TWI574580B - Dimmer system and method for controlling conduction angle of phase controlled load - Google Patents

Description

Dimmer system and method for controlling conduction angle of phase-controlled load

The present invention relates to a multi-way control configuration for a phase controlled dimmer circuit.

This specification cites the following publication: International Patent Application No. PCT/AU03/00365, entitled "Improved Dimmer Circuit Arrangement"; International Patent Application No. PCT/AU03/00366, entitled "Title" Dimmer Circuit with Improved Inductive Load"; International Patent Application No. PCT/AU03/00364, entitled "Dimmer Circuit with Improved Ripple Control" "International Circuit Application No. PCT/AU2006/001883, titled "Current Zero Crossing Detector in A Dimmer Circuit"; number PCT/AU2006/ International Patent Application No. 001,882, entitled "Load Detector For A Dimmer"; International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2006/001881, entitled "A Universal Dimmer" "International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2008/001398, title "Improved Start-Up Detection in a Dimmer Circuit"; International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2008/001399, titled "Dimmer Circuit With Overcurrent Detection" "Dimmer circuit"); and International Patent Application No. PCT/AU2008/001400, entitled "Overcurrent Protection in a Dimmer Circuit".

The contents of each of these applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

A phase control dimmer configuration (also known as a dimmer circuit or simply a dimmer) is used to control the power supply from a mains source such as 50-60 Hz (hertz), 120 or 240 V (volts) AC plug-in. Give a load such as a light fixture or an electric motor. Such dimmer configurations typically employ a technique called phase control dimming. This allows the power supplied to the load to be controlled by changing the total time that the switch that connects the load to the power supply is turned on during a particular period.

For example, if the voltage supplied by the power supply can be represented as a sine wave, if the switch that connects the load to the power supply is always turned on, it supplies the most power to the load. In this way, all of the energy of the power source is transferred to the load. If the switch is turned off at a fraction of each cycle (both positive and negative), then a proportional sine wave is isolated from the load, thus reducing the average energy supplied to the load. For example, if the switch turns on and off each half at each cycle, only half of the power is transferred to the load. The overall effect will be that, in the case of a luminaire, for example, one of the brightness controls of the light is flat. Smooth light action.

The latest phase control dimming circuits typically operate in one of two ways - the leading edge of the signal or the trailing edge of the signal. In the signal leading edge technology, the dimmer is configured to "cut" or block the power conduction of the load in the front portion of each half cycle (hence the "signal leading edge"). In the signal trailing edge technology, the dimmer is configured to "cut" or block the power conduction of the load at the back of each half cycle. Figure 1A shows a graph 10 of the operation of a signal leading edge dimmer illustrating the current I _L through the load and Figure 1B showing a graph 20 of the operation of a signal trailing edge dimmer. A point located in a half cycle that is switched to an on state is referred to as a conduction angle or a firing angle 1121. Controlling the conduction angle thus controls the corresponding dimming level in the dimmer configuration. The conduction angle can be expressed as a specific value (for example, 45°), or a percentage (for example, 30%) in a specific range such as a half cycle (180°).

A typical prior art phase control dimmer configuration includes a switch (eg, a solid state switch, such as a three pole AC triac) that switches the current to the load in accordance with a timing signal provided by a timing control circuit, As will be understood by those skilled in the relevant art. The timing control circuit determines the angle (on or firing angle) at which the switch is triggered to conduct to allow current to flow into the load. The output of the timing control circuit is controlled by the input of the timing control circuit, which is a control voltage. The value of this control voltage can be varied by a user operating a user configurable interface, such as a potentiometer or digital switch.

The higher the user sets the user-configurable interface switch, the more The higher the control voltage to the sequential circuit, the higher the drive signal and the higher (or larger) the conduction angle. A higher conduction angle results in a higher brightness of the light. Figure 1C shows a graph 30 of a typical user control (or drive) signal versus transfer angle transfer function. In this case, the transfer function is a 1:1 linear map from 10% (18°) to 100% (180°). A conduction angle of less than 10% is excluded.

2A shows a typical prior art 2-wire dimmer configuration 200 including a dimmer circuit 210 coupled to a load 220. This dimmer configuration consists of a circuit line or active connector (A) and a load connector (LD), but there is no neutral connection as this is usually not provided in the device. Wires 212, 214, and 222 connect the dimmer configuration to the active circuit line, the dimmer configuration to the load, and the load to the neutral terminal, respectively. In operation, the dimmer configuration limits the intensity of the load current to a level slightly below the maximum load level, thus allowing a small amount of current to be dissipated for power supply to be internally connected to the circuit line and the load connector. The dimmer controls the electronic circuit. For example, in a 50 Hz system with a 10 millisecond (ms) half cycle period, an 80% (8 millisecond) maximum dimmer conduction period is typical, although other maximum values can be set (eg, 50%, 70%, 90%, etc.), depending on the power requirements of the dimmer configuration. The dimmer configuration also includes a user interface 215, such as a button, touch sensor, dial, etc. to allow a user to change the dimming level and includes an indicator 216 to indicate A dimming level, such as a light emitting diode (LED), one or more light emitting elements, an LCD display, or one of the speakers for providing an audio indication of the current dimming level.

Among rooms with more than one doorway entry point, there is a need for a switch with multiple light controls. A practical implementation of such a bidirectional switching function requires the use of two interconnected wires between each of the switching switches that control the switch position. Depending on the current state of the switch, a certain interconnect wire is used to carry the load current. However, providing two-way dimming control is more difficult and often not practical or cost effective. Bidirectional dimming control can be achieved by specifically designing the dimmer configuration with an additional input for connection to a simple remote switching unit located at other control locations. In this case, the remote switch unit contains only a simple momentary-press type mechanical switch without a power supply. Therefore, although the dimming control can be provided, there is no load status indication capability and its implementation requires additional wiring.

Other control systems that utilize remote terminals with independent power supplies and are connected to control units with control lines have also been employed. However, the installation and use of more costly wiring makes it more complicated and therefore unsatisfactory.

It is therefore desirable to provide a dimming configuration that uses a single wire between a dimmer configuration and a remote configuration to allow for common control and indication of dimming levels in the dimmer and remote configuration, or at least Provide a useful choice.

According to a first aspect, a method for communicating and controlling a conduction angle in a system for controlling a phase controlled load is provided, the system comprising a conduction angle controller, a first One conduction The angle switch input is coupled to a first conduction angle indicator and at least one remote device connected to the conduction angle controller through a wire, and the conduction angle controller controls the conduction angle of the phase control load to a minimum conduction angle Between a maximum conduction angle to define a conduction period and a non-conduction period, the at least one remote device includes a distal conduction angle switch input and a distal conduction angle indicator, the method comprising: generating during the non-conduction period Having a current pulse of a first amplitude level and a width, and transmitting the generated current pulse through the wire to the at least one remote device for powering the at least one remote device; mapping the conduction angle to the current One of the mapping times in the pulse; the conduction angle controller changes the level of the current pulse at the mapping time; the conduction angle is indicated in the first conduction angle indicator, wherein the conduction angle is indicated according to the bit Determining the time of the quasi-change; monitoring the level of the current pulse in the conduction angle controller to detect a change in the level of the current pulse by the at least one remote device Detecting a signal from the first conduction angle input and generating a signal to the conduction angle controller to change the conduction angle in response to the detected change; monitoring respective current pulse levels of the at least one remote device to Detecting a change in the level of the current pulse by the conduction angle controller; and indicating a conduction angle of each of the at least one remote device by the conduction angle indicator, wherein the indicated conduction angle is It is determined according to the time of change of the detected current pulse level.

According to a second aspect, it is proposed to use a conduction angle controller a current pulse generator and a level change detector device, wherein the conduction angle controller is connected in series to at least one remote conduction angle control device through a wire, wherein the conduction angle controller controls a conduction angle of a phase control load And defining a conduction period and a non-conduction period between a minimum conduction angle and a maximum conduction angle, and the conduction angle controller further includes a first conduction angle switch input and a first conduction angle indicator, and the at least Each of the remote conduction angle control devices includes a distal conduction angle input and a distal conduction angle indicator, and the current pulse generator and the level change detector device includes: a current pulse generator for the non- Generating a current pulse having a first amplitude and a width during the conduction period for providing to the first conduction angle indicator and for transmitting the generated current pulse through the wire to the at least one remote device Supplying power to the at least one remote device; a conduction angle mapping module for mapping the conduction angle to one of the mapping times during the current pulse period and at the mapping time Generating a signal; an amplitude level change generator receiving the signal from the conduction angle mapping module and generating a change in the level of the first amplitude; and a monitoring circuit for detecting the at least one far One of the levels of the first amplitude of the current pulse generated by the end device changes or a signal from the first conduction angle switch input and generates a signal to the conduction angle controller to change the conduction angle.

According to a third aspect, a remote conduction angle control device for connecting a conduction angle controller through a wire is provided, the conduction angle controller controlling a conduction angle of a phase-controlled load to a minimum conduction angle and Maximum guide Between the through angles to define a conduction period and a non-conduction period, and the conduction angle controller includes a first conduction angle switch input and a first conduction angle indicator, the remote conduction angle control device comprises: a power supply a regulator for receiving a current pulse from the phase conduction conduction angle controller through the wire to supply power to the remote conduction angle control device; a distal conduction angle input; and a switch action module for the remote end The conduction angle input receives a signal and generates a quasi-change in the received current pulse; a conduction angle indicator circuit includes a remote conduction angle indicator and a quasi-change detector to detect the receiving current pulse. One of the levels changes, and wherein the conduction angle indicator is powered by the current pulse from the beginning of the current pulse until the detected level changes.

According to a fourth aspect, a phased load device is provided for connecting at least one remote conduction angle control device of the third aspect through a wire, the phase control load device comprising: a zero crossover detection a switch and a low voltage supply circuit; a switch for supplying power to a load; and a conduction angle controller for controlling a conduction angle of the switch between a minimum conduction angle and a maximum conduction angle to define a conduction period and a non-conduction a conduction period; a first conduction angle switch input; a first conduction angle indicator; and a current pulse generator and a level change detector of the second aspect.

According to a fifth aspect, a system for controlling a phase-controlled load is provided, the system comprising the phase-controlled load device of the fourth aspect, connected in series to at least one remote end of the third aspect through a wire Conduction angle control device.

In another aspect, the system is a dimming system, the phase-controlled load device is a dimmer, and the conduction angle indicator is a dimming indicator, indicating a dimming level corresponding to the conduction angle. .

In another aspect, a portion of the current pulse prior to the level change of the current pulse is provided to each conduction angle (dimming) indicator for powering each of the conduction angle indicators, the conduction angle indicator Can be an LED. In another aspect, a shunt circuit is used to shunt the current pulse to the first conduction angle indicator from the time the level change occurs to the end of the current pulse.

The change in the level of the current pulse (level change) can be a decrease or an increase. A reduction can be a slip to zero, a bottom line level, a percentage reduction (10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%) or a low threshold value, such as a percentage of the normal current level, such as 10%. 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, etc. Similarly, if the normal current level is less than a higher maximum value (such as the trajectory voltage), the change can be an increase, such as increasing by a certain amount (eg, 10%, 20%) or increasing to the maximum. Threshold value, such as maximum level. The level change can be one of the permanent changes in the duration of the pulse (ie, a step change) or a fraction of the width of the current pulse (eg, 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, or 50%) Or temporarily changing one of a certain length of time (eg, 500, 100, 50, 10, or 1 microsecond). In one state In this case, the change in the level of the current pulse is an interrupt pulse (or signal) which reduces the amplitude level of the current pulse to a bottom line level during an interruption period. In one aspect, the interruption period is less than 5% of the current pulse width. The time of the level change can be understood as a time relative to a reference point such as the starting point of the current pulse (ie, a certain point or position within the time series pulse), or relative to the starting point of the non-conduction period, Zero-crossing time (meaning, the current starting point of the main power waveform of the plug-in) or some other reference point.

In another aspect, the remote device changes the level of the current pulse during one of the switching events of the current pulse, and the conduction angle controller changes the level of the current pulse during one of the conduction angle indicating portions of the current pulse. In one aspect, the switching action portion is a first portion of one of the current pulses, and the conduction angle indicating portion is a second portion of the current pulse that is located after the first portion. In one aspect, the minimum conduction angle is non-zero and the range of conduction angles is mapped to the width of the current pulse. In another aspect, the conduction angle mapped to the width ranges from zero to at least the maximum conduction angle, and the switching action portion includes a portion of the current pulse from a starting point to a non-zero minimum conduction angle. The mapping can be a linear mapping of conduction angle versus time (eg, from pulse start to completion).

An embodiment in which a current pulse is used during a line voltage half-cycle non-conduction period of a phased load such as a dimmer or an electronic switch to create a functioning remote unit is described below. These embodiments provide a cost effective way to operate in dimming and related phase control systems (phase controlled Real multi-way control and multi-way indication in system).

An illustrative embodiment of a phased dimmer is illustrated below in which the conduction angle corresponds to a dimming level and the conduction angle input and indicator correspond to a dimmer control input and a dimming level indicator. However, it should be understood that the illustrated methods, apparatus, and systems can be used in systems that control other phased loads, such as fans. In such applications, an input is used to control the conduction angle between a minimum conduction angle (which may be zero or non-zero) and a maximum conduction angle, and wherein it wants to have the value of the conduction angle at the primary Both the controller and the remote controller are presented to the user. In other words, the dimming input and dimming indicators described above are more generally a conduction angle input and a conduction angle indicator. Similarly, the embodiments and methods can also be used in conjunction with the application of a phased electronic switch in which the conduction state of the switch is equivalent to (or similar to) a dimmer that is set at its maximum conduction angle. In such applications, the indicator will have a synchronized on or off state directly at both the primary controller and the remote controller. For example, in addition to dimmers and fans, the methods are used to control other subsystems of a building automation system (eg, blinds, other luminaires, latches, etc.).

An illustrative embodiment of one of the multi-channel dimmer configurations with enhanced functionality of a single interconnecting wire will be described below. This configuration is particularly suitable for dimmers in the form of push-type switches or touch-type switches - where the line voltage is permanently applied to it, but unlike existing systems, the single interconnect wire of the existing system is connected to the dimmer and remote configuration. The control position transmits the bidirectional signaling information to and from the remote unit and conducts the necessary power supply current to the remote control configuration (hereinafter referred to as the remote configuration for the sake of brevity). In the dimmer More complex communications are used between the remote configuration and the visual and/or audible dimmer load status indication, in addition to the presence of the dimmer configuration, making it possible to have a remote configuration. This dimming configuration effectively contributes to true multi-channel dimming - where load status/brightness can be controlled and indicated from multiple locations.

It is also noted that the configurations described herein can be used to provide multiple remote configurations in series with a dimmer configuration through a single wire. In this case, the "single wire" described above can include physically different wires that are joined or connected in series to effectively form a single wire or a single electrical path between the dimmer configuration and each remote configuration.

2B shows an embodiment of a system 202 for controlling a phased load, which in this example is a dimming system. In accordance with an embodiment, the system includes a phased dimmer device 210 and a remote conduction angle (dimming level) control device 230 (referred to as a dimmer device and a remote device, respectively, for simplicity). In this embodiment, the dimmer device 210 shown in FIG. 2A has an additional connector R for connection to a remote device 230. The remote device connector includes an active connector A for connection to an active circuit line 232 and a remote connector R for connection to the dimmer device through a single wire 236 (interconnect link). The single wire 236 has a dual function of supplying a small amount of power to the remote device and assisting the communication of the remote device with the dimmer device 210 installed at a different location (ie, a single power and communication line). In this embodiment, only the dimmer device can directly control the brightness level or the on/off state of the load, and the remote device communicates with the dimmer device through the single wire interconnection 236 to provide a load. Indirect control.

The remote device also includes a user interface that includes a conduction angle or dimming level switch input 237 to allow a user to change the current conduction angle through the input to change the dimming level. The input can be a momentary touch button, a dial, a touch sensor, and the like. The user interface also includes a conduction angle and dimming level indicator 238 to indicate the dimming level. The indicator can be an LED, or an LED and light pipe, one or more lighting elements, an LCD display, or a speaker or tone generator to provide an audio indication of the conduction angle and the dimming level. In one embodiment, the indicator 216 in the phased dimmer is the same as the indicator 238 in the remote unit to reduce manufacturing and maintenance costs. In other embodiments, the indicators described above may be different and only need to provide substantially the same response to a common conduction angle/dimming level indication signal (i.e., display a similar dimming indication). The dimmer device can include one or more circuits, modules, components on one or more of the boards that perform the functions described herein. The dimmer device can also include a housing or panel and can also perform functions other than those described herein. The dimming input switch that allows the user to change the dimming level can be a momentary push button switch such as the Saturn, Impress, and 2000 series offered by Clipsal by Schneider Electric. Or it may use other dimming inputs (e.g., a continuous rotary potentiometer) that can be used to generate a signal to indicate a request to change dimming.

Figure 3 shows an embodiment 300 of a circuit for a phased dimmer device. The dimmer device includes a local end push switch 302 for receiving an input request to turn on the light and changing the dimming level, and includes an LED indicator signal 322 for indicating a dimming level or a conduction angle. a dimmer conduction angle Control circuit 320 receives the switch output and receives power and zero-crossing timing signals from a dimmer low voltage supply and zero-crossing detector 310. The conduction angle controller (or apparatus or circuit) includes a conduction angle mapping module 326 to map the conduction angle to one of the mapping times during the non-conduction period and to generate an output signal through the LED indicator 322 at the mapping time (this Points are explained below. The conduction angle control circuit is used to control the two switching elements, in this case MOSFETs Q1 332 and Q2 334 (eg SPB20N60C3). These switching elements are turned "on" or "off" in response to the dimmer gate drive signal 324 provided by the conduction angle control circuit 320, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art. Switching elements Q1 and Q2 alternately manipulate/control the load, each operating at a different polarity during the subsequent half cycle of the power applied by the line. Each of the switching elements has a connected anti-parallel diode D1 and D2.

It should be understood that many aspects can be applied to any form of dimmer device, such as PCT/AU03/00365, titled "Improved Dimmer Circuit Arrangement"; PCT/AU03/, titled "Dimmer Circuit with Improved Inductive Load". 00366; PCT/AU03/00364 for the title "Dimmer Circuit with Improved Ripple Control"; PCT/AU2006/001883 for the title "Current Zero Crossing Detector in A Dimmer Circuit"; PCT/ for the title "Load Detector For A Dimmer" AU2006/001882; PCT/AU2006/001881 titled "A Universal Dimmer"; PCT/AU2008/001398 titled "Improved Start-Up Detection in a Dimmer Circuit"; PCT/title "Dimmer Circuit With Overcurrent Detection" AU2008/001399; and the title "Overcurrent Protection in a Dimmer Circuit" in the PCT/AU2008/001400 case; all contents of these documents are incorporated herein by reference.

The remote device is an active device and requires a power source to operate. Within this mechanism, power is supplied via gating of a current pulse through a single wire 236 from the dimmer device to the remote connector for a short duration (as compared to the line voltage half cycle period). Figure 4A shows a graph 410 of a sinusoidal voltage waveform having a period length T that is used as a timing reference for the dimmer. For example, in a 240V AC 50Hz system, T is equivalent to 20 milliseconds, and zero crossing occurs every 10 milliseconds. Figure 4B shows a graph 420 of one of the dimmer and associated load current waveforms. The dimmer conducts current to the load for a time duration t _c, the conduction angle according to 421, followed by a non-conduction period _{t nc = T / 2-t} c, a distal end means for supplying current pulses 422 inserted therein. At zero-crossing point 423 (T / 2), the dimmer again begins conducting a duration t _c, followed by a non-conducting period, during which the non-conduction period, another remote unit supplies a current pulse 424 is inserted among them. The cycle is then repeated from the next zero crossing point 425 (T) with its next remote device supply current pulse 426 being inserted into the next non-conduction period. A corresponding dimmer line voltage waveform 430 is illustrated in Figure 4C. Zero-crossing detector 310 produces an output signal waveform 440 at point ZC 312 (see FIG. 3), which is represented in FIG. 4D as a square wave of duration t _nc = T/2-t _c . For example, in the context of a 50 Hz system with 80% of its maximum conduction angle tether voltage half cycle period, the duration of the non-conduction period (t _nc ) is approximately 2 milliseconds.

