Inline wireless module

A lighting device includes a housing and a power connector attached to the housing. The lighting device also includes a wireless lighting control device positioned inside the housing. The wireless lighting control device includes a wireless transceiver to wirelessly receive lighting control instructions and a control interface circuitry compatible with a lighting fixture driver. The wireless lighting control device further includes a controller communicably coupled to the wireless transceiver and to the control interface circuitry. The controller is configured to control the control interface circuitry based on the lighting control instructions received by the wireless transceiver.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates generally to lighting solutions, and more particularly to a wireless light control for light fixtures that lack wireless control capability.

BACKGROUND

A light fixture may include or may be connected to a driver that provides power to the light source of the light fixture. For example, the driver may be a 0 to 10 volt driver, a DALI (digitally addressable lighting interface) driver, a cut-phase driver, etc. In some cases, it may be desirable to have a light fixture that can be controlled wirelessly. For example, the capability to wirelessly turn on and off the light source of the light fixture, to change the dimming level of the light source, and to change correlated color temperature (CCT) of the emitted light may be desirable. When an existing light fixture is not equipped with wireless control capability, an option is to replace the light fixture with a wireless control capable light fixture. Another option is to replace the light source with a lighting module that has a light source with dedicated electronics for wireless capability.

Both replacement of a light fixture and replacement of a light source with a wireless capable lighting module may be undesirable options because of cost and/or other reasons such as inconvenience of installation. Thus, a solution that allows for adding wireless control capability to an existing light fixture or a group of light fixtures may be desirable.

SUMMARY

The present disclosure relates generally to lighting solutions. In an example embodiment, a lighting device includes a housing and a power connector attached to the housing. The lighting device also includes a wireless lighting control device positioned inside the housing. The wireless lighting control device includes a wireless transceiver to wirelessly receive lighting control instructions and a control interface circuitry compatible with a lighting fixture driver. The wireless lighting control device further includes a controller communicably coupled to the wireless transceiver and to the control interface circuitry. The controller is configured to control the control interface circuitry based on the lighting control instructions received by the wireless transceiver.

In another example embodiment, a lighting device includes a housing and a power connector attached to the housing. The lighting device further includes a wireless lighting control device positioned inside the housing. The wireless lighting control device includes a wireless transceiver to wirelessly receive lighting control instructions. The wireless lighting control device further includes a first control interface circuitry compatible with a first lighting fixture driver and a second control interface circuitry compatible with a second lighting fixture driver. The wireless lighting control device also includes a controller communicably coupled to the wireless transceiver and to the control interface circuitry, wherein the controller is configured to control the first control interface circuitry and the second control interface circuitry based on the lighting control instructions received by the wireless transceiver.

In another example embodiment, a lighting device includes a housing and a wireless lighting control device electrically disposed inside the housing. The wireless lighting control device includes a wireless transceiver to wirelessly receive lighting control instructions and a first control interface circuitry compatible with a first lighting fixture driver. The wireless lighting control device further includes a second control interface circuitry compatible with a second lighting fixture driver, and a controller communicably coupled to the wireless transceiver and to the control interface circuitry. The wireless lighting control device also includes a driver detection circuitry coupled to the controller and to an output port of the wireless lighting control device. The controller and the driver detection circuitry are configured to determine a type of the driver coupled to the output port at least based on a voltage level at the output port of the wireless lighting control device. The controller is configured to control the first control interface circuitry and the second control interface circuitry based on the lighting control instructions received by the wireless transceiver.

The drawings illustrate only example embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting in scope. The elements and features shown in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the example embodiments. Additionally, certain dimensions or placements may be exaggerated to help visually convey such principles. In the drawings, reference numerals designate like or corresponding, but not necessarily identical, elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

In the following paragraphs, example embodiments will be described in further detail with reference to the figures. In the description, well known components, methods, and/or processing techniques are omitted or briefly described. Furthermore, reference to various feature(s) of the embodiments is not to suggest that all embodiments must include the referenced feature(s).

Turning now to the figures, particular embodiments are described.FIG. 1Aillustrates a modular wireless lighting control device100for use with a 0-10V driver according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device100may be coupled to a driver/ballast that provides power to a light fixture and/or allows dimming and other control (e.g., CCT adjustment) over the light fixture. As illustrated inFIG. 1A, the modular wireless lighting control device100includes a wireless interface device102and a lighting control device104that are in electrical communication with each other.

In some example embodiments, the wireless interface device102includes a wireless transceiver (radio)106, a controller108, and power supply110. The power supply110may be coupled to an input power line (Line) and may provide power to the wireless transceiver106and to the controller108. For example, the power supply110may be coupled to a mains power via the input power line, and may generate approximately +3.3 V outputs that are provided to the wireless transceiver106and the controller108. In some alternative embodiments, the power supply110may provide other voltages to the wireless transceiver106and to the controller108. The mains supply may be a 120-volt, 60-Hertz supply.

As illustrated inFIG. 1A, the wireless transceiver106is in electrical communication with the controller108. For example, the wireless transceiver106, which may include an antenna, may wirelessly receive lighting control instructions, for example, from a wireless user device (e.g., a smart phone, tablet, etc.) and pass the instructions to the controller108for processing. Similarly, the controller108may provide information, such as status information, to the wireless transceiver106, and the wireless transceiver106may wirelessly transmit the information, for example, to a wireless user device. The wireless interface device102may be compliant with one or more wireless standards, such as IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, Zigbee, etc. A user application may reside on a wireless user device to communicate with the modular wireless lighting control device100.

In some example embodiments, the wireless interface device102and the lighting control device104may communicate with each other via Tx and Rx connections. To illustrate, the controller108and the controller112may have universal asynchronous receive/transmit (UART) interfaces coupled via the Tx and Rx connections and may communicate with each other via the UART interfaces. To illustrate, the controller108may process instructions wirelessly received by the wireless transceiver106and send the instructions to the controller112via the Tx connection coupled to, for example, corresponding UART interfaces of the controllers108,112. In some example embodiments, the controller112may send the information (e.g., dimming level) to the controller108via the Rx connection coupled to, for example, other corresponding UART interfaces of the controllers108,112. In some example embodiments, the wireless interface device102and the lighting control device104may communicate with each other via other digital communication interfaces such as I2C and SPI.

In some example embodiments, the lighting control device104includes a controller112, a 0-10V circuit114, and a relay116. The controller112and the 0-10V circuit are coupled to the power supply110of the wireless interface device102. The power supply110provides power to the controller112and to the 0-10V circuit. For example, the power supply110may provide approximately +3.3 V to the controller112and approximately +16V to the 0-10V circuit. In some alternative embodiments, the power supply110may provide other voltages to the controller112and the 0-10V circuit.

In some example embodiments, the controller112is in electrical communication with the 0-10V circuit and the relay116. The relay116is coupled to the same input power line (Line) that is coupled to the power supply110. An output power line (Switched Line) is coupled to the relay116, and the relay116may serve as a switch between the input power line and the output power line. To illustrate, when the relay116is switched on, the relay116provides the power on the input power line to the output power line. The switched power output of the relay116may be electrically switched on and off by the controller112. The controller112may also control the output voltage level of the 0-10V circuit that is provided on the 0-10V output port of the modular wireless lighting control device100. The 0-10V circuit114, which is control interface circuitry of the lighting control device104, is compatible with a 0-10V driver/ballast that is commonly used in light fixtures.

