Spread spectrum transmission system

• US 6,597,282 B2
• Filed: 03/22/2001
• Issued: 07/22/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/31/2000
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: SMK Corporation
• Original Assignee: SMK Corporation
• Inventors: Takakura, Tooru, Sakamoto, Masahide, Takata, Hajime
• Primary Examiner(s): Lieu, Julie
• Application Number:
  US09/815,124
• Publication Number:
  US 20010050944A1
• Time in Patent Office: 852 Days
• Field of Search: 340/310.01, 340/310.03, 340/310.08, 375/130, 375/131, 375/135, 375/136
• US Class Current: 375/130
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/7097 Interference-related aspects
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2201/709709 Methods of preventing interference

Abstract

An inexpensive spread spectrum transmission system prevents the infiltration of external noise and external leakage of spread spectrum signals by separating electrical power for load devices from electrical power for communication. A plug socket for terminal connection receives a plug for terminal connection of a spread spectrum communication terminal apparatus. The plug for terminal connection is connected to the alternating current power supply line through a blocking filter which blocks electrical noise from entering the spread spectrum terminal apparatus, and prevent spread spectrum signals from passing in the reverse direction. Since the alternating current power supply line for communications carries only light loads, an inexpensive, low-capacity blocking filter is adequate as the blocking filter.

Claims

1. A spread spectrum communication system for communication with at least one load device, comprising:

a first electric power line connected to a source of electric power;

means for connecting said load device to said first electric power line;

a blocking filter connected to said first electric power line;

said blocking filter being of a type effective for blocking electrical noise and spread spectrum signals from passing therethrough;

a second electric power line connected to said blocking filter;

said second electric power line being a power line for communications;

a spread spectrum terminal apparatus connected to said second electric power line;

said spread spectrum terminal apparatus being of a type effective for converting signals between communication signals and spread spectrum communication signals;

and means for communication of said spread spectrum communication signals with said load device, without said spread spectrum communication signals passing along said first electric power line.

2. A spread spectrum transmission system, comprising:

a plug socket connectable to a commercial electric power line;

an electrical plug fittable into said plug socket for supplying commercial alternating current electric power to a load device;

an alternating current power supply line for communications;

one end of said alternating power supply line for communications being equipped with an electrical plug capable of being plugged into said plug socket for connection to said commercial electric power line;

a plug socket for terminal connection connected to said alternating current power supply line for communications in at least one position along said alternating current power supply line for communications;

a blocking filter interposed on said alternating current power supply line for communications between said electrical plug and plug socket for terminal connection;

a spread spectrum communication terminal apparatus having a plug for terminal connection;

said spread spectrum communication terminal apparatus being connected to said alternating current power supply line for communications;

said spread spectrum communication terminal apparatus having a communication signal input-output portion and a spread spectrum modem portion;

connection of said spread spectrum communication terminal apparatus to said alternating current power supply line for communication being connected by plugging said plug for terminal connection into said plug socket for terminal connection;

said spread spectrum communication terminal apparatus being effective to perform at least one of superimposing a spread spectrum modulated communication signal on said alternating current power supply line for communication, or isolating a spread spectrum modulated signal from said alternating current power supply line for communication and demodulating said spread spectrum modulated communication into a communication signal.

3. The spread spectrum transmission system according to claim 2, wherein said plug for terminal connection has the same shape as said electrical plug, whereby said plug for terminal connection is freely connectable to any plug socket installed on said commercial electric power line.

4. The spread spectrum transmission system according to claim 3 wherein said alternating current power supply line for communication is freely separable at one side of said blocking filter, by installation of said plug socket on one side of said blocking filter and an electrical plug on one end of an alternating current power supply line for communication connected with the plug socket for terminal connection.