Abstract:
Methods and systems for providing power line communications are provided. The methods employed by the system include receiving a line voltage, converting the line voltage to a DC voltage, and modulating the DC voltage with a data encoded signal to produce an output voltage. The methods also include communicating the output voltage to a remote device, where the output voltage is utilized to power the remote device and control operations of the remote device.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/026,282 filed on Feb. 5, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    Low voltage systems are used for powering a variety of devices. Such devices are placed in driveways, pathways, or grounds of homeowners or other residential or commercial properties. For example, low voltage outdoor lights or other electrical devices may be placed in a yard. Various low voltage systems include a power supply that provides a low voltage signal to power devices coupled to a low voltage line. Coupled devices are turned on or off when the power supply is turned on or off. For example, outdoor lights are turned on in the evening, but in the morning, the outdoor lights are turned off by shutting down the power supply. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY 
       [0003]    In one aspect, a power control system is provided. An alternating current voltage is received. A square wave signal is generated from the alternating current voltage. The square wave signal is transmitted to a remote device over a low voltage line. The remote device is controlled based on data encoded in the square wave signal. The encoded data corresponds to different pulse widths of the square wave signal. 
         [0004]    Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the design will be, or will become, apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features and advantages be included within this description. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the design. Moreover, in the figures, like referenced numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the different views. 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a low voltage system; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating components of a power supply of the low voltage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is a circuit schematic of the power supply of  FIG. 2 ; 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is a circuit of a component of the power supply of  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0010]      FIG. 5  is a signal provided by the power supply of the low voltage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0011]      FIG. 6  is an alternate signal provided by the power supply of the low voltage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0012]      FIG. 7  is a data sequence corresponding to the signals of  FIG. 5  or  6 . 
           [0013]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating components of a remote device of the low voltage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 9  is a circuit schematic of the remote device of  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0015]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating components of a control device of the low voltage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0016]      FIG. 11  is a circuit schematic of the control device of  FIG. 10 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 12  is a signal provided by the control device of the low voltage system of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 13  is a data sequence corresponding to the signal of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart illustrating a power control method; 
           [0020]      FIG. 15  is a flowchart illustrating another power control method; and 
           [0021]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart illustrating another power control method. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a system  100  that may utilize and include devices and methods described herein. The system  100  may be implemented in different ways, such as a security system, a fire protection and control system, an irrigation system, an HVAC system, an outdoor lighting system, or other low voltage system, and any combination thereof. For example, the system  100  is a low voltage outdoor lighting system that may be used residentially and/or commercially. The system  100  includes, but is not limited to, a power supply  104 , a power supply line  108 , remote devices  112 ,  116 , and  120 , and control devices  124 ,  128 , and  132 . Fewer, more, or different components or devices may be provided. The system  100  may be used to illuminate lights and/or control, power, or operate other remote devices. The lights and/or other remote devices may be placed in a garden area or may illuminate or operate near a driveway or pathway or other surroundings. 
         [0023]    The power supply  104  is used to supply power to the remote devices via the power supply line  108 . For example, the power supply  104  is a low voltage power supply that electrically connects with a standard wall outlet or other high voltage outlet that provides  90  to  132  alternating current volts (“VAC”) RMS, such as 110 VAC at 60 Hz. The power supply  104  converts the 110 VAC to at most 15 VAC RMS, such as 12 VAC, to power the remote devices. 
         [0024]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating components of the power supply  104 . The power supply includes, but is not limited to, a converter device  201 , a power supply circuit  205 , a switching circuit  209 , a processor  213 , and a detection circuit  217 . Fewer, more, or different components may be provided. For example, the power supply  104  may also include a housing, switches, electrical connections, a power plug, outputs for one or more power supply lines, such as the power supply line  108 , photocells, and/or timers. 
         [0025]    The converter device  201  down-converts a voltage, such as 110 VAC, to a lower voltage direct current (“DC”) voltage, such as 12 VDC. The converter device  201  includes a transformer, an inverter, a switching power supply, or another device for converting a high voltage to a lower voltage. The power supply circuit  205  is in communication with the converter device  201 . The power supply circuit  205  converts the low voltage provided by the converter device  201  to a lower direct current voltage to power other components. For example, the power supply circuit converts the 12 VDC to substantially a 3.3 VDC. The power supply circuit  205  includes a linear regulator or another device for converting or down-converting DC voltage. 
         [0026]    The switching circuit  209  is also in communication with the converter device  201 . The switching circuit  209  uses the low voltage output of the converter device  201  to generate a square wave or a pulse signal. For example, the switching circuit  209  includes two half-bridge circuits that are switched on and off to generate a square wave or pulse signal. Alternatively, other switching circuits or transistors may be used. The timing of the switching determines the width or size of pulses or a cycle of a square wave. 
         [0027]    The switching pattern or switching control is provided by the processor  213 . The processor  213  is in communication with the switching circuit  209  and the detection circuit  217 . The processor  213  may be in communication with more or fewer components. The processor  213  is a general processor, application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), digital signal processor, field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), digital circuit, analog circuit, or combinations thereof. The processor  213  is one or more processors operable to control and/or communicate with the various electronics and logic of the power supply  104 . The processor  213  sends one or more key sequences, bits, flags, or other signals to the switching circuit  209 , which in response, switches the low voltage, such as 12 VDC, to generate a desired square wave or pulse signal that is transmitted on the power supply line  108 . 
         [0028]    The detection circuit  217  receives or senses data included or injected in or on the square wave or pulse signal, such as by a remote device, and provides one or more signals to the processor  213  based on detection of the included data. The processor  213  modifies the square wave or pulse signal based on the signals received from the detection circuit  217 . For example, the processor  213  changes a switching pattern based on data received from the detection circuit  217 . The processor  213  may include a look-up-table that correlates data to be received with timing or switching patterns. Alternatively, the correlation information may be stored in a memory in communication with the processor  213 . 
         [0029]      FIG. 3  is a circuit schematic of the power supply  104 . Fewer, more, or different components may be provided. A power plug or power source  302  that provides about 110 VAC is connected with a switching power supply  300 . The switching power supply  300  converts the 110 VAC to a voltage  304 . For example, the voltage  304  is 12 VDC. A linear regulator  308  converts the voltage  304  into a lower DC voltage  312 . For example, the voltage  312  is about 3.3 VDC. The linear regulator  308  is biased by capacitor  316  and capacitor  320 . The capacitors  316  and  320  have capacitances of about 47 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values may be used. The voltage  312  may be used to provide voltage to other devices of the power supply  104 . 
