DE102016107695A1 - Method for detecting temperatures - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for detecting temperatures via EMF with an antenna designed as a temperature sensor and a client, wherein the client determines the temperature by demodulating the backscatter of the reflection behavior of the antenna.

Description

The invention relates to a method for detecting temperatures via EMF with an antenna designed as a temperature sensor and a client, wherein the client determines the temperature by demodulating the backscatter of the reflection behavior of the antenna.

Communication technology has become an integral part of our modern life. The focus here is on the exchange of information, which more and more includes the everyday objects of daily use. Be it in traffic, where navigation systems receive congestion information online, be it in the area of home control systems, which can be accessed conveniently via computers and smartphones. The term "Internet of things" describes that communication will increasingly be through interlinked "intelligent objects". Even today, however, it is not common practice to provide network cabling for all these items. Therefore, solutions are needed where data exchange can take place without this infrastructure. List of abbreviations and terms: ASK Amplitude Shift Keying (Amplitude Shift Keying) BSC Backscattering Dataline (DL) Electric cable for data transmission DLK Dataline coupler EM electromagnetic EMF Electromagnetic field EMC Electromagnetic compatibility IT Electronic circuit unit EV power supply Common Power and Dataline (CPDL) Electric cable for common power supply and data transmission Multiplexed Power and Dataline (MPDL) Electrical line for multiplexed power supply and data transmission Powerline (PL) Electric cable for energy supply Powerline communication (PLC) Data transmission via power line PLK Powerline coupler RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator (receive field strength indicator)

If network cabling is not available for data exchange, wireless communication techniques are often used. A disadvantage of the known systems is that a power supply is necessary for active wireless communication.

In addition, these systems have limited range. Although the range can be extended by increasing the transmission power within certain system limits, this is accompanied by a further increase in energy consumption. Systems that regularly exchange information wirelessly are therefore only of limited use in applications where mains power is not available, and regular recharging or regular replacement of batteries is undesirable.

In the publication "Wi-Fi Backscatter: Internet Connectivity for RF-Powered Devices", Bryce Kellogg, Aaron Parks, Shyamnath Gollakota, Joshua R. Smith and David Wetherall, University of Washington, SIGCOMM'14, August 17-22, 2014, Chicago, IL , USA is a passive communication without active transmission by impedance change of an antenna with an analog switch and evaluation of the Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) published as an indicator of the reception field strength. A disadvantage of this system is the low data transmission rate of about 1 kb / s and the short range of about 2 m.

For reasons of security against eavesdropping and interference, wireless communication systems are only used to a limited extent in security-relevant applications. In addition, there are applications where the EM waves used for wireless communication are not tolerated. If wireless communication is not desired or possible, the information content can be modulated onto existing cables to save the expense of additional network cabling.

It is state of the art that high-frequency data signals can be modulated on DC lines and on low-frequency AC lines. A typical circuit example is in 1 of the US5391932A shown. Via a coupler, the PL are coupled to the lines running as CPDL. The coupler has two inductors. Inductors have a relatively low DC resistance and an AC resistance that increases with frequency. Therefore, the coupler for DC and low-frequency alternating currents is low-impedance, for high-frequency data signals, however, high impedance. Thus, on the one hand, even low-power power supplies only slightly attenuate the high-frequency data signals on the CPDL, and on the other hand, the impedance of the power supply prevents the data signals from being transferred to the PL, thus ensuring privacy. The disadvantage of this solution is that the inductors of the coupler can generate dangerous voltage peaks in the event of power interruptions. In addition, in the switch-on phase, the starting up of switched-mode power supply units can be disturbed depending on the inductance of the coupler, the total capacitance on the data lines and any data transfers taking place. In the US5391932A a transistor coupler is published in which the mentioned disadvantages of the inductive coupler are avoided. However, all these solutions have in common the disadvantage of EMC radiation in the frequency range of the high-frequency data signals.

From the US4573041A is a central unit with terminals and sensors known. The central unit is connected to the terminals via CPDL. The central unit and the terminals each have a constant voltage regulator, a modulator and a demodulator. The central unit modulates a reference signal to the constant voltage. The terminals demodulate the reference signal, which is essentially an address. The demodulated reference signal is logically linked to the switching state of sensors connected to the terminal and in turn modulated onto the constant voltage. The central unit demodulates this signal and supplies it to a reception logic. A disadvantage of this solution is that it is not suitable for AC power lines.

In the US5859584A a CPDL circuit is published in which a reference signal is formed for the demodulation of the information and continuously tracked. This reduces interference in the transmission of information to the CPDL due to voltage fluctuations on the PL. Another disadvantage of this circuit is that it is only suitable for DC cables.

An assembly for integration into control units of vehicles for the transmission of information via CPDL is in the US2004207263A1 shown. The supply voltage is filtered via a bandpass filter. The information to be transmitted is modulated onto the filtered supply voltage by the processor via a modulator and an output driver according to the ASK method. The carrier frequency required for the ASK modulation is generated by an oscillator, is a few megahertz and thus allows data transfer rates of several kilohertz. From the filtered supply voltage, the received information is demodulated by means of voltage follower, comparator and detector and fed to the processor. As with the previously cited US5859584A The voltage follower forms a continuously tracking reference signal for reducing interference of information transfer to the CPDL by voltage fluctuations on the supply lines. A disadvantage of this solution is the additional EMC radiation in the range of the carrier frequency and that it is not suitable for AC lines.