An example circuit schematic of the 0-10V circuit114of the modular wireless lighting control device100is shown inFIG. 1B. Referring toFIGS. 1A and 1B, the controller112may be coupled to the 0-10V circuit at connection120. For example, the controller112may provide a pulse-width-modulation (PWM) signal to the 0-10V circuit114to control the output voltage of the 0-10V circuit114provided on the 0-10V output port. In some alternative embodiments, the component values other than shown inFIG. 1Bmay be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Further, the 0-10V circuit114may include other components and circuitry than shown inFIG. 1Bwithout departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, each one of the controllers108,112may be a microprocessor or microcontroller. For example, the controllers108,112may be integrated circuit controllers (.e.g., part number PIC16F690). Communication between the controllers108,112may occur via standard communication interfaces (e.g., a data port) of the controllers108,112. For example, the interfaces of the controllers108,112may be UART, I2C, or SPI. In some alternative embodiments, one or both of the controllers108,112may be implemented using multiple circuits and components, in an FPGA, as an ASIC, or a combination thereof. In some example embodiments, the controllers108,112may include one or more memory devices for storing code that may be executed by the controllers108,112to perform one or more of the operations described above. The one or more memory devices may also be used to store data generated by the controllers108,112. Alternatively or in addition, the controller108may access software code and data, and store data in a memory device that is outside of the wireless interface device102. Similarly, the controller112may access software code and data, and store data in a memory device that is outside of the lighting control device104.

In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device100may be coupled to a dimmable 0-10V driver/ballast of a light fixture. For example, the switched power line from the relay116and the 0-10V output from the 0-10V circuit114may be coupled to the 0-10V driver/ballast of the light fixture. The controller112may power on and off the light fixture by turning on and off the power from the relay116on the switched power line (Switched Line). The controller112may also change the dimming level of the light fixture by changing the voltage level on the 0-10V output from the 0-10V circuit114.

During operation, the wireless interface device102and the lighting control device104communicate with each other to control a 0-10V driver/ballast of a light fixture and to provide status and other information to a wireless user device that may be in wireless communication with the modular wireless lighting control device100. For example, the wireless interface device102may wirelessly receive instructions to turn on or off, to change dimming level, etc. of a light fixture. The wireless interface device102may translate the instructions and provide the translated instructions to the lighting control device104via the Tx connection (e.g., UART connection). For example, the controller108may translate the instructions received by the wireless transceiver106via a wireless network (e.g., Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Bluetooth, etc.) into a format usable by the controller108. To illustrate, the controller108may extract instruction byte(s) from a wireless signal received by the wireless transceiver106and provide the instruction byte(s) to the controller112via the Tx connection. The wireless network may be based on any new wireless protocol or standard that is adopted for lighting controls, IoT, or others.

In some example embodiments, the controller112may process instructions received from the wireless interface device102to control a 0-10V driver/ballast of a light fixture that is attached to the modular wireless lighting control device100. To illustrate, the controller112may switch on or off the relay116based on the received instructions to turn power on and off on the output power line (Switched Line) that is coupled to a 0-10V driver/ballast of the light fixture. The controller112may also change the voltage level on the 0-10V output of the 0-10V circuit114based on the received instructions to control the dimming level of the 0-10V driver/ballast of the light fixture. For example, the instruction provided to the controller112may be to step up or down a dimming level of the light fixture (i.e., the 0-10V driver/ballast), to set the current output of the 0-10V driver/ballast to a percentage of the maximum current output of the 0-10V driver/ballast, or to set the current output of the 0-10V driver/ballast to a particular amount (e.g., in milliamps), or to set the dimming level to a maximum or minimum dimming setting of the 0-10V driver/ballast.

In some example embodiments, the controller112may also change the voltage level on the 0-10V output of the 0-10V circuit114based on instructions received by the wireless interface device102to control the correlated color temperature (CCT) of the light emitted by the light source of the lighting fixture. For example, the output of the 0-10V circuit114may control the CCT setting of the driver/ballast of the lighting fixture instead or in addition to the dim level setting of the driver/ballast of the lighting fixture. To illustrate, the output of the 0-10V circuit114may be coupled to the driver/ballast of the light fixture such that the driver controls the power provided to the light source to change the CCT of the light emitted by the light source. For example, the instruction provided to the controller112may be to change the CCT setting of the driver/ballast of the lighting fixture (i.e., to change the CCT of the light emitted by the light source) to a warmer setting or a cooler setting, to change the CCT setting to the maximum or minimum CCT setting of the driver/ballast, etc.

In some example embodiments, the instructions wirelessly received by the wireless transceiver106may be directed to the modular wireless lighting control device100. For example, the wireless interface device102may receive instructions to configure or over-ride some parameters (e.g., register values) of the wireless interface device102or the lighting control device104. The wireless interface device102may also wirelessly receive a request (i.e., instructions that request) to provide status information of the modular wireless lighting control device100. For example, the wireless interface device102may receive requests to provide dimming level setting, power on/off setting, etc. To respond to a request to provide status information, the wireless interface device102may, for example, request the information from the lighting control device104via the Tx connection, receive the information via the Rx connection, and wirelessly transmit the information, for example, to a wireless user device. In some example embodiments, the instructions received by the wireless interface device102may be to reset (e.g., power cycle) the lighting control device104. In general, the wireless interface device102may wirelessly receive instructions related to the configuration and operation of the modular wireless lighting control device100.

In some example embodiments, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device104to determine the identity of the lighting control device104. For example, at power up, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device104to determine whether the lighting control device104is compatible with 0-10V driver/ballast or with another type of driver/ballast. To illustrate, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device104via the Tx connection and receive the response via the Rx connection.

By adding the modular wireless lighting control device100to a light fixture that has a 0-10V driver/ballast, the modular wireless lighting control device100may be used to add wireless control capability to the light fixture. By adding the wireless control capability to a light fixture, more costly replacement of the entire light fixture or the light source of the light fixture with a wireless capable lighting module may be avoided. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device100may be added to a light fixture during the manufacturing/assembly of the light fixture. Alternatively, the modular wireless lighting control device100may be added to the light fixture by an end user.

InFIG. 1A, some connections between different components of the modular wireless lighting control device100are omitted for clarity of illustration. Further, single connections shown inFIG. 1Amay represent single or multiple electrical connections (e.g., wires) as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For clarity of illustration, not all components of the modular wireless lighting control device100are shown inFIG. 1A. Further, in some example embodiments, some components of the wireless interface device102may be integrated into a single component. Similarly, some components of the lighting control device104may be integrated into a single component. In general but not exclusively, arrows inFIG. 1Amay indicate directions of communication and directions of power supply. The voltage levels shown inFIG. 1Aare for illustration, and in some example embodiments, other voltage levels may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 2illustrates a modular wireless lighting control device200for use with a DALI driver according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device200may be coupled to a driver/ballast that provides power to a light fixture and/or allows dimming and other control (e.g., CCT adjustment) over the light fixture. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of some elements of the modular wireless lighting control device200that are described are omitted here. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the modular wireless lighting control device200include the wireless interface device102and a lighting control device204. The wireless interface device102is substantially the same wireless interface device102ofFIG. 1A.

The lighting control device204may include the controller112and a DALI circuit214. The controller112is substantially the same controller112ofFIG. 1A. As illustrated inFIG. 2, the power supply110of the wireless interface device102provides power (e.g., +3.3 V) to the controller112. The power supply110also provides power (e.g., +16V) to the DALI circuit214. The DALI circuit214, which is control interface circuitry of the lighting control device204, is compatible with a DALI driver that is commonly used in light fixtures.

In some example embodiments, the controller112may process instructions received from the wireless interface device102in a similar manner as described with respect toFIG. 1Ato control a DALI driver/ballast of a light fixture that is attached to the modular wireless lighting control device200. To illustrate, in some example embodiments, the controller112may receive non-DALI compliant instructions from a wireless user device and translate the instruction to DALI instructions that are provided to a DALI driver of a light fixture via the DALI circuit214. The DALI circuit214may serve as an interface between the controller112and the DALI driver. For example, the DALI circuit214may perform voltage level shifting and other similar tasks that enable compatibility between the modular wireless lighting control device100and a DALI driver. In general, the DALI instructions from the controller112and the DALI output of the DALI circuit214are compliant with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) DALI standard (e.g., IEC 62386).

