Power distribution module
First Claim
1. A power distribution module, comprising:
- an input/output port adapted for connection to an external multiplexed communication path;
transceiver circuitry connected to the input/output port operative to send and receive messages over the communication path in digital form;
an input for connection to a source of power;
a plurality of power output ports;
a plurality of controllable power switches, each associated with one of the power output ports, each power switch being operative to route power from the source of power to an associated power output port in accordance with a control signal; and
a controller operatively connected to the transceiver circuitry and to each power switch, the controller being operatives to perform the following functions;
send and receive messages over the communication path through the transceiver circuitry, and provide a control signal to a specific power switch in accordance with a received message, causing power to be routed from the power source to the output port associated with that switch.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
A power distribution module is especially suited to vehicular applications. An input/output module port is adapted for connection to an external multiplexed communication path, with transceiver circuitry being operative to send and receive messages over the communication path in digital form. The module is flexible enough to support a standard or user-defined commination protocol. An input is adapted for connection to a source of power. A plurality of controllable power switches are used to selectively route power from the source to a plurality of power output ports each port being associated with one of the switches. Control circuitry, operatively connected to the transceiver circuitry and to each power switch, facilitates the sending and receiving of messages over the communication path and provides control signals to the switches in accordance with a message received.
128 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A power distribution module, comprising:
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an input/output port adapted for connection to an external multiplexed communication path;
transceiver circuitry connected to the input/output port operative to send and receive messages over the communication path in digital form;
an input for connection to a source of power;
a plurality of power output ports;
a plurality of controllable power switches, each associated with one of the power output ports, each power switch being operative to route power from the source of power to an associated power output port in accordance with a control signal; and
a controller operatively connected to the transceiver circuitry and to each power switch, the controller being operatives to perform the following functions;
send and receive messages over the communication path through the transceiver circuitry, and provide a control signal to a specific power switch in accordance with a received message, causing power to be routed from the power source to the output port associated with that switch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4)
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5. A power distribution module for vehicular applications, comprising:
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an enclosure;
an input/output connector supported on the enclosure to interface with an external, bidirectional communication path;
aplurality of power-output terminals supported on the enclosure, each terminal being adapted for connection to a load associated with the operation of the vehicle;
a power input connector supported on the enclosure configured to receive incoming power from a source of power;
digital communication circuitry disposed within the enclosure and connected to the input/output connector, the digital communication circuitry being operative to;
send and receive messages over the bidirectional communication path, monitor the signals present on the communication path, and output a fault signal if a message is received while one is being sent;
a plurality of solid-state power switches disposed with the enclosure, each associated with one of the power output terminals, each power switch being operative to route power from the power input connector to an associated power output terminal in response to a control signal;
output protection circuitry contained with the enclosure, the circuitry being operative to sense the current through a power switch and turn-off that switch if the current through the switch exceeds a predetermined value; and
control circuitry disposed within the enclosure, the control circuitry being operative to;
send a message to the digital communication circuitry, causing the message to be placed on the communication path through the input/output connector;
receive a message over the communication path, through the input/output connector, and from the digital communication circuitry;
provide control signals to the power switches in accordance with a received message, and receive the fault signal from the digital communication circuitry and inhibit an outgoing message in the event of contention on the bidirectional communication path. - View Dependent Claims (6)
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7. A power distribution module adapted for use with an existing vehicular communication network characterized in having a plurality of distributed nodes which communicate along a bidirectional message routing path according to a predetermined protocol, the module comprising:
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an input/output port adapted for direct connection to the network, including communication circuitry operative to send and receive messages over the network;
an input for connection to a source of power;
a plurality of power output ports, each adapted for connection to a power-consuming load in the vehicle, wherein at least one of the power output ports supplies power to one of the nodes of the existing network;
a plurality of controllable power switches, each associated with one of the power output ports, each power switch being operative to route power from the source of power to a power-consuming load in the vehicle through an associated power output port in accordance with a control signal; and
a controller connected to the communication circuitry and to each power switch, the controller being operative to;
interpret messages received over the existing network;
provide a control signal to a specific power switch in response to a received message relating to the activation of a load, causing power to be routed from the power source through the output port associated with that switch for delivery to that load, and format an outgoing message in accordance with the protocol used by the existing network.
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8. A distributed vehicular power-control system, comprising:
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a first, existing network characterized in having a plurality of nodes which communicate by way of a first bidirectional routing path;
a plurality of power-control modules interfaced to the first network, each power-control module including an input-output communications port, a power-input port, and a plurality of power-output terminals, each power-output terminal being adapted for connection to a power-consuming load within the vehicle, each power-control module being operative to selectively route power from the power-input port to the nodes and to the loads connected thereto in response to a message received through the input-output communications port. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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Specification