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: 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: At least one embodiment of the invention relates to a fieldbus system, in particular for use in an explosion-hazard area. The fieldbus system, in at least one embodiment, has a plurality of bus line sections with bus lines; an isolating element, by which in each case two of the plurality of bus line sections are coupled to one another and which galvanically isolates the bus lines of the two bus line sections from one another such that this prevents any direct current flowing between the bus lines of the two bus line sections and communication signals are transmitted between the two bus line sections; and a supply source for each of the bus line sections, in order to provide an electrical power supply for field devices which can be connected to the respective bus line section.

Abstract: Provided are a device and method for detecting a wiretapping device using a power line and nullifying the wiretapping device. More particularly, a device and method for preventing wiretapping, which sense a wiretapping signal from a power line and transmit a noise signal to the power line, are provided. The device for preventing wiretapping includes: a signal detector for receiving signals from a power line and filtering the received signals in at least one frequency band; a controller for receiving the filtered signal from the signal detector and determining whether a wiretapping signal exists; and a noise signal output unit for transmitting a noise signal to the power line according to whether or not the wiretapping signal exists. The device can detect wiretapping and simultaneously nullify the function of the wiretapping device by detecting a wiretapping signal from a power line and transmitting a noise signal having a frequency corresponding to a frequency band of the wiretapping signal.

Abstract: A field device for use in monitoring or controlling an industrial process includes two wire process control loop electrical connections. Digital communications monitoring circuitry coupled to the electrical connections and is configured to control power to the field device electrical circuitry in response to a digital signal on the two wire process control loop.

Abstract: A subarea control system of electrical lighting separated by a demarcation repeater 6 comprises: a bus power supply 5 connected to the electric supply 1; at least a demarcation repeater 6 connected to the bus power supply 5 via a bi-phase digital information transmission bus 2 to establish a contact with the uplink bus, while the demarcation repeater 6 need to be connected to the electric supply 1; a system controller 7 connected to the bi-phase digital information transmission bus 2 to form a transmission path 9 so as to broadcast the system instructions within the whole system; at least a subarea controller 8 connected to the bi-phase digital information transmission bus 2; at least a group of lamp controllers 3 respectively connected to the bi-phase digital information transmission bus 2 to receive the information instructions and to access the electric supply 1; the subarea controller 8 and the lamp controllers 3 form a subarea instruction transmission path 10 whose boundary is the demarcation repeater 6,

Abstract: The RF signal generated by a ZigBee radio on the outside of a building structure is conveyed to the interior of the building by guiding it along an electric cable bundle that passes through the building's wall to supply domestic electric power to the interior of the structure. The RF signal is launched by a unique coupler comprising a pair of insulated foil conductors.

Abstract: The location of a device on an electrical power line is identified using a power line characteristic, such as a power line impedance as a function of frequency, and/or a power line transfer function identified from the first device to a second device communicating with the first device over the electrical power line. Power line information is determined by receiving a signal from a first device, determining a power line transfer function based on the received signal, and determining power line information based on the determined power line transfer function.

Abstract: An appliance warning system comprises a floor pad which has a switch movable between an open position when no weight pressure is detected and a closed position when activated by weight pressure. A transmitter transmits a signal depending upon whether the switch is in the open or closed position. A remotely located module has a receiver for the signal from the transmitter. A control circuit is operational between a ready state before the switch is activated to the closed position and a monitoring state after the switch is activated. A warning device is activated by the control circuit when in the monitoring state when the switch has been in the open position for a preselected period of time after having been in the closed position. A reset switch resets the control circuit from the monitoring state to the ready state.

