Subject matter described herein relates to power supply devices, and more particularly to the internal power management of power supplies for electronic devices.
Electronic devices of all types have become more and more common in everyday life. Electronic devices include non-portable devices as well as portable devices. Examples of non-portable electronic devices include wired telephones, routers (wired and wireless), wireless access points (WAPs) and the like. Examples of portable electronic devices include cellular phones, personal data assistants (PDAs), combination cellular phone and PDAs (e.g., a Blackberry® device available from Research in Motion (RIM®) of Ontario, Canada), cellular phone accessories (e.g., a Bluetooth® enabled wireless headset), MP3 (Moving Pictures Experts Group-1 Audio Layer 3) players (e.g., an iPod® device by Apple Inc. (Apple®) of Cupertino, Calif.), compact disc (CD) players, and digital video disk (DVD) players. Along with the positive benefits of use of such devices comes the requirement to power the devices and/or communicate with them. Power supplies use power even when not supplying power to electronic devices that are in electrical communication with the power supplies. Reducing the administrative power consumption of the power supplies for such devices can prove difficult.
To facilitate further description of the embodiments, the following drawings are provided in which:
The phrase “subject matter described herein” refers to subject matter described in the Detailed Description unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “aspects” is to be read as “at least one aspect.” Identifying aspects of the subject matter described in the Detailed Description is not intended to identify key or essential features of the claimed subject matter. The aspects described above and other aspects of the subject matter described herein are illustrated by way of example and not limited in the accompanying figures in which like reference numerals indicate substantially similar elements.
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, the drawing figures illustrate the general manner of construction, and descriptions and details of well-known features and techniques may be omitted to avoid unnecessarily obscuring aspects of the subject matter described herein. Additionally, elements in the drawing figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help improve understanding of embodiments of the subject matter described herein.
The terms “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” and the like in the Detailed Description and in the claims, if any, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a particular sequential or chronological order. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the embodiments of the subject matter described herein are, for example, capable of operation in sequences other than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. Furthermore, the terms “include,” and “have,” and any variations thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, system, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements is not necessarily limited to those elements, but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.
The terms “left,” “right,” “front,” “back,” “top,” “bottom,” “over,” “under,” and the like in the Detailed Description and in the claims, if any, are used for descriptive purposes and not necessarily for describing permanent relative positions. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances such that the aspects of the subject matter described herein are, for example, capable of operation in other orientations than those illustrated or otherwise described herein. The term “on,” as used herein, is defined as on, at, or otherwise substantially adjacent to or next to or over.
The terms “couple,” “coupled,” “couples,” “coupling,” and the like should be broadly understood and refer to connecting two or more elements or signals, electrically, mechanically, or otherwise, either directly or indirectly through intervening circuitry and/or elements. Two or more electrical elements may be electrically coupled, either direct or indirectly, but not be mechanically coupled; two or more mechanical elements may be mechanically coupled, either direct or indirectly, but not be electrically coupled; two or more electrical elements may be mechanically coupled, directly or indirectly, but not be electrically coupled. Coupling (whether only mechanical, only electrical, both, or otherwise) may be for any length of time, e.g., permanent or semi-permanent or only for an instant.
“Electrical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include coupling involving any electrical signal, whether a power signal, a data signal, and/or other types or combinations of electrical signals. “Mechanical coupling” and the like should be broadly understood and include mechanical coupling of all types.
The absence of the word “removably,” “removable,” and the like near the word “coupled,” and the like does not mean that the coupling, etc. in question is or is not removable. For example, the recitation of a clip being coupled to an outer casing does not mean that the clip cannot be removed (readily or otherwise) from, or that it is permanently connected to, the outer casing.
Power plug 120 is an electrical conduit that is physically coupled to and in electrical communication with control circuitry 110. Power plug 120 is configured to pass a power signal received from a power source to control circuitry 110 when power plug 120 is physically coupled to and in electrical communication with a power source (not shown). Constant “on” outlet(s) 130 are a power outlet that are physically coupled to and in constant electrical communication with control circuitry 110 and are further configured to pass a power signal received from control circuitry 110 to any device with which it is in electrical communication.