In the US2010118983A1 there is disclosed a PLC system for transmitting information via CPDL. The module includes a power supply and a load coupler. The power supply includes a controllable current source, a microprocessor and a differential amplifier. The load coupler includes an inductive coupler, a shunt regulator and a microprocessor. The power supply encodes the information to be transmitted to the load coupler by controlling the power source with the microprocessor. The current fluctuations in the load coupler are compensated by changes in the current flow through the shunt regulator. The microprocessor monitors the flow of current through the shunt regulator and decodes therefrom the information transmitted by the power supply. To transfer information to the power supply, the load coupler's microprocessor with a control output controls a switch to bypass the inductive coupler and encodes the information by impedance changes of the load coupler resulting from bypassing the inductive coupler. These are detected in the power supply by the differential amplifier and decoded by the microprocessor. The disadvantage of this system is that it is not for AC power lines is suitable, further the additional power consumption of the shunt regulator and disturbances of the information transmission via CPDL by current changes through the load.

From the US6229435B1 For example, a PLC system is known for transmitting information between components inside and outside vehicles. In 1a and 1b a system for transmitting information via MPDL is shown. The components include a modulator and a demodulator. The component within the vehicle further comprises a power supply with transistors, with which the power supply can be switched on and off in dependence on the level of a control input. Changes in the level at the control input interrupt the power supply and create a time window for the transmission of information. The off-vehicle component includes a charge storage for puffing the power supply during information transfer, which is decoupled from the MPDL by a diode. The DL are always coupled with MPDL. In an embodiment not shown, the voltage of the power supply is switched between two voltage levels depending on the level of a control input of the component within the vehicle. In this embodiment, the charge storage outside the vehicle for puffing the power supply can be omitted during the information transfer. A disadvantage of this system is that the DL are permanently coupled with MPDL, thereby interference in the PL operation of PL via MPDL are coupled to DL and thus protective circuits for the DL are required. Another disadvantage is that this system is only suitable for DC cables.

In the DE2623699A1 there are published methods and apparatus for the mutual transmission of pulses in which the data transmission pulses are transformed into radio-frequency modulated pulses. Although the individual stations are operated with each other in time-division multiplexing, the information is transmitted via CPDL. The coupling of the signal from the transmitter and receiver to CPDL takes place via a capacitor. A disadvantage of this solution is the EMC radiation in the range of high frequencies used and that it is suitable only for AC lines.

From the US4348582 a system for PL information transmission is known. The system consists of a control unit and receivers with consumers. To transmit a bit of information, the controller will or may not generate a short to the end of half cycles on the AC line depending on the bit status of the information. The receivers include zero crossing detection and determine the bit status of the information from the duration of the pulses of the zero crossing tag. The transmission of Bitstati, in which generates a short circuit and thus the power supply is interrupted briefly, thus takes place by means of MPDL, the other Bitstati in which the power supply is maintained, via CPDL. A disadvantage of this system is that the information can only be transmitted unidirectionally, the transmission rate is very low, while the short circuits flow very high currents and it is only suitable for AC lines.

In the US4400688 Similar methods and systems for PLC are disclosed. In contrast to US4348582 The information is transmitted only from the consumers to the supplier and the transmission of the bit status by power consumption change during the half-waves by the consumer. Independently of the bit statuses, therefore, the transmission of information always takes place via CPDL. Even if the additional power consumes more power than the short circuits, the same disadvantages apply as in the case of the US4348582 ,

From the US5264823 is another unidirectional PLC system known. In contrast to US4348582 the distinction of Bitstati not by generating a short circuit, but by interrupting the power supply to the zero crossing of the AC voltage. The bit status "1" is defined with one interrupt at the end of a positive and the following negative half-wave, the bit status "0" by a sequence of a positive and a negative half-wave each without interruption. The transmission of the bit status "1" thus takes place by means of MPDL, the bit status "0" via CPDL. With the exception of the high currents, this system has the same disadvantages as the US4348582 ,

In the US4300126 is a PLC system with load interruption at zero crossing for information transmission via CPDL known. The system includes several controllers with consume. Each controller includes a zero crossing detection, a load switch and a control input. By applying a control voltage to the control input, the controller opens the load switch at zero crossing for the time T _P , thereby temporarily switching off the load and thus enabling the transmission of information to PL. The time T _P is smaller by orders of magnitude than the period of the alternating current. Transmitter and receiver are coupled via a capacitor to the MPDL. The disadvantage of this system is that it is exclusive is suitable for AC lines, that the MPDL exclusively during the short time T _P can be switched to DL and that inductive loads when switching high voltage spikes in multiple levels of the PL voltage on the MPDL cause and so make expensive protection circuits for the DL required.

From the WO8001024 Methods and systems for transmitting information are known. One line is designed as MPDL and one line as CPDL. The system consists of a transmitter and devices with respective consumers. The transmitter has a switching element with which it can switch the MPDL between PL and DL. The devices have a detector that detects switching between PL and DL. By a suitable choice of switching times can be coded by the transmitter information and decoded by the devices again. In addition, in DL mode, when MPDL is decoupled from PL, the devices may transmit information via MPDL. A disadvantage of this solution is that it is suitable only for AC lines, the EMC radiation due to the high data transfer rates in DL mode on unshielded lines and that a line is designed as CPDL and thus the information transfer can be disturbed by influences on PL.

In the WO2005108245 there is disclosed a system with information transfer over CPDL suitable for DC and AC power lines. The system consists of a control module and consumers. The control module has switches and rectifiers and encodes the information content by giving either AC or DC voltage to the load in positive, negative or alternating polarity. A disadvantage of this system is that the control module can be supplied exclusively with AC voltage in DC loads and the low data transmission rate of a maximum of one bit per half-wave.

The object underlying the invention is to provide a method for detecting temperatures according to the backscatter temperature measurement method.

The object according to the invention is achieved in a method for detecting temperatures according to the backscatter temperature measuring method in that a client determines the temperature or its change from the change in the reflection behavior of the antenna of a temperature sensor.