In some example embodiments, the controller112may receive DALI instructions from a wireless user device. For example, the lighting control device204may be configured, for example, using instructions provided through the wireless interface device102to operate in a pass-through mode. To illustrate, the wireless transceiver106of the wireless interface device102may wirelessly receive a signal that includes DALI instruction(s). For example, the wireless transceiver106may receive the signal via an IEEE 802.11, Bluetooth, or another wireless network. The transceiver106may pass the signal to the controller108, and the controller108may extract the DALI instructions and provide the instructions to the controller112of the lighting control device204. For example, the controller108may provide the instructions to the controller112via the Tx connection (e.g., a UART connection). Because DALI instructions are understood by a DALI driver of a light fixture that is attached to the modular wireless lighting control device200, the controller112may transfer to the DALI driver, via the DALI circuit214, the DALI instructions without performing a translation of the instructions.

Similar to the modular wireless lighting control device100FIG. 1A, the wireless interface device102and the lighting control device204may communicate with each other to provide wireless control over a DALI driver of a light fixture that is attached to the lighting control device204. In general, instructions received by the wireless interface device102may be used to configure the modular wireless lighting control device200, to request status and other information from the modular wireless lighting control device200, and to control the DALI driver of a light fixture (e.g., change dim level) that is attached to the modular wireless lighting control device200. In some example embodiments, dim levels and other status information may be provided to a wireless user device. In some example embodiments, the controller112may receive status and other information from a DALI driver via the DALI circuit214and provide the information to the wireless interface device102for wireless transmission to a wireless user device by the transceiver106.

In some example embodiments, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device204to determine the identity of the lighting control device204. For example, at power up, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device204to determine whether the lighting control device104is compatible with a DALI driver or with another type of driver/ballast. To illustrate, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device204via the Tx connection and receive the response via the Rx connection.

By adding the modular wireless lighting control device200to a light fixture that has a DALI driver, the modular wireless lighting control device200may be used to add wireless control capability to the light fixture. By adding the wireless control capability to a light fixture, more costly replacement of the entire light fixture or the light source of the light fixture with a wireless capable lighting module may be avoided. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device200may be added to a light fixture during the manufacturing/assembly of the light fixture. Alternatively, the modular wireless lighting control device200may be added to the light fixture by an end user.

InFIG. 2, some connections between different components of the modular wireless lighting control device200are omitted for clarity of illustration. Further, single connections shown inFIG. 2may represent single or multiple electrical connections (e.g., wires) as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For clarity of illustration, not all components of the modular wireless lighting control device200are shown inFIG. 2. Further, in some example embodiments, some components of the wireless interface device102may be integrated into a single component. Similarly, some components of the lighting control device204may be integrated into a single component. In general but not exclusively, arrows inFIG. 2may indicate directions of communication and directions of power supply. Voltage level shown inFIG. 2are for illustration, and in some example embodiments, other voltage levels may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 3illustrates a modular wireless lighting control device300for use with a phase-cut driver according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device300may be coupled to a driver/ballast that provides power to a light fixture and/or allows dimming and other control over the light fixture. For the sake of brevity, description of some elements of the modular wireless lighting control device300that are described above are omitted here. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the modular wireless lighting control device300include the wireless interface device102and a lighting control device304. The wireless interface device102is substantially the same wireless interface device102ofFIGS. 1A and 2.

The lighting control device304may include the controller112, the relay116, and a phase-cut circuit314. In some example embodiments, the controller112is in electrical communication with the phase-cut circuit314and the relay116. The controller112is substantially the same controller112ofFIGS. 1A and 2. The relay116is also substantially the same relay116ofFIG. 1A. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the power supply110of the wireless interface device102provides power (e.g., +3.3 V) to the controller112.

The relay116may be electrically switched on and off by the controller112. To illustrate, the relay116is coupled to the same input power line that is coupled to the power supply110. An output power line of the relay116is coupled to the phase-cut circuit314, and the relay116may serve as a switch to turn on and off power to the phase-cut circuit314, which in turn switches the phase-cut output of the phase-cut circuit314on and off. The phase-cut circuit314, which is control interface circuitry of the lighting control device304, is compatible with a phase-cut driver that is commonly used in light fixtures.

In some example embodiments, the controller112may also control the output of the phase-cut circuit314. For example, the controller112may control the firing angle of the phase-cut circuit314. The firing angle may ideally range from 0 to 180 degrees. In some example embodiments, the firing angle may range between 30 and 150 degrees. The controller212may control the phase-cut circuit314(e.g., change firing angle) based on instructions that are received wirelessly by the modular wireless lighting control device300. To illustrate, the transceiver106may receive a signal including one or more instructions (e.g., dim level, turn off, etc.), and the controller108may extract and provide the instruction(s) to the controller112of the lighting control device304.

In general, the controller112may process instructions received from the wireless interface device102in a similar manner as described with respect toFIG. 1Ato control a phase-cut driver of a light fixture that is attached to the modular wireless lighting control device300. In general, the wireless interface device102and the lighting control device304may communicate with each other to provide wireless control over a phase-cut driver of a light fixture that is attached to the lighting control device304. To illustrate, instructions received by the wireless interface device102may be used to configure the modular wireless lighting control device300, to request status and other information from the modular wireless lighting control device300, and to control (e.g., change dim level) of the phase-cut driver of a light fixture that is attached to the modular wireless lighting control device300. In some example embodiments, dim levels and other status information may be provided by the modular wireless lighting control device300to a wireless user device.

In some example embodiments, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device304to determine the identity of the lighting control device304. For example, at power up, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device304to determine whether the lighting control device104is compatible with a phase-cut driver or with another type of driver/ballast. To illustrate, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device304via the Tx connection and receive the response via the Rx connection.

By adding the modular wireless lighting control device300to a light fixture that has a phase-cut driver, the modular wireless lighting control device300may be used to add wireless control capability to the light fixture. By adding the wireless control capability to a light fixture, more costly replacement of the entire light fixture or the light source of the light fixture with a wireless capable lighting module may be avoided. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device300may be added to a light fixture during the manufacturing/assembly of the light fixture. Alternatively, the modular wireless lighting control device300may be added to the light fixture by an end user.

InFIG. 3, some connections between different components of the modular wireless lighting control device300are omitted for clarity of illustration. Further, single connections shown inFIG. 3may represent single or multiple electrical connections (e.g., wires) as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For clarity of illustration, not all components of the modular wireless lighting control device300are shown inFIG. 3. Further, in some example embodiments, some components of the wireless interface device102may be integrated into a single component. Similarly, some components of the lighting control device304may be integrated into a single component. In general but not exclusively, arrows inFIG. 3may indicate directions of communication and directions of power supply. Voltage level shown inFIG. 3are for illustration, and in some example embodiments, other voltage levels may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 4illustrates a modular wireless lighting control device400for use with 0-10V, DALI, and phase-cut drivers according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device400may be coupled to a driver/ballast that provides power to a light fixture and/or allows dimming and other control (e.g., CCT adjustment) over the light fixture. For the sake of brevity, descriptions of some elements of the modular wireless lighting control device400that are described above are omitted here. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the modular wireless lighting control device400include the wireless interface device102and a lighting control device404. The wireless interface device102is substantially the same wireless interface device102ofFIGS. 1A, 2, and 3.

In some example embodiments, the lighting control device404includes the controller112, the relay116, the 0-10V circuit114ofFIG. 1A, the DALI circuit214ofFIG. 2, and the phase-cut circuit314ofFIG. 3. Individually, the 0-10V circuit114ofFIG. 1A, the DALI circuit214ofFIG. 2, and the phase-cut circuit314ofFIG. 3operate in conjunction with the controller112and the wireless interface device102in a manner described above. Integrating the 0-10V circuit114, the DALI circuit214, and the phase-cut circuit314into the modular wireless lighting control device400enables use of a single device with different types of drivers/ballasts of light fixtures.

When the modular wireless lighting control device400is coupled to a 0-10V driver/ballast or to a DALI driver of a light fixture, the phase-cut output of the phase-cut circuit314may be configured to output line voltage (e.g., 0 firing angle) to provide power to the 0-10V driver/ballast or to the DALI driver. Alternatively, the input power line (Line) may be provided to the 0-10V driver/ballast or to the DALI driver. When the modular wireless lighting control device400is coupled to a phase-cut driver of a light fixture, the phase-cut output of the phase-cut circuit314provides power based on the dimming level (e.g., based on the firing angle) controlled by the controller112, for example, in response to instructions from a wireless user device.

