Bi-level control system for lighting and other applications
First Claim
1. A circuit for switching an output terminal from a first voltage level to a second voltage level through a buffered transition, the circuit comprising:
- a) a first voltage source for providing a first voltage level;
b) a second voltage source for providing a second voltage level;
c) resistive means and first switching means connected in series and electrically coupled between the first voltage source and the output terminal for providing a suitable resistance for buffering a transition from the first voltage level to the second voltage level or the second voltage level to the first voltage level;
d) a second switching means electrically coupled between the first voltage and the output terminal;
e) a third switching means electrically coupled between the second voltage source and the output terminal;
f) control means for controlling the three switches in a predetermined sequence to allow switching from the first source to the second source through a buffered transition provided by the resistive means.
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Abstract
A circuit and method for switching an output terminal from a first voltage level to a second voltage level through a buffered transition includes two voltage sources, a resistor and first switch connected in series and electrically coupled between the first voltage source and the output terminal for providing a suitable resistance for buffering a transition from a first voltage level to a second voltage level. A second switch is electrically coupled between the first voltage and the output terminal. A third switch is electrically coupled between the second voltage source and the output terminal. A programmable logic controller (PLC) controls the three switches in a predetermined sequence to allow switching a voltage source from the first source to the second source through a buffered transition provided by the resistor.
21 Citations
10 Claims
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1. A circuit for switching an output terminal from a first voltage level to a second voltage level through a buffered transition, the circuit comprising:
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a) a first voltage source for providing a first voltage level; b) a second voltage source for providing a second voltage level; c) resistive means and first switching means connected in series and electrically coupled between the first voltage source and the output terminal for providing a suitable resistance for buffering a transition from the first voltage level to the second voltage level or the second voltage level to the first voltage level; d) a second switching means electrically coupled between the first voltage and the output terminal; e) a third switching means electrically coupled between the second voltage source and the output terminal; f) control means for controlling the three switches in a predetermined sequence to allow switching from the first source to the second source through a buffered transition provided by the resistive means. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A method for switching an output terminal from a first voltage level to a second level through a buffered transition, comprising the steps of:
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a) providing a first voltage source for providing a first voltage level; b) providing a second voltage source for providing a second voltage level; c) electrically coupling the first voltage source to the output terminal to provide the first voltage level at the output terminal; d) after a suitable duration for warming up a load, buffering a transition from the first voltage level to the second voltage level by switching means for resisting or limiting current into the circuit between the first voltage source and the output terminal, and allowing current to pass through the means for resisting or limiting current for a predetermined interval of time while decoupling the first voltage source from being directly coupled to the output terminal; and
,e) switching to electrically couple the second voltage source to the output terminal to provide the second voltage level at the output terminal. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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10. A method for switching an output terminal from a first voltage level to a second level through a buffered transition, comprising the steps of:
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a) providing a first voltage source for providing a first voltage level; b) providing a second voltage source for providing a second voltage level; c) electrically coupling the first voltage source to the output terminal to provide the first voltage level at the output terminal; d) after a suitable duration for warming up a load, buffering a transition from the first voltage level to the second voltage level by changing the state of a switch to allow current provided by the first voltage source to flow through means for resisting or limiting current between the first voltage source and the output terminal, and allowing the current to pass through the means for resisting or limiting current for a predetermined interval of time while decoupling the first voltage source from being directly coupled to the output terminal; and
,e) switching to electrically couple the second voltage source to the output terminal to provide the second voltage level at the output terminal.
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Specification