         [0030]    A processor  324  provides signals to a half-bridge circuit  360  and a half-bridge circuit  364  via pins  340 ,  342 ,  344 , and  346 . The signals control switching of the half-bridge circuits to generate a square wave or a pulse signal. Pins  341  and  347  are used to sense current flowing through the respective half-bridge circuits  360  and  364 . The current sense may be used as a safety or protection feature. The pins  341  and  347  are connected with resistors  345  and  349 , which have a resistance of about 1K Ohms. Alternatively, other resistance values may be used. 
         [0031]    The processor  324  is powered by a voltage  328 , which is the same as or different than the voltage  312 , as well as a capacitor  301 . The capacitor has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values may be used. The processor  324  includes a reset pin  338  for resetting logic or power of the processor  324  as well as pins for communicating with buttons or switches  332  and  336 . The switches  332  and  336  are used for altering or modifying the square wave or the pulse signal generated by the output signals of the processor that control the switching of the half-bridge circuits. For example, the switch  332  or  336  is a dimmer switch. 
         [0032]    A connector  350  is operable to connect with the processor  324 . The connector  350  is used to debug or program the processor  324 . For example, the connector  350  is powered by a voltage  348 , which is which is the same as or different than the voltage  312 , and includes six pins. Fewer or more pins may be provided. 
         [0033]    A resistor  333  and a light emitting diode (“LED”)  305  are connected in series coupled with the processor  324 , and a resistor  335  and a LED  307  are connected in series and coupled with the processor  324 . The resistors  333  and  335  have a value of 1K Ohms. Alternatively, other values may be used. The LEDs  305  and/or  307  are used as indication lights, which indicate whether the power supply is on or off, or may indicate an error or software and/or hardware problem. 
         [0034]    The half-bridge circuit  360  is biased by a resistor  366  and a capacitor  369 . The resistor  366  has a resistance of about 10K Ohms, and the capacitor  369  has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values may be used. The half-bridge circuit  360  provides an output  368  and an output  370 . The outputs  368  and  370  are provided to the operational amplifiers  391  and  397 , respectively. The output  368  is also provided to a power supply line, such as the power supply line  108 . 
         [0035]    The half-bridge circuit  364  is biased by a resistor  376  and a capacitor  371 . The resistor  376  has a resistance of 10K Ohms, and the capacitor  371  has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values may be used. The half-bridge circuit  364  provides an output  372  and an output  374 . The outputs  372  and  374  are connected with the operational amplifiers  391  and  397 , respectively. The output  372  is also provided to the power supply line, such as the power supply line  108 . A metal oxide varisitor (“MOV”)  378  is coupled between the outputs  368  and  372 . The MOV  378  is used to protect or suppress over voltages that may develop or occur on the power supply line. 
         [0036]    Signals received by the operational amplifiers  391  and  397  are referenced by a divider circuit including a resistor  380 , a capacitor  384 , and a resistor  382 . The resistors  380  and  382  have a resistance of 50 Ohms, and the capacitor  384  has a capacitance value of 47 μF. Alternatively, other values may be used. The reference circuit biases input signals to an average voltage so that the signals do not have a similar voltage to the power supply of the operational amplifiers  391  and  397 . For example, 12 volts is referenced to  6  volts to avoid saturation or other electrical complications. 
         [0037]    The operational amplifier  391  is biased by a resistor  386 , a resistor  388 , a resistor  389 , a resistor  390 , and a capacitor  392 . The resistors  386 ,  388 ,  389 , and  390  have a resistance of  10 K Ohms each, and the capacitor  392  has a capacitance of 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values may be used. The operational amplifier  397  is biased by a resistor  393 , a resistor  394 , a resistor  395 , and a resistor  396 . The resistors  393 ,  394 ,  395 , and  396  have a resistance of 10K Ohms each. Alternatively, other values may be used. 
         [0038]    The operational amplifiers  391  and  397  act as a detection circuit. For example, the operational amplifiers  391  and  397  receive the square wave or pulse signal that is transmitted on the power supply line, such as the power supply line  108 . When additional data is included on the square wave or pulse signal, such as from a control device, the operational amplifiers  391  and  397  sense the change of data or information based on the differential operation of the operational amplifiers  391  and  397  and provide signals to the processor  324 . 
         [0039]    The processor  324  uses pins or ports  398  and  399  to receive the signals from the operational amplifiers  391  and  397 . The pins or ports  398  and  399  are associated with analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) that are used as comparators or detectors within the processor  324 . The processor  324  determines a control command based on comparing or correlating a received signal with predetermined data. The processor  324  adjusts or modifies the output signals outputted from pins  340 ,  342 ,  344 , and  346  to change the switching operation of the half-bridge circuits  360  and  364 . The modified switching operation generates a modified square wave or pulse signal that is responsive to the additional data received by the operational amplifiers  391  and  397 . Also, diodes  321  and  323 , such as Schottky diodes, are used as protection circuits to limit a voltage inputted to the processor  324 . Some or all of the diodes described herein may be Schottky diodes or other type of diodes. 
         [0040]      FIG. 4  is a circuit configuration of a switching device, such as the switching circuit  209  or the half-bridge circuits  360  and  364 . The circuit configuration includes a transistor  401 , a transistor  409 , a transistor  405 , and a transistor  411 . The transistors  401  and  409  are coupled in series, and the transistors  405  and  411  are coupled in series. The pair of the transistors  401  and  409  are in parallel with the pair of the transistors  405  and  411 . For example, the transistors  401  and  409  correspond to the half-bridge circuit  360 , and the transistors  405  and  411  correspond to the half-bridge circuit  360 . An output  415  is coupled between the transistors  401  and  409 , and an output  419  is coupled between the transistors  405  and  411 . The outputs  415  and  419  connect with a power supply line, such as the power supply line  108 . 
         [0041]    The transistors  401 ,  409 ,  405 , and  411  are MOSFETs, JFETs, PNP, NPN, or any other type of transistors. The transistors are used as switches in which each transistor allows a signal to pass through based on a voltage present on its gate or base. The switching signals provided by a processor, such as the processor  324  or  213 , switch the transistors in a sequence so that a low voltage, such as the 12 VDC, is converted into a desired square wave or pulse signal. 
