Device and method for dimming service loads
US7336463B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 9, 2005 |
| Grant date | Feb 26, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 28, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02B20/00
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A device and method are provided for detecting and configuring a solid state dimmer when wired in series or parallel with a load powered by an alternating current (AC) input. The device can comprise a microcontroller configured to be powered by the AC input. A zero-cross detector in communication with the microcontroller is capable of detecting when an AC waveform crosses zero and generating a corresponding pulse signal when the AC waveform crosses zero. A pulse analyzer can be included and configured to determine when the zero-cross detector is generating pulses exceeding a pre-determined time length threshold that represents a serial wiring configuration.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.