Method and system for using power lines for signaling, telephony and data communications

Abstract

The present invention provides a burst mode power line data network system having at least one burst mode power line transmitter (BMPLT) and at least one burst mode power line receiver (BMPLR) for enabling signaling, telephony and data communications via power lines without using carrier frequencies. The BMPLT transmits line encoded bursts of information via a power line to the BMPLR which receives the line encoded bursts of information and has a maximum inter-packet idle time of only one bit between bursts. The invention permits the use of AC coupling in a receiver and results in outputting data with constant pulse widths irrespective of optical signal power levels, etc. In one embodiment, a receiver has a wide dynamic range, is highly stable, may be used over all frequencies of interest without developing high speed electronics or optical components, and has no sensitivity penalty as compared to existing burst mode/packet mode receivers. Because the receiver completely removes common signals, base line wander problems are also removed. The main advantages of the burst mode power line data network system of the present invention is that carrier frequencies and their harmonics are eliminated and therefore signals can be scaled at higher data rates; interference is minimized, since the total time the signals are present on the power line is dramatically reduced; and there is no need for clock recovery in homes and businesses, and therefore modules for implementing the system are inexpensive.