Abstract: A mesh-networked sensor platform has a mesh network of nodes that connect with existing electrical infrastructure or are powered through other means such as batteries or energy scavenging. The mesh network forms a self-healing and self-configuring network robust against individual node failures. Wireless mesh networking integrated circuits (ICs), energy monitoring ICs and solid state relays are used to create a low-cost, easy-to-install energy visualization and management system. The system can intelligently control energy usage at the sockets to stop energy from being wasted. Software for a central base station uses energy usage data from each node to create an energy usage profile to automatically detect anomalies in energy usage and take steps to correct them. Other sensors can be easily added for a multitude of applications. Power usage and control of each appliance can be viewed via an internet connected PC or smart phone via a social networking website.

Abstract: A communication system includes communication protocols that allow a single network or multiple neighboring networks to increase resource sharing and reduce mutual interference and increase their overall throughput. Various protocols apply to homogenous networks in which all power line communication (PLC) devices of multiple networks are interoperable with respect to full power line communication in a common PHY (specifications, signaling capabilities, modulation scheme, coding scheme, bandwidth, etc.) and to heterogeneous networks in which devices of some PLC networks are not interoperable with PLC devices of other PLC networks with respect to full power line communication given that the devices of the different networks do not employ a common PHY. With respect to heterogeneous networks, a protocol is provided to enable coexistence via a signaling scheme common to all of the devices of the network that allows resource sharing between the devices of the multiple heterogeneous networks.

Abstract: The method of data transmission embedded in electric power transmission disposes a transmitting coil 11 and a receiving coil 31 in close proximity, transmits electric power in a non-contact fashion from the transmitting coil 11 to the receiving coil 31 by magnetic induction, and transmits data from the receiving coil 31 side to the transmitting coil 11 side. The method of data transmission changes the load on the receiving coil 31 and detects transmitting coil 11 current change corresponding to that load variation to send data from the receiving coil 31 side to the transmitting coil 11 side.

Abstract: A power management interface is provided and includes a switch, a transmitting circuit, and a receiving circuit. The switch is coupled to an AC power line for controlling a power line signal to a load. The transmitting circuit generates a switching signal to control the switch and achieve a phase modulation to the power line signal in response to a transmitting-data. The receiving circuit is coupled to receive the power line signal for detecting a phase of the power line signal and generating a receiving-data to control power of the load. The receiving-data is generated in accordance with the phase detection of the power line signal and correlated to the transmitting-data.

Abstract: An adapter may couple an electronic device to a host such as a computer. When coupled in this way, the host may transfer media files to the device. The host may also supply power to the electronic device using power lines in the adapter. The electronic device may have a status indicator such as a light-emitting diode status indicator. The adapter may also have a status indicator. During operation, the electronic device may transmit coded information on the current state of the status indicator in the electronic device by modulating the status indicator or other load in the device at a selected frequency. Control circuitry in the adapter may detect the transmitted state information by monitoring the power lines. The control circuitry may control the status indicator in the adapter so that the status indicator in the adapter replicates the current state of the status indicator in the electronic device.

Abstract: A network of power and communication receptacle devices having a plurality of power and communication receptacle devices. Each power and communication receptacle device has at least one power receptacle, at least one communication receptacle, and a power cable assembly having a dual power head. The power cable assembly is configured to provide electrical power to the power receptacle. The network includes a plurality of interconnecting power cables. Each power cable has a first power feeder electrically connected to the dual power head of one of the power and communication receptacle devices and a second power feeder electrically connected to the dual power head of a next power and communication receptacle device. The network includes a power feeding cable having electrically connected thereto a power feeder for connection to a dual power head of a first one of the power and communication receptacles and a device for connection to a power source.

Abstract: A power line communication (PLC) method includes determining whether a destination communication apparatus to receive a data packet can directly communicate without using a repeater, transmitting the data packet to the destination communication apparatus when the destination communication apparatus can directly communicate without using the repeater, and transmitting the data packet to the repeater when the destination communication apparatus cannot directly communicate without using the repeater, and a power line communication (PLC) apparatus to perform the method.