Advantageously, it can be provided that the temperature or its change is determined by demodulating a backscatter.

In a further embodiment it can be provided that a client determines the temperature difference between two antennas.

In a further embodiment, it can be provided that a client records the distance to the temperature sensor or its change.

In a particular embodiment it can be provided that the antenna of the temperature sensor is made of parts made of material with different coefficients of thermal expansion.

Advantageously, an EMF provider, a repeater or at least one gateway can be provided.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to embodiments according to the drawings, wherein

1a a simplified circuit diagram of an EMF information transmission;

1b a transceiver;

1c an EMF energy harvester as power supply;

1d an array of EMF clients and EMF providers;

1e the information transfer between EMF clients by means of an EMF repeater;

1f the transmission of information via an EMF gateway;

1g an array of two EMF providers and one EMF client;

1h an array of at least one mobile EMF client;

1i the transmission of information between an EMF client and a client running as an information and telecommunication device;

1j a temperature sensor;

2a the information transfer between two clients;

2 B the information transfer between two clients;

2c the information transfer between several clients;

2d the information transfer between spatially separated clients;

2e the transmission of information between clients via gateway
and

3 represents an exemplary network.

1a shows a simplified circuit diagram of an EMF information transmission without active emission of EM waves by the information provider 10 , The information provider has access to this 10 via an antenna 12 consisting of the antennas 12a and 12b , The electronic control unit 16 carries the information to be transmitted 13a the switching element 11 to, which causes the reflection behavior of the antenna 12 changes. The communication is therefore purely passive - without active transmission - only by modulated backscatter 15 by changing the reflection behavior of the antenna 12 , The reflection behavior of the antenna 12 is with the impedance change of the antenna 12 opposite the EMF 14 produced. The impedance change is exemplified by the switching element designed as an electronic switch 11 between the antennas 12a and 12b realized. The modulation takes place directly in the baseband frequency range of the switching frequency of the switching element 11 , The energy supply 43a provides the required power for the drive unit 16 and the switching element 11 ready.

The antenna 12 is exemplary designed as a dipole or patch antenna with low bandwidth. The information is based on the existing EMF in the environment 14 exemplified by the natural EMF 14 , modulated. The existing EMF in the environment 14 may also be generated by radio stations, television masts, mobile phone masts, DCF-77 transmission towers, mobile telephones or WLAN access points by way of example.

In the information receiver 17 will that be from the antenna 12c received signal amplified and the electronic evaluation unit 18 fed. This evaluates in the amplified received signal both the signal itself and the changes in the antenna reflection of the information provider 10 and demodulates the received information 13b , Furthermore, the information recipient includes 17 the energy supply 43b for providing the required energy for the evaluation unit 18 ,

In order to enable a position-independent installation, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, a circular polarization is preferred for the communication.

The power supplies 43a and 43b are designed as a battery. In another embodiment, at least the power supply 43a or the power supply 43b designed as a rechargeable battery, power supply or as a fuel cell.

In an alternative embodiment, the information provider has 10 over one as an amplifier 11a trained transmitting unit with the antenna 12 connected is. Before sending the information, the electronic control unit checks 16 the field strength of the EMF 14 , Reaches the field strength of the EMF 14 not for a reliable information transfer, so connects the drive unit 16 with the switch 11c the amplifier 11a with the power supply 43a , with the switch 11b with the antenna 12 , fits with the switching element 11 the impedance of the antenna 12 to the amplifier 11a and leads the information 13a not the switching element 11 but the amplifier 11a to and sends these actively over the antenna 12 out. In another embodiment, the amplifier includes 11a an unillustrated coupling network for the antenna 12 ,

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the electronic drive unit determines 16 from the field strength of the EMF 14 the achievable transmission rate for reliable information transmission and carries the information 13a not the switching element 11 too, but connects to the switch 11c the amplifier 11a with the power supply 43a , with the switch 11b with the antenna 12 , fits with the switching element 11 the impedance of the antenna 12 to the amplifier 11a and leads the information 13a the amplifier 11a if the achievable transmission rate falls below a certain predetermined minimum value of, for example, 115 kilobits per second.

1b shows a transceiver to provide and receive information 13 suitable EMF client 19 , The EMF client 19 consists essentially of the components of the information provider 10 and the information recipient 17 , When providing information, the information to be transmitted becomes 13a the switching element 11 fed and thereby changes the reflection behavior of the antenna 12 ,

Further includes the EMF client 19 the energy supply 43 for providing the required energy for the evaluation unit 18 , the drive unit 16 and the switching element 11 ,

In order to enable operation even in places where there is no sufficiently strong EMF in the environment, is in 1b the EMF supplier 20 represented as EMF transmitter and the EMF 14 sending out. Preferably, the EMF provider contains 20 also all components of the EMF client 19 and thus can also exchange information.

1c shows one as an EMF energy harvester 21 executed energy supply 43 , This converts parts of the EMF 14 Existing energy into electrical energy to power the EMF client 19 around. An appropriate matching network 22 to adapt the antenna 12 to the Energy Harvester 21 and a rectifier 23 in the Energy Harvester ensure a function of the electronics up to a reception power of exemplarily -20 dBm (= 10 μW). The required power density is 400 nW / cm ² . The usable power scales with the antenna dimension. The rectifier 23 includes a charge storage C _v and a control circuit that regulates the supply voltage U _v to a preselected value. In an extended embodiment, the charge storage C _{v is designed} as a buffer battery.

