Abstract: The present technique relates to the distribution of power and data signals throughout a networked system. For example, three-phase power may be conducted to a device over a set of conductors. One of the conductors, however, may be configured to conduct, in conjunction with a neutral conductor, both one phase of three-phase power as well as data signals in accordance with a predetermined data communications protocol. As an alternate example, the present technique may comprise a set of a first power conductors configured to conduct three-phase power and a secondary power conductor which works in conjunction with an auxiliary conductor to conduct power and data-signals. Additionally, the present technique provides for the maintenance data communications and a level of power upon the interruption of three-phase power to a particular component or device.

Abstract: A novel and useful baseline wander correction mechanism for use with transformer coupled baseband communication receivers. Parametric estimation of the transformer model is used estimate and cancel the baseline wander effect. A parametric model is used to model the baseline wander impairment created by the transmitter and receiver transformers as a high pass filter having an exponential decay parameter alpha. A correction signal for both the far end and echo signal paths are calculated and summed to generate a total correction signal. The total correction signal is partitioned into an analog correction signal that is applied to the analog portion of the communications receiver and into a digital correction signal that is similarly applied to the analog portion of the communications receiver.

Abstract: A system for providing multiple communication channels over a single voltage isolation link includes first circuitry for multiplexing a plurality of digital data inputs from a plurality of communication channels onto the single voltage isolation link. Second circuitry de-multiplexes the plurality of digital data inputs from the single voltage isolation link to the plurality of communication channels. An RF isolator is used for providing the single voltage isolation link.

Abstract: Encoding of a dual mode digital signal for transfer using a dual mode super source follower circuit to drive the signal across a pulse transformer is presented. The dual mode signal comprises data in one mode and power/control in the other mode. In the power/control mode the magnitude of the signal pulses are greater than the magnitude of the data pulses. Thus, the current sinking deficiencies of the super source follower may introduce waveform irregularities when transitioning from the high of the power pulse to the high of the data pulse. An encoding method described herein uses a return to zero scheme to avoid such waveform irregularities during power to data transitions.

Abstract: A communication circuit comprises a near end transmitter, and adjustable near end replication transmitter and a near end receiver. The near end transmitter is configured to generate a transmission signal and comprises a first plurality of current sources. Outputs of the first plurality of current sources are summed to generate the transmission signal. The adjustable near end replication transmitter comprises a second plurality of current sources. Outputs of the second plurality of current sources are summed to generate a replication signal in accordance with the transmission signal. The replication signal from the adjustable near end replication transmitter is subtracted from the transmission signal from the near end transmitter and a received signal from a communication channel to generate a subtraction signal. The near end receiver is configured to receive the subtraction signal.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detection of load impedance modulation as a result of communication of data from the secondary to the primary side of a transformer are presented. The load impedance on the secondary of the transformer barrier is modulated differentially using data to be communicated across the barrier. A detection circuit on the primary side isolates the load current from the magnetizing current in the primary. The load current is subsequently integrated over two consecutive Manchester periods and the integrated value from the first Manchester period is compared against that of the second period thereby recovering the receive data.

Abstract: A network transmitting apparatus and a power saving method thereof are provided. The network transmitting apparatus includes a chip, a transformer, and a power regulating unit. The chip includes a detecting and controlling unit, an analog circuit, and a digital circuit. The detecting and controlling unit receives a received signal and detects the received signal and a state of the chip to generate a first control signal. The transformer has a first side coupled to the chip and a second side. The power regulating unit coupled to the detecting and controlling unit and a center tap of the first side of the transformer is used for receiving a voltage, generating a first regulated voltage according to the first control signal, and connecting the first regulated voltage to the center tap of the first side of the transformer, the analog circuit, and the digital circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method includes a solar panel. A power bus is coupled to the solar panel, and supports transmission of AC communication signals. The power bus includes a high current power wire. A current transformer is coupled to the power bus adjacent the solar panel. A capacitor, coupled to the power bus, is connected in parallel with the solar panel, and connected between the solar panel and the current transformer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to generate a common-mode reference signal. A common-mode current is received at a common-mode current sensing circuit. The common-mode current is sampled at a node between the common-mode current sensing circuit and a shunt resistor. The resulting voltage across the shunt resistor from the applied common-mode current is used as a common-mode reference signal.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly comprising a power transmitter (E) and a power receiver (R) respectively comprising a primary coil (11) and a secondary coil (22), in which the transmitter and the receiver are of the electromagnetic induction type and allow on the one hand the powering without electrical contact of the receiver by the transmitter, and on the other hand a bidirectional communication without electrical contact between the transmitter and the receiver.