InFIG. 4, some connections between different components of the modular wireless lighting control device400are omitted for clarity of illustration. Further, single connections shown inFIG. 4may represent a single or multiple electrical connections (e.g., wires) as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For clarity of illustration, not all components of the modular wireless lighting control device400are shown inFIG. 4. Further, in some example embodiments, some components of the wireless interface device102may be integrated into a single component. Similarly, some components of the lighting control device404may be integrated into a single component. In general but not exclusively, arrows inFIG. 4may indicate directions of communication and directions of power supply. Voltage level shown inFIG. 4are for illustration, and in some example embodiments, other voltage levels may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 5illustrates a modular wireless lighting control device500for use with 0-10V, DALI, and phase-cut drivers according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device500may be coupled to a driver/ballast that provides power to a light fixture and/or allows dimming and other control (e.g., CCT adjustment) over the light fixture. For the sake of brevity, description of some elements of the modular wireless lighting control device500that are described above are omitted here. As illustrated inFIG. 5, the modular wireless lighting control device500include the wireless interface device102and a lighting control device504. The wireless interface device102is substantially the same wireless interface device102ofFIGS. 1A, 2, 3, and 4.

In some example embodiments, the lighting control device504includes the controller112, the relay116, the 0-10V circuit114ofFIG. 1A, the DALI circuit214ofFIG. 2, and the phase-cut circuit314ofFIG. 3. Individually, the 0-10V circuit114ofFIG. 1A, the DALI circuit214ofFIG. 2, and the phase-cut circuit314ofFIG. 3operate in conjunction with the controller112and the wireless interface device102in a manner described above. Integrating the 0-10V circuit114, the DALI circuit214, and the phase-cut circuit314into the modular wireless lighting control device400enables use of a single device with different types of drivers/ballasts of light fixtures.

In some example embodiments, the lighting control device504includes multiplexer (Mux)506. The mux506multiplexes signals from the 0-10V circuit114and the DALI circuit214based on a mux selection signal provided to the mux506by the controller112.

In some example embodiments, the lighting control device504also include a driver detection circuit508that operates in conjunction with the controller112to determine the type of driver/ballast of a light fixture that is coupled to the DALI/0-10V and phase-cut outputs of the modular wireless lighting control device500.

FIG. 6illustrates the lighting control device504of the modular wireless lighting control device500according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIGS. 5 and 6, inputs of the driver detection circuit508are coupled to the DALI/0-10V output lines of the modular wireless lighting control device500, and the output of the driver detection circuit508is coupled to the controller112. The driver detection circuit508includes a comparator602and a resistor604across the inputs of the comparator. The resistor604may have a value large enough for detection of a voltage difference between the DALI/0-10V output lines. The controller112may determine whether the type of driver/ballast that attached to the DALI/0-10V output lines based on the output of the comparator602, for example as described with respect toFIG. 7. In some alternative embodiments, the driver detection circuit508may include other components or a different circuit without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 7is a flowchart illustrating a method700of detecting the type of driver attached to the modular wireless lighting control device500ofFIG. 5according to an example embodiment. Referring toFIGS. 5, 6, and 7, at step700, the method700includes powering up of the lighting control device504. At step704, the method700includes turning on the relay116and providing full phase power to the driver (e.g., the driver of the light fixture804ofFIG. 8) attached to the modular wireless lighting control device500. For example, the phase-cut circuit may provide the full phase power to the driver. At step706, the method700includes determining whether the voltage across the DALI/0-10V output lines of the modular wireless lighting control device500is higher than 10V. If the voltage across the DALI/0-10V output lines is higher than 10V, the method700includes, at step708, operating as a 0-10V wireless lighting control device. If the voltage across the DALI/0-10V output lines is not higher than 10V, the method700includes, at step710, selecting the signal(s) of the DALI circuit214via the mux506, and performing a query of the driver to check if the driver responds. If the driver provides a valid DALI response, the method700includes, at step712, operating as a DALI wireless lighting control device. If a valid query response is not received at step710, the method includes, at step714, operating as a phase-cut wireless lighting control device.

In some example embodiments, the method700may include other steps before, after, and/or in between the steps702-714408. Further, in some alternative embodiments, some of the steps of the method700may be performed in a different order than shown inFIG. 7. Although the method700is described with respect to 0-10V, DALI, and phase-cut drivers, in alternative embodiments, the method700may be used to detect other types of drivers that may be attached to the modular wireless lighting control device500with reasonable changes as would be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art.

FIG. 8illustrates a lighting system800including a modular wireless lighting control device802and a light fixture804according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device802may be the modular wireless lighting control device400or the modular wireless lighting control device500. In some alternative embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device802may be the modular wireless lighting control device100, the modular wireless lighting control device200, or the modular wireless lighting control device300with relevant interface connection between the modular wireless lighting control device802and the light fixture804.

As described above, the modular wireless lighting control device802may be attached to the light fixture804to add wireless control capability to the light fixture804. A user application on a wireless user device, such as a smart phone, a tablet, a computer, etc., may be used to communicate with the modular wireless lighting control device802as described above with respect to the modular wireless lighting control devices100,200,300,400, and500. For example, a user may wireless turn on or off, change dim level, change CCT setting, etc. of the light fixture804via the modular wireless lighting control device802. A user may also wirelessly obtain status information from the modular wireless lighting control device802and the light fixture804. In general, the driver/ballast of the light fixture may be a 0-10V, DALI, phase-cut, DMX, or another type of driver that is supported by the modular wireless lighting control device802.

FIG. 9illustrates a multichannel lighting control device900that can be used with the wireless interface device102of, for example,FIG. 1Aaccording to another example embodiment. For example, the multichannel lighting control device900may be used in place of the lighting control device104ofFIG. 1Aor the lighting control device404ofFIG. 4. The multichannel lighting control device900may be coupled to a driver/ballast that provides power to a light fixture and/or that allows dimming and other control (e.g., CCT adjustment) over the light fixture.

In some example embodiments, the lighting control device900includes the controller112, two relays116, and two 0-10V circuits114ofFIG. 1A. The controller112may be coupled to and operate in conjunction with the controller108of the wireless interface device102in a manner described above. For example, the Tx and Rx connections may represent UART or other digital interfaces between the controller112and the controller108. Instructions received wirelessly by the wireless interface device102ofFIG. 1Amay be provided to the multichannel lighting control device900in a similar manner as described above with respect to, for example, the lighting control device104ofFIG. 1A. Each 0-10V circuit114operates in conjunction with the controller112in a similar manner as described above. Power (e.g., 3.3V) may be provided to the controller112from the power supply110of the wireless interface device102. Power (e.g., 16V) may be provided to the 0-10V circuit114from the power supply110of the wireless interface device102. Each relay116operates in conjunction with the controller112in a similar manner as described above. The relays116may be coupled to the input power line (Line) and may output switched output power on the Switched Line1and Switched Line2connections.

One 0-10V circuit114and one relay116may support a first channel (Channel1), and the other 0-10V circuit114and the other relay116may support a second channel (Channel2). To illustrate, the lighting control device900may be coupled to one 0-10V light fixture (i.e., a light fixture with a 0-10V diming method) via the Channel1interface that includes 0-10V and Switched Line1connections and may be coupled to another 0-10V light fixture via the Channel2interface that includes 0-10V and Switched Line2connections.

In some example embodiments, the lighting control device900includes one or more other channel components902to support control of additional one or more light fixtures. For example, the channel components902may include one or more 0-10V circuits and one or more relays.

In some example embodiments, one of the relays116may be used to provide switched power to a driver of a light fixture, one 0-10V circuit114may be used to control dim level setting of the driver while the other 0-10V circuit114may be used to control CCT setting of the driver.