As illustrated in FIG. 4B, a current pulse is transmitted to the remote device during the non-conduction period of the line voltage half cycle period. It can supply these current pulses every half cycle (full wave mode) or only every half cycle (half wave mode). Figure 4E shows a graph 450 of current waveforms supplied to the remote device 230 in a full wave format, wherein current pulses 422, 424, 426 are transmitted every half cycle, while Figure 4F is shown as being supplied to the far end in half wave form. A graph 460 of the current waveform of the device, wherein the current pulse is sent 422426 every half cycle. In each case, the current pulse has a width t _p (which is less than t _nc). The latter has the advantage of reducing the complexity of the design implementation, but it only provides half the current (and therefore only half of the available power) to the remote unit. In addition, since the remote device current is simultaneously directed through the dimmer load, it is necessary for the dimmer to allow an equivalent current pulse during the voltage half cycle of the opposite polarity to avoid generating a connected DC current bias from the load. The possibility of asymmetric dimmer action.

The current pulse can be a square wave, a square wave with a rounded edge, or some other pulse shape, such as a Gaussian pulse with a specific or nominal amplitude level and width (which can be defined as standard or specific) Under operating conditions, such as 25 ° C). The first amplitude level can be an average level, a maximum level, or a certain percentage of a maximum level or reference level (eg, a rail voltage of 5V, 12V, or higher) (eg, 10%, 25) %, 50%, 75%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%). The width can be a time above a certain threshold (ie, one of the time points on the leading edge of the signal to a time point on the trailing edge of the signal). The threshold can be 10%, 50% or 90% of the amplitude level.

5A shows the distal end of one of the amplification means current pulse pattern having a duration t _p and the amplitude I _pk. For the 50 Hz system described above, one instance of a suitable remote unit current pulse has a duration of 1 millisecond (equivalent to 50% of the T/20 or non-conduction period) and a 10 mA (mA) amplitude (I _pk ) to provide An average supply current of 0.5 mA (I _pk / 20) is given to the remote unit.

In addition to providing a power supply to the remote unit via regular current pulses on a single conductor connecting the remote and dimmer devices, it can provide bidirectional signaling to and from the remote control unit by appropriate encoding of the current pulses. News. More complex communications are used between the dimmer and the far end configuration such that the visual and/or audible dimmer load status indication can exist at the remote unit in addition to being present at the dimmer device. This mechanism contributes to true multi-channel dimming - because it can control and indicate load status/brightness from multiple locations using only a single wire connecting the locations, which simplifies and reduces the cost of implementation.

In this embodiment, the dimmer device changes the desired dimming level (eg, LED brightness) by one of the current pulse levels (also referred to as current level change or simply level change). The remote device is signaled, such as one of the normal levels at a particular point within the current pulse, to be instantaneously interrupted, depending on the desired brightness level. In other words, the point in time at which the current level within the pulse changes (ie, the fixed point or position) is used to indicate a predetermined brightness level. This allows the remote device to indicate the dimmer load status in the same manner as the dimmer device performs. Similarly, the action of the switch in the remote device can be used to initiate a request to change the current dimming level by generating a current level change, such as at a particular point in the current pulse or a specific time period (or range or A momentary interruption within the position).

The change or modulation in the normal or current level (voltage amplitude) of the current pulse can be an increase or a decrease. The reduction can be reduced to zero and reduced To a baseline level (ie, the level before the current pulse), to a low threshold (eg, from 5mV (millivolts) to 1mV), or to a percentage of the normal current level, such as 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, 90%, etc. Similarly, if the normal current level is less than a higher maximum value (such as the trajectory voltage), the change can be an increase, such as increasing by a certain amount (eg, 10%, 20%) or increasing to one. Threshold values, such as increasing to a maximum value (eg, from 4 mV to 5 mV).

The intensity of the current level change only needs to be sufficient for a detection circuit to reliably detect the beginning of such a change in the normal (or initial) level of the current pulse, such as by using one to detect one of the current pulses. Signal edge detection circuit for rising or falling signal edges. This level change can be a permanent change in one of the pulse durations (ie, a step change). In other embodiments, the level change is a temporary change, such as adding or subtracting (stacking) a (level change indication) pulse at a current pulse. The time (or position) within the pulse of the level change can be detected by signal edge detection (rising or falling) and detected at the leading edge of the signal or the trailing edge of the signal, or the detection can be based on the level change of the current pulse. Detection, such as by integrating current pulses and monitoring changes in the level of the integrated signal.

An interrupt pulse or signal for one instantaneous or short duration of the current pulse is a convenient way to provide a change in current pulse level that can detect changes. However, it should be understood that this is a convenient embodiment, and that other level changes including addition or subtraction may be used to indicate the brightness level of the current or that the remote switch input has been pressed or touched (ie, requires tuning) Change in light level). The interrupt signal or pulse reduces the amplitude level of the current pulse to a low A level of a predefined threshold (eg, 25%, 10%, 5%, 1%, or lower), or it may be a slip to a zero or bottom line level. After the interrupt pulse, the amplitude level can return to the first amplitude level or another level. Since the current pulse is used to supply power, it is usually necessary to make the length of the interrupt (that is, the width of the interrupt pulse) shorter than the current pulse width because only weak power is even during the interruption period. There is no power to deliver to the far end. For example, the length of the interruption period can be a fraction of the current pulse width, such as 10%, 5%, 2.5%, 1%, and the like. Alternatively, it may be a predetermined length of time, such as 500, 100, 50, 10, 1 microsecond, and the like.

Figures 5A through 5D show various patterns of remote device current pulses used to signal various conditions. 5A shows the distal end of the device current is not interrupted one pulse pattern 510, a duration t _p and the amplitude I _pk and without interruption, this system schematic for the maximum signal level indicator (which means, no dimming, Maximum conduction angle). The current pulse begins at a zero level 512 and rises to a nominal amplitude or pulse level 514. 5B shows one of the remote device of the current pulse signal is interrupted pattern 520, which fell to the interrupt pulse 522 corresponds to the minimum level indicator (e.g. 10%) of the zero level 524 at point ₂ at the instant t. 5C shows the distal end of one of the means of the current pulse signal is interrupted pattern 530, where the interrupt pulse 532 corresponds to a moderate fall indicator level (50%) of the zero level at the point t _2. Finally, Figure 5D shows a graph 540 of the interrupted remote device current pulse signal, wherein the switch interrupt pulse 542 occurs during an interrupt delay period t _id to indicate the action of the switch in a remote device. Switch interrupt pulse duration of less than interrupt the delay period t _d t _id. In some embodiments, the indicator is an LED, in which case the time of interruption corresponds to the brightness level of the indicator LED (ie, the brightness level is proportional to the time of the interruption).

In this embodiment, the non-conduction period begins at time t ₀ , the pulse begins (rises) at a time t ₁ and the interruption begins at a time t ₂ and ends at a later time t ₃ , The duration of the current interruption is made equal to t ₃ -t ₂ (see Figures 5A to 5D). In one embodiment, to minimize the effect on the average current level, the preferred duration of the current pulse interruption (t ₃ -t ₂ ) or interrupt pulse (t _d ) is shorter than the remote device current. The total duration of the pulse, such as 1/10 or 1/20 of the total duration of the remote device current pulse. For example, for a 1 millisecond pulse, the 1/20 duration interrupt is equivalent to approximately 50 [mu]s (microseconds).

As illustrated in Figure 5D, the action of the switch in the remote device is signaled through a single wire by interruption of the received current pulse immediately following the beginning of the current pulse. In another preferred embodiment, the minimum start time of the minimum intensity signal is equal to t ₂ a schematic interrupt delay period t _id, which is a schematic signaling system to the distal end of the operation switch means. The interrupt delay period t _id is defined to be longer than the length of the switch interrupt pulse t _d . More broadly, the current pulse can be divided into a switching action portion for signaling the action of the switch in the remote device, and a dimming indicating portion for signaling the current dimming level (eg, LED brightness). It can also insert additional buffer sections into the disallowed breaks and can be used to provide a clear separation between the various sections, to account for delays and propagation delays due to circuit reaction times, or to specify disabled dimming bits. Quasi (such as greater than the maximum conduction angle). For example, as shown in FIG. 5A, it may provide an initial delay period t _sd before the current pulse, and may provide an end buffer period t _eb after the current pulse. In some embodiments, the switching action portion is located before the dimming indicating portion, while in other embodiments, the dimming indicating portion is located before the switching action portion. A buffering period can be defined between the two parts.

The switching action portion of the current pulse can occur at or near the beginning of the pulse, at or near the end of the pulse (near the vicinity indicating a short delay relative to the pulse width, such as t _p /40), or at the pulse Some point in the middle. For example, the current pulse may have a duration t _p, and it may want to conduction angle is limited to between one such minimum conduction angle of 10% with a maximum conduction angle, such as 80%, so that the available the dimming range It is 10-80%. In this example, the dimming indication portion corresponds to a range of 10-80% of the current pulse, and the switching action portion can be located during the first 10% or the last 20% of the current pulse. The minimum conduction angle can be determined to be one of the minimum levels necessary for stable or efficient operation of the load (eg, flicker or other problems may occur at low conduction angles). Alternatively, the minimum level may correspond to a sensible (ie, physiologically based) minimum intensity level, such as 5%, 10%, or 20%, below which the user is less likely to feel Or it is only possible to barely feel the change in the brightness level, and it is more efficient to save power by keeping the switch in the off state. Alternatively, the minimum conduction angle can be set to define an initial portion of the current pulse that is reserved for use by the switching action portion. This may be based on the duration t _{d of the} switch interrupt pulse. The maximum conduction angle is a maximum value that ensures sufficient power to be supplied through the current pulses to power the remote end as described above. The maximum value may also be based on the required size of an end buffer period to allow zero crossings to be detected.

