Power line communications coupler

• US 5,192,231 A
• Filed: 03/26/1991
• Issued: 03/09/1993
• Est. Priority Date: 06/19/1990
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Echelon Corporation (Renesas Electronics Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Echelon Corporation (Renesas Electronics Corporation)
• Inventors: Dolin, Robert A. Jr.
• Primary Examiner(s): Paumen, Gary F.
• Application Number:
  US07/679,153
• Time in Patent Office: 714 Days
• Field of Search: 361/111, 439/620
• US Class Current: 439/620.21
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/6625 with capacitive component
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/065 with built-in electric apparatus
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5425 improving S/N by matching impedance, noise reduction, gain control
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5445 Local network
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5466 using three phases conductors
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5483 using coupling circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/56 Circuits for coupling, blocking, or by-passing of signals

Abstract

A coupler for providing coupling for power line communications between the power lines carrying different phases of the power. The coupler engages an ordinary wall outlet such as 220 volt outlet and includes a receptacle for a 220 volt plug. Internally, the adaptor has high frequency coupling between the power lines. The coupling presents a high impedence to the power signal.

Claims

1. An electrical coupler comprising:

a generally cylindrical housing;

a male portion disposed in one end of said housing and comprising first and second power line prongs and an additional line prong for engaging a 220 volt receptacle;

a female portion disposed at the other end of said housing and comprising first and second power prong receiving slots and an additional prong receiving slot for mating with a 220 volt plug and electrically connected to said first and second prongs and said additional line prong, respectively;

coupling means electrically connected between said first and second power line prongs for providing a high impedance to low frequency alternating current and low impedance to high frequency electrical signals for coupling high frequency communication signals between said first and second power line prongs.

2. The coupler of claim 1 wherein said coupling means comprises a capacitor.

3. The coupler defined by claim 1 or 2 wherein said additional line prong is for a neutral line.

4. The coupler defined by claim 1 or 2 wherein said additional line prong is for a ground line.