop terminals configured to couple to a two-wire industrial process control loop. Field device circuitry is configured to monitor or control a process variable of the industrial process. The field device circuitry is powered by power connections from the two-wire industrial process control loop. A current regulator is connected in series with the two-wire industrial process control loop, the first and second loop terminals and the field device circuitry. The current regulator is configured to control a loop current flowing through the two-wire process control loop. A voltage regulator is connected in parallel with the current regulator and in series with the two-wire industrial process control loop, first and second loop terminals and field device circuitry. The voltage regulator is configured to control a voltage across the field device circuitry.

Abstract: A communications device includes a PLC interface operable to couple at least two differing communication signals to at least two differing pairs of at least three conductors of a powerline medium. A processing module of the device and the PLC interface interact with a remote PLC device to determine connectivity of the remote PLC device to the PLC device via the at least three conductors of the powerline medium, select at least two conductor pairs of the powerline medium that communicatively couple the PLC device to the remote PLC device for Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) signal servicing, and simultaneously transmit MIMO PLC signals to the remote PLC device via the at least two conductor pairs. The communications device may also include a non-PLC interface, with the communications device operable to divide MIMO communications between a powerline medium and a non-PLC medium, e.g., coaxial cable, cat-5 cable.

Abstract: A Powerline Communications (PLC) device includes processing circuitry, memory coupled to the processing circuitry, and a PLC interface coupled to the processing circuitry. The PLC device transmits a plurality of PLC queries, two of the plurality of PLC queries complying with differing PLC communication standards, receives a plurality of responses from a plurality of other PLC devices, responses received from two PLC devices complying with differing PLC communication standards, directs the two PLC devices to transmit communications according to respective differing PLC communication standards in an attempt to avoid PLC communication conflicts. The differing PLC communication standards may include a HomePlug communication standard and an ITU home networking (G.hn) communication standard. The PLC device may convert communications between the differing PLC communication standards.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a system including an electronic device. The electronic device includes an electric power input configured to receive an electric power signal and has an input line terminal and an input neutral terminal. In some embodiments, the electric power input can also have an input ground terminal. The electronic device includes a metal oxide varistor protection module configured to protect at least one of the system or the electronic device. The electronic device includes a ground detection module configured to indicate the presence of an electric ground. The electronic device includes an electric power output having an output line terminal and an output neutral terminal. In some embodiments, the electric power output can also have an output ground terminal. The electric power input, the metal oxide varistor protection module, the ground detection module, and the electric power output are electrically coupled in series with each other. Other embodiments are disclosed.

Abstract: A control device of a machine tool includes a first determination unit determining an amount of rotation, rotational speed, and direction of rotation of a rotary handle based on a pulse signal generated by rotation of the rotary handle at a manual pulse generator, and a second determination unit determining which of position control and rotational speed control is selected by selection of an axis through an axis selector switch, based on a signal generated by an axis selection signal generator at an operation device including the manual pulse generator. When a determination is made that position control is selected, the control device controls the amount and direction of travel of a spindle based on the amount of rotation and direction of rotation of the rotary handle. When a determination is made that rotational speed control is selected, the control device controls the rotational speed and direction of rotation of a table based on the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the rotary handle.

Abstract: A method for receiving signals over a power line network, within the power line network at least one transmitter and at least one receiver communicate via at least two channels, each of the channels having a respective feeding port of the at least one transmitter and a respective receiving port of the at least one receiver, and the receiver having at least two receiving ports. The method determines a channel characteristic of each of the channels, applies a receiving port selection criterion based on the channel characteristic, and selects an excluded receiving port among the at least two receiving ports based on the receiving port selection criterion, the excluded receiving port is not used during further communication.

Abstract: Disclosed are various embodiments of power source redundancy in a power supply for a rack mounted computing device. The power supply includes a plurality of AC power converters configured to receive power from corresponding power sources. A first AC power converter provides DC power to a common DC bus of the power supply. A second AC power converter provides DC power to the common DC bus in response to a change in the voltage level provided by the first AC power converter.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and system for managing a power distribution network is provided. In one embodiment, the computer program product comprises a VARs management module configured to generate a command configured to cause a capacitor bank to connect to the power distribution network; a voltage management module configured to receive voltage data derived from a measurement of a power line of the power distribution network and to output an alert if the voltage data is beyond a threshold; a measurement module configured to generate a request for measurement data that comprises data of a measurement of one or more electrical parameters of the power distribution network; and a power outage management module configured to output data of a location of a power outage of the power distribution system.