The time (or position) of the interrupt pulse (or level change) in the dimming indication portion is used to indicate the current dimming level (or, more broadly, the current conduction angle). A conduction angle mapping module 326 can be used to map the current conduction angle/dimming level to one of the mapping times during the current pulse period. The mapping time may be during a dimming indication portion and may be a continuous range from a minimum conduction angle to a maximum conduction angle. For example, the dimming level may be determined by the start time t ₂ =d ₁ * t _{p of the} interrupt pulse, where d ₁ is a predetermined dimming level, expressed as a ratio between 0 (0%) and 1 ( The value between 100%). In another embodiment, a discretization (or digitization or quantization) range may be used in conjunction with a portion of a series of steps, blocks, or regions that are gated, block, or Or regions each correspond to a specific dimming level. For example, the rank may have a width of 1%, 2%, 2.5%, 5%, 10%, 20%, or 25% of the pulse width, producing 100, 50, 40, 20, 10, 5, or 4, respectively. Block or range. Each block can have an associated, stored or predefined brightness level. For example, if the current pulse is divided into 10% steps (10 blocks), a pulse occurring between 40% and 50% of the pulse duration can be interpreted as a 45% brightness level. Alternatively, it is also possible to use a mapping function in a time interruption pulse current / position / point (meaning, t ₂₎ is mapped to a dimming level (or the conduction angle). A conduction angle mapping module can be implemented by a suitable circuit or logic component or a microcontroller.

Figures 6A through 6D show various example mapping curves for mapping the time of interruption to a dimming level (or equivalent, a conduction angle). In each of the examples, the minimum conduction angle was set to 10%, and the maximum conduction angle was set to 80%. The switching action portion accounts for the first 10% (0, 0.1t _p ) of the current pulse width, and the dimming indication portion occupies any region within the range of (0.1t _p , 0.8t _p ), followed by the last 20% ( One of the buffer portions of 0.8t _p , t _p ). Alternatively, the dimming indication portion occupies (0.1t _p, t _p) of the window interval.

Figure 6B shows a mapping curve 610 in which the dimming range is increased by a series of regular or linear steps between a minimum (10%) and a maximum (80%) dimming level. Each level of distance corresponds to a 10% increase relative to the previous level (ie, d ₁ =n*0.1, for n=1,...,10) such that a n*0.1 dimming level will Corresponds to an interrupt pulse in the range of [n*.01, (n+1)*0.1) (that is, containing n*.01 but not (n+1)*0.1). 6A shows a mapping curve 620 in which the dimming range is increased by a series of irregular pitches that divide the dimming indication portion into corresponding dimming levels (10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 60%). The five areas of the area, with no interruption, represent the maximum dimming level of 80%.

As mentioned above, the dimming range can be a continuous range. The dimming indication portion may be represented as a fractional range interval (0, on a portion of the dimming level in the range of the range (minimum dimming level, maximum dimming level) mapped by a function f(t). 1). Alternatively, the range of the width of the current pulse occupied by the dimming portion, for example (0.1t _p , t _p ), may be mapped to the dimming level range (minimum dimming level, maximum dimming level) or A more concise form (min _d , max _d ). Figure 6C illustrates a first linear mapping curve 630 using a linear mapping function f(t), where f(t) = t for t within the range interval (0.1, 0.8) and f for t < 0.1 (t) = 0; and for t > 0.8, f(t) = 0.8, which corresponds to having a time between the time/position of the interrupt pulse in the pulse width having the dimming intensity on the dimming portion: 1 mapping. Figure also shows a second linear mapping curve 632, the intensity of which increases from the 80% strength ₂ = t _{p 2} at t = 0 t is the intensity at a linearly 0.1t _p, this corresponds to a F (t) = (t-min _d ) ^* max _d / (1-min _d ) mapping function.

It can also use a non-linear mapping function, as illustrated in Figure 6D. A suitable mapping function includes a power law based curve defined substantially as f(t)=t ^k (max _d -min _d )+min _d , where k is a power and can be in range Within a range (0.3, 3) gives a range of concave and convex curves, or a trigonometric function such as f(t)=sin(π t/2) ^* (max _d -min _d )+min _d Based function). The first curve 640 uses a sine function that increases the intensity from 0 to 80% between t = 0.1 t _p and t = t _p , while the second curve 642 uses a sine function at t = 0.1 t. The intensity increases from 0 to 80% between _p and t = 0.8 t _p and then remains fixed at 80%. These mapping functions can be used to take into account physiological effects such as the response of the eye to light intensity and non-linearity, and can vary depending on the brightness of the individual's eyes. For example, a person who enters a general room from an outdoor or a well-lit room may not be able to distinguish between high intensity (that is, between 70% and 80%), and it can distinguish between low intensity (ie, The difference between 40% and 50%), in this case, may require a range of lower intensity to be extended relative to higher intensity. Furthermore, it may modify the mapping function employed based on time information (date and/or time of year) or according to ambient brightness such as that obtained from a light sensor such as a photodiode.

In one embodiment, by using an on/off switchable fixed current circuit, a current pulse generator generates a remote device current pulse in the dimmer device to establish a current pulse for a particular duty cycle. . Among the one-half cycle polarity of the line voltage, the pilot generates a current pulse that passes through an LED indicator 216 that is coupled to the dimmer device 210, and then connects to the single wire via the distal connector through a distal end. LED indicator 238 of device 230. In this way, it illuminates the (dimmer and remote) LED indicators at the same brightness level through a half-wave current pulse. The equivalent current pulse with the opposite half-cycle polarity of the associated line voltage flows through the dimmer load joint, but is shunted through the LED indicator that connects the dimmer device.

Figures 7A through 7H illustrate a series of signals that can be used to generate current pulses and interrupt pulse current pulses. 8 illustrates an embodiment 800 of a current pulse generator and level change detector circuit for generating a remote device current pulse and an interrupt detector in the dimmer device. Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment 900 of a circuit for a remote device that is powered by a remote device current pulse and that is capable of interrupting a remote device pulse to signal the action of one of the remote devices . In such embodiments, the interruption slips to zero voltage, but as noted above, other current level changes can also be used (e.g., 10%, 25%, etc., which slips to normal levels).

The current pulse generator and level change detector generally include a current pulse generator for generating a current pulse during the non-conduction period. A current pulse is provided to an LED indicator and transmitted through a wire to a remote device to provide power to the remote device. The current pulse generator and the level change detector also include a conduction angle mapping module and an amplitude level change generation The conduction angle mapping module is configured to map the conduction angle to one of the mapping times of the current pulse period and generate a signal at the mapping time, and the amplitude level change generator receives the signal from the conduction angle mapping module. And producing a change in one of the first amplitude levels. Finally, it incorporates a monitoring circuit for detecting a change in the level of the current pulse generated by the remote device or from one of the inputs of the push switch. This produces a signal to the conduction angle controller to change the conduction angle.

The remote conduction angle control device includes a power supply regulator for receiving the generated current pulses through the wires and for supplying power to the remote device. The remote device also includes a remote conduction angle input (ie, a button), a switching action module for receiving a signal from a remote conduction angle input and generating a quasi-change in the received current pulse, and a conducting The angle indicator circuit includes a remote conduction angle indicator and a level change detector for detecting a change in the level of the received current pulse. The conduction angle indicator is powered by a current pulse from the start of the current pulse to the detected level change.

Referring to Figure 8, resistor R16 provides a bias current to transistor Q4, from load 214 or distal 236 connector (for connection to a wire), depending on the current line voltage half cycle polarity. This allows the Q4 collector current to be directed to the anode of the LED indicator 802. The current flowing out of the LED cathode 802 is conducted through the transistor Q5, but only when Q5 has been driven through the resistor R10. The emitter current from Q5 thus flows through the current sense resistors R11 and R12 and leads to the 0V rail, and then flows out to the dimmer connection line 236 or the load connector 214 according to the current line voltage half cycle polarity. Transistor Q7 sensing flows through R12 The current pulse strength is used to perform the required current limiting action by limiting the bias current that can be passed to Q4.

During the period in which no current pulses are required (ie, after the current pulse is interrupted), the drive for transistor Q5 must be removed, which causes any residual LED current to be directed to the base terminal of transistor Q6, and due to A high current gain factor that acts to shunt a significant portion of the available bias current to Q4, thus making the LED current strength virtually equal to zero. When the dimmer indicator LED needs to indicate a load cutoff condition, it utilizes transistor Q3 to cause current pulses to be shunted through the LED, which in turn is driven by transistor Q2.

The currently used line load voltage zero-crossing detector 310 (see Figure 3) is used to trigger the current pulse generator and to use a series of precision monostables configured to be functional blocks or modules. The circuit of a multivibrator integrated circuit (eg, CD3458) to generate an output current pulse and control the LED function.

As illustrated in FIG. 7A, the non-conduction period continues from t ₀ to t ₆ and is represented as one of the durations generated by the zero-crossing detector zc (312 in FIG. 3) equal to t _nc Zero crossing waveform 710. After the nonconductive portion, the current pulse generator module 810 from the starting point i.e. the non-conduction period starting after a delay of an appropriate t _SD, generates a current pulse width t _p of the distal end of the apparatus. This can be achieved by generating an initial delay pulse that is triggered by the rising signal edge of the non-conducting pulse generated from the zero-crossing detector. The far-end device current pulse can thus be triggered from the falling signal edge of the initial delay pulse. This device is illustrated in Figures 7B and 7C, which show graphs 720, 730 of the initial delay pulse and the remote device current pulse, respectively. For example, if the maximum conduction period is 80% of the period length T, the width of the current pulse can be set to 10% of the half period (T/20 or 1 millisecond in a 50 Hz system), and can be The initial delay is set to be 5% half cycle (t _sd = T/40) from the start point of the non-conduction period and positioned at the center of the non-conduction period. However, this initial delay can be varied as needed, as long as the delay pulse is not truncated at the end of the non-conduction period (ie, t _p + t _sd < t _nc ).

Referring to Figure 8, one embodiment of current pulse generator module 810 includes monostable ICs 1A and IC1B and associated RC circuits R1, C1 and R2, C2. Monostable IC1A is used to generate the initial delay pulse 720 illustrated in Figure 7B. The zero-crossing detector output zc (312 in Figure 3) is operatively coupled to the non-inverting input IN_A to receive the zero-crossing waveform 710. An RC circuit R1, C1 is used to generate a 0.5 millisecond initial delay pulse, as shown in Figure 7B. The initial delay pulse is received over the inverting input of monostable IC1B such that monostable IC1B will trigger at the falling signal edge of the start delay pulse. An RC circuit R2, C2 is used to generate the output 1 millisecond current pulse 730 (Q_B of IC1B), which is illustrated in Figure 7C. An output current pulse is used to drive the gate of transistor Q5 to allow current to flow through the LED and supply power to the remote device.