Command input device 140 is any input device that is physically coupled to and in electrical communication with control circuitry 110 and is further configured to pass a command signal to control circuitry 110 based on a received command signal or command action that command input device 140 received previously. Controlled outlet(s) 150 are a power outlet that are physically coupled to and in controlled electrical communication with control circuitry 110 and are further selectively configured to pass a power signal received from control circuitry 110 to any device with which it is in electrical communication. Command input device 140 can be implemented as any suitable command input device, such as, for example a master outlet as part of a master/slave power strip configuration providing a control signal to control circuitry 110 by drawing current from control circuitry 110, a receiver device providing a control signal to control circuitry 110, a sensing device providing a control signal to control circuitry 110, and the like. Examples of a receiver device providing a control signal to control circuitry 110 include a radio frequency (RF) receiver, a light emitting diode (LED) receiver, a wireless networked receiver, a short range wireless receiver that is part of a personal area network (PAN), and the like.
In operation, when power plug 120 is operably coupled to and in electrical communication with an appropriate power source (e.g., an alternating current (a.c.) or other power outlet fixture), power becomes available to constant “on” outlet(s) 130 and command input device 140, as appropriate. At this time, if command input device 140 has not provided an appropriate command signal to control circuitry 110, power is NOT available to controlled outlet(s) 150, and any device(s) operably coupled to and in electrical communication with controlled outlet(s) 150 will NOT receive any current or power. Control circuitry 110 is configured to detect when a control signal is received from command input device 140. In an example, when command input device 140 provides an “on” control signal to control circuitry 110, control circuitry 110 will provide power to controlled outlet(s) 150 thereby providing current and/or power to any devices coupled to and in electrical communication with controlled outlet(s) 150. Similarly, when command input device 140 provides an “off” control signal to control circuitry 110 and then changes the control signal to an “on” control signal, control circuitry 110 will provide power to controlled outlet(s) 150 thereby providing current and/or power to any devices coupled to and in electrical communication with controlled outlet(s) 150.
The exemplary configuration illustrated in
MOV protection circuit 260 has an input and an output. The input of MOV protection circuit 260 is electrically coupled and in communication with power plug 120. The output of MOV protection circuit 260 is electrically coupled and in communication with constant “on” outlet(s) 130, master outlet 240 portion of command input device 140, HI PWR circuit 270, LO PWR circuit 280, and control circuit 290. MOV protection circuit 260 receives a power signal from power plug 120 and provides protected power signals to constant “on” outlet(s) 130, command input device 140, HI PWR circuit 270, LO PWR circuit 280, and control circuit 290. An embodiment of MOV protection circuit 260 is described in
HI PWR circuit 270 has an input and an output. The input of HI PWR circuit 270 is electrically coupled and in communication with MOV protection circuit 260, constant “on” outlet(s) 130, master outlet 240 portion of command input device 140 and LO PWR circuit 280. The output of HI PWR circuit 270 is electrically coupled and in communication with control circuit 290. LO PWR circuit 280 has an input and an output. The input of LO PWR circuit 280 is electrically coupled and in communication with MOV protection circuit 260, constant “on” outlet(s) 230, master outlet 240 portion of command input device 140 and HI PWR circuit 270. The output of LO PWR circuit 280 is electrically coupled and in communication with AMP circuit 244 portion of command input device 140. HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280 each receive a protected alternating current (AC) power signal from MOV protection circuit 260 and generate different levels of low voltage power for the internal circuitry of power strip 200. HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280 efficiently convert line AC power to the voltages required to operate control circuit 290 and AMP circuit 244, respectively. HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280 can be optimized to take advantage of the most efficient power levels to run the internal circuitry of power strip 200. In operation, LO PWR circuit 280 supplies real power to AMP circuit 244, and HI PWR circuit 270 supplies real power to the control circuit 290 allowing for efficient use of power. The uniqueness of this approach as compared to a more traditional single power supply approach is that a power savings as high as 4 to 1 can be achieved over the traditional method. An embodiment of HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280 and the advantages of utilizing this configuration are further described in
Control circuit 290 has an input and an output. The input of control circuit 290 is electrically coupled and in separate communication with MOV protection circuit 260, HI PWR circuit 270 and AMP circuit 244 portion of command input device 140. The output of control circuit 290 is electrically coupled and in communication with controlled outlet(s) 150. Control circuit 290 receives a real power signal from HI PWR circuit 270 and additionally receives a driving signal from AMP circuit 244 when a device that is plugged into master outlet 240 portion of command input device 140 is drawing enough power to be active. When control circuit 290 receives the driving signal from AMP circuit 244, control circuit 290 allows current to flow between MOV protection circuit 260 and controlled outlet(s) 150.
SENSE circuit 242 of command input device 140 includes an input and an output. The input of SENSE circuit 242 is electrically coupled and in communication with master outlet 240 of command input device 140. The output of SENSE circuit 242 is electrically coupled and in communication with AMP circuit 244 of command input device 140. SENSE circuit 242 monitors an output signal from master outlet 240 and provides a sensing signal to AMP circuit 244 indicating whether or not master outlet 240 is in use or is at least drawing current above a threshold or minimum predetermined valve. In operation, SENSE circuit 242 determines that master outlet 240 is drawing current when a device that is in electrical communication with master outlet 240 is drawing enough current to exceed a current threshold, such as drawing enough current to power the device in an “ON” state. In such a situation, SENSE circuit 242 produces a sensing signal in response to master outlet 240 drawing at least a predetermined amount of current and provides the created sensing signal to AMP circuit 244. In some embodiments, SENSE circuit 242 is powered by master outlet 240 because master outlet 240 is always “ON.” In such embodiments, current drawn from master outlet 240 that is monitored by SENSE circuit 242 can exclude the current (and power) that SENSE circuit 242 requires to run, and/or SENSE circuit 242 can be programmed (by hardware, software, or otherwise) or adjusted to account for the current (and power) that SENSE circuit 242 draws from master outlet 240.
AMP circuit 244 of command input device 140 includes an input and an output. The input of AMP circuit 244 is electrically coupled and in separate communication with SENSE circuit 242 and LO PWR circuit 280. The output of AMP circuit 244 is electrically coupled and in communication with control circuit 290. AMP circuit 244 receives a real power signal from LO PWR circuit 280 and additionally receives a sensing signal from SENSE circuit 242 that is based on the status of master outlet 240. AMP circuit 244 compares the signal received from SENSE circuit 242 to a threshold to determine whether master outlet 240 is “on.” If the signal received from SENSE circuit 242 equals or exceeds a threshold value, AMP circuit 244 generates a driving signal and provides the generated driving signal to control circuit 290.
In operation, power strip 200 enables a user to configure the power strip to utilize one primary device (e.g., a personal computer, such as, a laptop or desktop computer) in electrical communication with command input device 140 configured as a master/slave device to control when power is supplied to secondary devices, such as, peripherals (e.g., printers, scanners, etc.), desk lighting, and the like. In the same or a different embodiment, when a primary device is in “standby” state and is coupled to and in electrical communication with command input device 140 configured as a master/slave device, the primary device will receive current from master outlet 140, but the amount of current will be lower than when the device is in the “on” state. In this “standby” state, the device is receiving current at a level that is below a predetermined threshold level. In an example of this embodiment, power strip 200 treats the “standby” state similar to the “off” state such that, in both of these states: (1) master outlet 140 is not providing sufficient power or current to the primary device that is coupled to and in electrical communication with master outlet 140; and (2) control circuitry 110 will not provide power to controlled outlet(s) 150 and, therefore, will not provide current to any secondary devices coupled to and in electrical communication with controlled outlet(s) 150. An example of this embodiment can occur when the primary device is a television.
Receiver circuit 343 of command input device 140 includes an input and an output. The input of receiver circuit 343 is electrically coupled and in communication with antenna 341, and the output of receiver circuit 343 is electrically coupled and in communication with logic circuit 345. In one embodiment, receiver 343 is electrically coupled and in communication with LO PWR circuit 280. Receiver circuit 343 is configured to receive received signals from antenna 341, produce a command signal and pass the produced command signal to logic circuit 345. Receiver circuit 343 typically includes a tuner, a detector and an amplifier. The tuner resonates at a particular frequency and amplifies the resonant frequency. The detector detects the command signal within the received signal and extracts the command signal from the received signal. The amplifier amplifies the received command signal. In other embodiments, the same or different components provide substantially similar functionality and may combine functionality of the above described components. Receiver circuit 343 can be implemented as any suitable receiver circuit.
