Abstract:
A linear transformer power supply is disclosed that extracts a high level of energy from a linear transformer during the full cycle of AC input voltage.
Abstract:
A power meter for measuring power consumption and detecting the presence of an unsafe line condition is disclosed. The power meter has a service disconnect switch, which is interposed between load contacts and source contacts, the disconnect switch interrupts the flow of power from the source contacts to the load contacts when the disconnect switch is in an open position. The power meter also has a processor coupled to a two input signal processing circuit. The two input signal processing circuit receives a first and second voltage signal from the load contacts. The two input signal processing circuit converts the first and second voltage signal into a first and second voltage value. The processor computes the power consumption using the first and second voltage values in combination with current values. The processor uses the first or second voltage valuea to determine the presence of an unsafe line condition when either the first or second voltage value exceeds a first voltage threshold or the first or second voltage value is below a second voltage threshold when the service disconnect switch is in the open position.
Abstract:
A power meter for measuring power consumption and detecting the presence of an unsafe line condition is disclosed. The power meter has a service disconnect switch, which is interposed between load contacts and source contacts, the disconnect switch interrupts the flow of power from the source contacts to the load contacts when the disconnect switch is in an open position. The power meter also has a processor coupled to a two input signal processing circuit. The two input signal processing circuit receives a first and second voltage signal from the load contacts. The two input signal processing circuit converts the first and second voltage signal into a first and second voltage value. The processor computes the power consumption using the first and second voltage values in combination with current values. The processor uses the first or second voltage valuea to determine the presence of an unsafe line condition when either the first or second voltage value exceeds a first voltage threshold or the first or second voltage value is below a second voltage threshold when the service disconnect switch is in the open position.
Abstract:
An apparatus comprises a linear power supply and an auxiliary power supply powered from the linear power supply. The auxiliary power supply comprises a switching regulator connected to receive, at an input thereof, the output voltage of the linear power supply and to generate therefrom an output voltage of the auxiliary power supply. The auxiliary power supply further comprises a detection circuit, connected to the linear power supply and to the switching regulator, that detects one of (i) a level of current drawn from the linear power supply and (ii) a level of voltage at an output of the linear power supply and that causes the switching regulator to reduce its load on the linear power supply when the detected level reaches a predetermined threshold.
Abstract:
A fixed-frequency switching regulator having a noise injection circuit. Noise is injected into the feedback loop of the switching regulator to modify the switching waveform to reduce individual frequency harmonics of the resultant Fourier Series. The reduced frequency harmonics allow the switching regulator to achieve reduced conducted emissions.
Abstract:
A dynamic self-configuring system for collecting metering data comprises a collector meter. The collector meter scans for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the collector and registers such meters as level one meters. The collector transmits instructions to the level one meters to scan for meters that are operable to directly communicate with the level one meters. The collector registers meters that respond as level two meters.
Abstract:
An automated meter reading system is provided. The system includes a host server interfaced to a plurality of nodes where each node communicates with a number of utility meters. The system selects a group of noninterfering nodes and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, to the host server. The system also has a number of gateways that communicate with a plurality of nodes, grouped to form sets of noninterfering gateways. In this embodiment, the system selects a set of noninterfering gateways and uses an RF broadcast from the host server to initiate the reading of meters and the uploading of meter data provided by those meters to the nodes and, ultimately, through the gateways to the host server. A method for using an outbound RF channel to automatically read meters is also provided.
Abstract:
A solid state electrical meter incorporates the ability to support two-way radio, dialback telephone and CEBus personal LAN. These three communications media require different protocols to meet their respective requirements. Embedding multiple protocols within the meter controller makes the device extremely flexible for current and future applications.
Abstract:
A tuned circuit is provided for connection to a transmitter of a power line communication system. The tuned circuit comprises components selected to provide a low impedance path to ground for a power line communication signal of a preselected frequency. When the transmitter is not in the process of transmitting a power line communication signal, it causes a shorting switch to be closed which shorts a secondary winding of a transformer of the tuned circuit. Therefore, during periods of time when the transmitter is not transmitting power line communication signals, spurious signals on the power line are diverted to ground and not permitted to travel to remote receivers connected to the power line distribution system.
Abstract:
A signal bypass apparatus for a power line distribution switch incorporates two portions that are electrically connected together in parallel with a power line switch. Each portion comprises a transformer that is connected electrically in parallel with an inductor. A capacitor is connected between the transformer and the inductor of each portion and the assembly is connected between one side of a power line distribution switch and ground. The other portion of the bypass apparatus is similarly configured and connected between the other side of the power line distribution switch and ground. In one embodiment, the bypass apparatus is electrically connected to a transceiver.