U.S. patent application number 13/730716 was filed with the patent office on 2013-05-09 for method and system for isolating local area networks over a co-axial wiring for energy management.
This patent application is currently assigned to Jetlun Corporation. The applicant listed for this patent is Jetlun Corporation. Invention is credited to Elsa A. Chan, Tat-Keung CHAN.
Application Number | 20130117584 13/730716 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42340075 |
Filed Date | 2013-05-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130117584 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
CHAN; Tat-Keung ; et
al. |
May 9, 2013 |
METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ISOLATING LOCAL AREA NETWORKS OVER A CO-AXIAL
WIRING FOR ENERGY MANAGEMENT
Abstract
An energy management system. The system includes a coax
controller apparatus comprising an exterior housing and plurality
of coax modules numbered from 2 through N, where N is an integer
greater than 3. In a specific embodiment, each of the coax modules
comprises a powerline chip (PLC) module coupled to an analog front
end, which is coupled to a coaxial connector. The system also has
an electromagnetic shield configured to each of the coax modules.
In a specific embodiment, the electromagnetic shield is configured
to substantially maintain the coax module substantially free from
interference noise or other disturbances. The system has a power
meter coupled to one or more ports of the coax controller
apparatus.
Inventors: |
CHAN; Tat-Keung; (South San
Francisco, CA) ; Chan; Elsa A.; (South San Francisco,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Jetlun Corporation; |
South San Francisco |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Jetlun Corporation
South San Francisco
CA
|
Family ID: |
42340075 |
Appl. No.: |
13/730716 |
Filed: |
December 28, 2012 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
12559486 |
Sep 14, 2009 |
8385083 |
|
|
13730716 |
|
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|
|
61204820 |
Jan 13, 2009 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
713/300 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06F 1/26 20130101; H04B
3/54 20130101; H04B 2203/5458 20130101; H04B 2203/5445 20130101;
H03H 7/463 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
713/300 |
International
Class: |
G06F 1/26 20060101
G06F001/26 |
Claims
1. A method of configuring an energy management system comprising:
providing a coax controller apparatus comprising an exterior
housing and plurality of coax modules numbered from 2 through N,
where N is an integer greater than 3, each of the coax modules
comprising a powerline chip (PLC) module coupled to an analog front
end, the analog front end being coupled to a coaxial connector; an
electromagnetic shield configured to each of the coax modules, the
electromagnetic shield being configured to substantially maintain
the coax module substantially free from interference noise;
coupling a power meter to one or more ports of the coax controller
apparatus; and coupling a multiplexer between a plurality of power
lines numbered from 1 through M and a television broadcasting line;
wherein the multiplexer comprises a plurality of capacitor coupling
circuits, the plurality of capacitor coupling circuits being
coupled, respectively, to the plurality of power lines numbered
from I through M, each of the plurality of coupling circuits being
coupled to a filter configured to remove a frequency ranging from 0
to 30 MHz, the filter being coupled to the television broadcasting
line.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein electromagnetic shield comprises
metal material.
3. The method of claim 1 wherein each of the coaxial connects is
substantially free from noise ranging from 1 MHz to 30 MHz.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the power meter is configured to
transfer at least rate information.
5. A high speed network system for energy management, the system
comprising: an exterior housing; a first shield configured to an
analog front end coupled to a power line chip set configured for a
data rate of at least 200 Megabits per second, and one or more
interface ports, the first shield configured to remove noise
ranging from 1 MHz to 30 MHz derived from at least the analog front
end; a second shield configured to the analog front end coupled to
one or more inductive coupling elements, the one or more inductive
coupling elements being configured to couple a power line signal
from the analog front end to one or more coax connectors, the
second shield configured to block noise from being transmitted to
and from at least the one or more inductive coupling elements; a
third shield configured between the analog front end and the power
line module, the third shield being configured to isolate one or
more powerline signals communicated between the analog front end
and the power line module; and a fourth shield configured to one or
more cables to form a shielded cable coupled to the one or more
coax connectors, whereupon the first shield, the second shield,
third shield, analog front end, powerline chip set, inductive
coupling elements, and power line module are provided within the
exterior housing; wherein the first shield comprises an aluminum
allow material configured spatially around the power line chip.
6. The system of claim 5 wherein the aluminum alloy material
further configured spatially around the analog front end, the
inductive coupling element, and the one or more connectors.