Abstract: A power over data cable system has a power controller. The power controller receives alarm signals from alarm systems such as fire alarms and security alarms. The power controller is connected to power over Ethernet switches or injectors (PoE). The PoE Ethernet switches or injectors are coupled network devices, such as door locks, security cameras, etc. When an alarm occurs, the power controller can turn off the power to the network devices by sending a disable signal to an associated PoE Ethernet switch or injector. A user interface, allows a user to easily define which PoE Ethernet switches or injectors are to be opened for a given alarm. Using this system the user can easily setup a system to selectively disable power to certain devices and not others whenever an alarm is activated.

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

Abstract: A system includes a plurality of electrical switches. Every switch is associated with at least one monitoring device for detecting the respective switching condition of the switch. All of the monitoring devices are interconnected through a data connection through which the switching conditions of all of the switches are made known to every monitoring device.

Abstract: A fluid power valve arrangement with at least one solenoid valve whose solenoid is connected or able to be connected via only two control lines with an electrical control and/or communication device. The solenoid valve has integrated in it a non-volatile storage device containing identification data of the solenoid valve, and furthermore a modulator for modulation of data of the solenoid valve in the two supply lines. The control and/or communication device possesses a demodulator for demodulation of the modulated data.

Abstract: A communications system for an alarm panel including: an alarm panel adaptor in operable communication with the alarm panel generating analog alarm signals; a first powerline communications device in operable communication with a the alarm panel adaptor converting the analog alarm signals to powerline alarm signals; a second powerline communications device receiving the powerline alarm signals over an electrical grid and converting the powerline alarm signals to internet protocol alarm signals; and a broadband connection in operable communication with the second powerline communications device for transmitting the internet protocol alarm signals to a remote central control station.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring communication data over power lines, the power lines comprising multiple phase transmission lines and a neutral line. The method includes inserting the communication data between multiple lines, typically between the different phase lines and the neutral, and combining the communication data from any one of the lines, and transmitting the combined signal to multiple lines in a receiving premises. In this way the signal can be picked up from any power socket at the receiving premises irrespective of what line or phase it may be attached to.

Abstract: To allow multiple power line communication (PLC) devices to communicate with one another via power lines without being affected by the power supply state of an uninterruptible power supply unit coupled among the PLC devices. Multiple modem means 32 for transmitting or receiving a PLC signal are installed, each corresponding to a power receiving terminal 2 and one or more power supply terminals 3 in an uninterruptible power supply unit 1 in a one-to-one manner. Multiple low-pass filter circuit 7 and 18 for eliminating a PLC signal are installed to a power line between each of the multiple modem means 32 and a power supply circuit 10. Control means 40 and 41 transmit a PLC signal based on a PLC signal received by one of the multiple modem means 32 from at least one of the other modem means 32.

Abstract: A communication apparatus (1) for communicating over an electrical power cable (3). The communication apparatus (1) comprises a transmitter circuit (5) adapted to transmit a communication signal; and a receiver circuit (6) adapted to receive a communication signal from another communication apparatus (1). The communication apparatus (1) is adapted to transmit and receive communication signals over the power cable (3) both when said power cable (3) is conducting electricity and when said power cable (3) is not conducting electricity.

Abstract: A network adaptor is disclosed that uses Power over Ethernet (PoE) protocols to derive power from an Ethernet port and provide the derived power to a field device. The network adapter communicates analog data with the field device and converts the analog data to digital data using an analog to digital converter before transmitting the digital data through the Ethernet port to a central office. The network adapter is uniquely assigned to the field device allowing an IP address to be assigned to the network adapter/field device system which may be accessed using IP protocols from any suitable browser.

Abstract: A circuit for indicating operating status of a plurality of hardware devices of a computer includes a detecting module, a decoding module, and an indicating module. The indicating module includes a dual color indicator and two electronic switches connected to a first input and a second input of the dual color indicator respectively. The detecting module detects an operating status of the plurality of hardware devices, and outputs state signals of each hardware device during power on self test of the computer. The decoding module decodes the state signals, and outputs level control signals to turn on or off the two electronic switches. The dual color indicator indicates operating status of the plurality of hardware devices by shifted to be at different indicating states by the two electronic switches correspondingly.

