Low frequency bilateral communication over distributed power lines

Abstract

A system and method for providing full-duplex data communications between an electric power distribution station and a power consumer via the power distribution line providing electric power is provided. A first information transmitter, coupled to the power distribution circuit, provides first information signals concurrently with the power signal to the power consumer via the power distribution line. A first information receiver, coupled to a power consumer device powered by the electrical power signal, receives the first information signals via the electric power distribution line. A second information transmitter coupled to the power consumer device provides second information signals concurrently with the electrical power signal. A second information receiver, coupled to the power distribution circuit, receives the second information signals via the electric power distribution line. The information signals transmitted on the power distribution line can be transmitted at a frequency lower than the frequency of the transmitted power signal.

1 . A full-duplex communications system for transmitting information, comprising: 
 an electric power distribution line to transmit an electrical power signal;    a power distribution circuit coupled to the electric power distribution line to provide the electrical power signal to a power consumer via the electric power distribution line;    a first information transmitter coupled to the power distribution circuit to provide first information signals concurrently with the electrical power signal to the power consumer via the electric power distribution line;    a first information receiver, coupled to a power consumer device powered by the electrical power signal, to receive the first information signals via the electric power distribution line;    a second information transmitter coupled to the power consumer device to provide second information signals concurrently with the electrical power signal via the electric power distribution line; and    a second information receiver coupled to the power distribution circuit to receive the second information signals via the electric power distribution line,    whereby full duplex communication between the power distribution circuit and the power consumer is accomplished via the electric power distribution line.    
   
   
       2 .- 40 . (canceled)