7. The system of claim 6 wherein the second shield comprises an
aluminum alloy or other metal configured to spatially isolate the
one or more inductive coupling elements from the noise.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein the third shield comprises one or
more metal jackets configured around one or more electrical members
configured between the analog front end and the power line chip
set.
9. The system of claim 8 wherein the first shield comprises a
braded metal jacket configured around the one or more cables.
10. The system of claim 9 wherein one or more coax connectors is
coupled to one or more coax cables.
11. A method for using a high speed network system for energy
management, the method comprising: providing a high speed system
for energy management, the system comprising: a first shield
configured to an analog front end coupled to a power line chip set
configured for a data rate of at least 200 Megabits per second, and
one or more interface ports, the first shield configured to remove
noise ranging from 1 MHz to 30 MHz derived from at least the analog
front end; a second shield configured to the analog front end
coupled to one or more inductive coupling elements, the one or more
inductive coupling elements being configured to couple a power line
signal from the analog front end to one or more coax connectors,
the second shield configured to block noise from being transmitted
to and from at least the one or more inductive coupling elements; a
third shield configured between the analog front end and the power
line module, the third shield being configured to isolate one or
more powerline signals communicated between the analog front end
and the power line module; and a fourth shield configured to one or
more cables to form a shielded cable coupled to the one or more
coax connectors; and using the system to transfer one or more power
line signals having energy consumption information over the one or
more powerline network, whereupon the first shield, the second
shield, third shield, analog front end, powerline chip set, and
inductive coupling elements are provided within an exterior
housing; wherein the first shield comprises an aluminum alloy
material configured spatially around the power line chip.
12. The method of claim 11 wherein the aluminum alloy material is
further configured spatially around the analog front end, the
inductive coupling element, and the one or more connectors.
13. The method of claim 12 wherein the second shield comprises an
aluminum alloy or other metal configured to spatially isolate the
one or more inductive coupling elements from the noise.
14. The method of claim 13 wherein the third shield comprises one
or more metal jackets configured around one or more electrical
members configured between the analog front end and the power line
chip set.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the first shield comprises a
traded metal jacket configured around the one or more cables.
16. The method of claim 15 wherein one or more coax connectors is
coupled 2 to one or more coax cables.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority and is a continuation of
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/559,486 filed Sep. 14, 2009,
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 61/204,820
filed Jan. 13, 2009, commonly assigned and incorporated by
reference herein for all purposes.
STATEMENT AS TO RIGHTS TO INVENTIONS MADE UNDER FEDERALLY SPONSORED
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
[0002] A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains
material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright
owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of
the patent document or the patent disclosure as it appears in the
Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise
reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The following notice
applies to the software and data as described below and in the
drawings hereto: Copyright (c) 2009, Jetlun Corporation, All Rights
Reserved.
REFERENCE TO A "SEQUENCE LISTING," A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM
LISTING APPENDIX SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISK
[0003] NOT APPLICABLE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention relates generally to energy management
techniques. More particularly, the present invention provides a
method and system for isolating local area networks over at least a
co-axial wiring for energy management, but it can be applied to
many other applications.
[0005] As larger universities and research labs obtained more
computers during the late 1960s, increasing pressure mounted to
provide high-speed interconnections to share information across a
common network, often referred to as a Local Area Network (LAN).
The development and proliferation of DOS-based personal computers
from the early 1980's and the introduction of the World-Wide Web
(WWW), which enabled the spread of information over the Internet
through an easy-to-use and flexible format, popularized the
adoption of home networking. A home network is a residential LAN,
and is used to connect multiple devices within the home. More
recently Internet Service Providers (ISP) such as AT&T and
British Telecom have been using home networking to provide triple
play services (voice, video and data) to customers.
[0006] Early LAN cabling used for LAN had always been based on
various grades of co-axial cable, but IBM's Token Ring used
shielded twisted pair cabling of their own design, and in about
1984 StarLAN showed the potential of simple CAT3 unshielded twisted
pair--the same simple cable used for telephone systems. This led to
the development of 10Base-T (and its successors) and structured
cabling which is still the basis of most LANs today. Structural
cabling is most cost efficient in new facilities but it becomes
technically challenging and cost prohibitive in existing
facilities. Given that the majority of buildings are existing and
new buildings are just a small percentage of the overall market,
other technologies were developed that transmit data either over
the air or through the use of existing wiring.
