Apparatus and method for providing a power line communication device for safe transmission of high-frequency, high-bandwidth signals over existing power distribution lines

Abstract

The fiber optic isolator of the present invention transports data signals between high voltage power lines and a communications interface device, bypassing a step down transformer to low voltage power. The communication interface device includes a low voltage power line as well as telecommunications and wireless interfaces. The signals are coupled and de-coupled off of a high voltage power line by a power line coupler. The fiber optic isolator gets the signals (in light form) and transports them to and from the communications interface device. This insulates the system from current flow between the high voltage power lines and the communications interface.

I claim:  
     
         1 . A method of safely transporting high-frequency signals over power transmission lines, comprising the steps of: 
 coupling and de-coupling high-frequency electrical signals on a first power transmission line;    converting said high-frequency electrical signals to light signals and light signals to said high-frequency electrical signals with an electro-optical transducer for coupling and de-coupling said high-frequency electrical signals to and from a non-electrically conductive but light conductive medium.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising performing said steps within a non-electrically conductive enclosure.  
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said light conductive medium is a fiber-optic isolator.  
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said fiber-optic isolator is a fiber-optic transmission line.  
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising transmitting said light signals to and from an interface device for digital appliances.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 3 , further comprising: 
 transmitting said light signals to and from a second electro-optical transducer to for coupling and de-coupling said high-frequency electrical signals to and from an opposite end of said fiber-optic isolator; and    coupling and de-coupling said high-frequency electrical signals on a second power transmission line;    so as to form an electrically isolated power line bridge.    
     
     
         7 . An apparatus for safely transporting high-frequency signals over power transmission lines, comprising: 
 coupler means for coupling and de-coupling high-frequency electrical signals on a first power transmission line;    an electro-optical transducer capable of converting said high-frequency electrical signals to light signals and light signals to said high-frequency electrical signals; and    a non-electrically conductive but light conductive medium adjacent said transducer for coupling and de-coupling said light signals.    
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , further comprising a non-electrically conductive enclosure for at least said coupler means and said transducer.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of  claim 7 , wherein said light conductive medium comprises a fiber-optic isolator.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , wherein said fiber-optic isolator is a fiber-optic transmission line.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising an interface device for digital appliances connected to an opposite end of said fiber-optic isolator.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of  claim 9 , further comprising: 
 a second electro-optical transducer connected to an opposite end of said fiber-optic isolator for coupling and de-coupling said high-frequency electrical signals and said light signals to and from an opposite end of said fiber-optic isolator; and    a second coupling means for coupling and de-coupling said high-frequency electrical signals on a second power transmission line so as to form an electrically isolated power line bridge.