An amplitude level change generator 820 (which may be referred to as an interrupt module) is used to generate an interrupt pulse (or current level change) that interrupts the current pulse to indicate (or signal) a dimming bit A request to change a dimming level. The starting point of the interrupt pulse is delayed by an interrupt delay t _id relative to the starting point of the current pulse (ie, delayed to time t ₂ ). As previously mentioned, the position of the starting point of the interrupt within the current pulse (t ₂ ) is used to indicate the current dimming level, and thus the interrupt delay t _{sd is} controlled by the LED output 322 of the dimmer conduction angle control circuit 320. The length. In one embodiment, the width t _{int of the} interrupt pulse 760 is maintained to be shorter than the width of the current pulse, such as 5% (t _int =t _p /20=T/400, since no power is supplied to the far end during the interruption. ). The generation of interrupt pulses is illustrated in Figures 7E and 7F. An interrupt delay pulse 750 of width t _id is triggered from the falling signal edge of the start delay pulse 720 shown in Figure 7B. The falling signal edge of the interrupt delay pulse is thus used to trigger an interrupt pulse 760 having a pulse width t _{int during} which the remote device current pulse will be interrupted. In the example shown in Fig. 7E, the dimming level is set to 10%, so in a 50 Hz system, the initial delay is T/200 or 100 microseconds.

Referring to FIG. 8, one embodiment 820 of the interrupt module includes monostable IC3A and IC3B for generating pulses, and connected RC circuits R5, C5 and R6, C6 for setting pulse width for controlling the conduction angle from the dimmer. The LED signal 322 of the circuit 320 is inverted by R19 and Q9, and is used to shunt R9 and Q1 of Q5 to cause an interruption of the current pulse. Monostable IC3A is used to generate the initial delay pulse exemplified in Figure 7E. The output of IC2A (Q_A) connected to the inverting input terminal of IC3B, t is located at the beginning of such _a fall edge of the signal delay of the trigger pulses in accordance with a pulse width of R5 and C5 100 microsecond delay pulse 750 of the interrupt. The output pulse is coupled to the non-inverting input of monostable IC3B such that the falling signal of this pulse is generated by IC3B to trigger the generation of interrupt pulse 760, as shown in Figure 7F. The length of the interrupt pulse 760 is controlled by the RC circuits R6, C6 and is set to 50 microseconds. This output pulse controls the gate of transistor Q1 to generate an interrupt in the remote device current pulse by the gate of shunt transistor Q5, which results in a substantial reduction in the current pulse intensity required by the remote device.

The interrupt pulse 760 from IC3B is based on the falling signal edge of the initial delay pulse from IC3B, so the timing of the interrupt pulse can be controlled by the pulse generation control or the width of the start delay pulse. In this embodiment, the conduction angle controller 320 includes a conduction angle mapping module for mapping the conduction angle to one of the mapping times during the non-conduction period. At the mapping time, the conduction angle controller generates a signal through the LED output 322. This output signal (via R19) is directed to the gate of Q9 to provide an inverted signal to the IC3A clear (CLR_A) input. Therefore, IC3A is enabled to interrupt the initial current pulse only when the dimmer control circuit (which implements a conduction angle mapping module) provides a corresponding logic low level LED indicator status signal. As previously described, the conduction angle controller 320 receives a zero crossing signal and switches off the switch at the current conduction angle value. Conduction angle mapping module but also fabric current pulse width t _p, can be as previously described or using a suitable logic circuit of the current conduction angle controller is mapped to a point in time on the current pulse. It may delay the mapping time by the start delay 720 and one of the signals generated at the appropriate time point of the LED output 322 (ie, the start delay + mapping time from the start of the non-conduction period). Although in this embodiment, the conduction angle control circuit provides a conduction angle mapping module, this can be provided as a separate circuit assembly using appropriate logic and circuit components.

It uses an LED shunt module 830 to generate an LED shunt pulse that shunts the dimmer indicator LED during the duration of the pulse so that no (or very little) current flows through the LED and the LED brightness is thus reduced to the appropriate level quasi. FIG. 7G illustrates the generation of LED shunt pulse 770. The shunt pulse is triggered by the rising edge of the interrupt pulse (or the falling edge of the interrupt delay pulse) shown in FIG. 7F, and generates a pulse of width t _sp that extends through the end point t _{4 of the} current pulse 730 for a time. t ₅ . This can be accomplished by making a pulse of the same width as the remote device current pulse 730 illustrated in Figure 7C, extending it through the end of the pulse. Alternatively, it may generate a current pulse such that the current pulse signal t ₄ is located in the falling edge of the trigger pulse to shunt termination.

Referring to Figure 8, one embodiment of an LED shunt module 830 includes a monostable IC 4B, an RC circuit C7R7, and shunt transistors Q2 and Q3 and associated resistors R13, R14, R15. The inverting output of IC3B is connected to the inverting input of IC4B, causing IC4B to be triggered by the rising edge of the interrupt pulse generated by IC3B. A 1 millisecond shunt pulse is generated and used to drive the gate of transistor Q2, which in turn drives the gate of transistor Q3, thereby causing diversion of the dimmer indicator LED current during the remainder of the remote device current pulse. . The brightness of the LED thus drops to a rather dim level to indicate the dimmer load off state.

The timing information associated with the overall current pulse is shown in Figure 7H. The non-conduction period begins at t ₀ and ends at time t ₆ (zero crossing), so t _nc =t ₆ -t ₀ . The current pulse begins at t ₁ (that is, after an initial delay) and ends at time t ₄ , so t _p = t _{4 -} t ₁ . The current pulse is interrupted from time t ₂ to t ₃ (ie, t _int =t ₃ -t ₂ ), and the LED is then shunted until time t ₅ .

The action of the remotely located switch can also be made by making the remote device current pulse The interrupt is located at or near the start of the pulse and is signaled. Therefore, the dimmer device includes a remote switch action monitoring module 840 or simply a monitoring module to detect the remote interrupt and pass through the input 304. Provide it to the dimmer conduction angle control circuit. The monitoring module can also monitor the touch of the local button press switch SW1.

The (remote switching action) monitoring module 840 includes an interrupt pulse delay generator for generating a short delay after the start of the current pulse from the remote device of the module 810, wherein the remote device current During the pulse, a current pulse interruption indicative of the dimming level may be absent (ie, the switching action portion or the remote device current pulse). This short delay is necessary to accommodate the expected response time of the remote device in microseconds, detect the current pulse and initiate a current pulse interrupt to indicate the switching action. Interrupt delayed pulse in 740 cases are shown in 7D, the time and the current pulse is triggered at the start point t _1, and having a duration t _rd. To ensure that the remote device current interrupt can be detected, the pulse width of the interrupt delay pulse 740 should be less than the width of the interrupt delay pulse 750, as shown in Figure 7E (i.e., t _rd <t _id ).

A retriggerable pulse generator is configured to sense a switching action by detecting an interruption in the current pulse, and to provide a logic signal to the dimmer conduction angle control circuit 320 to indicate the pressing of the remote device switch ( See Figure 3). The output of the interrupt pulse delay generator is used to suppress the detection of any interrupts at other times. Therefore, the output pulse corresponds to the switching action portion as described above.

Referring to FIG. 8, one embodiment 840 of the remote switch action monitoring module includes a monostable IC 2A and RC circuits R3, C3 for generating an interrupt pulse delay. And the monostable IC2B, the RC circuits R4, C4 and the transistor Q8 and the connected resistors R17 and R18 are used as a retriggerable pulse generator module. The monostable IC2A is triggered by the falling edge of the signal from IC1A's delayed pulse, while the RC circuits R3, C3 are used to generate a 27 microsecond delay pulse, as shown in Figure 7D, which is provided to the retriggerable monostable IC2B. The input. The non-inverting input of IC2B is connected to the collector of Q8, whose gate is controlled by the output of Q5. Therefore, when Q5 is turned on, the gate of Q8 acts instead of the inverting terminal being pulled low, and when the current pulse is interrupted by the remote device, there is no (or a very small amount) current flowing through Q5, making Q8 The gate does not work and the inverting input is pulled high. IC2B will therefore be maintained in the low level state during the remote device current pulse unless the remote device current pulse is interrupted.

When the non-inverting input of IC2B is high (ie, current pulse interrupt), the signal falling edge of IC2A interrupt pulse (which is connected to the input of IC2B) will generate a 27 millisecond pulse at the output of IC2B. Above, it is supplied to the switch input 304 of the dimmer control circuit through a resistor R8. IC2B is grouped into a retriggerable pulse generator where the pulse duration of the trigger (27 milliseconds) exceeds the length of time (20 milliseconds) between the trigger pulses from IC2A.

The triggering of IC2B is therefore only at the connected inverting input terminal pin high level and the pulse width of the current pulse interrupt generated by the remote device exceeds the pulse width (t _rd ) of the interrupt delay pulse so that the signal falling edge can be used to trigger IC2B Only effective. This device allows the IC2B to output a status indication and thus reflect the status of the remote unit button, so that the logic output can be provided to the dimmer control circuit 320.

Figure 9 illustrates an embodiment 900 of a circuit arrangement for a remote unit. The remote device is powered by a remote device current pulse generated by the dimmer device and is capable of interrupting the remote device pulse to signal the action of one of the switches in the remote device. The internal current path of the remote device includes three main series components, including a current limiter module 910, a conduction angle indicator module including a dimming level LED indicator 902, and a shunt circuit 920 of the LED indicator. And a Zener-diode power supply regulator 930. The conduction angle indicators are grouped to activate the shunt circuit when a quasi-variation or interruption is detected in the received current pulse.

The current limiter is configured to have a current limit threshold that exceeds the current strength of the remote device originating from the dimmer device, thus causing only a slight voltage slip under steady state conditions. However, the current limit threshold can be instantaneously reduced to a value that is significantly lower in intensity than the remote device current source as a means of transmitting information (eg, a button event) to the dimmer device. During this brief current interruption, a large voltage slip occurs above the current limiter circuit in the remote unit.