[0007] As new applications such as Internet Protocol Television
(IPTV)--a system where a digital television service is delivered
using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure, which may
include delivery by a broadband connection, and Video of Demand
(VoD)--a system that either stream content through a set-top box,
allowing viewing in real time, or download it to a device such as a
computer, digital video recorder, personal video recorder or
portable media player for viewing at any time, matures, the
bandwidth requirement for a LAN will need to be increased to be
able to support these applications.
[0008] Wireless 802.11 technologies are limited in bandwidth,
coverage, interferences and security. Other network technologies
that use the existing wiring of a facility such as HomePNA
Phoneline and HomePlug.TM. Powerline uses bare copper wires which
are easily susceptible to interferences and they are also limited
by its shared medium; thus, making it extremely challenging to
deploy bundled applications and services. A co-axial wire is a
cable consisting of an inner conductor, surrounded by a tubular
insulating layer typically made from a flexible material with a
high dielectric constant, all of which is then surrounded by
another conductive layer (typically of fine woven wire for
flexibility, or of a thin metallic foil), and then finally covered
again with a thin insulating layer on the outside--making it the
most ideal network infrastructure for high-bandwidth applications
that is part of the existing wiring of a facility.
[0009] Although highly successful, networking techniques have not
been used successfully in energy management applications. That is,
energy management applications have been crude and often difficult
to use in an easy and convenient manner. Energy management
applications are also non-existent in some areas. These and other
limitations of conventional energy management techniques have been
described throughout the present specification and more
particularly below.
[0010] From the above, it is seen that improved techniques are
desired to improve use of existing co-axial wiring for LAN and in
particularly energy management applications.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] According to the present invention, techniques related to
maximizing the use of existing co-axial wiring for networking are
provided. More particularly, the present invention provides a
method to isolate networks over existing co-axial wiring of a
facility. Merely by example, the invention provides a network
solution to support various applications such as data networking,
Voice over Inter Protocol (VoIP), Internet Protocol Television
(IPTV), or Video on Demand (VoD), for a variety of environments
such as a hospital, an apartment building, a hotel, a ship, a home,
a shopping mall, or other distribution center or warehouse, school
or large campus, office setting or large building area environment,
manufacturing campuses.
[0012] According to one or more embodiments of the present
invention, techniques have been provided using at least co-axial
wiring in deployments of a larger network where a host device is
connected to and managing N clients, where N is greater than 1.
Placing multiple conventional co-axial wiring together causes
interferences, which hinder overall bandwidth and performance.
MOCA, Ultra-Wide Band (UWB), HomePNA and HomePlug Powerline and
other network technologies see its performance drop when deployed
due to the physical limitations of the co-axial wiring. The present
method and system, however, overcomes some if not all of the
limitations of conventional coaxial based systems and methods.
[0013] An energy management system is provided in one or more
embodiments. The system includes a coax controller apparatus
comprising an exterior housing and plurality of coax modules
numbered from 2 through N, where N is an integer greater than 3. In
a specific embodiment, each of the coax modules comprises a
powerline chip (PLC) module coupled to an analog front end, which
is coupled to a coaxial connector. The system also has an
electromagnetic shield configured to each of the coax modules. In a
specific embodiment, the electromagnetic shield is configured to
substantially maintain the coax module substantially free from
interference noise or other disturbances. The system has a power
meter coupled to one or more ports of the coax controller
apparatus.
[0014] In an alternative specific embodiment, the present invention
provides a high speed network system for energy management. The
system has a first shield configured to an analog front end coupled
to a power line chip set configured for a data rate of at least 200
Megabits per second, and one or more interface ports. In a
preferred embodiment, the first shield is configured to remove
noise ranging from 1 MHz to 30 MHz derived from at least the analog
front end. The system also has a second shield configured to the
analog front end coupled to one or more inductive coupling
elements. The one or more inductive coupling elements are
configured to couple a power line signal from the analog front end
to one or more coax connectors. The second shield is configured to
block noise from being transmitted to and from at least the one or
more inductive coupling elements. In a specific embodiment, the
system has a third shield configured between the analog front end
and the power line module. Preferably, the third shield is
configured to isolate one or more powerline signals communicated
between the analog front end and the power line module. A fourth
shield is configured to one or more cables to form a shielded cable
coupled to the one or more coax connectors. Of course, there can be
other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
[0015] In one or more other embodiments, the present invention
provides a way of using the system described herein to transfer
energy consumption information using one or more power line signals
over one or more powerline networks. Of course, there can be other
variations, modifications, and alternatives.
