Power-line network with multi-scheme communication

摘要

In various embodiments, a power-line communication apparatus provides data over a power-line communication network by transmitting data symbols to endpoint circuits over a power line. The power-line communication apparatus includes a signal-processing circuit configured to combine a plurality of different data streams, each of the plurality of different data streams respectively formatted according to different communication schemes, to form a signal that represents a combination of the different data streams and corresponding communication schemes. Further, the power-line communication apparatus includes a pulse-modulation circuit configured to convert the signals, as combined, as a pulse-width modulated or a pulse-density modulated signal, the pulse-modulation circuit configured to switch at a frequency higher than frequencies of the different communication schemes. An output circuit can be configured to filter the switching frequency and to couple the data symbols to an injector transformer for presentation to the endpoint circuits.

主权项

1. A power-line communication apparatus comprising:
a signal-processing circuit configured and arranged to combine a plurality of different data streams, each of the plurality of different data streams respectively formatted according to different communication schemes used for conveying data symbols to certain endpoint circuits of a power-line communication network, to form a signal that represents a combination of the different data streams and corresponding communication schemes; a pulse-modulation circuit configured and arranged to convert the signal, as combined by the signal-processing circuit, to a pulse-width modulated (PWM) or a pulse-density modulated (PDM) signal, the pulse-modulation circuit configured and arranged to switch at a frequency of not less than 10 kilohertz (KHz); and an output circuit configured and arranged to filter the switching frequency from the PWM or PDM signal and couple the filtered PWM or PDM signal to an injection transformer for presentation to the endpoint circuits.