1d shows the EMF clients 19b and 19c using the natural EMF 14a information 13 can exchange. The field strength of the EMF 14a is in the area of the EMF client 19a for exchanging information 13 unsatisfactory. The route between EMF client 19a and 19b is with 24ab that is between EMF client 19b and 19c With 24BC and the between EMF client 19a and 19c With 24ac designated. The EMF provider 20 increased with the artificial EMF 14b the field strength of the EMF 14 formed as a superposition of natural EMF 14a and that of the EMF provider 20 generated EMF 14b and thus allows transmission over the track 24ac which is longer than either of the two routes 24ab and 24BC , whose maximum achievable length in the open field is between 5 and 10 meters and which strongly depends on the field strengths of the EMF 14a and 14b , the antennas 12 as well as obstacles, for example a wall.

1e shows an arrangement of two EMF clients 19a and 19b in which the track 24ab the maximum communication range between the EMF clients 19a and 19b exceeds. Between the two EMF clients 19a and 19b is as an EMF repeater 25 executed further EMF client arranged. Both the track 24a between the EMF client 19a and the EMF repeater 25 as well as the track 24b between the EMF client 19b and the EMF repeater 25 are shorter than the maximum communication range. The EMF repeater 25 receives from the EMF client 19a provided information 13 , demodulated with the evaluation unit 18 the information content and modulates this with the drive unit 16 and the switching element 11 turn on the antenna 12 on, in turn, from the EMF client 19b received and demodulated. In the reverse direction, the EMF repeater receives 25 those from the EMF client 19b provided information 13 , demodulated with the evaluation unit 18 the information content and modulates this with the drive unit 16 and the switching element 11 turn on the antenna 12 on, in turn, from the EMF client 19a received and demodulated. Through the use of EMF repeaters 25 the spatial arrangement of the EMF clients is significantly extended.

In a particularly advantageous, in 1e not shown embodiment includes the EMF repeater 25 an EMF provider 20 ,

1f shows the EMF gateway 28a that with EMF client 19a in a first EMF 14a information 13 exchanges and spatially separated the EMF gateway 28b that with the EMF client 19b in at least one other EMF 14b information 13 exchanges. The EMF gateway 28a transmits the information 13 from the EMF client 19a over the communication network 26 to the EMF gateway 28b that the information 13 to the EMF client 19b in another EMF 14b forwards. Conversely, the EMF gateway transmits 28b the information 13 from the EMF client 19b over the communication network 26 to the EMF gateway 28a that the information 13 to the EMF client 19a forwards. The information transmission in the communication network 26 takes place by way of example via electrical conductors (in particular Ethernet, LAN and MPDL), via EMF (in particular Wi-Fi, WiFi-, Bluetooth, ZigBee, mobile network, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light) or via optical fiber for bridging greater distances.

In an alternative embodiment, the information is transmitted between the EMF gateways 28a and 28b by ultrasound 27 in particular using the sound transmission properties of water.

It also includes the EMF Gateway 28a the energy supply 43a and the EMF gateway 28b the energy supply 43b , In particularly advantageous embodiments, the power supplies 43a and or 43b as an EMF energy harvester for converting energy from the EMF 14a and or 14b , as an EMF energy harvester for converting energy from EM-based communication networks 26 , as a converter for converting energy from LAN-based communication networks 26 and / or as a sound energy harvester for converting the kinetic energy of the ultrasound 27 into electrical energy to power the EMF gateways 28a and or 28b executed.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment is in the EMF gateways 28a and or 28b an EMF client 19 , an EMF provider 20 and / or an EMF repeater 25 integrated.

1g shows the EMF client 19 and at least two EMF suppliers 20a and 20b , The power at the receiver typically decreases in the far field of the utility antenna as the distance between the EMF suppliers increases 20a -B and the EMF client 19 by 20 dB per decade of the distance r _a , r _a ', r _b , r _b '. The distance r _a , r _a ', r _b , r _b ' between the individual subscribers can thus be based on the reception power between the EMF providers 20a -B and the EMF client 19 Approximately be determined without regard to the attenuation caused by items that are between the EMF providers 20a -B and the EMF client 19 located, for example, a wall. In its starting position, the EMF client rates 19 the field strength of the EMF supplier 20a emitted EMF 14a and determines from this the distance r _a and the field strength of the EMF supplier 20b emitted EMF 14b and determines from this the distance r _b . In the position 19 ' determines the EMF client 19 the distances r _a 'and r _b ' in the same way. From the relationship that r _a 'greater than r _a and r _b ' is smaller than r _b , the EMF client detects 19 a move away from the EMF provider 20a to the EMF supplier 20b ,

1h shows an arrangement of at least one mobile EMF client 19 and the fixed EMF clients 19a c. The EMF clients 19 . 19a -C are in a range of sufficient field strength of in 1h for clarity, not shown EMF 14 , The mobile EMF client 19 determined from the field strengths of the backscattering 15a -C from the EMF clients 19a -C the distances r _a , r _b and r _c and after the movement into the position 19 ' the distances r _a ', r _b ' and r _c '.

The mobile EMF client 19 is exemplarily worn by a user, is integrated in a bracelet and transmits the distances and its identification number to the fixed EMF clients 19a -C, which are exemplary integrated in different fittings. This allows the fixed EMF clients 19a -C determine which the mobile EMF client 19 spatially closest. An approximate position estimate is already with two of the fixed EMF clients 19a -C possible; The accuracy of the position determination increases with the number of stationary EMF clients.

1i shows a simplified scheme of information transfer between the EMF client 19 and a client running as an information and telecommunications equipment device 29 , The client 29 is exemplary as a smartphone 29a , Computer 29b , Mobile phone, tablet or component of a building management system.

The EMF gateway 28 includes an EMF utility, not shown, to generate the EMF 14 with sufficiently high field strength for the exchange of information 13 , Because the distance between the EMF client 19 and the EMF gateway 28 exceeds the maximum communication range is spatially between the EMF client 19 and the EMF gateway 28 the EMF repeater 25 arranged. The information 13 is sent via an unillustrated control line to the EMF client 19 transmit this information 13 via the EMF repeater 25 to the EMF gateway 28 forwards. The EMF gateway 28 finally transfers the information 13 over the communication network 26 to the client 29 , for example a smartphone 29a that the information 13 on his display.