[0016] Numerous benefits are achieved using the present invention
over conventional techniques. The present invention maximizes the
use of existing co-axial wiring of a facility, provides an easy and
quick method to deploy a LAN and do away with new structure cabling
which are attributable to global warming. In a preferred
embodiment, the present system provides an improved shielding
technique for power line communication of energy management
applications, which tend to be noisy and have other disturbances.
Depending upon the embodiment, one or more of these benefits may
exist. These and other benefits have been described throughout the
present specification and more particularly below.
[0017] Various additional objects, features and advantages of the
present invention can be more fully appreciated with reference to
the detailed description and accompanying drawings that follow.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of the system according to an
embodiment in the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of controller that
illustrates the shielded simple module used to isolate into
sub-networks and the VLAN switch used to segregate networks
according to an embodiment in the present invention;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating isolated 1 thru
N shielded simple modules within the controller according to an
embodiment in the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a simplified block diagram of the external power
supply to the controller according to an embodiment in the present
invention;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a simplified front and back view of the controller
according to an embodiment in the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of the signal splitter
according to an embodiment in the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of the multiplexer
according to an embodiment in the present invention;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of apparatus according
to an embodiment in the present invention;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of the software
structure of the co-axial controller;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram of the software
features of the co-axial controller;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a simplified flow diagram for bandwidth
management;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a simplified flow diagram for security encryption
management;
[0030] FIG. 13 is an overall system diagram of an energy management
system for a multiple unit building associated with respective
energy meters according to embodiments of the present
invention;
[0031] FIG. 14 is a detailed diagram of a controller according to
an embodiment of the present invention;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a detailed diagram of multiplexer (e.g., 1313)
according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0033] FIGS. 16 to 18 are detailed diagrams of a multiplexer
according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention;
and
[0034] FIGS. 19 and 20 are detailed diagrams of multiplexers
according to yet alternative embodiments of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0035] According to the present invention, techniques for
converting co-axial wiring of a facility into a communication
network that can be isolated into sub-networks in order to maximize
bandwidth and decrease interference are provided. Merely by way of
example, the invention has been applied in a local area network
environment, but it would be recognized that other applications
exist. The invention can also be applied to building area network,
home area network, office network, apartments, factories,
industrial area network, any combination of these, and other
networking applications.
[0036] FIG. 1 is a simplified diagram of a co-axial system 100
according to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram
is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of
the claims herein. One of the ordinary skills in the art would
recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications. As
shown, the system 100 for a co-axial local area network is
included. The system 100 has an external data source 105, which is
derived from a modem or router 103 that connects to the world-wide
networks of computers or world-wide web (WWW) 105 and provides
multiple IP address to the system 100. A co-axial controller 107 is
coupled to the external data source 103 through a virtual local
area network (VLAN) switch 109 that is coupled to the modem or
router 103, and is then coupled to a plurality of co-axial wires
111. The co-axial controller 107 is adapted to receive and transmit
information. As merely an example, the co-axial controller is a
product manufactured by Jetlun Corporation of South San Francisco,
California, under the part number RD61230. The co-axial controller
107 is a local area network device that splits a first input/output
port and a plurality of second input/output ports. Each of the
second input/output ports is numbered from 1 through N, where N is
an integer greater than 1. A multiplexer 113 is connected to each
of the second input/output ports and is then connected to a
splitter 117 through a co-axial wire, which then connects to a
co-axial apparatus 125. The multiplexer 113 is adapted to combine
an IP signal 121 with a cable TV signal 119 over a single co-axial
wire 115, and receive and transmit information. As merely an
example, the multiplexer 113 is a product manufactured by Jetlun
Corporation of South San Francisco, California, under the part
number RD61228. The splitter 117 is adapted to separate the
combined signal on the co-axial wire 115 to an IP signal 121 and a
cable TV signal 119 and receive and transmit information. As merely
an example, the splitter 117 is a product manufactured by Jetlun
Corporation of South San Francisco, California, under the part
number RD61229. The co-axial apparatus 125 is adapted to convert
the signal from co-axial to an IP signal and can receive and
transmit information. As merely an example, the co-axial apparatus
is a product manufactured by Jetlun Corporation of South San
Francisco, California, under the part number RD61227.