         [0042]      FIG. 5  shows a signal  500  provided by a power supply, such as the power supply  104 . The signal  500  is a square wave or a pulse signal at a low voltage, such as 12 VAC. For example, the signal  500  is centered about a mean or substantially zero voltage and includes positive and negative swings or pulses. One cycle includes a positive 12 volts and a negative 12 volts. Alternatively, the signal  500  may be centered about a positive or negative voltage, and the maximum positive pulse may be at a different voltage than the maximum negative pulse, or vice versa. 
         [0043]    The signal  500  can be modified by changing the width or size of a pulse or square wave cycle. For example, a processor, such as the processor  324  or  213 , may alter signals or the timing of signals provided to a switching device, such as the switching circuit  209  or the half-bridge circuits  360  and  364 . In this way, square waves or digital pulse signals with different pulse widths may be generated. For example, a pulse may have a width  504 , which corresponds to a pulse of 7.5 ms. The pulse may also have a width  508 , which corresponds to a pulse of 8.0 ms, and a width  512 , which corresponds to a pulse of 8.5 ms. Alternatively, increments other than 0.5 ms may be used for different widths. 
         [0044]    The different widths correspond to a digital encoding that is used to communicate with devices, such as the remote devices connected with the power supply line. For example, the pulse width of 7.5 ms may correspond to a start bit, the pulse width of 8.0 ms may correspond to a zero bit, and the pulse width of 8.5 ms may correspond to a one bit. The signal  500  is used to power a remote device and control the remote device via a sequence of bits. Alternatively, other signals other than a square wave may be used and encoded in a different manner. For example, frequency shifting over cycles of a sinusoidal wave may be used to correlate to different bits. Or, Manchester coding may be used. 
         [0045]    A bit corresponds to half a cycle, a full cycle, or two symmetrical half cycles. For example, the widths  504 ,  508 , and  512  correspond to a half cycle, and widths  516 ,  520 , and  524  correspond to a symmetrical half cycle. The width  516  is the same as the width  504 , the width  520  is the same as the width  508 , and the width  524  is the same as the width  512 . A bit corresponds to the two symmetrical half cycles. Therefore, for example, if a bit were to be set to zero, the widths  508  and  520  would be used to represent a zero bit. 
         [0046]      FIG. 6  shows an alternate signal  601  provided by a power supply, such as the power supply  104 . The signal  601  is a square wave or a pulse signal, such as at 12 VAC. The signal  601  includes a platform  605  making the signal  601  a step signal. The platform is about 250 μs. Different pulse widths are used to indicate different bits, such as the signal  500 . Widths  609 ,  613 , and  617  correspond to a top portion of a half cycle, and widths  621 ,  625 , and  629  correspond to a bottom portion of a symmetrical half cycle. The widths  609  and  621  correspond to a bottom or top portion of a step pulse of 7.5 ms, the widths  613  and  625  correspond to a bottom or top portion of a step pulse of 8.0 ms, and the widths  617  and  629  correspond to a bottom or top portion of a step pulse of 8.5 ms. 
         [0047]      FIG. 7  shows a data sequence corresponding to the signal  500  or  601 . The data sequence includes a plurality of packets  700 . For example, one packet  700  includes 19 bits. The packets  700  are between about ⅓ of a second in duration. The packet  700  includes data bits  708 , a start bit  704 , a change bit  712 , and a parity bit  716 . Fewer, more, or different bits may be used. Packets  700  are sent continuously, repeating about every ⅓ of a second. 
         [0048]    Sixteen data bits  708  are used to control remote devices. For example, 8 data bits  708  correspond to the remote devices  112  and the other 8 data bits  708  correspond to the remote device  116 . Different bit sequences for each group of data bits  708  can be used to control the remote devices, such as commanding the remote devices to turn on or off. For example, a first byte, bit  15  to bit  8 , corresponds to a first group of remote devices, and a second byte, bit  7  to bit  0 , corresponds to a second group of remote devices. Each byte may be assigned an output or intensity level control. For example, 000 equals a full off state, and 127 equals a full on state. Intermediate bytes may correspond to different output levels, such as brightness levels of a light. Other byte assignments may be used for other controls. 
         [0049]    The start bit  704  is used as a header or a marker to synchronize down stream remote devices. The change bit  712  is used to indicate that the data in the current packet is different from the previous packet. The parity bit  716  is implemented as even or odd parity covering all bits in the packet  700  except the start bit  704 . If there is a packet parity error in a received packet, the remote device ignores the current packet and uses data from the previous packet. Additionally, as packets are repeated about every ⅓ of a second, a data error that may pass a parity check would clear itself out during the next packet. For example, the error would persist for about only about 1/3  second and may not continue. 
         [0050]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the remote devices  112  and  116  are any devices that can be powered by the power supply  104  via the power supply line  108 . For example, the remote devices  112  are one group of lights, such as outdoor lights that connect with the power supply line  108 , and the remote devices  116  are another group of lights, such as outdoor lights, that connect with the power supply line  108 . The lights of either group include a housing for supporting a light source. The housing has a lantern or cone shape. Alternatively, the housing may have any other geometrical shape. Clear or colored glass or plastic may be used to illuminate surroundings in a variety of colors. The lights may also have a stand or support that is buried under the ground or is placed on top of the ground to keep the lights in an upright position. The remote devices  112  and  116  connect with the power supply line  108  using a connector. The connector has two pins that penetrate a cover of the power supply line  108  and electrically connect with internal conductors. Alternatively, other connectors may be used. 
         [0051]    The remote device  120  may also be powered by the power supply line  108  via a connector. The remote device  120  is a low power strip, fan, radio, light, or other device that is powered by a low voltage, such as 12 VAC. The remote device  120  may be a device that typically operates during the day while lights are turned off. For example, the remote device  120  is a radio that one can listen to during the day while working in his or her yard. Therefore, the power supply  104  is able to power the remote device  120  while turning off lights or other remote devices, such as the remote devices  112  or  116 , by using the encoded square wave or pulse signal previously mentioned. 
         [0052]    Alternatively, additional lines, wires, or cables may be used to separately supply power and control the remote devices. For example, the power supply  104  may be able generate an encoded signal, as described above, and control remote devices by transmitting the encoded signal on one or more lines that are separate from a power supply line that powers the remote devices. 
         [0053]      FIG. 8  is a block diagram illustrating components of a remote device  801 , such as the remote device  112  and/or  116 . For example, the remote device  801  is a lighting device that connects with the power supply line  108 . The remote device  801  includes, but is not limited to, a power supply circuit  805 , a line voltage circuit  809 , a zero-crossing detection circuit  813 , a processor  817 , a control circuit  821 , and a light source  825 . Fewer, more, or different components may be provided. For example, the remote device  801  may include a housing or fixture components that may enclose or support the circuitry. 