Not all components of the modular wireless lighting control device900are shown inFIG. 9for clarity of illustration. Some connections between different components of the modular wireless lighting control device900are also omitted for clarity of illustration. Further, single connections shown inFIG. 9may represent a single or multiple electrical connections (e.g., wires) as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In general but not exclusively, arrows inFIG. 9may indicate directions of communication and directions of power supply. Voltage levels shown inFIG. 9are for illustration, and in some example embodiments, other voltage levels may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 10illustrates a multichannel lighting control device that can be used with the wireless interface device of, for example,FIG. 1Aaccording to another example embodiment. For example, the multichannel lighting control device1000may be used in place of the lighting control device104ofFIG. 1Aor the lighting control device404ofFIG. 4. The multichannel lighting control device1000may be coupled to a driver/ballast that provides power to a light fixture and/or that allows dimming and other control (e.g., CCT adjustment) over the light fixture.

In some example embodiments, the lighting control device1000includes the controller112, a relay116, a 0-10V circuit114, and a DALI circuit214. The controller112may be coupled to and operate in conjunction with the controller108of the wireless interface device102in a manner described above. For example, the Tx and Rx connections may represent UART or other digital interfaces between the controller112and the controller108. Instructions received wirelessly by the wireless interface device102ofFIG. 1Amay be provided to the multichannel lighting control device1000in a similar manner as described above with respect to, for example, the lighting control device104ofFIG. 1A. The 0-10V circuit114and the DALI circuit214individually operate in conjunction with the controller112in a similar manner as described above. Power (e.g., 3.3V) may be provided to the controller112from the power supply110of the wireless interface device102. Power (e.g., 16V) may be provided to the DALI circuit214from the power supply110of the wireless interface device102. The relay116operates in conjunction with the controller112in a similar manner as described above. The relay116may be coupled to the input power line (Line) and may output switched output power on the Switched Line1connection and may also output switched output power on another switched line connection.

The 0-10V circuit114and the relay116may support a first channel (Channel1), and the DALI circuit114may support a second channel (Channel2). To illustrate, the lighting control device1000may be coupled to one 0-10V light fixture (i.e., a light fixture with a 0-10V diming method) via the Channel1interface that includes 0-10V and Switched Line1connections, and the lighting control device1000may be coupled to a DALI light fixture (i.e., a light fixture with a DALI diming method) via the Channel2interface that includes the DALI and the main line or another switched line connections. In some example embodiments, the 0-10V circuit114may be used to control the dim level of the light provided of the light fixture, and the DALI circuit214may be used to control the CCT of the light provided of the light fixture. Alternatively, the 0-10V circuit114may be used to control the CCT of the light provided of the light fixture, and the DALI circuit214may be used to control the dim level of the light provided of the light fixture.

In some example embodiments, the lighting control device1000includes one or more other channel components1002to support control of additional one or more light fixtures. For example, the channel components1002may include one or more control interface circuits such as another 0-10V circuit, a DMX512 circuit, another DALI circuit, a phase-cut circuit, and/or PWM circuit.

For clarity of illustration, not all components of the modular wireless lighting control device1000are shown inFIG. 10. Some connections between different components of the modular wireless lighting control device1000are also omitted for clarity of illustration. Further, single connections shown inFIG. 10may represent a single or multiple electrical connections (e.g., wires) as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. In general but not exclusively, arrows inFIG. 10may indicate directions of communication and directions of power supply. Voltage levels shown inFIG. 10are for illustration, and in some example embodiments, other voltage levels may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 11illustrates a modular wireless lighting control device1100for use with a PWM driver according to an example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1100may be coupled to a driver/ballast that provides power to a light fixture and/or allows dimming and other control over the light fixture. For the sake brevity, descriptions of some elements of the modular wireless lighting control device1100that are described above are omitted here. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the modular wireless lighting control device1100include the wireless interface device102and a lighting control device1104. The wireless interface device102is substantially the same wireless interface device102ofFIG. 1A.

The lighting control device1104may include the controller112, the relay116, and a pulse width modulation (PWM) circuit1114. In some example embodiments, the controller112is in electrical communication with the PWM circuit1114and the relay116. The controller112is substantially the same controller112ofFIG. 1Aand operates in substantially the same manner. The relay116is also substantially the same relay116ofFIG. 1A. As illustrated inFIG. 11, the power supply110of the wireless interface device102provides power (e.g., +3.3 V) to the controller112and provides power (+16V) to the relay116.

The relay116may be electrically switched on and off by the controller112as described above. To illustrate, the relay116is coupled to the same input power line (Line) that is coupled to the power supply110. An output power line (Switched Line) of the relay116is provided to connect to a light fixture, and the relay116may serve as a switch to turn on and off power to the light fixture. The PWM circuit1114, which is control interface circuitry of the lighting control device1104, is compatible with a PWM driver that is commonly used in light fixtures.

In some example embodiments, the controller112controls the output of the PWM circuit1114. For example, the controller112may control the output signal from the PWM circuit1114. The firing angle may ideally range from 0 to 180 degrees. In some example embodiments, the firing angle may range between 30 and 150 degrees. The controller212may control the phase-cut circuit314(e.g., change firing angle) based on instructions that are received wirelessly by the modular wireless lighting control device300. To illustrate, the transceiver106may receive a signal including one or more instructions (e.g., dim level, turn off, etc.), and the controller108may extract and provide the instruction(s) to the controller112of the lighting control device304.

In general, the controller112may process instructions received from the wireless interface device102in a similar manner as described with respect toFIG. 1Ato control a PWM driver of a light fixture that is attached to the modular wireless lighting control device1100. In general, the wireless interface device102and the lighting control device1104may communicate with each other to provide wireless control over a PWM driver of a light fixture that is attached to the lighting control device304. To illustrate, instructions received by the wireless interface device102may be used to configure the modular wireless lighting control device1100, to request status and other information from the modular wireless lighting control device1100, and to control (e.g., change dim level) of the PWM driver of a light fixture that is attached to the modular wireless lighting control device300. In some example embodiments, dim levels and other status information may be provided by the modular wireless lighting control device1100to a wireless user device by wirelessly transmitting the information.

In some example embodiments, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device1104to determine the identity of the lighting control device1104. For example, at power up, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device1104to determine whether the lighting control device11104is compatible with a PWM driver or with another type of driver/ballast. To illustrate, the wireless interface device102may query the lighting control device1104via the Tx connection and receive the response via the Rx connection.

By adding the modular wireless lighting control device1100to a light fixture that has a PWM driver, the modular wireless lighting control device1100may be used to add wireless control capability to the light fixture. By adding the wireless control capability to a light fixture, more costly replacement of the entire light fixture or the light source of the light fixture with a wireless capable lighting module may be avoided. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1100may be added to a light fixture during the manufacturing/assembly of the light fixture. Alternatively, the modular wireless lighting control device1100may be added to the light fixture by an end user.

InFIG. 11, some connections between different components of the modular wireless lighting control device1100are omitted for clarity of illustration. Further, single connections shown inFIG. 11may represent single or multiple electrical connections (e.g., wires) as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For clarity of illustration, not all components of the modular wireless lighting control device1100are shown inFIG. 11. Further, in some example embodiments, some components of the wireless interface device102may be integrated into a single component. Similarly, some components of the lighting control device1104may be integrated into a single component. In general but not exclusively, arrows inFIG. 11may indicate directions of communication and directions of power supply. Voltage level shown inFIG. 11are for illustration, and in some example embodiments, other voltage levels may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 12illustrates a modular wireless lighting control device1200with an integrated driver according to an example embodiment. The modular wireless lighting control device1200includes a wireless interface device1202and a smart driver1204. The wireless interface device1202includes a wireless transceiver (radio)1206, a controller1208, and power supply1210. The smart driver1204includes a lighting control device1212and a driver1214. An input power line (Line) is coupled to the driver1214, and the driver1214provides power (e.g., +3.3V) to the lighting control device1212. The driver1214also provides power (e.g., +16V) to the power supply1210of the wireless interface device1202. In some example embodiments, the power supply1210provide power (e.g., +3.3V) to the transceiver1206and to the controller1208.

In some example embodiments, the lighting control device1212may correspond to the lighting control device104,204,404,504described above. For example, the lighting control device1212may interface and control the driver1214, which may be a 0-10V, a DALI, a phase-cut, or another driver that is compatible with the lighting control device1212. Connection1216represents the appropriate interface between the lighting control device1212and the driver1214.

In some example embodiments, the transceiver1206may correspond to the transceiver106described above. Further, the controller1208may correspond to the controller108of the wireless interface device102described above and may communicate with the lighting control device1212in a similar manner. To illustrate, instructions from a user application running on a wireless user device may be wirelessly provided to the wireless interface device1202in a similar manner as described above with respect to the wireless interface device102. The received instructions may be provided to the lighting control device1212of the smart driver1204, for example, via the Tx connection (e.g., a UART connection). The lighting control device1212may control (e.g., turn on or off, etc.) the driver based on the instructions. In some example embodiments, the lighting control device1212may provide information, such as status information, to the wireless interface device1202via the Rx connection (e.g., a UART connection). In turn, the wireless interface device1202may wirelessly transmit the information to a wireless user device.

In some example embodiments, the wireless interface device1202may be plugged into each other and add wireless control capability to light fixture. InFIG. 12, some connections between different components of the modular wireless lighting control device1200are omitted for clarity of illustration. Further, single connections shown inFIG. 12may represent single or multiple electrical connections (e.g., wires) as would be understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art. For clarity of illustration, not all components of the modular wireless lighting control device1200are shown inFIG. 12. Further, in some example embodiments, some components of the wireless interface device1202may be integrated into a single component. Similarly, some components of the smart driver1204may be integrated into a single component. In general but not exclusively, arrows inFIG. 12may indicate directions of communication and directions of power supply. Voltage level shown inFIG. 12are for illustration, and in some example embodiments, other voltage levels may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 13illustrates a lighting system1300including a modular wireless lighting control device1304and light fixtures1302,1306according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1304receives line power via a connection (e.g., wires)1312. The modular wireless lighting control device1304is coupled to the first light fixture1302via connections1314,1316. For example, the connection1314may include one or more wires for dim control of the light fixture1302, and the connection1316may include one or more wires for providing switched power to the light fixture1302. The light fixture1302may include a driver that is positioned in a junction box1308of the light fixture1302, and the connections1314,1316may be coupled to the driver.

The modular wireless lighting control device1304enables wireless control (e.g., turning on or off and dim level adjustment) of the light fixture1302. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1304may be the modular wireless lighting control device100ofFIG. 1A, the modular wireless lighting control device400ofFIG. 4, the modular wireless lighting control device500ofFIG. 5, the modular wireless lighting control device900ofFIG. 9, the modular wireless lighting control device1000ofFIG. 10, or the modular wireless lighting control device1100ofFIG. 11.

In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1304may also be coupled to the second light fixture1306via the connections1314,1316. To illustrate, the connection1314may be extended to the second light fixture1306via a connection1318that may include one or more wires. The connection1316may also be extended to the second light fixture1306via a connection1320that may include one or more wires. For example, the connections1318,1320may be coupled to a driver1310of the light fixture1306. Thus, the modular wireless lighting control device1304may enable wireless control (e.g., turn on or off, change dim level, etc.) of one or more light fixtures using a single output channel that includes, for example, a dim level control output (e.g., 0-10V output) and a switched power output (e.g., from a relay that receives a mains power).

In some alternative embodiments, the connection1316may be used to provide the mains power (i.e., not switched power) to the light fixture1302,1304. For example, the line power provided to the modular wireless lighting control device1304may be passed through the modular wireless lighting control device1304and provided the light fixtures1302,1306via the connection1316. For example, the modular wireless lighting control device1304may be the modular wireless lighting control device200ofFIG. 2. Further, in some example embodiments, the connection1316may be used to provide power as well as for dim control of the light fixtures1302,1306. For example, the modular wireless lighting control device1304may be the modular wireless lighting control device300ofFIG. 3, where the phase-cut output of the modular wireless lighting control device300is coupled to the connection1316.

Although two light fixtures are shown in the system1300ofFIG. 13, in some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1304may be coupled to just one or more than two light fixtures.

FIG. 14illustrates a lighting system1400including a modular wireless lighting control device1404and light fixtures1402,1404according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1404receives line power via a connection (e.g., wires)1412. The modular wireless lighting control device1404is coupled to the first light fixture1402via connections1414,1416. For example, the connection1414may include one or more wires for dim control of the light fixture1402, and the connection1416may include one or more wires for providing switched power to the light fixture1402. The light fixture1402may include a driver that is positioned in a junction box1408of the light fixture1402, and the connections1414,1416may be coupled to the driver.

In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1404may also be coupled to the second light fixture1406via the connections1418,1420. For example, the connections1418,1420may be coupled to a driver1410of the light fixture1406. The connection1418may include one or more wires for dim control of the light fixture1406, and the connection1420may include one or more wires for providing switched power to the light fixture1406. Thus, the modular wireless lighting control device1404may enable wireless control (e.g., turn on or off, change dim level, etc.) of one light fixture using one output channel and enable wireless control of another light fixture using another output channel. For example, each output channel may include, for example, a dim level control output (e.g., 0-10V output, DALI, phase-cut, PWM, DMX512, etc.) and a power output (switched or pass-through). In some example embodiments, the connections1414,1416may be coupled to more than one light fixture, and the connections1418,1420may also be coupled to more than one light fixture.

The modular wireless lighting control device1404enables wireless control (e.g., turning on or off and dim level adjustment) of the light fixtures1402,1406. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1404may be the modular wireless lighting control device400ofFIG. 4, the modular wireless lighting control device500ofFIG. 5, the modular wireless lighting control device900ofFIG. 9, or the modular wireless lighting control device1000ofFIG. 10.

Although two light fixtures are shown in the system1400ofFIG. 14, in some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1404may be coupled to just one or more than two light fixtures.

FIG. 15illustrates a lighting system1500including a modular wireless lighting control device1504attached to a light fixture1502according to an example embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 15, the modular wireless lighting control device1504is attached to a junction box1506of the light fixture1502. The modular wireless lighting control device1504may be coupled to a connection1508that is used to provide line power (e.g., mains power) to the modular wireless lighting control device1504. To illustrate, a driver of the light fixture1502may be located inside the junction box1506, and the modular wireless lighting control device1504may be in electrical communication with the driver to control (e.g., turn on or off or adjust dim level) of the light fixture1502. For example, the modular wireless lighting control device1504may be the modular wireless lighting control device1304ofFIG. 13or the modular wireless lighting control device1404ofFIG. 14. In some alternative embodiments, the light fixture1502that may not include a driver (e.g., an LED driver) or a ballast for providing power to the light source of the light fixture1502, and the modular wireless lighting control device1504may still be compatible with the light fixture1502.

Although one light fixture is shown inFIG. 15, in some alternative embodiments, the system1500may include more than one light fixtures. The particular fixture shown inFIG. 15is for illustrative purpose, and the system1500may include other types of light fixtures without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 16Aillustrates a lighting system1600including a modular wireless lighting control device1604and a light fixture1602according to another example embodiment.FIG. 16Billustrates an Edison base adapter1616that can be used in the lighting system1600ofFIG. 16Aaccording to an example embodiment. Referring toFIGS. 16A and 16B, the system1600may include the light fixture1602, the modular wireless lighting control device1604, and an Edison base plug1608that is used to provide line power to the modular wireless lighting control device1604as well as the light fixture1602. To illustrate, the system1600may include a driver1612that provides power to the light device1602based on the line power provided through the Edison base plug1608. For example, the Edison base plug1608may be connected to an Edison base socket1622that may be electrically connected to the mains power supply. For example, the Edison base socket1622may be a newly installed socket or an existing socket that was, for example, used to provide power to a light fixture that is being replaced with the light fixture1602(e.g., a recessed LED light fixture).