[0037] FIG. 2 is a more detailed block diagram of a co-axial
controller 200, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not
unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of the ordinary
skills in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,
and modifications exist. As shown, the co-axial controller 200
includes a variety of elements. Such elements include a network
switch chipset 201 that interfaces between the Central Processing
Unit (CPU) 203 and a plurality of Physical layer (PHY) chipset 205,
numbered from 1 through N, where N is an integer greater than 1.
The network switch chipset 201 is couple to the plurality of PHY
chipset 205 through a Media Dependant Interface (MDI) or a Media
Dependant Interface Crossover(MDIX) interface 207.
[0038] Each Physical layer (PHY) chipset 205 is connected to an
aluminum alloy tin shielded network module 213 through a 50-pin
connector 209. The network switch chipset 201 is connect to the CPU
203 through a MII BUS 215 that is connected to a I/O-MII port 217,
which converts the MII BUS 215 to an I/O BUS 219, and then to the
CPU 203. The CPU 203 interfaces with various elements. Such
elements include a Crystal 221, a Serial interface ("UART") 223, a
Debug port ("EJTAG") 225, a USB port 227, a reset circuit 229, a
parallel flash chip 231, and a DDR SDRAM chip 233. The network
switch chipset 201 is also connected to an additional PHY chipset
205 that interfaces with two 1-Gigabit Ethernet ports 235.
[0039] FIG. 3 is a more detailed block diagram of a shielded
network module 300 that is inside the coaxial controller, according
to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely
an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims
herein. One of the ordinary skills in the art would recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications exist. As shown, the
shielded network module 300 includes a variety of features. Such
features include a mechanical aluminum alloy shield 301 that
prevent signal degradation, interferences, and leakages, or any
combination herein. The aluminum alloy shield 301 isolates each
shielded network module into a separate network. Within the
shielded network module 300 includes elements. Such elements
include a powerline chipset 303 that interfaces between the 50-pin
connector 305 through a Power Bus 307 and a MII Bus 309, an analog
front end 311 through a databus 313, and a reset circuit 315. The
powerline chipset 303 also interfaces with EEPROM 317, SDRAM 319
and 37.5 MHZ 321. The analog front end 311 couples to a co-axial
connector 323 through a powerline coupler 325.
[0040] As merely an example, the powerline chipset 300 can feature
an integrated powerline chipset manufactured by INTELLON
CORPORATION of Florida, according to an embodiment of the present
invention, but it would be recognized that other chipsets could be
utilized. Here, the chip can be a single-chip powerline networking
controller with integrated MII/GPSI, USB. The chip interfaces with
Ethernet interfaces, among others. Preferably, there is at least a
200 Mbps data rate on the co-axial wire, although others may be
desirable, such as 7.5 Kbps, 1 Mbps, 14 Mbps, 85 Mbps, 400 Mbps and
1 Gbps. In alternative embodiments, the shielded network module 300
can include other chipset designs that are suitable for the present
methods and systems such as other powerline chipsets from suitable
companies such as DS2, Panasonic,
[0041] Coppergate, Sigma, Arkados, Yitran, Echelon, and others', as
well as other networking technologies that are suitable for the
present methods and systems such as HomePNA, MoCA, and UWB network
chipsets from Coppergate, Entropic, and others. As noted, the
chipsets and companies mentioned are merely an example and should
not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein.
[0042] FIG. 4 is a more detailed block diagram of an external power
supply 400 of the co-axial controller, according to the embodiment
of the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which
should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of the
ordinary skills in the art would recognize many variations,
alternatives, and modifications exist. As shown, the external power
supply includes various elements. Such elements include a 12V 60 W
power supply 401 that interfaces between a DC/DC module 403 through
a 12V output 405 and an AC 90-240V input 407. The DC/DC module 403,
can provide a variety of outputs, such as 12V, 5V, 1.0V, 1.8V,
3.3V, according to the embodiment of the present invention.