Abstract: An electric power transmission system for communications includes on/off switches; high-voltage power assemblies; groups of high-voltage devices each being powered by the high-voltage power assembly; a carrier waves communications network comprising a transformer and filter, a filter, and a carrier waves coupling device interconnecting the transformer and filter and the filter, wherein the transformer and filter includes a low-voltage power assembly for communications and the filter includes a high-voltage power assembly for communications; and low and high-voltage devices. Data can be communicated between the low-voltage devices, between the high-voltage devices, or between the low-voltage device and the high-voltage device by transmitting carrier waves over the AC power.

Abstract: A modem for symmetric bi-directional transporting of an Ethernet signal, comprises a port connected to a physical layer module adapted to receive and transmit a single Ethernet signal, a data splitter for splitting the Ethernet signal into the configurable number of downstream data signals, and another portion comprising the configurable number of Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) ports coupled to the data splitter. Each port is adapted to transmit a separate downstream signal. Each transmitted downstream signal is transmitted via a corresponding telephone line connected to the port. Each port is further adapted to receive a separate upstream signal. Each received upstream signal is received over the corresponding telephone line connected to the Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) port, and a data collection and reorganization unit coupled to the Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) ports is adapted to assemble the upstream signals into the single Ethernet signal for transmission by the physical layer module.

Abstract: A line interface circuit with line side cancellation of a communication device is described herein. In one embodiment, a communication device includes a line interface circuit for interfacing a communication line. The line interface circuit includes a driver for driving multiple transmitting signals onto the communication line over multiple transmitting frequency bands. The line interface circuit further includes multiple transmitting filters each corresponding to one of the transmitting frequency bands. Other methods and apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A method for galvanically isolated transmission of a signal, especially a switching signal for controlling at least one switching means includes using a transformer. The primary side of a transformer is fed with a pulse-width modulated voltage in which different duty factors are indicative of different signal states. The voltage obtained on the secondary side is converted by an electronic circuit into at least one signal voltage which is dependent on the duty factor and whose magnitude represents a signal state.

Abstract: A data coupler includes a transformer having primary and secondary windings, a data transmitter coupled to the primary winding of the transformer, and a data receiver coupled to the secondary winding. The data transmitter includes a first driver and a second driver having outputs coupled to respective ends of the primary winding. The first driver is responsive to a data signal and the second driver is responsive to a delayed version of the data signal, such that the primary winding is supplied with pulses representing a difference between the data signal and the delayed version of the data signal. The data coupler also includes an ac (alternating current) path to ground from the secondary winding for conducting to ground common mode signals coupled to the secondary winding via an inter-winding capacitance of the transformer.

Abstract: A signal is received from a first portion of a power line via a connection to the power line and at least a portion of the signal is converted to a non-electrically conducting signal. The non-electrically conducting signal may be communicated to a non-electrically conductive communication path. In this manner, the non-electrically conducting signal may have properties that do not provide imminent danger from human contact.

Abstract: A digital signal transfer device generates from a modulating section (100) a modulated signal responsive to a digital input signal and transfers this to a demodulating section (200) through a pulse transformer (6). The demodulating section (200) generates from the modulated signal an output signal in which the digital input signal waveform is restored.

