UNIVERSAL POWER CONTROL DEVICE

摘要

The present invention is directed to an intelligent dimmer that is capable of “learning” the type of load it is controlling, and adjusts its operating parameters accordingly. The present invention can adaptively drive electrical loads over a wide range of wattages. The intelligent dimmer of the present invention is configured to automatically calibrate itself based on the load current demands of a particular electrical load. The intelligent dimmer of the present invention also adaptively limits in-rush currents to extend the life expectancy of the solid state switching components used therein.

主权项

1. An electrical wiring device comprising:
a housing assembly including a plurality of terminals at least partially disposed therein, the plurality of terminals being configured to be coupled to an AC power source and at least one electrical load; a sensor element coupled to the plurality of terminals and configured to provide a sensor signal based on at least one load power parameter of the at least one electrical load; at least one variable control mechanism coupled to the housing assembly, the at least one variable control mechanism being configured to adjustably select a user adjustable load setting, the user adjustable load setting being adjustable between a minimum setting and a maximum setting; at least one series pass element coupled between the AC power source and at least one electrical load, the at least one series pass element being configured to provide output power to the at least one electrical load in accordance with the user load setting, the output power being less than or equal to the AC power; and a regulation circuit coupled to the sensor element and the at least one series pass element, the regulation circuit being configured to enter a calibration mode when AC power is applied to at least a portion of the plurality of terminals, in the calibration mode the regulation circuit being configured to provide the at least one series pass element with an initial output power setting while monitoring the at least one load power parameter, the regulation circuit being further configured to increment the initial output power setting to at least one incremental output power setting while monitoring the at least one load power parameter, the regulation circuit being configured to identify a load type of the at least one electrical load based on the at least one incremental output power setting and the at least one load power parameter that results in the at least one electrical load being energized, the regulation circuit selecting calibration values based on the load type, the selected calibration values corresponding to the minimum setting and the maximum setting.