The current limiting module 910 operates as follows. The diode D1 performs the blocking function required for the half-wave operation mechanism. The current limiter transistor Q6 is self-biased through the resistor R13. The emitter current generated here passes through R11 and the transistor Q4 generates a voltage to drive the base of the transistor Q7. The transistor Q7 is turned on to weaken the Q6 bias, thereby achieving current. Limit function. Current limiter enabled transistor Q4 is normally biased through transistor Q2 and resistor R6, where Q2 is normally biased by resistor R5. The function of transistor Q1 is to skip the Q2 bias voltage when the current limiter is required to interrupt the remote device current pulse. flow. Under this circumstance, a larger proportion of the emitter current from Q6 is provided to drive Q7, so the overall current is limited to a relatively low level.

The current from the current limiter is then directed through the LED indicator, or, in a device similar to the dimmer device, the remote LED indicator current can be skipped through a shunt circuit 920 as a change LED The effective brightness level of the indicator. This ensures that the indicator is only powered between the start of the current pulse and the detected level change. The shunt circuit includes transistors Q3 and Q5, wherein shunt transistor Q5 is driven by transistor Q3, and Q5 is grouped to bypass the LED current when Q3 is driven.

The remote unit current pulse is ultimately directed through the Zener diode power supply regulator 930 to establish a local power supply rail. At each remote device half-wave current pulse, the LED or associated bypass current is initially conducted through diode D2 to maintain the charge voltage level in storage capacitor C3 to obtain a low voltage DC rail. The extra current is conducted through the Zener voltage regulation diode DZ1. In the case where the current limiter is interrupting the remote device current pulse and also in the residual portion of the line voltage half cycle in which the current pulse is absent, the function of the resistor R12 shunts the residual current emitted from the Q7 emitter, thereby Define a low voltage logic state input to IC1A and IC1B.

The remote device includes a switch SW2 to allow a user to change the dimming level and a remote device switching action module 940. As illustrated in Figure 5D, the action of the switch in the remote device is signaled to the dimmer device by momentarily interrupting the remote device current pulse. The interruption of the current pulse of the remote unit is performed by the monostable IC1A timer function to control the current limit. The enabling of IC1A occurs only when switch SW1 is pressed. The monostable IC1A is triggered by the initial rising signal edge of the remote device current pulse to generate a direct interrupt pulse having a length of time or pulse width defined by the RC circuits R2, C2, which in this embodiment It is 50 microseconds. The interrupt pulse controls the gate of transistor Q1 to bypass Q2. Switch SW1 is coupled to the enable or clear input (CLR_A) of IC1A such that the interruption of the half cycle remote unit current pulse occurs only when SW1 is pressed (operated). In some embodiments, the remote switching element SW2 is identical to the switching element SW1 used in the dimmer device.

By utilizing a remote device LED current bypass module 950, the LED brightness level is controlled in a similar manner to that used in the dimmer device such that current is supplied to the LED only prior to the interruption of the current pulse. The remote device LED current bypass module includes a monostable IC1B as a timer that operates in conjunction with transistors Q3 and Q4. IC1B is triggered by the falling signal edge across the voltage across resistor R12, the associated current pulse is interrupted and a shunt pulse is generated to initiate the gate of Q3, causing conduction of Q5 and skipping of the LED. The pulse width of the shunt pulse is determined by the RC circuits R1, C1 and is selected to exceed the residual duration of the current pulse. In this embodiment, the shunt pulse is 1 millisecond, which is equal to the length of the current pulse, so if an interruption exists, the condition will always be met. However, as long as this condition is met, a shorter length can be selected. Due to the shunting of the LEDs, the average LED brightness drops. For example, if a current pulse interruption occurs at 10% of the current pulse width, the LED will indicate a dimming level of 10% of the maximum value.

LED indicator connected to the dimmer device and the remote device in series The electrical operation works to assist in the matching of the respective lighting levels. In other words, each LED indicator sees the same portion of the current pulse before any interruption, so it will indicate the same dimming level. It can indicate the dimming level relative to the maximum value by inserting an interrupt with respect to the end of the current pulse. In addition, if a minimum interrupt level (for example, 10%) is defined, the portion of the current pulse before the minimum level (ie, the first or first 10% of the current pulse) can be used as the switching action portion. To allow the remote device to indicate the action of the switch at the far end. In addition, the indicated dimming level can be continuously varied between a minimum dimming level and a maximum dimming level. Moreover, when the interpretation of the switching action and the control of the interrupt timing are performed by the dimmer conduction angle control circuit (320), the current pulse generating circuit and the remote device circuit keep the cost low. In other embodiments, instead of using only a portion of the current pulse prior to the interruption to power the LED indicator, one of the indicator circuit devices can be included in the position directly detecting the interruption, receiving an indication of the level of the dimmer. Signals and generate individual power pulses to power a dimming indicator (eg, LED) at the indicated dimming level.

The method described herein for communicating and controlling the dimming level in a dimmer device is further illustrated in FIG. Flowchart 1000 illustrates a method for communicating and controlling a phased load, such as a dimmer. The system includes a conduction angle controller (which may be part of a dimmer) that controls a conduction angle of a phase-controlled load between a minimum conduction angle and a maximum conduction angle to define a conduction period and a Non-conducting period. The conduction angle controller also includes a first conduction angle switch input (ie, a button on the panel of the dimmer controller) and a first conduction angle indicator (eg, an indication) Dimming level LED). A controller (eg, a dimmer device) is coupled to the at least one remote device and connected in series via a wire. Similar to the controller (dimmer), each remote device also includes a remote conduction angle switch input (ie, a button located on a remote dimmer panel) and a remote conduction angle indicator ( For example, an LED indicating a dimming level).

The method includes generating a current pulse having a first amplitude level and a width during the non-conduction period, and transmitting the generated current pulse through the wire to the at least one remote device to supply the at least one far End device, 1002; mapping the conduction angle to one of the mapping times in the current pulse, 1004; changing the level of the current pulse at the mapping time by the conduction angle controller, 1006; indicating at the first conduction angle The conduction angle is indicated in the device, wherein the indicated conduction angle is determined according to the time of the level change, 1008; monitoring the level of the current pulse in the conduction angle controller to detect the position by the at least one remote device One of the levels of the current pulse changes or a signal from the first conduction angle input, and generates a signal to the conduction angle controller to change the conduction angle in response to the detected change, 1010; monitoring the at least one far The respective current pulse levels of the end devices are varied by detecting a level of the current pulses by the conduction angle controller, 1012; and indicating the at least one far by the conduction angle indicator The guide means of each angle, conduction angle according to the system wherein the indicated level of the detected change is determined, 1014.

Figures 11A through 11C show the operation of the system (e.g., a dimmer) illustrated in Figure 2B, wherein the dimming level is increased from 50% to 100% depending on an aspect. Figure 11A illustrates a system, as illustrated in Figure 2B, operating at half (50%) of the power, 1110. A half (50%) power (or intensity) signal 1112 (see FIG. 5C) is generated over the connection line 236, and the LED indicator 1114 in the dimmer device 210 and the LED indicator 1116 in the remote unit 230 Both are shown to operate at half the power (or half the intensity). Figure 11B illustrates the system, as illustrated in Figure 11A, during a request to increase the dimming level from 50% to 100%. The user interface 1127 located on the remote unit 210 is manipulated (eg, the button is depressed) and an interrupt signal 1122 (see FIG. 5D) is generated over the connection line 236. When the button is depressed and the dimming level is changed from 50% to 100%, the LED indicator 1124 in the dimmer device 210 and the LED indicator 1126 in the remote device 230 have no effect (absent Over or zero power). FIG. 11C illustrates that the system illustrated in FIG. 11A operates at the maximum intensity, 1130, after the dimming level changing action illustrated in FIG. 11B. A maximum (100%) power (or intensity) signal 1132 (see FIG. 5A) is generated over the connection line 236, and the LED indicator 1134 in the dimmer device 210 and the LED indicator 1136 in the remote device 230 Both operate at maximum power (or intensity).

Figure 12 shows an example of a dimmer system that includes a phase-controlled dimmer device and two remote devices in series by a single wire. The system shown in FIG. 2B is illustrated, but a second remote device 250 is connected in series with the first remote device 230 through the internal electronic circuitry of the first remote device 230, and the first remote device 230 is connected through a single wire 236. To dimming Device 210. Since the wires 256 and 236 are connected in series, all three devices are effectively (or effectively) connected through a single wire. In other words, the single wire can be constructed of a plurality of individual wire elements that are operatively connected (stacked, handed over, etc.) to each other. The remote unit 250 is identical to the remote unit 230 and includes an active connector 252, a user interface 257, and an indicator 258.

The above describes an embodiment in which a current pulse is used during a line voltage half-cycle non-conduction period of a phase-controlled dimmer or electronic switch to establish an active remote unit. These embodiments provide a cost effective way to achieve true multi-way control and multi-way indication among dimming and related systems.

While the described embodiments are directed to phased dimmers, it should be understood that this technique can be used in other phased loads, such as fans. In such applications, an input is used to control the conduction angle between a minimum conduction angle (which may be zero or non-zero) and a maximum conduction angle, and wherein it wants to have the value of the conduction angle at the primary Both the controller and the remote controller are presented to the user. In other words, the dimming input and dimming indicators described above are more generally a conduction angle input and a conduction angle indicator.

Similarly, the embodiments and methods can also be used in conjunction with the application of a phased electronic switch wherein the on state of the switch is equivalent to (or similar to) a dimmer that is set at its maximum conduction angle. In such applications, the indicator will have a synchronized on or off state directly at both the primary controller and the remote controller. For example, in addition to dimmers and fans, these methods are used to control other subsystems of a building automation system. (for example, blinds, other fixtures, latches, etc.).

As mentioned above, multiple remote switches can be wired together in series to achieve true multi-way control and multi-way indication. In the final product application, the remote switch configuration or device can be identical in function and physical to the load control unit in terms of the user's perception. In other words, for both the dimmer and the remote switch, the same panel with the same button dimmer switch and dimming indicator can be used (eg, Saturn, Impress, or 2000 series grades manufactured by the Clipsal by Schneider Electric brand) Product). However, the remote dimmer or switch unit does not directly control the load current, but rather communicates with the dimmer or switch unit to affect or change the load brightness level or state. Furthermore, although the described system is directed to a dimming system that uses a single wire between the dimmer and the distal end, the techniques described can be applied to the application of two wires (or more wires) where dimming The two wires are connected between the device and the distal end. In such cases, the remote unit current pulse will also flow through the load. However, the intensity of the current pulse will be less than the normal load current and will therefore be insignificant or have an adverse effect on the system. Thus, while this current pulse technique can be used in a single wire application, it should also be understood that it can also be used as a remote device control and power supply to control a three-wire phased load device.

The above-described embodiments illustrate multi-channel control (switching) and indication of dimming levels for phased applications such as luminaire or fan load. This is achieved by using a single interconnecting wire between the dimmer or switch and the remote device location, where the remote device location is used for power control and bidirectional signaling. Power to the remote unit through a phase-controlled dimming One of the line voltage half-cycle non-conduction periods of the device or electronic switch provides a remote device current pulse supply (to establish a functioning remote device). The remote device current pulse is modulated (ie, its level is changed or interrupted) as a means of transmitting information, such as LED brightness levels or status, to the remote device. In some embodiments, the portion of the pulse prior to the interruption can be provided to the dimmer indicator (located between both the dimmer and the distal end) to enable a common display of the current dimming level. In addition, the remote device can modulate the current pulses to transmit information to the dimmer or switch unit, such as a switch action at the far end. The current pulse can be divided into a switching action portion and a dimming indicating portion. One of the pulses during the switching action portion is interpreted as a request for a change in the current dimming level and is processed by the dimming circuit (e.g., by increasing or decreasing the dimming level by a specified amount). The timing of the interrupt pulse during a dimming indication portion can be used to indicate the current dimming level (eg, an interrupt starting at 50% of the current pulse duration can represent a 50% dimming level). For ease of illustration, it uses an interrupt pulse to indicate a level change in the current pulse. However, it should be understood that the use of an interrupt pulse (or reference to an interrupt) is for illustrative purposes only and should be interpreted more broadly as a normal (ie, initial or current) level of changing or modulating the current pulse. The way (or means) of (ie, voltage amplitude). The change can be an increase or a decrease that can be detected and used to indicate the current brightness level or a user input requesting a dimming level change has been actuated (e.g., a button press).

Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that information and signals can be represented using any of a variety of techniques and techniques. For example, mentioned in the foregoing description The data, instructions, commands, information, signals, bits, symbols, and wafers can be represented by voltages, currents, electromagnetic waves, magnetic fields or particles, optical fields or particles, or any combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art should be able to further appreciate that various exemplary logic blocks, modules, circuits, and algorithm steps described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as electronic hardware, computer software, or two. a combination of people. To clearly illustrate this interchangeability with hardware and software, the various illustrative components, blocks, modules, circuits, and steps described above are basically described in terms of their functionality. Whether such functions are implemented as hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints imposed on the overall system. The skilled artisan can implement the described functions in various ways for a particular application, but the decisions of the embodiments should not be construed as causing a departure from the scope of the invention.

The steps of the method or algorithm described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented directly in the form of a hardware, a software module executed by a processor, or a combination of the two. In the case of a hardware implementation, the processing may be implemented in one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), and digital signal processing devices ( Digital signal processing device; DSPD), programmable logic device (PLD), field programmable gate array (FPGA), processor, controller, microcontroller , a microprocessor, other electronic unit designed to perform the functions described herein, or the foregoing In the combination. A software module, also known as a computer program, computer code, or instruction, may contain source code or destination code segments or instructions and may be located in any computer readable medium, such as RAM memory, flash memory. (flash memory), ROM memory, EPROM memory, register, hard disk, removable disk, CD-ROM, DVD-ROM, or any other form of computer readable media. Among the alternative forms, computer readable media can be integrated into the processor. The processor and computer readable media can be located in an ASIC or related component. The software code can be stored in a memory unit and executed by a processor. The memory unit can be implemented within the processor or external to the processor, and the latter can be communicatively coupled to the processor in various ways as is known in the art.

References in this specification to any prior art are not, and should not be taken as, a representation of any form of general knowledge of the prior art.

Those skilled in the relevant art will appreciate that the use of the present invention is not limited by its use in the particular application described. The invention is also not limited to the preferred embodiments thereof, such as the specific elements and/or features described herein. It is to be understood that the invention is not to be construed as being limited to the details of Within the scope of patents.

10‧‧‧Signal leading edge dimmer operation

11‧‧‧Conduction angle

20‧‧‧Signal trailing edge dimmer operation

21‧‧‧Conduction angle

30‧‧‧Transfer function of user control signal with respect to conduction angle

200‧‧‧Previous technology 2-wire dimmer configuration

202‧‧‧System for controlling phase-controlled loads

210‧‧‧Dimmer circuit / phase control dimmer device

212‧‧‧ wire

214‧‧‧ wire

215‧‧‧User interface

216‧‧‧ indicator

220‧‧‧load

222‧‧‧ wire

230‧‧‧ Remote conduction angle control device

232‧‧‧Active circuit line

236‧‧‧Wire

237‧‧‧Conduction angle or dimming level switch input

238‧‧‧Conduction angle and dimming level indicator

250‧‧‧ second remote unit

252‧‧‧Active joint

256‧‧‧ wire

257‧‧‧User interface

258‧‧‧ indicator

300‧‧‧phase-controlled dimmer device circuit

302‧‧‧Local end push switch

304‧‧‧Switch input

310‧‧‧Dimmer low voltage supply and zero crossover detector

312‧‧‧ Zero crossover detector signal output point

320‧‧‧Dimmer conduction angle control circuit

322‧‧‧LED indicator

324‧‧‧Dimmer gate drive signal

326‧‧‧Conduction angle mapping module

332‧‧‧Switching elements/transistors

334‧‧‧Switching elements/transistors

410‧‧‧Sinusoidal voltage waveform

420‧‧‧Dimmer and related load current waveform

421‧‧‧ conduction angle

422‧‧‧current pulse

423‧‧ ‧ zero crossing

424‧‧‧current pulse

425‧‧ ‧ zero crossing

426‧‧‧ current pulse

430‧‧‧Dimmer line voltage waveform

440‧‧‧Output signal waveform

450‧‧‧ Current waveform supplied to the remote unit in full wave form

460‧‧‧ Current waveform supplied to the remote unit in a half wave form

510‧‧‧ Uninterrupted remote device current pulse

512‧‧‧The zero position of the beginning of the current pulse

514‧‧‧Nominal amplitude/pulse level

520‧‧‧Interrupted remote unit current pulse

522‧‧‧ interrupt pulse

524‧‧‧ is equivalent to the zero level of the minimum indicator level

530‧‧‧Interrupted remote unit current pulse

532‧‧‧ interrupt pulse

540‧‧‧Interrupted remote unit current pulse

542‧‧‧ interrupt pulse

610‧‧‧ mapping curve

620‧‧‧ mapping curve

630‧‧‧First linear mapping curve

632‧‧‧Second linear mapping curve

640‧‧‧First curve

642‧‧‧second curve

710‧‧‧ zero crossover waveform

720‧‧‧start delay pulse

730‧‧‧Remote device current pulse

740‧‧‧ interrupt delay pulse

750‧‧‧ interrupt delay pulse

760‧‧‧ interrupt pulse

770‧‧‧LED shunt pulse

800‧‧‧current pulse generator and level change detector circuit

802‧‧‧LED indicator

810‧‧‧current pulse generator module

820‧‧‧Amplitude level change generator

830‧‧‧LED shunt module

840‧‧‧Remote switch action monitoring module

900‧‧‧Circuit devices for remote devices

902‧‧‧ dimming level LED indicator

910‧‧‧current limiter module

920‧‧‧LED indicator shunt circuit

930‧‧‧Zina diode power supply regulator

940‧‧‧Remote device switching action module

950‧‧‧Remote device LED current bypass module

1000‧‧‧ method

1002-1016‧‧‧Steps

1110‧‧‧Systems operating in half of the power station

1112‧‧‧ half power (or intensity) signal

1114‧‧‧LED indicator in dimmer device

1116‧‧‧LED indicator in remote unit

1120‧‧‧System for increasing the dimming level from 50% to 100% of the request period

1122‧‧‧ Interrupt signal

1124‧‧‧LED indicator in the dimmer unit

1126‧‧‧LED indicators in remote units

1127‧‧‧User interface

1130‧‧‧System operating at maximum intensity

1132‧‧‧Maximum power (or intensity) signal

1134‧‧‧LED indicator in the dimmer unit

1136‧‧‧LED indicators in remote units

The description of the preferred embodiment of the present invention is made with reference to the drawings of the Appendix, wherein: Figure 1A shows a graphical representation of the operation of a signal leading edge phased dimmer; Figure 1B shows a signal trailing edge phased dimming One of the operations of the device is a graphical representation; Figure 1C shows a typical control voltage transfer function with respect to the conduction angle; Figure 2A shows a typical prior art phase-controlled dimmer configuration; Figure 2B shows a one according to an aspect. An example of a phased dimmer configuration and a remote configuration; Figure 3 shows an example of a circuit configuration for a phased dimmer configuration according to an aspect; Figure 4A shows a sinusoid as a reference timing Figure 4B shows a graph of the dimmer configuration and the associated load current waveform including the distal configuration supply current pulse according to an aspect; FIG. 4C shows a graph of the dimmer line load voltage waveform according to an aspect; 4D shows a graph of the output signal waveform from a dimmer voltage zero-crossing detector having a pulse width t _nc according to an aspect; FIG. 4E shows the full-wave form supplied to the remote configuration according to an aspect. Electricity Graphical waveforms; Figure 4F shows the supply in the form of a half-wave pattern to a distal end of the configuration of a current waveform according to an aspect; FIG. 5A shows a schematic signaling the maximum duration of the LED indicator light level of t _p and the amplitude of I _pk The pattern of the current pulse is configured for the remote end without interruption; Figure 5B shows a graph of the interrupted distal configuration current pulse signalling the minimum LED indicator brightness level; Figure 5C shows the signal indicating the brightness level of the medium LED indicator. Interrupting the pattern of the remote configuration current pulse; Figure 5D shows a graph illustrating the interrupted remote configuration current pulse for the switching action in a remote configuration; Figures 6A through 6D show the time used to interrupt according to an aspect Mapping to a variety of mapping curves for a dimming level; Figure 7A is an unfolded graph of the output signal waveform from the dimmer voltage zero-crossing detector shown in Figure 4D; Figure 7B is shown for use with the remote configuration The starting point of the current pulse establishes a pattern of pulses of appropriate time delay; Figure 7C shows a pattern of pulses used to establish a predetermined duration of the distal configuration current pulse; Figure 7D shows the rendered A pattern of a very short-delayed pulse output after establishing the start of the far-end configuration current pulse, followed by a current pulse interrupt; Figure 7E shows the one used to establish the start of the far-end configuration current pulse. A very short delayed pulse output pattern, an interrupt is scheduled to appear there; Figure 7F shows a graph of the pulse output used to establish a transient interrupt of the remote configuration current pulse; Figure 7G shows the current used to configure the current at the far end A graph of the pulse output of the dimmer indicator LED during the remainder of the pulse; Figure 7H shows a graph of the distal configuration current pulse transmitted along a single wire connecting a dimmer configuration to a remote configuration; Figure 8 shows An example of a circuit configuration for remote configuration of current pulses in a dimmer configuration according to an aspect; Figure 9 shows a remote configuration current in a remote configuration according to an aspect Pulse reception, and one of the circuit configurations for the generation of one of the remote configuration current pulses; Figure 10 is used to Flowchart of a method for communicating and controlling the dimming level in a dimmer configuration; Figures 11A through 11C show the operation of the system illustrated in Figure 2B, wherein the dimming level is increased from 50% according to an aspect 100%; and Figure 12 shows an example of a dimmer system comprising one of a phased dimmer configuration and a two remote configuration by a single wire in series.