Abstract: A serializer-deserializer and a method of deserializing data. In one embodiment, the serializer-deserializer includes: (1) an analog-to-digital converter configured to receive a serial data stream and provide a digital output based thereon, (2) a digital comparator coupled to the analog-to-digital converter and configured to compare the digital output to an output table to yield candidate output bits, (3) a digital feedback equalizer coupled to the digital comparator and configured to generate the output table based on the candidate output bits and (4) a multiplexer coupled to the digital comparator and configured to select output bits from among the candidate output bits to form a discrete bit sequence.

Abstract: A transmission line driver for generating an output signal to drive a transmission line is disclosed. The transmission line driver includes a voltage driver and a current driver. The voltage driver generates a voltage signal to drive the transmission line. The current driver generates a current signal to drive the transmission line. The amplitude of the output signal is determined according to the voltage signal and/or the current signal.

Abstract: Digital video data is transmitted from a video source (61) to a video sink (62) as a group of three multilevel symbols (611, 612, and 613) per pixel color with each associated symbol being sent at a rate of three times the pixel clock (601). When eleven levels are used per symbol (611) and undesirable symbol groups having excess DC residual or minimal energy are eliminated, and a built-in-test symbol group is added for pixel alignment; there results a one-to-one correspondence between the remaining symbol groups available and the two-hundred and sixty possible states that are used in the TMDS physical layer that is in widespread commercial use.

Abstract: A system that transmits signals through a communication channel. During operation, the system receives a sequence of bits for transmission through the communication channel. While transmitting a given bit, the system determines if the given bit has the same state as the previously transmitted bit. If so, the system uses a voltage-mode driver to drive a signal through the communication channel. Otherwise, the system uses a current source coupled to the voltage-mode driver to boost the drive-level of the voltage-mode driver. Note that the current source supplies a current to the communication channel without changing the impedance of the voltage-mode driver. In this way, the present invention compensates for frequency dependant losses in the communication channel without sacrificing impedance matching and without substantially increasing power consumption.

Abstract: A telephone terminal includes: a main unit; an optional unit that performs an arbitrary additional communication function and detachably attached to the main unit; a distribution unit that distributes a drive power supplied through a communication network into a first channel and a second channel when a power of the telephone terminal is turned on; a first power supplying unit that supplies the first channel of the drive power to the main unit at a first timing; and a second power supplying unit that supplies the second channel of the drive power to the optional unit at a second timing shifted from the first timing.

Abstract: In a Hybrid Fiber Coaxial (HFC) network using a Set Top Box (STB) or a cable modem, the cable STB or the cable modem includes respective High-Pass Filters (HPFs) having different passband frequencies to transmit an upstream signal from the cable STB or the cable modem to the HFC network through paths having different passband frequencies depending on states of the HFC network so that the upstream frequency band of 5 to 42 MHz is available.

Abstract: In multicarrier communication system using N subcarriers, in which a transmitter communicates with K receivers, the transmitter determines a channel quality information (CQI) feedback quantity indicative of the number of subcarriers for which CQIs will be fed back among the N subcarriers, for the K receivers, and transmits the CQI feedback quantity to the K receivers. Thereafter, upon receiving CQIs corresponding to the determined CQI feedback quantity, being fed back from the K receivers, the transmitter allocates subcarriers for which there are CQIs being fed back from at least one receiver among the K receivers among the N subcarriers, to any one receiver among the receivers that have fed back CQIs according to a first scheme, thereby guaranteeing the maximum throughput and the maximum fairness.

Abstract: A DSL line interface includes an impedance synthesizer that provides negative feedback to the differential amplifier in the DSL line interface so that the return loss standards for the return signal are met. The DSL line interface unit comprises a differential line driver including a first amplifier and a second amplifier for amplifying the DSL transmit signal, first and second complex termination modules coupled to the outputs of the first and second amplifiers, a transformer including a primary winding coupled to the transmission line and a secondary winding coupled to the first and second complex termination modules, and an impedance synthesizer module coupled between the secondary winding of the transformer and the first and second amplifiers to provide negative feedback to the first and second amplifiers.