Abstract: A power line communications PLC transmitter and receiver device includes a physical communications protocol layer that provides for dynamic selection of a communications signal transmission operating mode from a plurality of such modes, where each has a corresponding transmission data structure that is based on characteristics of the electric power distribution network to which the PLC device is to be coupled and also the communications protocol profile requirements for the network.

Abstract: A wireless electrically isolated plug-n-play communications system for branch circuit breakers. The system providing means for automatically connecting the wireless electrically isolated communication system between the branch circuit breaker and a communications strip as the branch circuit breaker is being installed in the load center.

Abstract: Apparatus and system for communicating data via a power line. The apparatus comprises a transmitter comprising a modulator for generating a second digital signal based on input data; a digital buffer for amplifying the second digital signal to generate a third digital signal; a filter for filtering the third digital signal to generate an analog output waveform; and a coupler for coupling the analog output waveform to the power line.

Abstract: Means for connecting a local electrical power source to the wiring of a building wiring. A branch circuit monitor module can be installed as part of a branch circuit that includes a circuit breaker and a power receptacle and having safe operating ranges for current and voltage carried by the branch circuit. The branch circuit monitor module can measure data representative of one or more of voltage, current, and current flow direction in the branch circuit between the circuit breaker and the power receptacle and outputs the data. A communications and control module can receive the data and in response presents control commands to a local power source, the control commands causing the local power source to modify its power output such that the branch circuit stays within the safe operating ranges. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: A communication apparatus which transmits data to another communication apparatus through a transmission channel, includes: a display which displays a plurality of communication rates; and a controller which permits the display to display the communication rates. The controller acquires a first communication rate received from the another communication apparatus and based on a predetermined signal transmitted to the another communication apparatus through the transmission channel at a first time. The controller acquires a second communication rate received from the another communication apparatus and based on a predetermined signal transmitted to the another communication apparatus through the transmission channel at a second time. The controller calculates a plurality of communication rates on the basis of the first and second communication rate.

Abstract: A method and corresponding system for operating in a network in which stations communicate over a shared medium are presented. The shared medium has at least one varying channel characteristic that varies approximately periodically. The method includes providing repeated beacon transmissions from a coordinator station for coordinating transmissions among a plurality of the stations, wherein at least some beacon transmissions are synchronized to the varying channel characteristic; and transmitting from a first station to at least one receiving station during a time slot determined based on at least one of the beacon transmissions received by the first station from the coordinator station.

Abstract: By utilizing a transmitter that plugs into a power socket of a piece of electrical equipment, that equipment may be locatable using a specialized power source that interacts with the transmitter. The specialized power source sends a command signal across a power cable and causes the transmitter to send a response signal. The response signal is received by one or more receivers, and the position of the equipment within its corresponding cabinet/rack can be determined. The response signal can be sent using a number of different techniques, such as ultrasonic or infrared.

Abstract: A system, device, and method of providing information for a power distribution system is provided. In one embodiment, a method of using a device that receives power from the low voltage power of the power distribution system and experiences a power loss during a local power outage may perform the processes of monitoring a voltage of the low voltage power line, detecting a voltage reduction below a threshold voltage for a predetermined time period, storing information of the voltage reduction in a non-volatile memory prior to the power outage, and transmitting a notification to a remote computer system prior to the outage. The monitoring may comprise making a plurality of measurements of the voltage during a time interval and averaging the plurality of voltage measurements. In addition, the method may include transmitting an alert message upon power up after the outage to indicate a power restoration local to the device.

