Drive amplifier for power line communications
First Claim
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1. An amplifier for transmitting a communication signal across a power line comprising:
- a converter means for converting a binary representation of said communication signal into an analog transmit signal;
a filter means for filtering said transmit signal to reduce frequency components above a predetermined frequency;
buffer means for transmitting said filter transmit signal onto said power line;
control means coupled to said buffer means and said converter means for switching from a transmit mode to a receive mode of operation,said buffer means and said converter means presenting a relatively high impedance to said power line when in said receive mode.
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Abstract
A power line communication amplifier circuit for providing a signal transmission across a power line medium when operating in a transmit mode, and for providing a relatively high input impedance to the power line when in a receive mode includes a unity gain buffer integrally coupled with a filter. The filter operates upon an input signal provided by a digital driver means. A control means is coupled to the digital driver means and to the buffer such that when said amplifier is switched to a receive mode, both the driver means and buffer provide a high input impedance.
73 Citations
22 Claims
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1. An amplifier for transmitting a communication signal across a power line comprising:
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a converter means for converting a binary representation of said communication signal into an analog transmit signal; a filter means for filtering said transmit signal to reduce frequency components above a predetermined frequency; buffer means for transmitting said filter transmit signal onto said power line; control means coupled to said buffer means and said converter means for switching from a transmit mode to a receive mode of operation, said buffer means and said converter means presenting a relatively high impedance to said power line when in said receive mode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. An amplifier for transmitting a communication signal across a power line comprising:
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a digital-to-analog converter (DAC) for converting a binary representation of said communications signal into an analog transmit signal, said DAC having a tri-state mode of operation; a filter means for filtering said analog transmit signal; unity gain output buffer means for driving said filtered analog transmit signal onto said power line; biasing means for providing a source of current to said buffer means; control means coupled to said DAC and said biasing means for switching from a transmit mode of operation to a receive mode; wherein said DAC operates in said tri-state mode and said source of current is cut-off from said buffer means when said amplifier is switched in said receive mode, said amplifier presenting a high impedance to said power line in said receive mode. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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Specification