[0043] FIG. 5 is a simplified front-view 500 and back-view 501 of
the coaxial controller, according to an embodiment of the present
invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not
unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of the ordinary
skills in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,
and modifications exist. As shown, the co-axial controller has an
outer casing. The outer casing is preferably a plastic but can also
be a metal or any combination of plastic and/or metal. As merely an
example, shown on the back-side of the co-axial controller 501, the
apparatus has a 110/240 VAC DC connector 503, two 8-pin Ethernet
jack for networking 505, a USB port 507, a RS232 port 509, a reset
switch 511, and eight co-axial connectors 513. In the front-side
500, various light emitting diodes (LEDs) are shown to indicate
connectivity on the back of the apparatus.
[0044] FIG. 6 is a simplified block diagram of the signal splitter
600, according to an embodiment in the present invention. This
diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the
scope of the claims herein. One of the ordinary skills in the art
would recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications
exist. As shown, the splitter includes a variety of elements. Such
elements include a cable TV & network input module 601, low
frequency filter 603, and a high frequency filter 605. The cable TV
& network Input module 601 has a cable signal input 607 and is
shielded with alloy aluminum tin 609 that prevent any signal
degradation, interference, leakage, or any combination thereof. The
low frequency filter 603 has a cable TV output 611 and is shielded
with alloy aluminum tin 609. The high frequency filter 605 has a
network IP output 613 and is shielded with alloy aluminum tin
609.
[0045] FIG. 7 is a simplified block diagram of the multiplexer 700,
according to an embodiment in the present invention. This diagram
is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of
the claims herein. One of the ordinary skills in the art would
recognize many variations, alternatives, and modifications exist.
As shown, the multiplexer includes a variety of elements. Such
elements include a powerline network signal input 701 and a cable
TV signal input 703. A high frequency coupling capacitor 705
combines the powerline network signal input 701 and the cable TV
signal input 703 and transmits both signals over the co-axial
output 707. The multiplexer 700 can both transmit and receive
signals bi-directionally.
[0046] FIG. 8 is a simplified block diagram of the co-axial Zigbee
modem apparatus 800, according to an embodiment in the present
invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should not
unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of the ordinary
skills in the art would recognize many variations, alternatives,
and modifications. As shown, the co-axial
[0047] Zigbee modem apparatus includes a variety of elements. Such
elements include a Central Processing Unit (CPU) 801 that connects
to a Zigbee network module 803 thru an I/O BUS 805, a Powerline
network module 807 thru a MII BUS 809, and an Ethernet network
module 811 thru a MII BUS 809. The Zigbee network module 803
includes a variety of elements. Such elements include a Zigbee
network chipset 813 that connects directly to an RF output 815 that
broadcast the IP signal over 2.4 Ghz 817. The Powerline network
module 807 includes a variety of elements. Such elements include a
Powerline chipset 819 that connects to an analog front end 821 thru
an I/O BUS 805 and is then connected to a co-axial wire 823 using a
coupler 825. The Ethernet network module 811 includes a variety of
elements. Such elements include a PHY chip 827 that connects to a
LAN port 829. The CPU 801 also has other elements, including
Parallel Flash 831, Memory 833, Crystal 835, Serial ("UART") 837, a
Debug port ("EJTAG") 839, USB port 841, and a reset circuitry
843.
[0048] As merely an example, the Zigbee chipset can feature an
integrated Zigbee chipset manufactured by EMBER CORPORATION of
Massachusetts, according to an embodiment of the present invention,
but it would be recognized that other chipsets could be utilized.
In alternative embodiments, the Zigbee network module 803 can
include other chipset designs that are suitable for the present
methods and systems such as other Zigbee chipsets from suitable
companies such as TI, Freescale, and others', as well as other
wireless networking technologies that are suitable for the present
methods and systems such as 61oWPAN, WiFi 802.11, Bluetooth, RFID,
and UWB network chipsets from Archrock, Broadcom, Atheros, and
others. As noted, the chipsets and companies mentioned are merely
an example and should not unduly limit the scope of the claims
herein.
