Control network with data and power distribution
First Claim
1. A hierarchical control network, comprising:
- a plurality of network nodes arranged in a plurality of tiers, said network nodes comprising a plurality of first-tier nodes and a plurality of lower tier nodes;
a master control bus interconnecting said first-tier nodes;
a power source electronically coupled to said first-tier nodes; and
one or more lower-tier buses interconnecting groups of said lower tier nodes, said lower-tier buses including both data lines and a power source line, said power source line derived from said power source;
wherein said lower tier nodes selectively distributing power from the power source line to local loads.
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Abstract
A control network comprises a plurality of network nodes arranged in a plurality of tiers, with first-tier nodes and lower tier nodes. A master control bus interconnects the first-tier nodes, which are also connected to a power source. Lower-tier buses interconnect groups of the lower tier nodes. The lower-tier buses include both data lines and a power source line derived from the power source, allowing the lower tier nodes to selectively distribute power to local loads. A first-tier node may be embodied as a hub controller configured to be connected to one or more of said lower-tier buses. The hub controller may comprise a plurality of internal hub nodes (including a hub master node and hub slave nodes) integrated within the same physical unit.
74 Citations
5 Claims
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1. A hierarchical control network, comprising:
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a plurality of network nodes arranged in a plurality of tiers, said network nodes comprising a plurality of first-tier nodes and a plurality of lower tier nodes;
a master control bus interconnecting said first-tier nodes;
a power source electronically coupled to said first-tier nodes; and
one or more lower-tier buses interconnecting groups of said lower tier nodes, said lower-tier buses including both data lines and a power source line, said power source line derived from said power source;
wherein said lower tier nodes selectively distributing power from the power source line to local loads. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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Specification