Home automation module having externally powered communications port
First Claim
1. A home automation module having an externally powered communications port, the module comprising:
- an automation microprocessor for controlling the module;
a communications port connected to the microprocessor, wherein the communications port enables the module to draw power in limited quantities from an external source;
a transmitter having an input and an output, wherein the input is connected to the microprocessor;
a power line carrier (PLC) coupler having a first connection and a second connection, wherein the first connection is connected to the output of the transmitter and the second connection is connected to a main having a hot and a neutral;
a zero-crossing detector having an input and an output, wherein the input is connected to the main and the output is connected to the microprocessor; and
a boost regulator connected to the microprocessor, wherein the boost regulator enables the module to derive sufficient power from the communications port to drive the PLC coupler during signal transmissions from the module to the main.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A home automation module having an externally powered communications port. The module includes an automation microprocessor for controlling the module, a communications port for enabling the module to draw power in limited quantities from an external source, a receiver/transmitter section, a power line carrier (PLC) coupler for enabling the transfer of signals between the module and a main while electrically isolating the module from the main, a zero-crossing detector for monitoring the phase of the power on the main while maintaining substantial electrical isolation of the module from the main, and a boost regulator for enabling the module to derive sufficient power from the communications port to drive the PLC coupler during signal transmissions from the module to the main. The detector maintains substantial electrical isolation through an opto-isolator. The boost regulator stores up power over time so that sufficient power will be available when the demand is made.
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Citations
11 Claims
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1. A home automation module having an externally powered communications port, the module comprising:
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an automation microprocessor for controlling the module; a communications port connected to the microprocessor, wherein the communications port enables the module to draw power in limited quantities from an external source; a transmitter having an input and an output, wherein the input is connected to the microprocessor; a power line carrier (PLC) coupler having a first connection and a second connection, wherein the first connection is connected to the output of the transmitter and the second connection is connected to a main having a hot and a neutral; a zero-crossing detector having an input and an output, wherein the input is connected to the main and the output is connected to the microprocessor; and a boost regulator connected to the microprocessor, wherein the boost regulator enables the module to derive sufficient power from the communications port to drive the PLC coupler during signal transmissions from the module to the main. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. A home automation module having an externally powered communications port, the module comprising:
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means for controlling the module; a communications port connected to the microprocessor, wherein the communications port enables the module to draw power in limited quantities from an external source; means for transmitting signals from the module, wherein the means for transmitting has an input connected to the means for controlling; means for coupling the module to a main, wherein the means for coupling is connected to an output of the means for transmitting; means for detecting a zero-crossing point of a phase of a power signal on the main, wherein the means for detecting is connected to the means for controlling; and means for enabling the module to derive sufficient power from the communications port to drive the means for coupling during signal transmissions from the module to the main, wherein the means for enabling is connected to the means for controlling. - View Dependent Claims (9)
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10. A method for externally powering a home automation module through a communications port that enables the module to draw power in limited quantities from an external source, the method comprising:
storing sufficient reserve power drawn from the communications port to enable the module to transmit signals from the module to a main, wherein storing comprises; storing a first quantity of power at a first time; and storing a second quantity of power at a second time subsequent to the first time.
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11. An apparatus for externally powering a home automation module through a communications port that enables the module to draw power in limited quantities from an external source, the apparatus comprising:
means for storing sufficient reserve power drawn from the communications port to enable the module to transmit signals from the module to a main, wherein the means for storing comprises; means for storing a first quantity of power at a first time; and means for storing a second quantity of power at a second time subsequent to the first time.
Specification