The transmission of information from the client 29 to the EMF client 19 takes place analogously in reverse order.

1j shows an embodiment of a temperature sensor 37 for detecting the temperature according to the backscatter temperature measuring method (BSC temperature measuring method). The temperature sensor 37 is designed as an antenna made of a material with a known, high thermal expansion coefficient. If the material has a positive coefficient of thermal expansion, the material expands as the temperature rises and contracts again as the temperature falls. If, on the other hand, the material has a negative coefficient of thermal expansion, the material contracts as the temperature increases and expands again as the temperature decreases. With the size expansion of the material change with the geometry of the as a temperature sensor 37 executed antenna 12 the impedance and thus also the backscatter 15 . 15a c. In another version is the temperature sensor 37 from the antennas 12a and 12b educated. The antenna 12a consists of a conductive structure on a material with a known, high thermal expansion coefficient. In contrast, the antenna is 12b formed as a conductive structure on a material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Starting from the room temperature, the antenna expands 12a and takes the position at a temperature of exemplarily 30 ° C 12a ' at. If the temperature continues to increase, then at a certain temperature of 45 ° C in the position, for example 12a '' the conductive structure of the antenna 12a the conductive structure of the antenna 12b , thus abruptly changes the impedance of the antennas 12a and 12b existing antenna 12 and thus also the backscatter 15 . 15a c.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the antenna 12 so arranged that the antenna 12a warmer than the antennas 12b is. The antenna warms up 12a and touch the cooler antenna 12b , cools the antenna 12a back off and take over the position 12a ' their original position 12a one. From the frequency or the time course of the impedance changes, taking into account the typical heat transfer losses, the temperature difference between the two antennas 12a and 12b determined.

In alternative, not shown, the antenna is made 12a of a conductive structure on a material with a low coefficient of thermal expansion and the antenna 12b as a conductive structure of a material with a known, high thermal expansion coefficient.

2a shows an arrangement of clients 30a and 30b , The client 30a includes the PL connector 46 as well as the coupler 33 alternately coupling either PL or DL to MPDL and exemplified as a two-pole relay with changeover contact, the power supply 43c for supplying the electronic circuit unit 35 and an MPDL port, via the terminals 44aa and 44ab with client 30b is coupled. In addition to the MPDL connection with the terminals 44ba and 44bb includes the client 30b the coupler 33 , the energy supply 43c and the charge storage C _v to supply its electronic circuit unit 35 , The energy supply 43c is about PL with the coupler 33 connected.

The electronic circuit unit 35 has both data ports A and B, which via DL with the coupler 33 connected via the control terminal SW, which is connected to the control input of the coupler 33 , for example, the coil of the relay is connected.

The client 30a is between the power supply 43 and the client 30b arranged and supplied in normal operation the client 30b , To do this, the client couples 30a MPDL on PL and the client 30b MPDL on PL and thus on its power supply 43c , In PL mode DL is thus both in the client 30a as well as in the client 30b decoupled from MPDL. The client 30a can power supply by coupling MPDL to DL 43 from the client 30b regardless of the switching state of the coupler 33 disconnect and is thus in master function (MF). The client 30b can the client 30a not from the power supply 43 and is thus in slave function (SF).

The client acts to initiate an information transfer 30a as an information provider 10 and couples with the relay designed as a coupler 33 the MPDL from PL to the data ports of its electronic circuit unit 35 , thus disconnects the client 30b galvanic from the power supply 43 and thus prevents disturbing influences of PL on DL. The as information recipient 17 running client 30b recognizes the disconnection from the power supply 43 at a continuous drop in the voltage at the charge storage C _v and switches with its designed as a relay coupler 33 the MPDL from PL to the data ports of its electronic circuit unit 35 , The client 30a Detects the decoupling of the charge storage C _v by the client 30b from the MPDL and starts the transmission of information 13 , The end of the information transfer recognizes the client 30b on coupling the MPDL from DL to PL by the client 30a ,

Although the information transfer is bidirectional between the clients 30a and 30b can only be done by the client 30a in master function MF initiate the transfer of information.

In an advantageous embodiment evaluates the client 30b constantly the information received 13 and, upon receipt of a command to stop the transmission of information, disconnects and couples the MPDL from DL to PL and thus to its power supply 43c with connected charge storage C _v . The client 30a recognizes this coupling of the power supply 43c to the MPDL and supplies the client 30b by using his coupler 33 Link MPDL from DL to PL.

In a special execution evaluates the client 30b constantly the voltage at the charge storage C _v and coupled falls below a threshold value of example 6.5 V MPDL from DL to PL and thus to its power supply 43c with connected charge storage C _v . The client 30a recognizes this coupling of the power supply 43c to the MPDL and supplies the client 30b by using his coupler 33 Link MPDL from DL to PL. This ensures that the required minimum voltage for the operation of the client 30b not fallen below. In a further embodiment of the invention sets the client 30a after a minimum loading time of, for example, 2 s, the transmission of the information 13 by initiating a new transfer of information.

In a particular embodiment, the power supply includes 43c a rectifier and thus allows operation at AC voltage. To avoid interference on DL and PL by coupling PL to DL and thus the need for extensive protection circuits, has the power supply 43c advantageously via the zero crossing detection 47 that connected with the electronic circuit unit 35 connected is. The zero crossing detection 47 detects the zero crossings of the AC voltage. The electronic circuit unit 35 has the different operating modes for ohmic, inductive and capacitive loads. In the operating mode for ohmic and in the operating mode for resistive / capacitive loads, the electronic circuit unit switches 35 from PL to DL always at the zero crossing, in the operating mode for inductive loads by a quarter of the period of the AC voltage thereafter. In another variant, the zero-crossing detection detects 47 the zero crossings of the alternating current. The electronic circuit unit 35 always switches from PL to DL at the zero crossing of the alternating current.