Abstract: A method for operating a Power Line Communications (PLC) device includes identifying at least one proximately located load device using the wireless interface, determining device characteristics of the at least one proximately located load device using the wireless interface, communicating with a remote PLC device via the PLC interface, and transmitting to the remote PLC device via the PLC interface the device characteristics of the at least one proximately located load device. Operation may further include establishing wireless communications with the at least one proximately located device, querying the at least one proximately located device wirelessly, and receiving the device characteristics wirelessly. Other operations include creating a diagrammatic representation of a premises representing a plurality of areas and passages between the plurality of areas and including wireless reception quality for each of the plurality of spaces.

Abstract: To test whether a trailer is coupled to a tractor when the tractor ignition switch is off, a test switch in the trailer connects a high-impedance power source in a trailer to a line carrying energy from the tractor ignition switch to the trailer's electrical load, and measures the voltage at the line. A high voltage indicates a connection only to the electrical load in the trailer and thus a decouple. A low voltage indicates a measurement of the electrical loads in both trailer and tractor and hence a coupling.

Abstract: A high temperature communications circuit includes a power conductor for concurrently conducting electrical energy for powering circuit components and transmitting a modulated data signal, and a demodulator for demodulating the data signal and generating a serial bit stream based on the data signal. The demodulator includes an absolute value amplifier for conditionally inverting or conditionally passing a signal applied to the absolute value amplifier. The absolute value amplifier utilizes no diodes to control the conditional inversion or passing of the signal applied to the absolute value amplifier.

Abstract: Provided is an impedance stabilization device having a configuration in which a circuit including a series matching impedance element (11a and 12a (11b and 12b)) and a high-frequency blocking element connected in parallel is inserted in series into at least one of lines (10a (10b)) constituting a power line, and the lines (10a and 10b) are connected via another circuit including a parallel matching impedance element (13) and a low-frequency matching element (14) connected in series. A high-frequency signal passes through the series matching impedance element, a power current passes through the high-frequency blocking element, and the parallel matching impedance element functions as a termination resistor when a terminal on an equipment side is an open end.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and products notify of alarms in security systems. Sensor data is received from an alarm sensor, and an alarm condition is determined by an alarm controller. Video data associated with the alarm sensor is retrieved. An alarm message is sent over a wireless network connection, while the video data is send over a wireline broadband connection.

Abstract: A system comprises a power provider and a plurality of power consumers. The power provider has a plurality of power outlets. The power consumers are coupled with the power outlets via corresponding power cables. The power provider and power consumers may communicate via the power cables using powerline communication as the power provider provides operational power to the power consumers. Powerline communication may be provided using radio frequency integrated circuits in the power provider and in the power consumers. The power provider may provide power event notifications to the power consumers through the power cords. The power provider may also provide equipment identification of the power consumers through the power cords. The power provider may also monitor and regulate power consumption by the power consumers. An adapter may be used to retrofit a conventional computer system to provide powerline communication between a computer and a power supply.

Abstract: Lighting devices are configured to communicate with one another and with external systems. Sensors located at such lighting devices communicate with the external systems and with others of the lighting devices. Lighting is controlled to maintain safety, to drive customer traffic within a retail facility, or to conserve energy. An application programming interface provides a common mechanism for control of various lighting device types.

Abstract: A device and methods are provided for monitoring and reporting activity including providing an alert based on detected activity. In one embodiment, a method includes is monitoring activity relative to a device based on activity detected by the device, determining a baseline activity level for the device, and detecting a change in the baseline activity level. The method may further include transmitting an electronic message via a network connection based on the change in baseline line activity, the electronic message providing an alert based on the change in baseline activity level. The device and methods may advantageously allow for providing alerts based on inactivity.

Abstract: Various aspects of the disclosure are directed to methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for identifying network events. In one aspect, a method includes monitoring signal characteristic values for signals transmitted over a communications channel of a power line communications system and determining that a signal level value for the channel is less than a threshold signal level value for the channel. In response to determining that the signal level value for the channel is less than the threshold signal level value for the channel, a signal to noise ratio for the communications channel is computed and it is determined that the signal to noise ratio for the channel exceeds a threshold value. In response to determining that the signal to noise ratio for the communications channel exceeds the threshold value, data received over the communications channel is stored as valid data.

Abstract: A power line communication method is provided, which divides the entire interval for transmitting power and data signals into a power transmission interval and a data transmission interval, and carries one or a plurality of data signals at the data transmission interval in the divided intervals.

Abstract: A power line communication system includes a plurality of communication nodes, a communication line coupling the communication nodes, a direct current power line coupling a connection point of the communication line with one of a positive terminal of a battery and a supply terminal of a load, and a capacitor coupled between the direct current power line and a ground. The communication nodes communicate with each other by superimposing a high frequency signal having a wavelength of ? to the communication line. The capacitor is coupled with the direct current power line at a position where a line length from the connection point is (n×?/2+?/4), where n is a natural number including zero.