[0049] As merely an example, the powerline chipset 300 can feature
an integrated powerline chipset manufactured by INTELLON
CORPORATION of Florida, according to an embodiment of the present
invention, but it would be recognized that other chipsets could be
utilized. Here, the chip can be a single-chip powerline networking
controller with integrated MII/GPSI, USB. The chip interfaces with
Ethernet interfaces, among others. Preferably, there is at least a
200 Mbps data rate on the co-axial wire, although others may be
desirable, such as 7.5 Kbps, 1 Mbps, 14 Mbps, 85 Mbps, 400 Mbps and
1 Gbps. In alternative embodiments, the shielded network module 300
can include other chipset designs that are suitable for the present
methods and systems such as other powerline chipsets from suitable
companies such as DS2, Panasonic, Coppergate, Sigma, Arkados,
Yitran, Echelon, and others', as well as other networking
technologies that are suitable for the present methods and systems
such as HomePNA, MoCA, and UWB network chipsets from Coppergate,
Entropic, and others. As noted, the chipsets and companies
mentioned are merely an example and should not unduly limit the
scope of the claims herein.
[0050] FIG. 9 is a simplified block diagram of the co-axial
controller software structure, according to an embodiment in the
present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which should
not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of the
ordinary skills in the art would recognize many variations,
alternatives, and modifications. As shown, the co-axial controller
software structure includes a variety of elements. Such elements
include a user interface 900, a web server 901, an application
layer 903, a TCP/IP stack 905, an Ethernet driver 907, a powerline
network stack 909, and a MAC/PHY layer 911.
[0051] FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram of the co-axial
controller software application modules, according to an embodiment
in the present invention. This diagram is merely an example, which
should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of the
ordinary skills in the art would recognize many variations,
alternatives, and modifications. As shown, the co-axial controller
software application modules include a variety of elements. Such
elements include a web server module 1000, an account management
module 1001, a user management module 1003, a bandwidth management
module 1005, a powerline network management module 1007 and a
building control management module 1009.
[0052] FIG. 11 is a simplified flow diagram for the bandwidth
management 1100. This diagram is merely an example, which should
not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One of the
ordinary skills in the art would recognize many variations,
alternatives, and modifications. As shown, the bandwidth management
flow 1100 starts by obtaining the current network rate 1101. The
system will then locate what is the user's preconfigured network
value 1103. The next step, the system will check to see if the
user's preconfigured network value is greater than the current
network rate 1105. If the answer given is "yes", the system will
reduce the network rate to the user preconfigured network value
1107. Once the network rate is reduced to the user's preconfigured
network value, the operation then terminates. If the answer given
is "no", the operation will then terminate.
[0053] FIG. 12 is a simplified flow diagram for the security
encryption management of 1200. This diagram is merely an example,
which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims herein. One
of the ordinary skills in the art would recognize many variations,
alternatives and modifications. As shown, the security encryption
management flow starts 1201 by changing the shielded powerline
network module to network encryption key (NEK) A 1203, then the
system checks to whether the shielded powerline network module NEK
A matches the NEK to the Coax-Zigbee modem or not 1205. If it does
not match, the system loops back to change the shielded powerline
network module to NEK A 1203. If it does match, the system changes
the NEK of the Coax-Zigbee modem to NEK B 1207. The system then
changes the shielded powerline network module to NEK B 1209. The
next flow process, the system ensures the shielded powerline
network module and the Coax-Zigbee modem can see each other 1211.
If the shielded powerline network module and the Coax-Zigbee modem
cannot see each other, then the system changes the NEK to the
Coax-Zigbee modem 1207 and repeats the flow. If the shielded
powerline network module and Coax-Zigbee modem can see each other,
then the process ends 1209.
[0054] FIG. 13 is an alternative simplified diagram of a high-speed
network system for energy management 1300 according to an
embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an
example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims
herein. One of the ordinary skills in the art would recognize many
variations, alternatives, and modifications. As shown, the system
1300 for a high-speed network for energy management is included.
The system 1300 has an external data source 1305, which is derived
from a modem or router 1303 that connects to the world-wide
networks of computers or world-wide web (WWW) 1305 and provides
multiple IP address to the system 1300. A co-axial controller 1307
is coupled to the external data source 1305 through a virtual local
area network (VLAN) switch 1309 that is coupled to the modem or
router 1303, and is then coupled to a plurality of co-axial wires
1311 and to a meter bank 1333 through a RS485-Ethernet Bridge 1335.
The co-axial controller 1307 is adapted to receive and transmit
information. As merely an example, the co-axial controller is a
product manufactured by Jetlun Corporation of South San Francisco,
California, under the part number RD61230. The co-axial controller
1307 is a local area network device that splits a first
input/output port and a plurality of second input/output ports.