         [0054]    The power supply circuit  805  includes a linear regulator or other device that converts or down-converts a voltage. The power supply circuit  805  converts the alternating low voltage provided by the power supply line  108  to a lower direct current voltage (“VDC”) to power other components. For example, the power supply circuit  805  converts the 12 volts of the square wave or pulse signal to substantially a 3.3 VDC. The line voltage circuit  809  provides a voltage or current to the processor  817  in which the voltage or current corresponds to a line voltage of the power supply line  108  where the remote device  801  is located at. The line voltage circuit  809  includes passive components, such as resistors, inductors, and/or capacitors. The line voltage circuit  809  may also include active components used to convert a voltage on the power supply line  108  to a suitable voltage or current for the processor  817 . Alternatively, the line voltage circuit  809  may connect with the power supply circuit  805 . 
         [0055]    The zero-crossing detection circuit  813  is in communication with the power supply line  108 . The zero-crossing detection circuit  813  detects or senses when the 12 volts square wave or pulse signal crosses a substantially zero or mean voltage. The zero-crossing detection circuit  813  provides a signal or lack of a signal to the processor  817  for all or some of the crossings. The zero-crossing detection circuit  813  includes diodes, one or more transistors, resistors, and/or a capacitor. 
         [0056]    The processor  817  controls the operation of the light source  825  by a control circuit  821 . The processor  817  is a general processor, application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), digital signal processor, field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), digital circuit, analog circuit, or combinations thereof. The processor  817  is one or more processors operable to control and/or communicate with the various electronics and logic of the remote device  801 . For example, the processor  817  controls the operation of the light source as a function of data, bits, or commands encoded in the square wave or pulse signal on the power supply line  108 . Because different bits correspond to different pulse widths, the processor determines a command by reading bit sequences via the zero-crossing detection circuit  813 . 
         [0057]    The processor  817  outputs one or more signals to the control circuit  821  to control the operation of the light source  825 . For example, the control circuit  821  includes a switch that turns on and off in response to the signal or lack of the signal from the processor  817 . The switch may be one or more TRIACs, transistors, relays, or other electrical devices that can operate as a switch. The control circuit  821  may also include drivers or other components to operate a switch. The switching of the control circuit  821  electrically disconnects and connects the light source  825  from the power supply line  108 . Alternatively, the switch can connect and disconnect the light source  825  from ground. For example, the light source  825  is turned constantly on or constantly off. 
         [0058]    Alternatively, the brightness level of the light source  825  can be dimmed or increased. For example, the processor  817  outputs a pulse width modulated signal or a phase control signal to intermittently switch the light source  825  on and off via the control circuit  821 . Increasing a duty cycle or frequency of the signal outputted from the processor  817  increases a brightness level of the light source. Decreasing a duty cycle or frequency of the signal outputted from the processor  817  decreases a brightness level of the light source. Because the power supply line  108  provides an alternating square wave or pulse signal to power the light source  825 , switching operation of the control circuit  821  is synchronized with the rise and fall of the alternating square wave or pulse signal to appropriately switch the light source  825  on and off. 
         [0059]    The encoded data in the power supply signal may command the processor  817  to set and/or maintain a desired brightness level. Also, the processor  817  may initially turn of the light source  825  using a soft start. For example, a duty cycle is gradually increased from zero to a desired percentage over a few seconds. This may extend the life of the light source  825 . 
         [0060]    The line voltage circuit  809  may be used to set a desired duty cycle or frequency of the signal outputted by the processor  817 . For example, the processor  817  includes a look-up-table or other correlation information that correlates a voltage received by the line voltage circuit  809  with an estimated or measured voltage on the power supply line  108  where the remote device  801  is connected at. If the processor  817  determines that the line voltage is low, the processor  817  may increase the duty cycle or frequency of the output signal to increase a brightness level of the light source  825 . 
         [0061]    Because the power signal (the square wave signal or the pulse signal) includes varying pulse widths, a flickering phenomenon may occur when dimming the light source using pulse width modulated or phase control signal. To compensate for the varying pulse widths, the processor  817  may generate pulses of the pulse width modulated or phase control signal that are synchronized with the different widths of the power signal. 
         [0062]    Because data streams encoded in the power supply signal are highly repetitive, each bit width may be predicted. Based on a known bit width (W) of the power supply signal and a desired output intensity (I), an ideal bit width (P) of the pulse width modulated or phase control signal may be calculated (e.g., P=I*W). By adjusting the pulse width modulated or phase control signal, the synchronized timing of intermittingly turning the light source on and off substantially reduces flickering. 
         [0063]    The light source  825  is one or more light emitting diodes (“LEDs”), incandescent lights, or other device that emits light. For example, the light source  825  may include a plurality of LEDs or one incandescent light bulb rated at 50 watts. Other bulb ratings may be used. The light source  825  may be a conventional or a custom light bulb or LED. The light source  825  emits light through a plastic, glass, air, or other medium to illuminate surroundings. Different colors can be illuminated by using a different colored mediums or housings. Alternatively, the light source  825  may emit different colors as a function of different applied currents, voltages, and/or signals. 
         [0064]      FIG. 9  is a circuit schematic of the remote device  801 . Fewer, more, or different components may be provided. A MOV  900  is connected across the power supply line  108 . The MOV  900  is used to protect from or suppress over voltages that may develop or occur on the power supply line  108 . Alternatively, other over voltage suppression devices, such as a thyristor or zener diode, may be used. 
         [0065]    A diode  918  and capacitors  920  and  922  are used to rectify and provide a DC voltage  924 . The voltage  924  is about 12 VDC. The capacitors  920  and  922  have a capacitance of about 47 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values may be used. A linear regulator  904  converts the voltage  924  into a lower DC voltage  926 . For example, the voltage  926  is about 3.3 VDC. The linear regulator  904  is biased by capacitor  928 . The capacitor  928  has a capacitance of about 47 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values may be used. The voltage  926  may be used to provide voltage to other devices of the remote device  801 . 
         [0066]    The voltage  924  is provided to a line voltage circuit  912 , such as the line voltage circuit  809 . The line voltage circuit  912  includes a resistor  930 , a resistor  932 , and a capacitor  934 . The line voltage circuit  912  acts as a voltage divider to provide a voltage to the processor  908  that corresponds to a voltage on the power supply line  108  where the remote device  108  is connected. The resistors  930  and  932  have a resistance of 3.3 k ohms and 1 k ohms respectively, and the capacitor  934  has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values may be used. 
