DigitalTF is one-way low frequency PowerLine communication, not unlike ripple control. At 1% of the cost level of ripple control and 100 times the performance, DigitalTF is a paradigm shift.
Unlike ripple control which encodes information between the harmonics of the mains frequency spectrum, DigitalTF uses subharmonics. In the subharmonics area of the mains frequency spectrum the noise is significantly lower than in the superharmonics, where THD generated by switched mode power supplies and other contemporary apparatus has completely poisoned the spectrum. Therefore, the SNR achieved by DigitalTF is an order of magnitude better than conventional ripple control.
DigitalTF modulates phase-synchronous to the mains frequency with extreme timing accuracy. As such, it also uses the timing of the mains itself to improve SNR, again distancing its performance from conventional ripple control.
The carrier frequency is 150/180Hz or 300/360Hz, 3-6 times the mains frequency. DigitalTF can encode all 3 phases of the mains wiring with one single transmitter and coupler, an LV toroid transformer. This coupler is positioned over the Neutral wire in a TN-S system or all 3 phase wires in a TN-C system.
Bit coding is more contemporary as well, using typical digital broadcast methods. This opposed to conventional ripple control, where TonFrequenz in an asynchronous timing sequence has to define the Zeroes and Ones. Again DigitalTF performs vastly better than conventional ripple control, further improving the signal-to-noise ratio.
DigitalTF uses typical digital error detection and correction algorithms, whereas any bit errors in conventional ripple control go undetected. In combination with 24/7 broadcasting, this delivers an optimal compromise between latency and noise while delivering solid robustness.