Abstract: In a circuit delivering common mode inline power over a pair of conductors imbalance in the current carried by the first and second conductors of the pair of conductors is detected and compensated with a bias current applied to counter the imbalance.

Abstract: A signal transmission arrangement and a method for transmitting signals are disclosed.

Abstract: The present technique relates to the distribution of power and data signals throughout a networked system. For example, three-phase power may be conducted to a device over a set of conductors. One of the conductors, however, may be configured to conduct, in conjunction with a neutral conductor, both one phase of three-phase power as well as data signals in accordance with a predetermined data communications protocol. As an alternate example, the present technique may comprise a set of a first power conductors configured to conduct three-phase power and a secondary power conductor which works in conjunction with an auxiliary conductor to conduct power and data signals. Additionally, the present technique provides for the maintenance data communications and a level of power upon the interruption of three-phase power to a particular component or device.

Abstract: A communication system includes a synchronizing signal generator that generates a synchronizing signal based on a timing of an alternating waveform in a power line, a data communicating circuit that performs the data communication, and a communication controller that controls to acquire a transmitting right utilizing a timing of the synchronizing signal and to control the communication circuit in accordance with whether or not the communication apparatus acquires the transmitting right.

Abstract: Self-clocked two-level differential signaling methods and apparatus assuring both clock synchronization and ease of recovery of transmitted data. In accordance with the method, the data is encoded differentially on a differential signal that changes polarity at the end of each bit time. This allows clock recovery at the receiver simply by detection of the polarity change. The data is encoded, bit by bit, as exceeding a predetermined magnitude for a bit of a given state and as not exceeding the predetermined magnitude for the opposite state. Consequently data recovery is by way of a simple signal magnitude detection during a bit time, such as by a detection of signal magnitude a predetermined time. The apparatus does not require a phase locked loop in the receiver, thereby saving power and time to obtain synchronization. The method is conducive to varying bit time or duration, thereby reducing the peaks in the EMI radiation.

Abstract: Various methods, apparatuses, and systems are described in which devices having no common electrical ground communicate. In at least certain embodiments, an apparatus includes a transformer block to communicate a plurality of data signals and a synchronous clock signal between a first device with a first ground reference and a second device with a second ground reference over a data communication link. The first device sends the plurality of data signals to a modulator block having one or more Boolean logic gates that receive each data signal in combination with the synchronous clock signal. The modulator block sends a plurality of modulated data signals corresponding to the plurality of data signals to the transformer block. The transformer block sends the plurality of modulated data signals and the synchronous clock signal to the second device to provide the data communication link between devices having different ground references.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for allowing two different signal paths to be coupled to a multi-tap transformer balun. The multi-tap transformer has a first port, which is coupled to a single antenna, and two or more differential secondary ports. Each port has one or more taps, which are optimized separately for each of the signal paths, allowing each of the two or more signal paths to operate in different frequency bands. Use of the method of the invention can decrease the number of external components and integrated circuit package pins, and reduce the area required for each signal path on an integrated circuit die, a printed circuit board, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to position sensors of the linearly variable induction difference type. When cost constraints prevent the use of transformers with guaranteed phase-shift tolerance to achieve an accuracy objective, it is advantageous to provide an independent demodulation of the signals of the two windings. The error signal thus has a lower dependence on the phase shift and the accuracy is typically enhanced by a factor greater than an order of magnitude.