         [0067]    A zero-crossing detection circuit  906  is coupled with the power supply line  108  via a capacitor  938  and a voltage divider including a resistor  936  and a resistor  940 . The resistors  936  and  940  have a resistance of about 3.3K Ohms and 1K Ohms, respectively, and the capacitor  938  has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values may be used. The voltage divider and capacitor  938  provide a voltage to diodes  942  and  944  that switch a transistor  946  on or off based on a zero or mean crossing of the square wave or pulse signal on the power supply line  108 . The transistor  946  is a photo-transistor, MOSFET, JFET, PNP, NPN, or other transistor. 
         [0068]    For example, the diodes  942  and  944  are photo-diodes and/or LEDs that do not emit light when a zero or mean crossing occurs, and the transistor  946  is a photo-transistor that releases a signal to supply voltage  948  when there is a zero or mean crossing. Therefore, the processor  908  recognizes a zero or mean crossing when the supply voltage  948  is applied from an input to the processor  908 . The voltage  948  is connected with the zero-crossing circuit  906  and the processor  908  via a pull-up resistor  950 . The voltage  948  is the same as the voltage  926 . The resistor  950  has a resistance value of about 1K Ohms. Alternatively, other resistance values may be used. Different pulse widths of the square wave or pulse signal correspond to different bits. The processor  908  determines a command by reading bit sequences encoded in the square wave or digital pulse signal, as previously mentioned, based on the zero-crossings. 
         [0069]    The processor  908  is similar to the processor  817 . The processor  908  is powered by the voltage  952  and a supply capacitor  954 . The voltage  952  is the same as the voltage  926  or  924 . The capacitor  954  has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values may be used. The processor  908  is operable to connect with a connector  970 . The connector  970  is used to debug or program the processor  970 . For example, the connector  970  is powered by a voltage  972 , which is the same as or different than the voltage  926 , and includes six pins. Fewer or more pins may be provided. 
         [0070]    A switch  960  and a connector  962  may also couple with the processor  908 . The switch  960  is used to manually turn on or off or control the remote device  801 . The switch  960  may also be used to select a group for the remote device  801  to be apart of. For example, the switch  960  is a single or multi-pole switch or other switch supported by a housing of the remote device  801 . A switch position of the switch  960  may command the processor to operate the components of the remote device, such as the control circuit  916  or the light source  825  in a predetermined manner. The connector  962  may be used to further send signals to the processor for a desired action. For example, the connector  962  is a jumper or other connection to change a mode or other feature of the processor  306 . 
         [0071]    The processor  908  is operable to send one or more control signals to the control circuit  916  via a pin or port  964 . Other pins or ports may be used to communicate with the control circuit  916 . The control circuit  916  is similar to the control circuit  821 . 
         [0072]    For example, the control circuit  916  includes a transistor  982  and a transistor  986 , which are connected with voltages  978  and  988 , respectively. The voltages  978  and  988  are at a same voltage as the voltage  924 . The transistors  982  and  986  act as a voltage and/or current amplifier to provide current or voltage to a TRIAC  994 . The transistors  982  and  986  are MOSFET, JFET, PNP, NPN, or other transistors. The transistors  982  and  986  are biased by resistors  976 ,  980 , and  984 . An output of the transistor  986  is connected with the TRIAC  994  via a voltage divider including resistors  990  and  992 . The signal from pin  964 , which may be a pulse modulated signal or phase or frequency control signal, is amplified by the transistors  982  and  986  and switches the TRIAC  994  on and off to effectively set or adjust an output or brightness level of the light source  825 . 
         [0073]    The TRIAC  994  is biased by a capacitor  996 . The resistors  976 ,  980 ,  984 , and  992  have a resistance value of 10K Ohms each, the resistor  990  has a resistance value of 330 Ohms, and the capacitor  996  has a capacitance of 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values may be used. The switching operation of the control circuit  916  is able to turn the light source  225  on or off or change a brightness level of the light source  225 , as previously mentioned. Alternatively, a rectifier circuit may be used to reduce components in the control circuit  916  or other components, such as a driver circuit, may be used as described in U.S. provisional application No. 61/026,277, filed on Feb. 5, 2008, and also U.S. application Ser. No. ______ filed on even date herewith, both of which are entitled “INTELLIGENT LIGHT FOR CONTROLLING LIGHTING LEVEL,” and are both hereby incorporated by reference. 
         [0074]    Also, a heat sink  990  or other device or structure configured to dissipate or direct heat away from circuitry may be provided in the remote device  801 . 
         [0075]    Referring back to  FIG. 1 , the control or input devices  124 ,  128 , and/or  132  (hereinafter referred to as “control devices”) are used to control or modify the data or bit sequences encoded in the square wave or pulse signal, which, in turn, controls the operation of remote devices, such as the remote devices  112  or  116 . The control devices  124 ,  128 , and  132  connect with the power supply line  108  via a connector that has two pins that penetrate the cover of the power supply line  108  and connect with internal conductors, similar to the connections of the remote devices. Alternatively, other connectors may be used. For example, the control devices  124 ,  128 , and  132  may wirelessly communicate with the power supply  104  and/or the power supply line  108  to modify or control the square wave or pulse signal. 
         [0076]    The control devices  124 ,  128 , and  132  include a housing. The housings have a rectangular or square shape. A length and width of the housings are less than about 5 inches, and a height of the housings are less than about 2 inches. Alternatively, the housings may have other geometrical shapes and dimensions. The housings support one or more inputs or receiving devices. For example, the control device  124  includes a dimmer switch  140 , the control device  128  includes a on/off switch  144 , and the control device  132  includes a sensor  148 . The sensor  148  is a motion sensor, an infrared (“IR”) sensor, a photo sensor, and/or other sensor. Other inputs or receiving devices may be used, such as a voice recognition circuit, a track ball, hardware or software buttons, or electrostatic pad. 
         [0077]    Activations of the inputs or receiving devices, such as the dimmer switch  140 , the on/off switch  144 , and the sensor  148 , control or impact the operation of remote devices. Some control devices correspond to controlling one or more or a group of remote devices. One control device may be specific to one more remote devices. For example, the control device  128  may correspond to the remote devices  116 . Switching the switch  144  to an off state commands the power supply  104  to alter the data bits of the square wave or pulse signal to correspond to an off command allocated for the remote devices  116 . Therefore, the remote devices  116  may be turned off while other remote devices are still operating. Similarly, motion or light can be sensed to turn a remote device, such as a light, on or off. Also, lights can be dimmed using a control device. 
