Method and system for bidirectional communications and power transmission
First Claim
1. A network power controller in a system for bidirectional data and power transmission, the network power controller comprising:
- a power input for receiving positive power and negative power from a DC power source;
a short-circuit circuit protection circuit coupled to the power input;
a power output for transmitting power and data to nodes in the system, wherein the power output is coupled to the short-circuit protection circuit; and
a microcontroller for processing signals sent and received by the network power controller, wherein the microcontroller controls transmission of power to the nodes in response to receiving a short-circuit signal from the short-circuit protection circuit.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system for bidirectional data and power transmission are shown and described. In an embodiment, the system includes a network power controller that protects the network against over-current conditions by disconnecting system power when high current is detected at the power input. In an embodiment, power and data are transmitted between the network power controller and nodes on the network via a conduit having at least three wires. In an embodiment, an optical fiber is used to transmit data between the network power controller and the nodes. The use of a third wire or an optical fiber offers advantages over other systems for bidirectional data and power transmission in that they reduce the EMI effects on the system and allow for an increased duty cycle for power transmission.
67 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A network power controller in a system for bidirectional data and power transmission, the network power controller comprising:
-
a power input for receiving positive power and negative power from a DC power source;
a short-circuit circuit protection circuit coupled to the power input;
a power output for transmitting power and data to nodes in the system, wherein the power output is coupled to the short-circuit protection circuit; and
a microcontroller for processing signals sent and received by the network power controller, wherein the microcontroller controls transmission of power to the nodes in response to receiving a short-circuit signal from the short-circuit protection circuit. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
-
-
12. A bi-directional data and power transmission system, the system comprising:
-
a network power controller, wherein the network power controller transmits power to the system;
at least one node, wherein the node receives power from the network power controller and exchanges data with the network power controller; and
a conduit through which the node receives power from the network power controller and exchanges data with the network power controller, the conduit comprising a first, second, and third wire, wherein the first wire carries positive power, the second wire carries negative power, and the third wire decreases a voltage shifting range by emulating a chassis ground. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
-
-
16. A system for bidirectional data and power transmission, the system comprising:
-
a network power controller including a first transceiver and a first microcontroller;
a node including a second transceiver and a second microcontroller;
a two-wire conduit for power, wherein power is provided to the node from the network power controller via the two-wire conduit; and
an optical fiber coupling the first transceiver to the second transceiver, wherein data is transmitted bidirectionally between the first transceiver and the second transceiver via the optical fiber. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20)
-
Specification