Abstract: An induction neutralizing transformer is provided. The induction neutralizing transformer includes a core and a coil wrapped around the core. The coil has a length between approximately 100 feet and approximately 200 feet and includes a plurality of twisted wire pairs. The induction neutralizing transformer does not include a screen or shield to prevent crosstalk interference.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for data transmission via a transmission path having at least two inductive transformers, which each have a primary winding with a time constant and have a secondary winding. The method includes driving the primary windings to transmit an information event by means of drive signals in such a way that the sum of the drive signals follows an envelope curve with an envelope curve duration. The envelope curve being chosen such that its time profile rises within a rise period from an initial value to a maximum value and falls within a fall period from the maximum value back to the initial value, and the magnitudes of the rise period and of the fall period are longer than the time constants of the primary windings. The time profile of the drive signals being dependent on the information to be transmitted and being chosen such that there is at least one steep flank, whose flank duration is shorter than the time constants of the primary windings.

Abstract: A network device comprises a hybrid-mode transmitter for transmitting a differential transmission signal at a first transmission rate or a second transmission rate. The network device includes a first mode channel and a second mode channel. The first mode channel includes a voltage mode driver and a current mode driver for outputting the differential transmission signal. The second mode channel includes a second mode driver, which is one of a voltage mode driver and a current mode driver. The network device transmits the differential transmission signal at the first transmission rate through the voltage mode driver of the first mode channel and the second mode driver. The network device transmits the differential transmission signal at the second transmission rate through at least one of the current mode driver and the voltage mode driverfirst mode channel.

Abstract: A circuit package for providing isolation between a controller on a first side of a switched power supply and a second side of the switched power supply. An isolation link provides voltage isolation between the first and second sides and includes on the first sides circuitry for transmitting a driver signal received from the controller and circuitry for receiving a voltage feedback signal responsive to a sensed output voltage on the second side. The second side includes circuitry for receiving the driver signal and also circuitry for transmitting the voltage feedback signal. A driver located on the second side is responsive to the received driver signal. The second side further includes circuitry for sensing the output voltage and generating the voltage feedback signal. The isolation link additionally provides voltage isolation between the controller and the driver circuit and between the controller and the sensed output voltage.

Abstract: In a circuit delivering common mode inline power over a pair of conductors imbalance in the current carried by the first and second conductors of the pair of conductors is detected and compensated with a bias current applied to counter the imbalance.

Abstract: A data coupler includes a transformer having primary and secondary windings, a data transmitter coupled to the primary winding of the transformer, and a data receiver coupled to the secondary winding. The data transmitter includes a first driver and a second driver having outputs coupled to respective ends of the primary winding. The first driver is responsive to a data signal and the second driver is responsive to a delayed version of the data signal, such that the primary winding is supplied with pulses representing a difference between the data signal and the delayed version of the data signal. The data coupler also includes an ac (alternating current) path to ground from the secondary winding for conducting to ground common mode signals coupled to the secondary winding via an inter-winding capacitance of the transformer.

Abstract: A hybrid circuit that decouples gains for a transmit signal and a receive signal of a broadband modem that is coupled to a telephone line is provided. The hybrid circuit includes a multi-port transformer, a pair of line matching resistors, and a bridge circuit. The multi-port transformer includes a line coil electrically coupled to a telephone line, a linedriver coil magnetically coupled to the line coil and a receive coil that is also magnetically coupled to the line coil. In an alternate embodiment, a hybrid circuit is provided that includes a multi-port transformer in which the line coil, linedriver coil and receive coil include two coil segments. A broadband modem incorporating a hybrid circuit of the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transceiver for bidirectional frequency division multiplexed transmission, a communication system including one or more transceivers. Optionally, the communication system is a communication system for a digital subscriber line. The transceiver comprises transmission means with a voltage source output or a current source output for transmitting data in a transmission frequency range, receiving means for receiving data in a receiving frequency range, and a coupling impedance for connecting the transmission means and the receiving means to a transmission medium. The magnitude of the coupling impedance in the transmission frequency range is smaller than the magnitude of the coupling impedance in the receiving frequency range if the transmission means has a voltage source output and is higher than the magnitude of the coupling impedance in the receiving frequency range if the transmission means has a current source output.