In a particularly cost effective design, either the terminals 44aa and 44ba or 44ab and 44bb connected to ground potential. As a result, the MPDL line between the two terminals connected to ground potential can be omitted and MPDL can be executed as singlewire.

If the PL has more lines than required for MPDL, the lines not required for MPDL will not be coupled to MPDL and will always operate as PL.

2 B shows one about the in 2a outgoing embodiment of the invention, wherein the coupler 33 the PL coupler 33a and the DL coupler 33b includes. The client 30a in master function MF includes the PL terminal 46 to the power supply 43 as well as the coupler 33 , whose PL coupler 33a connected to PL, which is connected to the PL connector 46 connected power supply 43c for supplying the electronic circuit unit 35 and an MPDL port. The electronic circuit unit 35 has the data ports Tx for information to be transmitted 13a and Rx for information to be received 13b connected via control lines to the DL coupler 33b connected via the control terminal SW, which is connected to the control input of the coupler 33 connected is. The level of the control terminal SW determines whether the coupler 33 Couples PL or DL to MPDL. The client 30b in slave function SF includes instead of the power supply 43c the energy supply 43d with the charge storage C _v , which with the PL coupler 33a connected is. The client 30b further includes the switching element 34 whose control input is connected to a data terminal of its electronic circuit unit 35 is connected and whose power consumption is determined by the status of the control input.

In normal operation, the client supplies 30a the client 30b by passing through the control input SW with its coupler 33 Coupling MPDL to PL. The client 30b couples with its coupler 33 MPDL too PL and thus with its power supply 43d , In PL mode, DL is both in the client 30a as well as in the client 30b decoupled from MPDL.

In extension to 2a can also transmit information through the client 30b in slave function SF. To do this, the client modulates 30b an encoded information 13 on the control input of the switching element 34 and thus increases the power consumption of the client 30b for example 100 mA. The client 30a determined with the current sensor 45 periodically the power consumption of the client 30b and decodes with its electronic circuit unit 35 the information 13 ,

The information 13 is in the simplest case, the exceeding of a limit for the power consumption of the client 30b , which is not exceeded in normal operation. In another embodiment, the information is 13 a certain change in power consumption in a given time unit, for example +10 mA in 1 ms. In a particular embodiment, the information is modulated in the form of a command, an address or a digital signature by a digital modulation method, for example according to the ASK method with a carrier frequency of exemplarily 1200 hertz.

2c shows the information transfer between multiple clients. The clients 30 . 30a and 30b are identically constructed and each include a power supply 43d , a coupler 33 consisting of the PL coupler 33a and the DL coupler 33b , an electronic circuit unit 35 , a switching element 34 , a current sensor 45 , a PL connector 46 and at least one MPDL port.

The clients 30 . 30a and 30b are connected via the MPDL ports, their order is arbitrary. The client 30 is also over the PL connection 46 with the power supply 43 connected.

In normal operation, the client supplies 30 the clients 30a and 30b , To do this, the client couples 30 PL and thus the power supply 43 with MPDL and so provides the clients 30a and 30b , in turn, their energy supplies 43d pair with MPDL. In PL mode, DL is in the clients 30 . 30a and 30b decoupled from MPDL.

The function is as in 2 B described. The electronic circuit unit 35 of the client 30 is programmed for the master function MF, that of the clients 30a and 30b for the slave function SF.

In a particular embodiment, the clients change 30 . 30a and 30b when connecting the power supply 43 to the PL connector 46 in master function MF. Advantageously, the clients change 30 . 30a and 30b when disconnecting from the power supply 43 in slave function SF. This allows all clients to be provided with the same software.

Advantageously, the clients have 30 . 30a and 30b for each of their MPDL ports via its own coupler 33 and its own current sensor 45 (in 2c not shown). The clients 30 . 30a and 30b determine in slave function SF periodically the flow of current from the MPDL connections, recognize whether from the MPDL port at least one other client is supplied and in this case form a subnetwork on the MPDL, for which they take over the master function MF, the assignment in following table is shown: subnet 31 subnet 32 client 30 MF - client 30a SF MF client 30b SF SF

This can be done during an information transfer on the subnet 32 the MPDL between client 30 and 30a continue to stay connected to PL and so client 30a during the information transfer with client 30b supply.

In a cost-effective execution, the client has 30 instead of the power supply 43d with charge storage C _v via the power supply 43c without charge storage C _v and it eliminates the switching element 34 ,

In a further cost-effective execution accounts for the clients 30a and 30b the PL connection 46 ,

In a particularly cost-effective embodiment eliminates the current sensor 45 for unoccupied MPDL connections as well as for clients that can not assume a master function.

2d shows the information transfer between the clients 30a and 30b out 2c , which are only schematically shown and not explained here, in 2d but are spatially separated. Quality and amplitude of the received information 13b decreases with increasing distance between the clients 30a and 30b from. This is caused by the ohmic resistance, the inductance and the capacitive coupling of the conductors, the decreasing field strength of the EMF, the optical loss in a glass fiber and the decreasing sound amplitude. This affects the distance between the clients 30a and 30b the maximum possible data rate for error-free information transmission.

To extend the maximum allowable distance is between the spatially separated clients 30a and 30b the repeater 36 arranged. The in 2d exemplified repeaters 36 includes two MPDL ports, each MPDL port with a coupler 33 connected is. The PL connections of the couplers are with each other and with the power supply 43d connected. The electronic circuit unit 35 includes a transceiver that receives the information received from each MPDL port 13b amplified and transmits to the other MPDL port.