Each of the second input/output ports is numbered from 1 through N,
where N is an integer greater than 1. A multiplexer 1313 is
connected to each of the second input/output ports and is then
connected to a splitter 1315 through a co-axial wire, which then
connects to a co-axial apparatus 1317. The multiplexer 1313 is
adapted to combine an IP signal from the co-axial controller 1307
with a cable TV signal 1319 over a single co-axial wire 1321, and
receive and transmit information. As merely an example, the
multiplexer 1313 is a product manufactured by Jetlun Corporation of
South San Francisco, California, under the part number RD61228. The
splitter 1315 is adapted to separate the combined signal on the
co-axial wire 1321 to an IP signal 1323 and a cable TV signal 1319
and receive and transmit information. As merely an example, the
splitter 1315 is a product manufactured by Jetlun Corporation of
South San Francisco, California, under the part number RD61229. The
co-axial apparatus 1317 is adapted to convert the signal from
co-axial to an IP signal and can receive and transmit information.
As merely an example, the co-axial apparatus is a product
manufactured by Jetlun Corporation of South San Francisco,
California, under the part number RD61227. The co-axial apparatus
1317 may be adapted to collect, aggregate, store, receive and or
transmit information, and is also adapted to bridge various network
media together. The co-axial apparatus 1317 is adapted to bridge
low speed and high-speed powerline technologies and ZigBee wireless
technology together. In alternative embodiments, wireless
technology can include other wireless technologies such as wireless
802.11 standards, Zwave, 61owPAN, or others. Client devices may
include a variety of apparatus connected through premises AC wiring
1323 or wirelessly 1325, such as appliance module 1327, panel meter
1329, a circuit meter 1331, or a variety of sensors 1333.
[0055] An appliance module 1327 can connect to a variety of
appliances and devices such as refrigerator, washer and dryer,
range, stove, microwave, personal computer, television, or other
appliance. An appliance module 1327 may be adapted to measure,
store and or control energy usage of connected appliances or
devices, bridge Zigbee wireless sensors and devices to the network,
or receive and transmit information across network infrastructure.
As merely an example, the appliance module 1327 may be a product
manufactured by Jetlun Corporation of South San Francisco,
California, under the part number RD75613.
[0056] A circuit meter 1331 may be connected to an electrical
circuit breaker panel or distribution panel. A circuit meter 1331
may be adapted to measure and or store energy consumption
information of up to sixteen (16) circuits in a distribution panel.
As merely an example, the circuit meter 1331 may be a product
manufactured by Jetlun Corporation of South San Francisco,
California, under the part number RD75619.
[0057] A panel meter 1329 may be connected to an electrical circuit
breaker panel or distribution panel. A circuit meter 1329 may be
adapted to measure and or store energy consumption information of
up to three (3) circuits in a distribution panel. As merely an
example, the circuit meter 1329 may be a product manufactured by
Jetlun Corporation of South San Francisco, California, under the
part number RD75619.
[0058] FIG. 14 is a detailed diagram of a controller according to
an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely an
example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims
herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other
variations, modifications, and alternatives.
[0059] FIG. 15 is a detailed diagram of multiplexer 1313 according
to an embodiment of the present invention. This diagram is merely
an example, which should not unduly limit the scope of the claims
herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize other
variations, modifications, and alternatives.
[0060] FIGS. 16 to 18 are detailed diagrams of a multiplexer
according to an alternative embodiment of the present invention.
These diagrams are merely examples, which should not unduly limit
the scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art
would recognize other variations, modifications, and
alternatives.
[0061] FIG. 19 is a detailed diagram of a multiplexer according to
yet an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This
diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the
scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
[0062] FIG. 20 is a detailed diagram of a multiplexer according to
yet an alternative embodiment of the present invention. This
diagram is merely an example, which should not unduly limit the
scope of the claims herein. One of ordinary skill in the art would
recognize other variations, modifications, and alternatives.
[0063] Although the above has been described in terms of specific
embodiments, other variations, modifications, and alternatives can
exist. The specific embodiments are not intended to unduly limit
the scope of the claims herein. Further examples can be found
throughout the present specification and more particularly
below.
[0064] While the above is a full description of the specific
embodiments, various modifications, alternative constructions and
equivalents may be used. Therefore, the above description and
illustrations should not be taken as limiting the scope of the
present invention which is defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *