Patent ID: 9063528
Filing Date: 2015-06-23
Classification: G01D,G05B,H02J,Y02B,Y04S

Abstract:
1. A power switch (SW) comprising: a processor (MCU); a power meter and relay module connected to a power distribution line; a bidirectional communication link between the MCU and the power meter and relay module; a coupler filter connected to the power distribution line; a power plug having a noise filter that is connected to the power meter and relay module, wherein the power plug is configured to provide power to one or more appliances under control of the power meter and relay module; wherein the power meter and relay module is configured to monitor power consumption information of the one or more appliances connected to the power plug; a communication module connected between the coupler filter and the MCU, wherein the communication module comprises any of a broadband communication module or a narrowband communication module, and is configured to receive information over a power line communication network (PLC) over the power distribution line; a power supply unit coupled to the power distribution line that is configured to provide power to the MCU and the communication module wherein the coupler filter comprises a bi-directional high pass filter that is configured to block unwanted power line frequencies from entering and impacting the communication module; wherein the MCU is configured to receive the power consumption information over the bidirectional communication link from the power meter and relay module, compile the received power consumption information, and transfer the compiled power consumption information over the PLC network; and wherein the SW has the capability to open the relay to switch off power to the power plug and the capability to close the relay to switch on power to the power plug; wherein the communication module is configured to demodulate the received information to provide command and control instructions for power control to the MCU, and to modulate the compiled power consumption information for transfer over the PLC network; wherein in response to receiving a command to control the power supply, the SW is configured to open or close the relay according to the received command; and wherein the SW is configured to receive any of configuration or software updates over the power distribution line.