In a particular embodiment, the repeater 36 designed as a fiber-optic, sound or EMF repeater.

2e shows the information transfer between the clients 30a and 30b out 2c , in the 2e are not directly connected via MPDL. The arrangement further includes the gateways 38a and 38b , The information transfer between the client 30a and the gateway 38a as well as the client 30b and the gateway 38b done via MPDL as in 2a and 2 B described. The gateways 38a and 38b are about the transmission medium 40 coupled. The from the client 30a to the client 30b information to be transmitted 13a is via MPDL to the gateway 38a , from this via the transmission medium 40 to the gateway 38b and from this in turn via MPDL to the client 30b transfer. The information transfer from the client 30b to the client 30a is done in reverse order via MPDL, the gateway 38b , the transmission medium 40 , the gateway 38a and MPDL.

The transmission medium 40 is exemplary as an electrical conductor (in particular Ethernet, LAN and MPDL), as EMF (in particular WLAN, WiFi-, Bluetooth, ZigBee, mobile network, infrared, visible or ultraviolet light), as an ultrasonic coupling (in particular via water pipes) or as Glass fiber designed to bridge larger distances.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, not shown, the gateways comprise 38a and 38b several transmission media 40 and thus enables the transmission of information between clients via different transmission media 40 ,

In a further embodiment, the arrangement comprises at least one further gateway 38 and thus enables transmission over several transmission media 40 in a row, by way of example via WLAN and fiber optics.

3 shows an exemplary network. It includes the client 39a , which is designed as an example of an electronic removal fitting with information transmission via EMF. The client 39a and the EMF repeater 25 are located in an area where the already existing in the area EMF 14a has a sufficient field strength for information transmission. Furthermore, the network includes the clients 39b and 39c with information about EMF and the gateway 38 , An example is client 39b as electronic withdrawal fitting and client 39c designed as a manual removal fitting. The clients 39b and 39c as well as the gateway 38 are locally located in an area where the field strength of the existing in the environment EMF 14a insufficient to transfer information. The gateway 38 includes an EMF gateway 28 as well as an EMF supplier 20 and generated with the EMF provider 20 the EMF 14b , one for information transfer with the clients 39b and 39c as well as the EMF repeater 25 has sufficient field strength. The information transfer between the clients 39b and 39c and the gateway 38 thus takes place directly while the information transfer between the clients 39a and 39c , between the clients 39a and 39b as well as between the client 39a and the gateway 38 as in 1e described via the EMF repeater 25 he follows.

Furthermore, the network includes the clients 39d and 39e with information exchange on MPDL, which are exemplified as manual removal fittings. The information transfer between the clients 39d and 39e as well as the gateway 38 is done directly through MPDL, while the information transfer between the clients 39d and 39e with the clients 39b and 39c as in 1f described via the EMF gateway 28 of the gateway 38 and the information transfer between the clients 39d and 39e and the client 39a additionally as in 1e described via the EMF repeater 25 he follows.

The gateway 38 in turn transmits over the communication network 26 information 13 the clients 39a -E to the example as a smartphone 29a or as a computer 29b running client 29 , In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the computer 29b integrated into an unillustrated building management system.

The information transfer between the clients 29 and 39a -E is used to transfer data, for example, the on and off times of the valves, the temperatures and / or flow rates of the water flowing through.

In a particular embodiment, the information transmission is used for configuring, remote control, for reading a program, data and / or diagnostic memory and / or software update of the clients 29 and or 39a e.

In an alternative embodiment, the information transmission is used to balance the time between the clients 29 and 39a e.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the gateway comprises 38 a web server, not shown. This can be done by means of the usual web browser on the clients 29 and 39a -E are accessed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

Information provider ( 1a . 2a )

11

Switching element ( 1a . 1b . 1e )

11a

Amplifier ( 1a )

11b

Switch ( 1a )

11c

Switch ( 1a )

12

Antenna ( 1a . 1b . 1c . 1e . 1j )

12a

Antenna ( 1a . 1b . 1e . 1j )

12a '

Position ( 1j )

12a ''

Position ( 1j )

12b

Antenna ( 1a . 1b . 1e . 1j )

12c

Antenna ( 1a )

13

Information ( 1b . 1d . 1e . 1f . 1i )

13a

information to be transmitted ( 1a . 1b )

13b

received information ( 1a . 1b )

14

EMF ( 1a . 1b . 1c . 1d . 1e . 1i )

14a

EMF ( 1d . 1f . 1g . 3 )

14b

EMF ( 1d . 1f . 1g . 3 )

15

Backscatter BSC ( 1a . 1b )

15a

Backscatter BSC ( 1h )

15b

Backscatter BSC ( 1h )

15c

Backscatter BSC ( 1h )

16

Drive unit ( 1a . 1b . 1e )

17

Information recipient ( 1a . 2a )

18

Evaluation unit ( 1a . 1b . 1e )

19

EMF client ( 1b . 1c . 1g . 1h . 1i )

19 '

position 19 ' from EMF client 19 ( 1g . 1h )

19a

EMF client ( 1d . 1e . 1f . 1h )

19b

EMF client ( 1d . 1e . 1f . 1h )

19c

EMF client ( 1d . 1h )

20

EMF supplier ( 1b . 1d . 3 )

20a

EMF supplier ( 1g )

20b

EMF supplier ( 1g )

21

EMF Energy Harvester ( 1c )

22

Adaptation network ( 1c )

23

Rectifier ( 1c )

24a

Route ( 1e )

24b

Route ( 1e )

24ab

Route ( 1d . 1e )

24ac

Route ( 1d )

24BC

Route ( 1d )

25

EMF repeater ( 1e . 1i . 3 )

26

Communication network ( 1f . 1i . 3 )

27

Ultrasound ( 1f )

28

EMF gateway ( 1i . 3 )

28a

EMF gateway ( 1f )

28b

EMF gateway ( 1f )

29

Client ( 1i . 3 )

29a

Smartphone ( 1i . 3 )

29b

Computer ( 1i . 3 )

30

Client ( 2c )

30a

Client ( 2a . 2 B . 2c . 2d . 2e )

30b

Client ( 2a . 2 B . 2c . 2d . 2e )

31

Subnetwork ( 2c )

32

Subnetwork ( 2c )

33

Coupler ( 2a . 2 B . 2c . 2d )

33a

PL coupler ( 2 B . 2c . 2d )

33b

DL coupler ( 2 B . 2c . 2d )

34

Switching element ( 2 B . 2c )

35

Electronic circuit unit ( 2a . 2 B . 2c . 2d )

36

Repeater ( 2d . 3 )

37

Temperature sensor ( 1j )

38

Gateway ( 2e . 3 )

38a

Gateway ( 2e )

38b

Gateway ( 2e )

39a

Client ( 3 )

39b

Client ( 3 )

39c

Client ( 3 )

39d

Client ( 3 )

39e

Client ( 3 )

40

Transmission medium ( 2e )

41

bidirectional amplifier ( 2d )

42

Switch ( 2a . 2 B )

43

Power supply ( 1b . 1c . 2a . 2 B . 2c . 2d )

43a

Power supply ( 1a . 1f )

43b

Power supply ( 1a . 1f )

43c

Power supply ( 2a . 2 B )

43d

Power supply ( 2 B . 2c . 2d )

44aa

Terminal ( 2a )

44ab

Terminal ( 2a )

44ba

Terminal ( 2a )

44bb

Terminal ( 2a )

45

Current sensor ( 2 B . 2c )

46

PL connection ( 2a . 2 B . 2c )

47

Zero crossing detection ( 2a )

A

Data connection ( 2a )

B

Data connection ( 2a )

C

Charge storage ( 1c . 2a . 2 B . 2c . 2d )

MF

Master function ( 2a . 2 B )

r _a

Distance ( 1g . 1h )

r _a '

Distance ( 1g . 1h )

_b

Distance ( 1g . 1h )

r _b '

Distance ( 1g . 1h )

r _c

Distance ( 1h )

r _c '

Distance ( 1h )

Rx

Data connection from the receiver ( 2 B )

SF

Slave function ( 2a . 2 B )

SW

Control connection ( 2a . 2 B )

Tx

Data connection to the transmitter ( 2 B )

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant has been generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• US 5391932 A [0007, 0007]
• US 4573041 A [0008]
• US 5859584 A [0009, 0010]
• US 2004207263 A1 [0010]
• US 2010118983 A1 [0011]
• US 6229435 B1 [0012]
• DE 2623699 A1 [0013]
• US 4348582 [0014, 0015, 0015, 0016, 0016]
• US 4400688 [0015]
• US 5264823 [0016]
• US 4300126 [0017]
• WO 8001024 [0018]
• WO 2005108245 [0019]

Cited non-patent literature

• "Wi-Fi Backscatter: Internet Connectivity for RF-Powered Devices", Bryce Kellogg, Aaron Parks, Shyamnath Gollakota, Joshua R. Smith and David Wetherall, University of Washington, SIGCOMM'14, August 17-22, 2014, Chicago, IL , USA [0005]

Claims (9)

Method for detecting temperatures via EMF ( 14 . 14a -B) with a temperature sensor ( 37 ) antenna ( 12 . 12a -B) and at least one client ( 19 . 19a c, 29 . 30 . 30a -b, 39a -E), characterized in that the at least one client ( 19 . 19a c, 29 . 30 . 30a -b, 39a -E) by demodulating the backscatter ( 15 . 15a -C) the reflection behavior of the antenna ( 12 . 12a -B) determines the temperature. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one client ( 19 . 19a c, 29 . 30 . 30a -b 39a -E) by demodulating the backscatter ( 15 . 15a -C) the reflection behavior of the antenna ( 12 . 12a -B) determines the temperature change. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one client ( 19 . 19a c, 29 . 30 . 30a -b, 39a -E) the temperature difference between at least two antennas ( 12a . 12b ) of the temperature sensor ( 37 ) by demodulating a backscatter ( 15 . 15a -C). Method according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one client ( 19 . 19a c, 29 . 30 . 30a -b, 39a E) the distance (r _a , r _a ', r _b , r _b ', r _c , r _c ') or its change to the temperature sensor ( 37 ). Method according to one of claims 1 to 4 with a plurality of temperature sensors ( 37 ), characterized in that the at least one client ( 19 . 19a c, 29 . 30 . 30a -b, 39a -E) the nearest temperature sensor ( 37 ). Temperature sensor ( 37 ) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the antenna ( 12 . 12a -C) from at least two antennas ( 12a , b) is made of material with different coefficients of thermal expansion. Arrangement of at least one temperature sensor ( 37 ) and at least one client ( 19 . 19a c, 29 . 30 . 30a -b 39a -E) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the arrangement comprises at least one EMF supplier ( 20 . 20a -B). Arrangement of at least one temperature sensor ( 37 ) and at least one client ( 19 . 19a c, 29 . 30 . 30a -b 39a -E) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the arrangement comprises at least one repeater ( 36 ). Arrangement of at least one temperature sensor ( 37 ) and at least one client ( 19 . 19a c, 29 . 30 . 30a -b 39a -E) for carrying out a method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the arrangement at least two via at least one transmission medium ( 40 ) coupled gateways ( 38 . 38a -B).

Images