         [0078]      FIG. 10  is a block diagram illustrating components of a control device  1001 , such as the control device  124 ,  128 , and/or  132 . The control device  1001  includes, but is not limited to, a power supply circuit  1005 , a zero-crossing detection circuit  1009 , a processor  1013 , a receiving device  1017 , and an injection circuit  1021 . Fewer, more, or different components may be provided. 
         [0079]    The power supply circuit  1005  includes a linear regulator or other device that converts or down-converts a voltage. The power supply circuit  1005  converts the alternating low voltage provided by the power supply line  108  to a lower direct current voltage (“VDC”) to power other components. For example, the power supply circuit  1005  converts the 12 volts of the square wave or pulse signal to substantially a 3.3 VDC. 
         [0080]    The zero-crossing detection circuit  1009  is in communication with the power supply line  108 . The zero-crossing detection circuit  1009  detects or senses when the 12 volts square wave or pulse signal crosses a substantially zero or mean voltage. The zero-crossing detection circuit  1009  provides a signal or lack of a signal to the processor  1013  for all or some of the crossings. The zero-crossing detection circuit  1013  includes diodes, one or more transistors, resistors, and/or a capacitor. 
         [0081]    The processor  1013  controls the injection circuit  1021  to modify or alter the square wave or pulse signal on the power supply line  108 , such as the square wave  500  or  601 . The processor  1013  is a general processor, application-specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”), digital signal processor, field programmable gate array (“FPGA”), digital circuit, analog circuit, or combinations thereof. The processor  1013  is one or more processors operable to control and/or communicate with the various electronics and logic of the control device  1001 . 
         [0082]    The receiving device  1017  is in communication with the processor  1013 . The receiving device  1017  is a sensor, such as a photo, IR, and/or motion sensor, an on/off switch or button, dimmer switch or button, or other device configured to receive an input. The receiving device  1017  sends or transmits one or more signals to the processor  1013  when an input is received. For example, if light or motion is detected by a sensor, the sensor will send one or more signals to the processor  1013  that is indicative of sensed motion or light. Similarly, if a switch is turned on or off or set at a specific level, like a dimmer switch, one or more signals are sent to the processor  1013  corresponding to the received input. The processor  1013  may include a look-up-table or other correlation information to correlate signals corresponding to received input and a desired action. 
         [0083]    The processor  1013  outputs one or more signals to the injection circuit  1021  as a function of the receiving device  1017  to inject or include data or control bits in the square wave or pulse signal. For example, the injection circuit  1021  includes one or more switches to generate a pulse or signal corresponding to a data bit. The generated pulse is included in the square wave or pulse signal on the power supply line  108 . The zero-crossing detection circuit  1009  is used by the processor  1013  to timely control the injection circuit  1021  to include data in allocated areas or parts of the square wave or pulse signal. The power supply  104  reads or processes the included data or control bits, and modifies or alters the square wave or pulse signal based on the included data. For example, the power supply  104  may reduce one or more pulse widths of the square wave or pulse signal to communicate a command to one or more remote devices to shut or turn off as a function of an input received by the receiving device  1017 . 
         [0084]      FIG. 11  is a circuit schematic of the control device  1001 . Fewer, more, or different components may be provided. A MOV  1100  is connected across the power supply line  108 . The MOV  1100  is used to protect from or suppress overvoltages that may develop or occur on the power supply line  108 . Alternatively, other overvoltage suppression devices, such as a thyristor or zener diode, may be used. 
         [0085]    A diode  1104  and capacitor  1108  are used to rectify and provide a DC voltage  1110 . The voltage  1110  is about 12 VDC. The capacitor  1108  has a capacitance of about 47 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values may be used. A linear regulator  1112  converts the voltage  1110  into a lower DC voltage  1116 . For example, the voltage  1116  is about 3.3 VDC. The linear regulator  1112  is biased by capacitor  1120 . The capacitor  1120  has a capacitance of about 47 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values may be used. The voltage  1116  may be used to provide voltage to other devices of the control device  1001 . 
         [0086]    A zero-crossing detection circuit  1134  is coupled with the power supply line  108  via a capacitor  1130  and a voltage divider including a resistor  1122  and a resistor  1124 . The resistors  1122  and  1124  have a resistance of about 3.3K Ohms and 1K Ohms, respectively, and the capacitor  1130  has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other values may be used. The voltage divider and capacitor  1130  provide a voltage to diodes  1136  and  1138  that switch a transistor  1140  on or off based on a zero or mean crossing of the square wave or pulse signal on the power supply line  108 . The transistor  1140  is a photo-transistor, MOSFET, JFET, PNP, NPN, or other transistor. 
         [0087]    For example, the diodes  1136  and  1138  are photo-diodes and/or LEDs that do not emit light when a zero or mean crossing occurs, and the transistor  1140  is a photo-transistor that releases a signal to supply voltage  1146  when there is a zero or mean crossing. Therefore, the processor  1150  recognizes a zero or mean crossing when the supply voltage  1146  is applied from an input to the processor  1150 . The voltage  1146  is connected with the zero-crossing circuit  1134  and the processor  1150  via a pull-up resistor  1142 . The voltage  1146  is the same as the voltage  1116 . The resistor  1142  has a resistance value of about 1K Ohms. Alternatively, other resistance values may be used. Different pulse widths of the square wave or digital pulse signal correspond to different bits. The processor determines allocated slots or areas in the encoded square wave or pulse signal via the zero or mean crossings. The determination of allocated slots or areas allows the processor to insert or include data or control bits in the encoded square wave or digital pulse signal. 
         [0088]    The processor  1150  is similar to the processor  1013 . The processor  1150  is powered by the voltage  1152  and a supply capacitor  1154 . The voltage  1152  is the same as the voltage  1116 . The capacitor  1154  has a capacitance of about 0.1 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values may be used. The processor  1150  is operable to connect with a connector  1162 . The connector  1162  is used to debug or program the processor  1150 . For example, the connector  1162  is powered by a voltage  1164 , which is the same as or different than the voltage  1116 , and includes six pins. Fewer or more pins may be provided. 
         [0089]    A switch  1180  may also couple with the processor  1150 . The switch  1180  is used to manually turn on or off or control the control device  1001 . For example, the switch  1180  is a single or multi-pole switch or other switch supported by a housing of the control device  1001 . A switch position of the switch  1180  may command the processor  1150  to operate the components of the control device. Alternatively, the switch  1180  is used to select a remote device or a group of remote devices the control device  1001  is to be associated with. 
         [0090]    A sensor  1170 , a sensor  1172 , a push button or dimmer switch  1174 , and/or an on/off switch  1176  may be in communication with the processor  1150 . All or some of these receiving or input devices are included in one control device. The processor  1150  outputs one or more signals to include or inject data or one or more control bits in the square wave or pulse signal based on input received from a receiving device, as previously mentioned. 
         [0091]    The processor  1150  is operable to send one or more control signals via a pin or port  1168  to include the control data. Other pins or ports may be used. The control circuit  916  is similar to the control circuit  821 . For example, the processor  1150  transmits or sends one or more output signals to an injection circuit. The injection circuit includes a linear regulator  1160 , a transistor  1184 , a transistor  1186 , and other passive components. 
         [0092]    The linear regulator  1160  may convert a voltage  1156 , which may be the same as the voltage  1110 , into a lower DC voltage, such as 1.5 VDC. The linear regulator  1160  is biased by capacitors  1158  and  1196 . The capacitors  1158  and  1196  have a capacitance of about 47 μF. Alternatively, other capacitance values may be used. The output of the linear regulator  1160  is connected with the transistor  1184  via a resistor  1188 . The output of the linear regulator  1160  is also connected with the transistor  1186 . The transistors  1184  and  1186  are connected via a resistor  1190 , and the pin or port  1168  of the processor  1150  connects with the transistor  1184  via a resistor  1182 . An output or emitter of the transistor  1186  is connected with a resistor  1192  and a resistor  1194  acting as a voltage divider. The output of the voltage divider connects with the voltage supply line  108 . The resistors  1188 ,  1182 ,  1192 , and  1194  have a resistance value of about 10K Ohms each, and the resistor  1190  has a resistance of about 100 Ohms. Other resistance values may be used. The transistors  1184  and  1186  are a MOSFET, JFET, PNP, NPN, or other transistor. 
         [0093]    The processor  1150  outputs a signal, such as a pulse width modulated signal, to switch the transistors  1184  and  1186  to generate a pulse, burst, or control bit from the output voltage of the linear regulator  1160 . The generated control bit or pulse is inserted or included in the square wave or pulse signal. 
         [0094]      FIG. 12  shows a signal  1201  with an included data or information from a control device, such as the control device  1001 . The signal  1201  is similar to the signal  601  that is provided on the power supply line  108  via the power supply  104 . For example, pulse widths  1205 ,  1209 , and  1213  are similar to the pulse widths  609 ,  613 , and  617 , respectively. Pulse widths  621 ,  625 , and  629  are similar to the pulse widths  1271 ,  1221 , and  1225 . A pulse, burst, or signal component  1231  is injected or included in the signal  1201 . For example, the pulse  1231  is included in or on a step platform  1235 , which is similar to the platform  605 . The pulse  1231  is designed to have a voltage low enough, such as a positive or negative 1.5 volts, so that faulty zero or mean crossings may not be detected by the zero-crossing detection circuit  1134 . 
         [0095]    A control bit corresponds to the platform  1235 . For example, the pulse  1231  in the platform  1235  may correspond to a control bit of one, and an absence of a pulse may correspond to a control bit of zero. The platform  1235  is about 250 μs. A sequence of bits are read or processed by the power supply  104  to modify or alter the square wave or pulse signal, such as changing pulse widths, to control one or more remote devices. 
         [0096]      FIG. 13  shows a control data sequence. The control data sequence includes a plurality of packets  1300 . For example, one packet  1300  includes 19 bits. The packets  1300  are about ⅓ of a second in duration. For example, one packet  1300  includes data bits  1304 . Fewer, more, or different bits may be used. Packets  1300  are sent continuously, repeating about every ⅓ of a second. 
         [0097]    18 data bits  1304  are used to send control information to the power supply  104 . One of the data bits  1304 , N, is not used. A bit position corresponds to a certain control device. Each bit position may be pre-assigned. For example: 
         [0000]                                                Bits 0-2   Group 0, dimmer, data           Bit 3   Group 0, dimmer, present           Bit 4   Group 0, on-off switch 0, data           Bit 5   Group 0, on-off switch 0, present           Bit 6   Group 0, on-off switch 1, data           Bit 7   Group 0, on-off switch 1, present           Bit 8   Group 0, motion sensor, data           Bit 9   Group 0, motion sensor, present           Bit 10   Group 1, on-off switch 0, data           Bit 11   Group 1, on-off switch 0, present           Bit 12   Group 1, on-off switch 1, data           Bit 13   Group 1, on-off switch 1, present           Bit 14   Group 1, motion sensor, data           Bit 15   Group 1, motion sensor, present           Bit 16   Group 0 and 1, photo control, data           Bit 17   Group 0 and 1, photo control, present           Bit 18   not used (co-incident with transmit start bit)                        
In some embodiments, bit  18  is not used so as to enable a remote device to communicate information to the power supply  104  during the time period associated with bit  18 .
 
         [0098]    Groups 0 and 1 may correspond to two sets or groups of remote devices. Certain bit positions are allocated for a present bit. The present bit allows the power supply to be cognizant of what devices are connected with the power supply line. 
         [0099]    For example, a 3 bit dimming code is outputted from a user control knob or switch. The 3 bit dimmer data is assigned to group 0 only, and group 1 does not support dimming. Dimming may be limited to 4 pre-assigned levels 0-3, and other levels, such as levels 4-7, are reserved for other functional implementations. Both lighting groups may support independent on/off switch functions. Up to two on/off switches may be used per group. A single on/off switch may implement a simple on/off lighting function. When two on/off switches are present, a “3-way” on/off switch function may be implemented automatically. Individual motion sensors may be supported for both groups 0 and 1. A motion sensor may be implemented with a PIR (passive Infrared) sensor. When implemented, the motion sensor may allow the system to come to full brightness when motion in the appropriate area is detected. A common photo control input may be used for both lighting groups to implement such functions as on at dusk, off at dawn, on then delay to off, full on, and full off. 
         [0100]    Each control device may transmit a device present bit when attached to the lighting line. This bit may be transmitted continuously. The present bits allow the power supply to determine proper control algorithms. For example, if a dimmer control device and a motion sensor control device are present in a lighting system, the dimmer control device may set the dim lighting level and the motion sensor control device, when activated, may bring remote light devices to full brightness for a pre-defined time. If a dimmer control device and a photo control device are present on the line, the dimmer control device may set maximum light level and the photo control device may turn on the lights from full off at dusk. 
         [0101]    The electrical circuits described above may include parts or components manufactured by Freescale Semiconductor, Inc., Motorola, Inc., National Semiconductor Corp., Infineon Tech., and/or other manufactures. For example, the processors described above may include a MC9S08 series micro-processor from Freescale Semiconductor, Inc. 
         [0102]      FIG. 14  illustrates a power control method. Fewer or more acts or blocks may be provided. A voltage system, such as the voltage system  100 , may be operated, as in block  1401 . For example, a homeowner may turn on a power supply, such as the power supply  104 , to operate an outdoor lighting system as well as other remote devices coupled with a power supply line, such as the power supply line  108 . Alternatively, the power supply may turn on based on a timer control or a photo control. 
         [0103]    In block  1405 , an alternating current voltage is received. For example, the power supply is plugged into a 110 VAC outlet or connected with power source configured to generate about 110 VAC. Circuitry of the power supply receives the 110 VAC. A square wave signal or pulse signal, such as the signals  500  or  601 , is generated from the 110 VAC, as in block  1409 . For example, the circuitry of  FIG. 2  and/or  FIG. 3  may be used to generate the square wave signal or pulse signal. The power supply converts the 110 VAC to a DC voltage, and a processor in the power supply generates the square wave signal or pulse signal by controlling a switching circuit. The switching circuit, for example, includes one or more half-bridge circuits. 
         [0104]    In block  1413 , the square wave signal or pulse signal is transmitted to a remote device. For example, the square wave signal or pulse signal is transmitted over the power supply line to power remote devices and/or other devices, such as control devices, coupled with the power supply line. The square wave signal or pulse signal not only powers the remote devices but it also provides communication to control one or more remote devices, as in block  1417 . The square wave signal or pulse signal is encoded with bit sequences, as described in regards to  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7 , that can be read or processed by a remote device. 
         [0105]    In addition to the square wave signals above, other signals may be utilized to communicate information and deliver power so as to enable powering and communicating with a remote device. For example, any AC power signal that has an average DC value of zero volts may be utilized, such as a sinusoidal signal. One way in which data may be encoded on the sinusoidal signal is via a frequency-shift-keying approach, where the frequency of the signal is shifted over cycles of a sinusoidal wave depending on whether a 1 or 0 is being sent. For example, 60 Hz may be utilized to communicate a 1 and 70 HZ may be utilized to communicate a 0. The power may also be derived from the sinusoidal signal. The data may be encoded other way as well, such as via Manchester encoding. 
         [0106]    For example, the remote devices may be outdoor lights, and by setting a pulse width of the square wave signal or pulse signal may correspond to a certain bit. The outdoor light reads a bit sequence generated by different pulse widths and responds to the bit sequence, such as by turning off or on, dimming, or increasing a brightness level. Therefore, one or more remote devices may be controlled while still powering other devices. For example, a group of lights may be turned off during the day, and power to another remote device, such as a radio, may still be supplied to operate the other remote device. The power supply may stay on for any desired time period. 
         [0107]    In block  1421 , control data, such as the pulse  1231 , is received or not received by the power supply. For example, if control data is not received by the power supply, the power supply will continuously transmit the square wave signal or pulse signal in a present state. If control data is received by the power supply, the power supply modifies the square wave signal or generates a different square wave signal, as in block  1425 . For example, a control bit may be included in the square wave signal or pulse signal, as discussed in regards to  FIGS. 12 and 13 . A control bit sequence is read or processed by the power supply. Based on the control bit or bit sequence, the power supply modifies or generates a square wave signal or pulse signal with one or more different pulse widths (in each packet) to control one or more remote devices. For example, if a user activates a control device, such as the control device  124 ,  128 ,  132 , or  1001 , to turn off some outdoor lights, the power supply will modify or output a square wave signal or pulse signal that includes a bit sequence to command the lights to turn off. 
         [0108]      FIG. 15  illustrates another power control method. Fewer or more acts or blocks may be provided. A power signal, such as the signal  500  or  601 , is received by a remote device, such as the remote devices  112  or  116 , as in block  1500 . The remote device is coupled with a power supply line, such as the power supply line  108 , and receives the power signal over the power supply line. The power signal is a square wave signal or pulse signal that is encoded with bit sequences, as described in regards to  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7 . In block  1504 , an output of the remote device is operated as a function of the encoded data. The remote device processes or reads the data or bit sequence and correlates the data with a desired action. For example, the remote device may be an outdoor light. The light determines whether to turn on or off or decrease or increase a brightness level based on the data in the power signal. 
         [0109]      FIG. 16  illustrates a power control method. Fewer or more acts or blocks may be provided. An input is received by a control device, such as the control device  124 ,  128 ,  132 , or  1001 , as in block  1601 . The control device is coupled with a power supply line, such as the power supply line  108 . Alternatively, the control device communicates with the power supply line and/or a power supply, such as the power supply  104 , wirelessly. For example, motion or light is sensed by the control device or a user activates an on/off or dimmer switch of the remote device. In block  1605 , based on such input, the control device generates a pulse that is injected or included, as described in regards to  FIGS. 10 ,  11 , and  12 , in a power supply signal, such as the signal  500 ,  601 , or  1201 . The included pulse corresponds to a control bit, and a control bit sequence is read or processed by the power supply. The power supply alters or generates a power signal, such as a square wave signal or pulse signal, to control remote devices, as previously mentioned. 
         [0110]    Other features described above may be used for additional or other methods of use. Also, the features, components, and/or structures described above may be organized or identified in one or more methods of manufacture. 
         [0111]    The logic, software or instructions for implementing the processes, methods and/or techniques discussed above may be provided on computer-readable a non-volatile memory, such as an EEPROM or Flash memory. The functions, acts or tasks illustrated in the figures or described herein are executed in response to one or more sets of logic or instructions stored in or on computer readable storage media. The functions, acts or tasks are independent of the particular type of instructions set, storage media, processor or processing strategy and may be performed by software, hardware, integrated circuits, firmware, micro code and the like, operating alone or in combination. Likewise, processing strategies may include multiprocessing, multitasking, parallel processing and the like. 
         [0112]    It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting, and that it be understood that the following claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the scope of this design.