Abstract: The invention provides a power-line carrier communication apparatus including a transmission unit with a signal point mapping device for mapping a plurality of bit streams produced from transmission data, a wavelet inverse transforming device for modulating the respective sub-carriers by wavelet waveforms which are orthogonal to each other for producing temporal waveform series data, and a D/A converter for converting the temporal waveform series data into an analog temporal waveform series signal; and a reception unit with an A/D converter for obtaining sampling-series waveform data from a power-line communication signal, a wavelet transforming device for wavelet-transforming the sampling-series waveform data into signal point data of the respective sub-carriers, and a symbol judging device for judging bit streams mapped by the signal point mapping device by inverse-mapping a plurality of these signal point data, and for synthesizing the judged bit streams with each other as a reception data series.

Abstract: Provided is a modem apparatus of power line communication using a power line as a transmission path. The modem apparatus includes: an amplifier for amplifying communication signals and outputting a differential signal obtained from a pair of output signals having a phase difference of 180 degrees therebetween; a signal transformer for applying the amplified communication signals to the power lines; and a balance circuit connected at the primary side of the signal transformer, for enhancing circuit balancing. The balance circuit is constituted by a variable element capable of changing an element value, and there is provided a common mode detecting circuit that detects a common mode current flowing through the secondary side of the signal transformer and that changes the element value of the variable element of the balance circuit such that the detected common mode current becomes small.

Abstract: A communications interface accessory for an electric power system arrester is described. The communications interface accessory includes a housing and a communications interface positioned within the housing. The communications interface is configured to complete a signal path with the arrestor. The communications interface accessory also includes a disconnect device positioned within the housing, whereby the disconnect device is coupled to the arrestor and the communications interface.

Abstract: A system for communicating information between a detection device and a wireless device is provided. The system generally includes a detection device adapted to monitor a condition related to a power system. A radio interface unit is in communication with the detection device via a communication member. A wireless device is further provided which is in radio communication with the radio interface unit such that the detection device communicates information to the wireless device through a radio interface unit. The system's components are further adapted to endure harsh conditions (e.g., prolonged exposure to water).

Abstract: A mobile computing device is described that includes multiple device components, a power supply and a power line connected to each device component. The power supply is operative to provide power signals to the device components over the power lines. The mobile computing device also includes a processor operative to generate a control signal for one or more device components. A power line communications control module is connected to the power supply and the processor, the power line communications control module is operative to receive a power signal and a control signal for a device component, combine the power signal and control data from the control signal to form a power data signal, and send the power data signal to the device component over a corresponding power line. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A relay apparatus includes a plurality of connecting terminals, such as a modem connecting terminal, a power line connecting terminal, an electric appliance connecting terminal and an antenna line connecting terminal; a selector that selects at least one connecting terminal from among the plurality of connecting terminals to transmit and receive a communication signal; and a control circuit that controls the selector. The relay apparatus further includes a first communication filter that passes signals in a frequency band used for communication by a power line communication modem and that blocks signals in other frequency bands, and a second communication filter that passes signals in a frequency band used for communication by another electric appliance and that blocks signals in other frequency bands.

Abstract: Stimulating power line carrier injection with reactive oscillation comprises exciting a tank circuit to oscillate at the carrier frequency by sinking pulses of current between one node of a capacitor in the tank circuit and the other node of the capacitor. A power transformer is connected to a distribution system to inject a power line carrier onto the power line. An excitation circuit sinks short pulses of current between one node of a capacitor and the other node of the capacitor that is connected in a tank circuit arrangement with an inductor and the secondary winding of the power transformer. The tank circuit oscillates at the frequency of the excitation pulses if the resonant frequency of the tank circuit is close to the frequency of excitation. The oscillating current is coupled onto the power line system through the power transformer. The phase of the power line carrier signal is shifted by shifting the phase of the excitation pulses.

Abstract: The electricity distribution network comprises a plurality of interconnection lines for the distribution of electricity among a plurality of interconnection boxes. At least some of said interconnection boxes are combined with a control unit for detection of stray voltage, comprising a transmitter to transmit to a receiver of at least one collecting unit a signal relating to any dispersion.

Abstract: A self-adjusting speaker integrated with an alarm system is provided. The self-adjusting speaker may be used to aurally monitor an area (such as monitoring the ambient noise in the vicinity of the speaker) and adjust the speaker accordingly. The circumstances under which to aurally monitor a premises (such as how to monitor, when to monitor, what type of monitoring, etc.) may be varied. For example, there are several ways how to perform the aural monitoring (such as how to sense the ambient noise), including using a separate microphone or the speaker itself. A self-monitoring speaker integrated with an alarm system is also provided. The self-monitoring speaker may monitor the aural output of the speaker using a microphone or similar type of transducer. The aural output monitored by the microphone may be analyzed, and, based on the analysis, the data and/or operation of the speaker may be modified.

Abstract: A power supply, such as for powering and supplying communication data to devices connected with a low voltage line, is disclosed. For example, a converter device is coupled with an alternating current voltage source. The converter device down-converts an alternating current voltage to a direct current voltage. A switching device is in communication with the converter device. A processor is in communication with the switching device. The processor outputs a signal to the switching device. The switching device generates a square wave signal as a function of the signal from the processor and the direct current voltage. A remote device is controlled by data encoded in the square wave signal.

Abstract: An information apparatus of a vehicle that allows the request for the required information to be reliably made is provided. When a vehicle and a charging device are connected to each other for transmission and reception of electric power in order to charge a main battery, a main control ECU receives the contents from a server depending on the contents requesting information stored in a request storing unit and stores the received contents in a contents storing unit. Preferably, prior to receiving the contents, the main control ECU notifies of the content of the contents requesting information to inquire of an operator performing the charging whether the contents are received based on the contents requesting information.

Abstract: Provided herein are techniques for displaying power usage information on a television receiver. A television receiver receives power usage information regarding electrical devices and outputs the power usage information and status information regarding the electrical device for presentation by a presentation device.

Abstract: A power line communication system includes: a first electronic instrument and a second electronic instrument, wherein information is received or transmitted between the first electronic instrument and the second electronic instrument which are connected through a communication line using a power line, wherein the first electronic instrument comprises: a key operation unit for accepting a key operation performed by a user; and a transmission unit for transmitting a power-on request signal for requesting the second electronic instrument to be turned on, to the second electronic instrument through the power line based on the key operation in the key operation unit, and the second electronic instrument comprises: a reception unit for receiving the power-on request signal transmitted from the first electronic instrument through the power line; and a power-on control unit for turning on the second electronic instrument based on the power-on request signal received by the reception unit.

Abstract: A system for testing PLC equipment, network conditions, and protocol performance is provided. Noise measurements can be made at a single point, and protocol traffic, signal levels, and upper-layer parameters of any transmissions by other equipment on the same network are logged. Alternatively, a plurality of units located at different points in the PLC network are at least part of a distributed test system. As a result, coordinated tests can be conducted by multiple nodes, such as point-to-point network transfer function measurement and analysis, estimation of the location of noise sources and system null and resonances, receiver operating curve (ROC) measurements with actual protocol modulation, or any other suitable tests. Preferably, the test devices are able to test using a plurality of PLC protocols. In some devices, PLC protocol-specific modules can be added or removed as desired to increase, decrease or change the test device's protocol abilities.

Abstract: Power over Ethernet (PoE) communication systems provide power and data communications over the same communications link, where a power source device (PSE) provides DC power (for example, 48 volts DC) to a powered device (PD). The DC power is transmitted simultaneously over the same communications medium with the high speed data from one node to the other node. For data-only switches (i.e. non-PoE), a midspan device is connected between the data-only switch and the PD devices so as to inject the DC power for the PD devices. The midspan device includes a combination data and management port that communicates both high speed data packets and management packets with the data-only switch. The combination data/management port obviates the need for a dedicated management port on both the midspan and the data-only switch. This eliminates the need to use an extra port on the data switch thus making better port utilization at the data switch as well as lowing the cost of the midspan.

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.