MULTIPLE CHANNEL BALLAST AND NETWORKABLE TOPOLOGY AND SYSTEM INCLUDING POWER LINE CARRIER APPLICATIONS
First Claim
1. A method of detecting an input signal, comprising the steps of:
- a) sampling a plurality N of input signal samples;
b) detecting a coincidence between the N input signal samples and N corresponding samples of a reference signal; and
c) generating a 1-hit output value indicative of the coincidence.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Control systems and methods for independent control of power systems, particularly lighting network branches, and separate control of individual branch components. Multi-branch systems comprise independently controllable branches that inter-communicate via PLC communications. In each branch, components such as ballasts, local control units, sensors, actuators, and repeaters, may exchange commands and queries independently of a branch remote control unit (BRCU). Alternatively, a BRCU may manage or arbitrate communications, or interact with other BRCUs, other control units and external management systems. Ballasts include a multi-channel ballast that enables close-loop control of individual fixtures, or of individual dimmable or non-dimmable lamps within a fixture. The close-loop control is facilitated by sampling circuits/sensors co-located with each controlled fixture or lamp. All controllers are preferably implemented using an integrated digital controller. The PLC communication is preferably carried out by a direct spread spectrum method that eliminates side lobes from a cross-correlation function, using an anti-collision protocol.
12 Citations
13 Claims
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1. A method of detecting an input signal, comprising the steps of:
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a) sampling a plurality N of input signal samples; b) detecting a coincidence between the N input signal samples and N corresponding samples of a reference signal; and c) generating a 1-hit output value indicative of the coincidence. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An apparatus for detecting an input signal, comprising:
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a) a delay line configured to provide a plurality N of input signal samples; and b) at least one symbol decoder configured to detect a coincidence between the N input signal samples and N corresponding samples of a reference signal, and to generate a 1-bit value indicative of the coincidence. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification