This chip is in effect, a demodulator - where digital information is extracted after being superimposed on a 50 or 60 HZ amplitude carrier (AC voltage, in this case).
It is akin to how AM/FM information is conveyed through a radio - the audio frequency information ``rides`` on the RF carrier (either Amplitude or Frequency Modulation). When it gets to it`s reception point, the receiver removes the carrier and re-processes the audio frequency information for our enjoyment/consumption
IMHO, this technology in no way related to Patriot, but I may be mistaken. If so, please give me the theoreticals...
Regards
Larry