Patent ID: 8058750
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: H04B,H05B,Y10S

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for transmitting data over a line, the apparatus comprising: a control circuit configured to receive a direct current signal over the line, the direct current signal being periodic and having a period, wherein the period comprises a charge cycle and a discharge cycle, the direct current signal is generated from a charging of the line for the duration of the charge cycle and a cessation of the charging of the line for the duration of the discharge cycle, and the line fails to fully discharge for at least a portion of the discharge cycle; and a switch electrically coupled to the line and to the control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to close the switch in the discharge cycle to transmit data over the line, the closure of the switch configured to cause the switch to discharge the line to an extent greater than in absence of a closure of the switch, the closure of the switch during the discharge cycle being detectable as a drop in voltage on the line.