In the description, like reference characters indicate similar or

1000‧‧‧ method

1002-1016‧‧‧Steps

Claims (32)

A method for communicating and controlling a conduction angle in a system for controlling a phase-controlled load, the system comprising a conduction angle controller, a first conduction angle switch input and a first conduction angle indicator, and a transmission a wire is connected in series to at least one remote device of the conduction angle controller, and the conduction angle controller controls the conduction angle of the phase-controlled load between a minimum conduction angle and a maximum conduction angle to define a conduction period and a non-conduction During the conduction period, the at least one remote device includes a distal conduction angle switch input and a distal conduction angle indicator, the method comprising: generating a current pulse having a first amplitude level and a width during the non-conduction period And generating the current pulse through the wire to the at least one remote device for powering the at least one remote device; mapping the conduction angle to a mapping time within the current pulse; by the conduction angle controller Changing a level of the current pulse at the mapping time; indicating the conduction angle in the first conduction angle indicator, wherein the conduction angle is indicated according to the level change Deciding time; monitoring the level of the current pulse in the conduction angle controller to detect one of the levels of the current pulse by the at least one remote device or detecting one of the first conduction angle inputs Signaling, and generating a signal to the conduction angle controller to change the conduction angle in response to the detected change; monitoring respective current pulse levels of the at least one remote device to detect the current by the conduction angle controller Changing one of the levels of the pulses; and indicating each of the at least one remote device by the conduction angle indicator The conduction angle, wherein the indicated conduction angle is determined according to the time of change of the detected current pulse level. The method of claim 1, wherein a portion of the current pulse prior to the level change of the current pulse is provided to each of the conduction angle indicators to supply power to each of the conduction angle indicators. The method of claim 1, wherein the change in the level of the current pulse is an interrupt signal, and the interrupt signal reduces the first amplitude level of the current pulse to one during an interruption period. The bottom line is level. The method of claim 3, wherein the interruption period is less than 5% of the width of the current pulse. The method of claim 1, wherein the remote device changes a level of the current pulse during a switching action portion of the current pulse, and the conduction angle controller is at a conduction angle indicating portion of the current pulse The level of the current pulse is changed during the period. The method of claim 5, wherein the switching action portion is a first portion of the current pulse, and the conduction angle indicating portion is a second portion of the current pulse that is located after the first portion. The method of claim 6, wherein the minimum conduction angle is non-zero, and the conduction angle is mapped from a range defined by a zero conduction angle to the maximum conduction angle to a current pulse. a range defined by the width, and the switching action portion includes a mapping time length defined by the zero conduction angle to the non-zero minimum conduction angle, and the conduction angle indicating portion includes the non-zero minimum conduction angle to the maximum conduction angle Define the mapping time period. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and distal conduction angle indicators are light emitting diodes (LEDs). The method of claim 1, wherein if a change in the current pulse level of the first amplitude of the current pulse is generated by the at least one remote device or from the first conduction angle switch input When a signal is received, the above-described action of changing the level of the current pulse at the mapping time by the conduction angle controller is suppressed. The method of claim 1, wherein the system is a dimming system, and the first and distal conduction angle indicators indicate a dimming indicator corresponding to a dimming level of the conduction angle. . A current pulse generator and a level change detector device for use in a conduction angle controller, wherein the conduction angle controller is connected in series to at least one remote conduction angle control device through a wire, wherein the conduction angle controller will The conduction angle of the phase-controlled load is controlled between a minimum conduction angle and a maximum conduction angle to define a conduction period and a non-conduction period, and the conduction angle controller further includes a first conduction angle switch input and a first conduction An angle indicator, and the at least one distal conduction angle control device each includes a distal conduction angle input and a distal conduction angle indicator, the current pulse generator and the level change detector device comprising: a current pulse a generator for generating a current pulse having a first amplitude and a width during the non-conduction period, and for providing the first conduction angle indicator, and for transmitting the generated current pulse through the wire to The at least one remote device to supply power to the at least one remote device; a conduction angle mapping module for mapping a conduction angle to a mapping time during the current pulse period and generating a signal at the mapping time; an amplitude level change generator receiving the conduction angle mapping module The signal and a change in the level of the first amplitude; and a monitoring circuit for detecting a change in a level of the first amplitude of the current pulse generated by the at least one remote device or A signal from the first conduction angle switch input is input and a signal is generated to the conduction angle controller to change the conduction angle. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein a portion of the current pulse from a starting point to a level change is used to supply power to the first conduction angle indicator. The apparatus of claim 11 or 12, wherein the amplitude level change generator generates an interrupt pulse to reduce the first amplitude level of the current pulse to a bottom level during an interruption period . The device of claim 13, wherein the interruption period is less than 5% of the width of the current pulse. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the amplitude level change generator is configured to generate a change in a level of the first amplitude of the current pulse during a conduction angle indicating portion of the current pulse. . The device of claim 15, wherein the monitoring circuit is configured to detect a bit of the first amplitude of the current pulse generated by the at least one remote device during a switching action portion of the current pulse One of the changes. The device of claim 16, wherein the switch is The portion is the first portion of the current pulse, and the conduction angle indicating portion is the second portion of the current pulse that is located after the first portion. The device of claim 17, wherein the minimum conduction angle is non-zero, and the conduction angle mapping module is configured to define a conduction angle from a zero conduction angle to the maximum conduction angle. The range is mapped to a range defined by the width of the current pulse, wherein the switching action portion includes a mapping time length defined by the zero conduction angle to the non-zero minimum conduction angle, and the conduction angle indicating portion is comprised by the non-zero The minimum conduction angle to the length of the mapping time defined by the maximum conduction angle. The device of claim 12, wherein a shunt circuit is used to shunt the current pulse from the time of the generated level change to the end of the current pulse to the first conduction angle indicator. The device of claim 11, wherein the first and distal conduction angle indicators are light emitting diodes (LEDs). The device of claim 13, wherein the monitoring circuit is further configured to detect a change in a level of the first amplitude of the current pulse generated by the at least one remote device or A signal from the first conduction angle switch input produces a signal that inhibits the amplitude level change generator from producing a change in the level of the first amplitude. The device of claim 11, wherein the conduction angle controller is used in a dimmer, and the first and distal conduction angle indicators indicate a dimming corresponding to a conduction angle Level dimming indicator. A remote conduction angle control device for connecting a conduction angle controller in series through a wire, the conduction angle controller controlling a conduction angle of a phase-controlled load Between a minimum conduction angle and a maximum conduction angle to define a conduction period and a non-conduction period, and the conduction angle controller includes a first conduction angle switch input and a first conduction angle indicator, the distal end The conduction angle control device comprises: a power supply regulator for receiving a current pulse from the phase conduction conduction angle controller through the wire to supply power to the remote conduction angle control device; a remote conduction angle input; a switching action a module for receiving a signal from the remote conduction angle input and generating a quasi-change in the received current pulse; a conduction angle indicator circuit including a remote conduction angle indicator and a quasi-change detector The detector changes to detect a level of the received current pulse, and wherein the conduction angle indicator is powered by the current pulse from the starting point of the current pulse until the detected level changes. The device of claim 23, wherein the switching action module generates a quasi-variation during a switching action portion of the current pulse. The device of claim 23, wherein the switching action module generates an interrupt pulse to reduce the level of the current pulse to a bottom line level during an interruption period. The device of claim 23, wherein the interruption period is less than 5% of the width of the current pulse. A device as claimed in claim 23, wherein a shunt circuit is used to shunt the current pulse from the time of the generated level change to the end of the current pulse to the first conduction angle indicator. The device of claim 23, wherein the conduction angle indicator is a light emitting diode (LED). The device of claim 23, wherein the conduction angle controller is used in a dimmer, and the first and distal conduction angle indicators indicate a dimming corresponding to a conduction angle Level dimming indicator. A phase-controlled load device for connecting at least one remote conduction angle control device according to any one of claims 23 to 28, wherein the phase-controlled load device comprises: a zero-crossing a detector and a low voltage supply circuit; a switch for supplying power to a load; and a conduction angle controller for controlling a conduction angle of the switch between a minimum conduction angle and a maximum conduction angle to define a conduction period and a non-conduction period; a first conduction angle switch input; a first conduction angle indicator; and a current pulse generator and level change detection as described in any one of claims 11 to 22 Device. A system for controlling a phase-controlled load, the system comprising the phase-controlled load device of claim 30, wherein the phase-controlled load device is connected in series through a wire to any one of claims 23 to 28 of the patent application scope. At least one distal conduction angle control device as recited in the preceding paragraph. The system of claim 31, wherein the phase-controlled load device is a dimmer, and the first and distal conduction angle indicators indicate a tune to a dimming level of the conduction angle. Light indicator.