Logic circuit 345 of command input device 140 includes an input and an output. The input of logic circuit 345 is electrically coupled and in communication with receiver circuit 343, switch 348 and LO PWR circuit 280. The output of logic circuit 345 is electrically coupled and in communication with control circuit 290. Logic circuit 345 receives a received command signal from receiver circuit 343, generates an operational signal based on the logic within logic circuit 345 and passes the generated operational signal to control circuit 290. Logic circuit 345 can be implemented as any suitable logic circuit.
In operation, power strip 300 enables a user to wirelessly control the power strip to control when power is supplied to devices, such as, a personal computer or peripherals that are in electrical communication with controlled outlet(s) 150. In the same or a different embodiment, a user can wirelessly control power strip 300 using one or a number of electromagnetic methodologies, such as, for example infrared spectrum, wireless networking spectrum including personal area network (PAN) spectrum, radio frequency (RF) spectrum, light emitting diode (LED) spectrum, and the like. In one embodiment, power strip 300 enables a user to reduce power consumption of the devices in electrical communication with controlled outlet(s) 150 by allowing a user to completely shut power off to her deices.
Stimulus circuit 446 of command input device 140 includes an input and an output. The input of stimulus circuit 446 is configured to actively or passively sense/detect the presence of a required body within a specified area of the power strip incorporating stimulus circuit 446, such as, for example that of a user within a given distance of power strip 400. In one embodiment, stimulus circuit 446 receives power from microcontroller 347, and in a different embodiment (not shown), stimulus circuit 446 receives power from LO PWR circuit 280. The output of stimulus circuit 446 is electrically coupled and in communication with microcontroller 447 of command input device 140. In some embodiments, stimulus circuit 446 uses an active methodology by radiating energy waves into the area surrounding power strip 400, receiving reflected energy waves from surrounding objects and then producing a command signal which is passed to microcontroller 447. Examples of active energy waves that may be utilized by stimulus circuit 446 include ultrasonic spectrum, radio frequency (RF) spectrum, light emitting diode (LED) spectrum, and the like. In other embodiments, stimulus circuit 446 uses a passive methodology by sensing energy from the area surrounding power strip 400 and then producing a command signal which is passed to microcontroller 447. Examples of active energy waves that may be utilized by stimulus circuit 446 include infrared spectrum, audio spectrum and the like. Stimulus circuit 446 can be implemented as any suitable circuitry.
Microcontroller 447 of command input device 140 includes an input and an output. The input of microcontroller 447 is electrically coupled and in communication with stimulus circuit 446 and LO PWR circuit 280. The output of microcontroller 447 is electrically coupled and in communication with control circuit 290. Microcontroller 447 receives a command signal from stimulus circuit 446, generates an operational signal based on the logic within microcontroller 447 and passes the generated operational signal to control circuit 290. Microcontroller 447 can be implemented as any suitable logic circuit.
In operation, power strip 400 enables a user to control the power strip and determine when power is supplied to devices, such as, a personal computer or peripherals that are in electrical communication with controlled outlet(s) 150. In the same or a different embodiment, a user can control power strip 400 and determine when a user may be nearby using one or a number of active methodologies, such as, for example ultrasonic spectrum, radio frequency (RF) spectrum, light emitting diode (LED) spectrum, and the like. In other embodiments, a user can control power strip 400 and determine when a user may be nearby using one or a number of passive methodologies, such as, for example infrared spectrum, audio spectrum and the like. In one embodiment, power strip 400 enables a user to reduce power consumption of the devices in electrical communication with controlled outlet(s) 150 by allowing a user to completely shut power off to her devices until stimulus circuit 446 determines one or more specific criteria have been met.
In
In
Although the circuit as detailed in
Master outlet 240 includes a plug receptacle for interfacing with a device power cord as well as three (3) inputs including a line input coupled to a line node NL, a neutral input coupled to node N61 and a ground input coupled to node NG. SENSE circuit 242 includes a current transformer (CT) that includes a primary winding having a first end coupled to node N61 and a second end coupled to node NN. CT additionally includes a secondary winding having a first end coupled to node NN and a second end coupled to node N62. SENSE circuit 242 is configured to sense when a device that is interfacing with master outlet 240 is drawing current and then provide a sensing signal (SENSE SIG) to AMP circuit 244 based on the current draw. In an embodiment, the neutral input of master outlet 240 passes through the core of SENSE circuit 242 and is coupled to the node NN. In some embodiments, when current is drawn by a device electrically coupled via the plug receptacle of master outlet 240, the current flows via a path that is electrically coupled to CT of SENSE circuit 242 and induces a small voltage in the secondary winding of CT, the SENSE SIG.
In
AMP circuit 244 includes two operational amplifiers configured to receive a SENSE SIG from the secondary winding of CT and produce a driving signal that is provided to control circuit 290. In some embodiments, AMP circuit 244 includes two (2) operational amplifiers (U1A and U1B) which amplify the voltage signal (SENSE SIG) to produce an amplified control signal (CTRL SIG) and provide the CTRL SIG to control circuit 290. In an example and referring to
In
In operation, the CTRL SIG passes across both D101 and R12 to bias BJT circuit Q3 into conduction. Biasing Q3 turns on or closes relay/switch K1 which energizes controlled outlet(s) 150. In an example, relay/switch K1 is implemented as a single pole, single throw switch. In this embodiment, D8 absorbs counter electromagnetic fields (EMF) from relay/switch K1; R13 is used to counter Icbo from BJT circuit Q3; and D6 discharges C4 on shutdown of power strip 600.
In
In operation, C100 is a reactive voltage divider which supplies a reduced current limited voltage to R101 and ZD100. Additionally, in this embodiment R100 functions as a bleeder resistor, and R101 provides additional resistance in the event of over-voltages. Further to the embodiment, ZD100 and D100 are configured to provide 24 volts for a half wave rectified power signal. Additionally, in this embodiment D100 is located and configured so that, during the opposite half cycle, C101 is not discharged into ZD100, which is configured to be forward biased. Further to the embodiment, C101 stores and smoothes out the energy required to run the control circuit 290. In an example, HI PWR circuit 270 supplies variable (high and low) DC power signals to control circuit 290 via node N615, and further supplies an AC power signal to relay circuit K1 via node NL.
In
In operation, C2 is a reactive voltage divider that supplies a reduced current limited voltage to R9 and ZD1. Additionally, in this embodiment R8 functions as a bleeder resistor, and R9 provides additional resistance in the event of over-voltages. In an example, ZD1 and diode D5 are configured to provide 6.2 volts for a half wave rectified power signal. Additionally, in this embodiment diode D5 is located and configured so that, during the opposite half cycle, capacitor C3 is not discharged into diode D5, which is configured to be forward biased. Further to the embodiment, capacitor C3 stores and smoothes out the energy required to run the AMP circuit 244.
In the power supply portion of power strip 600, the two power circuits (HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280) are substantially similar in design, but have different power values to supply to other portions of power strip 600. Utilizing a dual power supply methodology allows for a more efficient delivery of power (24V and 6.2V) to downstream active elements of power strip 600. The efficiency is realized as a single supply supplying dual voltages that are substantially different from what would be required by a resistive methodology to voltage divide the voltage down, thereby producing heat and wasting additional power.
Each of controlled outlet(s) 150 includes a plug receptacle for interfacing with a device power cord as well as three (3) inputs including a line input coupled to relay/switch K1, a neutral input coupled to node NN and a ground input coupled to node NG. Each of constant “on” outlet(s) 130 include a plug receptacle for interfacing with a device power cord as well as three (3) inputs including a line input coupled to node NL, a neutral input coupled to node NN and a ground input coupled to node NG.
In
In
In operation, a user determines when the peripheral devices receiving power from controlled outlet(s) 150 should be enabled or disabled. The user sends an encoded signal to the unit to perform the on or off function. Antenna 341 receives the electromagnetic radiation and converts it into an electrical signal. Receiver circuit 343 selects or tunes the signal, amplifies it, and then recovers the digital signal embedded in the transmission. Receiver circuit 343 then supplies the digital signal to decoder U4 within logic circuit 345 which determines if the transmitted signal belongs to power strip 700 and the type of signal, such as, whether it is an on or an off signal. An on signal forces the flip/flop of logic circuit U3 to output a one, and an off signal forces the flip/flop of logic circuit U3 to output a zero. The switch S2, if pressed, changes the flip/flop to the next state. A one turns on LED D3, transistor Q1, and relay K1; which energizes the controlled outlet(s) 150. A zero turns everything off. The power supply comprises of two modules, one to generate power for the relay and one for the rest of the circuitry. This feature is part of the energy savings scheme.
Further to the above, the received electromagnetic signal is processed through a preselect/matching filter composed of L1-L3 and C3-C5. This filter matches the output impedance of antenna 341 to the input impedance of the receiver circuit 343. This process additionally helps to attenuate any out of channel signals resulting in pre-tuning the receiver. The signal is next passed into receiver chip U1 and is further tuned to a single frequency with a relatively narrow bandwidth, thus screening out most all other signals, resulting in obtaining the signal of interest. Receiver chip U1 amplifies this signal and utilizes a detection methodology to recover the embedded digital signal. C1 and C2 remove any signals from receiver circuit 343 that could find their way in from a power supply. Crystal Y1 provides a precise frequency used to run the tuning circuit. R1 is a zero ohm resistor and if removed allows the squelch feature of the radio to be used. C6 is used in the detection circuit of receiver chip U1 and stores a relative threshold value for receiver chip U1 to determine whether to output a logic one or a logic zero signal in the serial data output. CS is used in the Automatic Gain Control (“AGC”) circuit of the receiver. AGC is used to adjust the gain of the radio to a value fixed relative to the detector requirements for reliable output data.
The tuned signal is fed into decoder U4 which decodes this serial data into address and function. The address is checked against the value set on switch S1. If there is a match, then an on or off function is output depending on the match data, with an “on” output passing to port pin D9 of decoder U4 and an “off” output passing to port pin D8 of decoder U4. Resistor R2 sets an internal RC generated clock frequency to run the decoder U4. Capacitor C9 prevents power supply noise from leaving or entering decoder U4. Additionally, capacitor C8 and capacitor C11 perform the same function on ICs U3 and U2, respectively.
If decoder U4 recognizes a valid address, then pin VT is set “high” for the address time, which allows the function signal to pass through a transmission gate made up of U2A and U2B. If the signal is a “one,” it is fed directly into the flip/flop logic chip U3 preset (PR bar) pin and forces a “one” resulting in an “on” signal at the Q output. The opposite signal, in this case a “zero,” is fed into the D input of the flip/flop from the Q-bar output of logic chip U3. If a clock signal is fed into the CLK input of the flip/flop, then it will change state. Whenever a clock signal is received at the CLK input, the flip/flop will change state. The clock signal originates from U2C, which is a Schmitt triggered gate. The gate receives a signal from switch S2 every time the user presses the switch button of switch S2. The switch signal from switch S2 is de-bounced by resistor R3 and capacitor C10. When the user presses the button associated with switch S2, the controlled outlet(s) 150 change state. The “off” signal from the transmission gate (i.e., U2A and U2B) goes through an “OR” gate composed of resistor R4 and diode-pair D1. The “off” signal passes to the CLR-bar pin of the flip/flop. Receiving the “off” signal forces diode-pair D3, BJT Q1 and K1 of control circuit 290, and controlled outlet(s) 150 to switch “off.” Because there is an “OR gate” logic circuit within logic circuit 345, the other signal that forces everything to the “off” state is a power on reset. This signal is generated at power “on” by the Schmitt trigger gate U2D, capacitor C12 and resistor R5. One side of diode-pair D2 quickly discharges capacitor C12 to prepare capacitor C12 to help generate another power on reset signal if required. When flip/flop circuit is “on,” as defined by the Q output of integrated circuit (IC) U3 is a “one” or “high,” then current flows through the LED D3 causing it to light up and indicate that the controlled outlet(s) 150 are “on.”
In
In
Because HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280 are similar but with different values to supply power as required, only one will be described in detail, as the other is functionally the same. Capacitor C16 of LO PWR circuit 280 is a reactive voltage divider which supplies a reduced voltage that is current limited to resistor R10 and LDO regulator U5. Resistor R9 is a bleeder resistor. Capacitor C18, inductors L6 and L8, resistor R10 and Zenor diode Z3 provide protection in the event of over voltages. Full-wave bridge rectifier D6 converts the incoming AC power to DC. Capacitors C17 and C19 further protect against surge voltages, help smooth the incoming rectified voltage and provide a broad band low impedance source for LDO regulator U5. LDO regulator U5 is an active low drop out regulator which provides a fixed voltage output for receiver circuit 343 and logic circuit 345. Capacitors C20 and C21 further smooth the output voltage and provide a required pole for LDO regulator U5. Inductors L7 and L9 isolate noise generated in the logic circuit from the radio. Resistor R11 and LED D7 are not used to generate power, but are an indicator circuit providing an indicator light when two conditions are both met. The two conditions are: (1) that constant “on” outlet(s) 130 have power; and (2) the MOVs of MOV protection circuit 500 in
Utilizing HI PWR circuit 270 and LO PWR circuit 280 as a two section power supply. design reduces power consumption of the power supply. In operation and understanding that power is a function of voltage times current, if a circuit will operate at some fixed current level, but at various voltages, then choosing the lowest voltage will use the least amount of power. Therefore, the low voltage supply (i.e., LO PWR circuit 280) is used to generate low voltage power for the radio and logic circuitry. This configuration uses the minimal amount of power for the low voltage circuitry because the reactive input power supply wastes no real power to generate the low voltage from the high voltage AC line power. The voltage for the relay is the high voltage supply (i.e., HI PWR circuit 270). Like the low voltage supply, the high voltage supply uses a reactive input to drop the line voltage to the voltage required for the relay. The high voltage supply is also a “soft” supply. That is, the voltage drops while a load current is drawn from the supply, providing even more of a power savings. The uniqueness of this approach as compared to the more traditional single power supply approach is that a power savings as high as 4 to 1 can be achieved over the traditional method.
In
In operations, current flows from logic circuit 345 to control circuit 290 through resistor R6, which limits the current for both diode-pair D3 and the base of BJT Q1. When current flow through resistor R6, BJT Q1 turns “on” and allows current to flow in the coil of relay circuit K1 of control circuit 290 causing relay circuit K1 to close its contacts and supply power to the controlled outlet(s) 150. If the flip/flop circuit of logic circuit 345 is “off,” as defined by the Q output of IC U3 is zero or “low,” then the LED D3 is not forward biased, and BJT Q1, relay circuit K1, and controlled outlet(s) 150 are “off.” When controlled outlet(s) 150 are “off,” there is no current flow into the base of BJT Q1 other than Icbo. Because the Icbo leakage current could turn the transistor on, resistor R7 drains any BJT Q1 Icbo to a safe level thereby preventing BJT Q1 from turning “on.” Only one half of diode-pair D4 (across the relay coil) is used for counter EMF when BJT Q1 turns off. Zenor diode Z1 is used to protect BJT Q1 against surge volts from the AC line that pass through the power supply.
In operation, a user and/or the device, depending on the input stimulus, determines when the peripheral devices should be supplied with power. In some embodiments the user presses a button to switch on the switched outlets and start a timer which then ends the sequence. In other embodiments, other input stimuli may completely automate the process, or the process may be completely manual, or some combination thereof. In one embodiment, power strip 800 operates as follows: a press of a switch sends an instruction signal to a microcontroller to turn on an LED and the circuitry associated with activating a relay, which energizes the controlled outlets; after a fixed time, the LED will start to blink on and off, if the button is not activated in the next short time window, the microcontroller turns the controlled outlets “off;” and if the button is pressed, the LED stays “on,” the relay remains “on” and the timer resets and restarts. In other embodiments, depending on the stimulus and the programming, different or all portions of the sequence may be automated. As with previous embodiments the power supply consists of two modules, one to generate power for the relay and one for the rest of the circuitry, and again this feature is part of the energy savings scheme.
In
In operation, logic chip U2 is implemented as a microcontroller that is programmed for the sequence through signals applied at programming pads EP1-EP5. A timing test signal can be measured at ET1 when test code is invoked. Capacitor C8 is used to help isolate digital noise from the power supply. At the start of the fixed time period described above, current flows through resistor R11 to LED D18 and the LED illuminates. The resistor, R11, limits the current. In one embodiment, logic circuit 347 is a separate module from the outlet strip and is electrically connected through plug P1 of logic circuit 347 and jack J1 of control circuit 290. In one embodiment, plug P1 is implemented as a 3.5 millimeter (mm) stereo phone plug, and jack J1 is implemented as a mating jack on power strip 800. In some embodiments, portions of plug P1 are soldered to pads E9-E11. In operation, plug P1 carries a signal used to power circuitry that activate controlled outlet(s) 150 and additionally provides power for logic chip U2, stimuli circuit 346, and LED D18. Further to the example, at the start of the timing sequence and at the same time logic chip U2 supplies current to LED D18, logic chip U2 additionally supplies current to resistor R12. Resistor R12 is in series with a signal wire in plug P1 and passes power to resistor R1, and hence, to control circuit 290.
In
In
In
The low voltage supply uses diodes D3, D6, D7, and D9 as the full wave rectifier bridge. The input to the bridge is shunted by C5, and the output of the bridge is shunted by D4. Both of these components are used to help attenuate any voltage surges. Capacitors C4 and C2 also help to mitigate surge damage. C4 and C2 have other functions. C4 and C2 help smooth the incoming rectified voltage and provide a broad band low impedance source for U1. U1 is an active low drop out regulator which provides a fixed voltage output for the micro controller and related circuitry. C1 helps to further smooth the output voltage and provides a required pole for the regulator.
In
In operation, plug P1 of logic circuit 347 passes power to resistor R1 of control circuit 290 via jack J1. Because resistor R1 is in series with the base of a BJT Q1, when the power is passed to resistor R1, BJT Q1 turns “on” which turns relay circuit K1 “on.” Relay circuit K1 then energizes the controlled outlet(s) 150. Resistors R12 and R1 limit the current to the base of Q1. R12 also helps to protect logic chip U2 from electrostatic discharge (ESD). Diode D1 is used to absorb the counter EMF generated by the magnetic field collapse from relay circuit K1 when BJT Q1 turns “off.” Resistor R2 is used to defeat the effect of Icbo if the logic circuit 347 is not electrically coupled to control circuit 290 via jack J1.
In
In operation, a user determines when the peripheral devices should have power. The user sends an encoded signal to the unit to perform the power “on” or “off” function. Receiver circuit 343 receives the signal, tunes, amplifies and converts it into an electrical signal that is passed to logic circuit 345 for implementation. As described in
In
In
In
Next, method 1000 includes a process 1020 of producing a control signal at a control circuit based on a received command signal and the second DC power signal. As an example, the control signal of process 1020 can be similar to the signal transmitted from command input device 140 to control circuit 290 (
Subsequently, method 1000 includes a process 1030 of powering a switch circuit with the first DC power signal based on the control signal and the second DC power signal. As an example, the switch circuit of process 1030 can be a portion of control circuit 290 (
After process 1030, method 1000 includes a process 1040 of providing the output AC power signal to a load when the switch circuit is powered. As an example, the load of process 1040 can be similar to a device plugged in to any of constant “on” outlet(s) 130, controlled outlet(s) 150, or master outlet(s) 240 (
Next, in some embodiments, method 1000 can include a process 1050 of providing the output AC power signal to a constant power outlet when the output AC power signal is produced. As an example, the constant power outlet of process 1050 can be similar to constant “on” outlet(s) 103 (
Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. Additional examples of such changes have been given in the foregoing description. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the invention and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the invention shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. To one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that the devices and method discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.
Although aspects of the subject matter described herein have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the subject matter described herein. Accordingly, the disclosure of embodiments is intended to be illustrative of the scope of the subject matter described herein and is not intended to be limiting. It is intended that the scope of the subject matter described herein shall be limited only to the extent required by the appended claims. To one of ordinary skill in the art, it will be readily apparent that the devices and method discussed herein may be implemented in a variety of embodiments, and that the foregoing discussion of certain of these embodiments does not necessarily represent a complete description of all possible embodiments. Rather, the detailed description of the drawings, and the drawings themselves, disclose at least one preferred embodiment, and may disclose alternative embodiments.
All elements claimed in any particular claim are essential to the subject matter described herein and claimed in that particular claim. Consequently, replacement of one or more claimed elements constitutes reconstruction and not repair. Additionally, benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described with regard to specific embodiments. The benefits, advantages, solutions to problems, and any element or elements that may cause any benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or become more pronounced, however, are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or elements of any or all of the claims.
Moreover, embodiments and limitations disclosed herein are not dedicated to the public under the doctrine of dedication if the embodiments and/or limitations: (1) are not expressly claimed in the claims; and (2) are or are potentially equivalents of express elements and/or limitations in the claims under the doctrine of equivalents.
This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/047,070, filed on Apr. 22, 2008, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/155,468, filed on Feb. 25, 2009, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
Number | Date | Country | |
---|---|---|---|
61047070 | Apr 2008 | US | |
61155468 | Feb 2009 | US |