As more clearly shown inFIG. 16B, the Edison base adapter1616may include the Edison base plug1608and an electrical connector1618. An electrical connection (e.g., electrical wires)1614extends between and electrically couples the Edison base plug1608and the electrical connector1618. The electrical connector1618(e.g., a male connector) may be coupled to a mating connector (e.g., a female connector) that is electrically coupled to the modular wireless lighting control device1604. For example, a mating connector may be inside a housing of the modular wireless lighting control device1604. To illustrate, the power supply of the modular wireless lighting control device1604(e.g., the power supply110shown inFIG. 1A) may be electrically coupled to the Edison base plug1608by the connection1614and the mating connector that is electrically coupled to the modular wireless lighting control device1604.

In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1604is close or attached to a splice box1606. For example, electrical wires from the modular wireless lighting control device1604may be coupled inside the splice box1606to electrical wires1620. The electrical wires1620may be used to provide line and/or switched power to the driver1612. The electrical wires1620may also be used for communication between the modular wireless lighting control device1604and the driver1612. For example, the modular wireless lighting control device1604may provide lighting control signals (e.g., a dim control signal) to the driver1612via the wires1620. To illustrate, some of the electrical wires1620may be used to provide power to the driver1612and other electrical wires of the wires1620may be used for communication between the modular wireless lighting control device1604and the driver1612.

In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1604and the splice box1606may be integrated into a single device1610. In some example embodiments, the splice box1606may be omitted and electrical connections may be made inside the housing of the modular wireless lighting control device1604or inside the device1610.

In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1604may be the modular wireless lighting control device1304ofFIG. 13or the modular wireless lighting control device1404ofFIG. 14. By including the modular wireless lighting control device1604in the system1600, the light fixture1602may be wirelessly controlled as described above. Further, by using the Edison base adapter1616, the light fixture1602may be used with newly installed as well as existing lighting power infrastructure.

In some alternative embodiments, a different type of connector than the connector1618may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the connector1618may be omitted and the connection1614may be coupled directly to the modular wireless lighting control device1614or to electrical wires coupled to the modular wireless lighting control device1604and/or the driver1612. For example, the connection1614may be electrically coupled to the wires1620inside the splice box1606. Although one light fixture is shown inFIG. 16A, in some alternative embodiments, the system1600may include more than one light fixture. Further, in some alternative embodiments, the light fixture1602may be a different type than shown inFIG. 16A.

FIG. 17illustrates a lighting system1700including a modular wireless lighting control device1704and light fixtures1702,1706according to another example embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 17, the modular wireless lighting control device1704receives line power (e.g., mains power) and can provide a switched power and a control signal (e.g., dim control) to the light fixture1702. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1704can also provide the switched power and the control signal to the light fixture1706. The modular wireless lighting control device1704may be the modular wireless lighting control device1304ofFIG. 13or the modular wireless lighting control device1404ofFIG. 14. For example, the system1700may be operated in a similar manner as described with respect to the system1300ofFIG. 13. By including the modular wireless lighting control device1704in the system1700, the light fixtures1702,1706may be wirelessly controlled as described above.

Although two light fixtures are shown inFIG. 17, in some alternative embodiments, the system1700may include fewer or more than two light fixtures.

FIG. 18illustrates a lighting system1800including a modular wireless lighting control device1804and a light fixture1802according to another example embodiment. As illustratedFIG. 18, the system1800includes the light fixture1802, a ballast/driver1806, and the modular wireless lighting control device1804. The modular wireless lighting control device1804receives line power (e.g., mains power) and can provide a switched power and a control signal (e.g., dim control) to the light fixture1802, which may be a suspended light fixture. The modular wireless lighting control device1804may be the modular wireless lighting control device1304ofFIG. 13or the modular wireless lighting control device1404ofFIG. 14. For example, the system1800may be operated in a similar manner as described with respect to the system1300ofFIG. 13. In some example embodiments, the modular wireless lighting control device1804and the ballast/driver1806may be integrated into a single device1810. By including the modular wireless lighting control device1804in the system1800, the light fixture1802may be wirelessly controlled as described above.

Although one light fixture is shown inFIG. 18, in some alternative embodiments, the system1800may include more than one light fixtures.

FIG. 19Aillustrates a lighting system1900including an Edison base adapter1906that houses a wireless lighting control device1918according to another example embodiment.FIGS. 19B-19Dillustrate different views of the Edison base adapter1906ofFIG. 19Aaccording to an example embodiment. The wireless lighting control device1918contained in the Edison base adapter1906may be any one of the wireless lighting control devices described herein.

Referring toFIGS. 19A-19D, in some example embodiments, the system1900includes a light fixture1902and a driver1904that provides appropriate power to the light fixture1902based on, for example, line or switched power provided to the driver1904. An electrical connection1912may carry line or switched power and other signals (e.g., a dim control signal) between the wireless lighting control device1918inside the Edison base adapter1906and the driver1904. For example, the electrical connection1912may include several electrical wires, where some of the electrical wires are used to provide power to the driver1904and where the other electrical wires are used for communication between the wireless lighting control device1918and the driver1904.

In some example embodiments, the Edison base adapter1906includes a housing1908and an Edison base plug1910designed to mate with an Edison base socket. For example, the Edison base plug1910may be attached to a protruding section1914of the housing1908. The housing1908may be made from an electrically non-conductive material (e.g., a polymer, a composite or plastic material). The Edison base plug1910may be made from an electrically conductive material and is electrically coupled to the wireless lighting control device1918inside the housing1908. For example, the Edison base plug1910may be electrically coupled to a power supply of the wireless lighting control device1918(e.g., the power supply110shown inFIG. 1A) that provides appropriate power to the other components of the wireless lighting control device1918. To illustrate, the Edison base plug1910may be electrically coupled to the wireless lighting control device1918inside the housing1908in a similar manner as in an incandescent light bulb. Alternatively, the Edison base plug1910may be electrically coupled to the wireless lighting control device1918inside the housing1908in other ways as may be contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, the Edison base plug1910may be connected to an Edison base socket1926that is electrically connected to the mains power supply. For example, the Edison base socket1926may be a newly installed socket or an existing socket that was, for example, used to provide power to a light fixture that is being replaced with the light fixture1902(e.g., a recessed LED light fixture). The line power received via the Edison base plug1910or a switch power that is based on the line power may be provided to the driver1904via the connection1912. For example, the connection1912may be electrically coupled to the Edison base plug1910inside the housing1908in a manner that may be contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

To illustrate, in some example embodiments, an electrical connector1916(e.g., a male connector) is attached to the connection1912(e.g., electrical wires) and may be designed to connect to a mating connector (e.g., a female connector). For example, the mating connector may be at least partially inside and electrically coupled to the driver1904. Alternatively, the mating connector may be outside of the driver1904and coupled to electrical wires that are coupled to the driver1904. In some alternative embodiments, the connector1916may be omitted and the connection1912may be coupled directly to the driver1612or electrical wires coupled to the driver1904.

In some example embodiments, the housing1908has one or more holes1924that may be used to perform a reset of the wireless lighting control device1918that is inside the housing1908. For example, wireless communication of the wireless lighting control device1918over wireless network may be reset by inserting a tool (e.g., a pin) in one of the holes1924to push a reset input of the wireless lighting control device1918. The wireless lighting control device1918may rejoin the wireless network following the reset. As another example, the entire wireless lighting control device1918may be fully reset by inserting a tool (e.g., a pin) in the other one of the holes1924to push a hard reset input of the wireless lighting control device1918. By using holes1924to access the reset inputs of the wireless lighting control device1918, removing the wireless lighting control device1918from inside the housing1908to perform resets can be avoided. Further, accidental resetting of the wireless lighting control device1918may be reduced. In some alternative embodiments, other means of resetting the wireless lighting control device1918may be used as may be contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

FIG. 19Dillustrates the wireless lighting control device1918extending through an insertion slot1920of the housing1908, for example, during insertion into or removal from the housing1908. In some example embodiments, an antenna1922of the wireless lighting control device1918may be inside the housing1908. To illustrate, when the wireless lighting control device1918is fully positioned inside the housing1908, the antenna1922may also be fully inside the housing1908. In some alternative embodiments, at least part of the antenna1922may be positioned outside of the housing1908without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, the antenna1922may be coupled to any one of the wireless interface devices (e.g., the wireless interface device102) described herein. In some example embodiments, the wireless lighting control device1918may be the wireless lighting control device1304ofFIG. 13or the wireless lighting control device1404ofFIG. 14.

