Use of powerlines for transmission of high frequency signals
AssigneeNorthern Microdesign, Inc.
InventorWILLIAM C. BLACK
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Communication is provided which includes receiving a transmitted radio signal at a powerline wherein the powerline functions as a receiving antenna for the wirelessly transmitted radio signal. The powerline is coupled to an input of a radio receiver using a coupler to communicate the radio signal to the radio receiver. For calibration purposes a second antenna not coupled to powerline may be used. A method for powerline communication across transformers, open circuit breakers, and other devices is also provided. In addition, a method of monitoring a device connected to a powerline is provided.
Claims36
A method of wireless communication, comprising:
- receiving a wirelessly transmitted radio signal at a powerline adapted for conveying an alternating current power signal wherein the powerline functions as a receiving antenna for the wirelessly transmitted radio signal;
- coupling the powerline to an input of a radio receiver using a coupler to communicate the radio signal to the radio receiver;
- wherein the coupler provides for blocking the alternating current power signal while limiting radio frequency loss and providing surge protection.
A system, comprising:
- a radio receiver having an input;
- a line coupler electrically connected to the a power line, the power line providing an alternating current line level voltage and wherein the powerline functions as an antenna for the radio receiver;
- wherein the line coupler provides for blocking the alternating current line level voltage while limiting radio frequency loss and providing surge protection.
A system, comprising:
- a radio transmitter having an output;
- a line coupler electrically connected to the transmitter output and to a power line, the power line providing an alternating current line level voltage and wherein the powerline functions as an antenna for the radio transmitter;
- and
- wherein the line coupler provides for blocking the alternating current line level voltage while limiting radio frequency loss and providing surge protection.
A method for powerline communication across transformers, open circuit breakers, and other devices, comprising:
- providing a signal at a signal output, the signal at a frequency higher than a frequency of the power line and selected to reduce loss over a communication path that includes one or more transformers or open circuit breakers;
- coupling the powerline to the signal output at a first location using a coupler to communicate the signal over the powerline;
- receiving the signal at a second location, the second location separated from the first signal by the communication path.
A method of monitoring a device connected to a powerline, comprising:
- monitoring powerline noise across the powerline;
- analyzing the powerline noise to determine information about the device connected to the powerline.
A method of monitoring a device connected to a powerline, comprising:
- measuring high frequency scattering parameters or impedance associated with the powerline;
- analyzing the high frequency scattering parameters or impedance to determine information about the device connected to the powerline.
A method for enhancing worker safety, comprising;
- equipping a worker with a beacon device, the beacon device adapted for wirelessly communicating a beacon signal identifying the beacon device or the worker;
- receiving the beacon signal at a powerline wherein the powerline functions as a receiving antenna for the beacon signal;
- coupling the powerline to an input of a radio receiver using a coupler to communicate the beacon signal to the radio receiver;
- and
- determining location of the beacon device at least partially based on the beacon device.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.