Transformer system for power line communications

• US 5,770,996 A
• Filed: 08/30/1996
• Issued: 06/23/1998
• Est. Priority Date: 08/30/1996
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: GE Security Incorporated (Carrier Global Corporation)
• Original Assignee: Interactive Technologies, Inc. (Fiserv Incorporated)
• Inventors: Severson, Paul K., Meidl, Richard M.
• Primary Examiner(s): Crosland, Donnie L.
• Application Number:
  US08/705,802
• Time in Patent Office: 662 Days
• Field of Search: 340/310.01, 340/310.08, 340/310.05, 340/310.07, 361/623, 361/268, 361/68, 361/81, 361/270, 323/361, 323/355, 323/358, 375/258, 375/259, 307/40, 307/115, 307/17, 307/3, 307/127
• US Class Current: 340/538.16
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/542 using zero crossing information
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5445 Local network
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5458 Monitor sensor; Alarm systems
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5483 using coupling circuits
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2203/5491 using filtering and bypassing
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 3/56 Circuits for coupling, blocking, or by-passing of signals

Abstract

A transformer system couples a control panel with a power line to support two-way communications over the power line. A first transformer steps-down the power line voltage, supplying power to the control panel. A second transformer and associated capacitors provide a low impedance path at the communication signal frequencies and a high impedance path at the power frequency.

Claims

1. A system for coupling a communication device with a power line, comprising:

a first transformer having a primary winding connected with the power line and a secondary winding connected with the communication device;

a second transformer having a primary winding connected in series with the primary winding of the first transformer and a secondary winding connected in parallel with the secondary winding of the first transformer;

a first capacitor connected in series with the secondary winding of the second transformer and in parallel with the secondary winding of the first transformer; and

a second capacitor connected in series with the primary winding of the second transformer and in parallel with the primary winding of the first transformer.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication device is a security system control panel.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the first transformer is a step-down transformer.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the second transformer is a one-to-one transformer.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the communication device sends and receives signals at a first frequency range, the power line transmits power at a second frequency, and the values of the first and second capacitors are selected so that the second transformer provides a low impedance path at the first frequency range and a high impedance path at the second frequency.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the first capacitor is about 2 microfarads.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the second capacitor is about 0.10 microfarads.

8. The system of claim 1, further comprising a fuse connected in series with the secondary winding of the first transformer.