Abstract: An integrated circuit single chip isolator provides bidirectional data transfer for a plurality of communications channels. A first and second dies are located on a first and second sides of a voltage isolation barrier in the chip and have a first and second plurality of digital data input/output pins associated therewith. First circuitry located on the first die on a first side of the voltage isolation barrier and third circuitry located on the second die on a second side of the voltage isolation barrier serializes a plurality of parallel digital data inputs from the associated plurality of digital data input/output pins onto a one link across the voltage isolation barrier and transmits synchronization clock signals associated with the plurality of digital data inputs over a another link across the voltage isolation barrier.

Abstract: An integrated circuit having voltage isolation capabilities includes a first area of the integrated circuit containing functional circuitry that is located in the substrate of the integrated circuit. A second area of the integrated circuit contains an integrated RF isolation circuitry for voltage isolating the functional circuitry. The RF isolation circuitry is located in the metal layers of the integrated circuit.

Abstract: A digital subscriber line (DSL) circuit is disclosed and includes at least one transformer exciting network (TEN) adapted to supply a low-impedance path to ground in response to an excitation current. The excitation current has a non-DSL frequency, and the low-impedance path to ground allows the excitation current to flow through a DSL induction neutralizing transformer (INT). The DSL INT is electrically coupled to the at least one TEN. The DSL INT is adapted to add longitudinal inductance to a telecommunication line in response to the excitation current, wherein the longitudinal inductance suppresses induced harmonic currents.

Abstract: A communication system includes an optical transmitter which is differentially driven and an optical receiver that outputs a differential signal. The optical transmitter creates the differential drive signal from an input signal and delivers the differential drive signal to a laser. The differential drive signal is generated with a transformer and RF chokes for floating the laser above ground. The signal detected by the receiver is input as a differential signal to a transformer which then passes the signal through amplifiers and a filter. The optical communication system provides an increased spurious-free dynamic range which is well suited for RF signals and other analog signals.

Abstract: A data coupler comprises two CMOS drivers which are supplied with a data signal and a delayed version of the data signal to drive a primary winding of a transformer with narrow pulses of opposite polarity corresponding to respective edges of the data signal. A secondary winding of the transformer is coupled via a low pass filter to a data receiver, with a ground path for ac from one end of the secondary winding. The drivers are scaled with a ratio (N?1):(N+1), where the transformer has a primary-to-secondary turns ratio of N:1 and N is greater than one, to equalize voltage drops in the drivers due to consequent unequal common mode currents in the drivers.

Abstract: A system for providing voltage isolation includes the first and second chips, each containing functional circuitry. The chips are interconnected via at least one RF isolation link that provides voltage isolation between the first chip and the second chip.

Abstract: A signal is received from a first portion of a power line via a connection to the power line and at least a portion of the signal is converted to a non-electrically conducting signal. The non-electrically conducting signal may be communicated to a non-electrically conductive communication path. In this manner, the non-electrically conducting signal may have properties that do not provide imminent danger from human contact.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for synchronizing the secondary side to the primary side of a transformer circuit are presented. A preamble which consists primarily of data pulses and inverted power pulses is used initially to obtain the parameters for and to set up a phase locked loop. For example, an edge-triggered one-shot circuit can be used to generate a reference clock from the preamble until lock is detected. Once the phase lock loop locks onto the clock, normal communication between the primary and secondary commences. The phase lock loop, which is in the secondary, is kept in phase during normal communication using valid Manchester edges from the transmit signal.

Abstract: A method for transferring power and information across an isolation barrier comprises transferring power across a power transfer isolation barrier between a primary circuit and a secondary circuit while maintaining isolation between the primary and secondary circuits, and transferring data between the powered system and the isolated system across a communication isolation barrier that is distinct from the power transfer isolation barrier.