Methods, systems, and apparatus for routing data over medium and high voltage power lines
This application relates generally to the field of network communications and, more particularly, to transmitting data over power lines.
1. A method of receiving data over a power line, the method comprising:
receiving a first combined signal from the power line at a first location on the power line, the first combined signal comprising a power signal in a first frequency range and a data signal modulated in a second frequency range, the second frequency range being higher than the first frequency range;
frequency filtering the first combined signal to pass signals above a threshold frequency and to not pass signals below the threshold frequency, wherein the threshold frequency is higher than the first frequency and lower than the second frequency in a manner that the data signal is passed and the power signal is filtered out;
demodulating the first data signal to produce a demodulated data signal; and
transmitting the demodulated data signal to a local network.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first location on the power line is upstream of a voltage transformer, coupled to the power line, configured to transform a voltage of the power signal.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the first frequency range is about 50 Hz to 60 Hz and the second frequency is at least 1 KHz.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the power signal is greater than 100.00 volts.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the power signal is greater than 1000 volts.
6. An apparatus for coupling data onto a power line, the apparatus comprising;
a transmitter having an input terminal for receiving a data signal and an output terminal for transmitting the data signal received at the input terminal onto the power line; and
a first coupling capacitor voltage transformer (CCVT) coupled between the transmitter and the power line, the first CCVT configured to pass signals above a threshold frequency and to not pass signals below the threshold frequency;
wherein the output terminal of the first CCVT is coupled to the power line at a first location upstream of a power voltage transformer coupled to the power line for transforming a voltage of the power signal.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the power line bears a power signal in a first frequency range below the threshold frequency and the data signal comprises a second frequency range higher than the threshold frequency.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 , wherein the first frequency range is no greater than 60 Hz and the second frequency is at least 1 KHz.
9. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the transmitter is a power line communication module (PLCM).
10. The apparatus of claim 6 , further comprising:
a first wave trap coupled to the power line between the first CCVT and the power voltage transformer.
11. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein the transmitter is a transceiver.
12. A method of transmitting data over a power line, the method comprising:
coupling a data signal onto the power line at a first location, the power line bearing a power signal in a first frequency range, and wherein the data signal comprises a second frequency range higher than the first frequency; and
trapping signals in the second frequency range at a location on the power line upstream of the first location relative to an intended destination of the data signal.
13. The method of claim 12 , wherein the first location is downstream of a power voltage transformer on the power line.
14. The method of claim 12 , wherein the power signal is greater than 100.00 volts.
15. The method of claim 12 , wherein the power signal is greater than 1000 volts.