In some example embodiments, instead of the controller108and the controller112, the wireless lighting control device1918may include a single controller that performs the functions of both the controller108and the controller112of the wireless lighting control devices (e.g., the wireless lighting control devices100,200,300) described above without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, the wireless interface device102and lighting control device104ofFIG. 1may be implemented on a single printed circuit board or on electrically coupled printed circuit boards such that a single controller (e.g., a microcontroller) may perform the functions of both controllers108,112. In some example embodiments, the wireless transceiver (e.g., the wireless transceiver106ofFIG. 1A) may be coupled to a single controller that performs the functions of both controllers108,112in some or all of the embodiments of the wireless lighting control device presented in this description.

By including the wireless lighting control device1918in the system1900, the light fixture1902may be wirelessly controlled as described above. Further, by using the Edison base adapter1906, the light fixture1902may be used with newly installed as well as existing lighting power infrastructure.

In some alternative embodiments, the housing1908may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, a different type of the connector1916than shown inFIGS. 19B-19Dmay be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the connector1916may be omitted and the connection1912may be coupled directly to the driver1904or to electrical wires coupled to the driver1904. For example, the connection1912may be electrically coupled to electrical wires coupled to the driver1904inside a splice box such as the splice box1606ofFIG. 16A. Although one light fixture is shown inFIG. 19A, in some alternative embodiments, the system1900may include more than one light fixtures. Further, in some alternative embodiments, the light fixture1902may be a different type than shown inFIG. 19A.

FIG. 20illustrates a lighting device2000including a housing2002that houses a wireless lighting control device according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the lighting device2000is similar to the Edison base adapter1906with a primary difference that the lighting device2000does not include an Edison base plug. Instead of the Edison base adapter1906, the lighting device2000includes a power terminal2004to receive line power, for example, from the mains power supply. The power terminal2004may be electrically connected to the wireless lighting control device housed in the housing2002in a manner that may be contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure. For example, the power terminal2004may be electrically coupled to a power supply of the wireless lighting control device (e.g., the power supply110shown inFIG. 1A). For example, the power terminal2004is made from an electrically conductive material and may be directly soldered or otherwise electrically coupled to, for example, a printed circuit board (e.g., via one or more wires that are soldered to the power terminal2004).

In some example embodiments, the line power received via the power terminal2004may be provided to a driver, such as the driver1904shown inFIG. 19A, via a connection2006(e.g., electrical wire(s)). Alternatively, a switch power that is provided by a relay of the wireless lighting control device based on the line power may be provided to a driver via the connection2006. For example, the connection2006may correspond to the connection1912. The connection2006may be electrically coupled to the power terminal2004or to an output of the relay (e.g., the relay116shown inFIG. 1Aor the relay shown inFIG. 22) inside the housing2002in a manner that may be contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, the electrical connector2008is attached to the connection2006and may be designed to connect to a mating connector in a similar manner as described with respect to the connector1916shown, for example, inFIG. 19B. For example, electrical connector2008may be a male connector designed to connect to a female connector of a driver, such as the driver1904shown inFIG. 19A.

In some example embodiments, the housing2002may be made from the same material and in the same manner as the housing1908of the Edison base adapter1906. For example, the housing2002may be made from an electrically non-conductive material (e.g., a polymer, a composite or plastic material).

In some alternative embodiments, the housing2002may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, a different type of the connector2008than shown inFIG. 20may be used without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, the connector2008may be omitted, and the connection2006may be coupled directly to a driver or to electrical wires coupled to the driver.

FIG. 21illustrates a lighting device2100including a housing2102that houses a wireless lighting control device according to another example embodiment. In some example embodiments, the lighting device2100is substantially the same as the lighting device2000with differences related electrical connections. In some example embodiments, the line power is provided to the wireless lighting control device inside the housing2102via a connection2104(e.g., one or more electrical wires) that is electrically coupled to the wireless lighting control device, for example, inside the housing2102.

In some example embodiments, the line power received via the connection21042004may be provided to a driver, such as the driver1904shown inFIG. 19A, via a connection2106(e.g., one or more electrical wires). Alternatively, a switch power that is provided by a relay of the wireless lighting control device based on the line power may be provided to a driver via the connection2006. For example, the connection2106may correspond to the connection2006ofFIG. 20. The connection2106may be electrically coupled to the connection2104or to an output of the relay (e.g., the relay116shown inFIG. 1Aor the relay shown inFIG. 22) inside the housing2102in a manner that may be contemplated by those of ordinary skill in the art with the benefit of this disclosure.

In some example embodiments, the housing2102may be made from the same material and in the same manner as the housing2002ofFIG. 20. For example, the housing2102may be made from an electrically non-conductive material (e.g., a polymer, a composite or plastic material).

In some alternative embodiments, the housing2102may have a different shape than shown without departing from the scope of this disclosure. In some alternative embodiments, a respective connector may be attached to the connection2104, to the connection2106, or both without departing from the scope of this disclosure.

FIG. 22illustrates a wireless lighting control device2200for use with a 0-10V driver according to another example embodiment. Referring toFIG. 22, the wireless lighting control device2200includes a controller2202, the wireless transceiver106, the 0-10V circuit114, the power supply110, and the relay116. In some example embodiments, the wireless lighting control device2200may correspond to the wireless lighting control device100ofFIG. 1Awith a primary difference that the controller2202performs the functions of the controllers108,112. For example, the controller2202may be or may include a microprocessor or a microcontroller device that controls the operation of the 0-10V circuit114based on wireless signals received by the wireless transceiver2204. In some example embodiments, the controller2202and the wireless transceiver106may be integrated into a single device2204. In some example embodiments, the wireless lighting control device2200may be housed in the housing1908ofFIG. 19A, the housing2002ofFIG. 20, or the housing2102ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 23illustrates a wireless lighting control device2300for use with a phase-cut driver according to another example embodiment. Referring toFIG. 23, the wireless lighting control device2300includes the controller2202, the wireless transceiver106, the phase-cut circuit314, the power supply110, and the relay116. In some example embodiments, the wireless lighting control device2300may correspond to the wireless lighting control device300ofFIG. 3with a primary difference that the controller2202performs the functions of the controllers108,112. For example, the controller2202may be or may include a microprocessor or a microcontroller device that controls the operation of the phase-cut circuit314based on wireless signals received by the wireless transceiver2204. In some example embodiments, the controller2202and the wireless transceiver106may be integrated into the single device2204. In some example embodiments, the wireless lighting control device2300may be housed in the housing1908ofFIG. 19A, the housing2002ofFIG. 20, or the housing2102ofFIG. 21.

FIG. 24illustrates a wireless lighting control device2300for use with 0-10V, DALI, and phase-cut drivers according to another example embodiment. Referring toFIG. 24, the wireless lighting control device2400includes the controller2202, the wireless transceiver106, the 0-10V circuit114, the DALI circuit214, the phase-cut circuit314, the power supply110, and the relay116. The wireless lighting control device2400also includes the mux506and the driver detection circuit508that operates in conjunction with the controller2202to determine the type of driver/ballast of a light fixture that is coupled to the DALI/0-10V and phase-cut outputs of the modular wireless lighting control device2400in a similar manner as described with respect to the modular wireless lighting control device500.

In some example embodiments, the wireless lighting control device2400may correspond to the wireless lighting control device500ofFIG. 5with a primary difference that the controller2202performs the functions of the controllers108,112. For example, the controller2202may be or may include a microprocessor or a microcontroller device that controls the operations of the phase-cut circuit314based on wireless signals received by the wireless transceiver2204. In some example embodiments, the controller2202and the wireless transceiver106may be integrated into the single device2204. In some example embodiments, the wireless lighting control device2300may be housed in the housing1908ofFIG. 19A, the housing2002ofFIG. 20, or the housing2102ofFIG. 21.

Although particular embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the example embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features, elements, and/or steps may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the example embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.