Patent Publication Number: US-2010109430-A1

Title: Modular power distribution system, method, and apparatus having configurable outputs

Description:
The present invention relates to a system, method, and apparatus for controlling power. In particular, the system, method, and apparatus according to embodiments of the present invention includes configurable outputs for controlling the supply of power for components of a vehicle. 
     An embodiment of the present invention includes a reconfigurable apparatus. The reconfigurable apparatus comprises power controlling means for controlling power output to outside the reconfigurable apparatus, power supplying means for supplying power to the power controlling means, and controlling means for electronically controlling the power controlling means. The controlling means is coupled to the power controlling means, the controlling means electronically controls the power controlling means based on at least one of signals received from a bus external to the reconfigurable apparatus and signals received from the power controlling means, and the power controlling means is automatically reconfigurable in response to at least one of the signals. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention includes a method for controlling power to electrical components in a network for a vehicle. The method comprises providing a circuit board coupled to a backplane of a power module, removably coupling a power element to a receptacle of the circuit board, providing a controller adapted to control electronically a supply of power for at least one of the electrical components in the vehicle network, associating the power element with the at least one electrical component of the vehicle network, diagnosing a characteristic associated with the power element, generating a signal in response to the diagnosing, the controller electronically controlling a supply of power for the at least one electrical component by controlling the power element associated with the at least one electrical component based on said generating a signal in response to the diagnosing, and reconfiguring the supply of power in response to the signal. 
     Another embodiment of the present invention includes a power distribution system for a controller area network (CAN) of a vehicle. The power distribution system can comprise a plurality of power modules having configurable outputs, a J1939 bus, a plurality of electrical components, and a power supply. The J1939 bus is coupled to each of the power modules via an associated node. Each electrical component can be coupled to at least one of the plurality of power modules, and the power supply is coupled to each power module. Each power module is configured to supply power to at least one of the electrical components coupled thereto. Each power module can include a control module, a plurality of power output lines, a plurality of pluggable power elements, and a power supply line. The control module can be coupled to the J1939 bus and configured to receive and transmit signals associated with the J1939 bus. Each power output line is configured to provide power to at least one electrical component of the plurality. A plurality of pluggable power elements can be associated with each of the power output lines, and the power supply line may supply power from the power supply to the plurality of pluggable power elements. The control module is configured to electronically control at least one of the pluggable power elements for each of the power output lines based on signals associated with said J1939 bus. Each power module is configured to provide power load shedding for associated electrical components, and for each power output line, the control module is configured to switch automatically from a malfunctioning pluggable power element to a backup pluggable power element to supply power for the associated power output line. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of the invention. The invention will be best understood by reading the ensuing specification in conjunction with the drawing figures, in which like elements are designated by like reference numerals, and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram representation of an apparatus or module according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram representation of an apparatus or module according to various embodiments of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram representation of a system according to various embodiments of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 4  is a flow chart representation of a method according to various embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Various embodiments of the present invention are directed generally to a system, method, and apparatus with configurable and/or expandable outputs for controlling the supply of power for components of a vehicle. The system, method, and apparatus are configurable in the sense that 
     In particular, embodiments of the present invention are directed to a modular controller area network (“CAN”) bus distribution system that can have, for example, a plurality of remote configurable power distribution modules (“CPDM”) or apparatuses used for controlling and monitoring power for a plurality of electronic components. In various embodiments, the system, method, and apparatus include a CAN addressable controller for controlling and monitoring power for a plurality of electrical or electronic components. The CAN network can be the primary means for controlling or configuring the outputs. An external bus, such as a CAN bus, a J1939 bus, etc., may provide the diagnostic and/or prognostic capabilities. 
     In various embodiments of the present invention, a user, such as an end user, may be able to configure or reconfigure each individual output of the modules by physically removing and/or installing various “pluggable” components. The configuring or reconfiguring also can be done automatically by a processor or controller, for example, wherein the processor or controller controls one or more components associated with a configurable output to control power (or voltage or current) output at the configurable output. 
     Additionally, the system, method, and apparatus according to various embodiments can allow the end user to completely configure or reconfigure power and/or control needs for the individual outputs at the source (i.e., at the outputs). As an example, the configurable or reconfigurable aspect may refer to using circuit breakers, relays, etc. as a secondary means of controlling power provided to various components or circuits. Moreover, the system, method, and apparatus according to various embodiments may allow on/off control of various common “hotel” loads required for general vehicle operation, for example. 
     The remote configurable power distribution module CPDM&#39;s (or apparatuses) may include, for example, pluggable circuit breakers and/or pluggable relays associated with each of the individual outputs. The circuit breakers may be manually and/or automatic resettable. Moreover, the components can be interchangeable modular components that can be replaced from a common base of components. The system, method, and apparatus, allows for a circuit board to which the components can be removably coupled, to be configured or reconfigured for various roles in a vehicle power system. 
     Apparatuses according to various embodiments, such as the CPDM&#39;s, may be placed or located as dictated by a vehicle or vehicle system in which they are to be implemented. For example, the apparatuses can be located based on a vehicle architecture. Moreover, the apparatuses may be configurable, reconfigurable, and/or expandable based on a particular vehicle or vehicle system. For example, an apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured based on the system or network in which the apparatus is to be installed. The apparatus also may be configured, reconfigured, and/or expanded after being installed or placed in a particular system or network, such as a particular vehicle system or network. Additionally, various embodiments allow for on-the-spot configuration using, for example, control relays, by-passing relays, circuit protection, etc. Moreover, the apparatus according to various embodiments can be reconfigured for another system or network, or for different operating conditions or requirements for the initial system or network. 
       FIG. 1  shows an apparatus (or module)  100  according to various embodiments of the present invention. Apparatus  100  can be of any suitable configuration. In various embodiments, apparatus  100  includes a controller  110 , a plurality of components  120 , and a plurality of output terminals  150 . Apparatus  100  can be configurable, reconfigurable, and/or expandable in the sense that any suitable number of elements  120  can be implemented (added or removed) to configure output terminals  150  of the apparatus  100 . Moreover, apparatus  100  can be configurable, reconfigurable, and/or expandable in the sense that controller  110  may control one or more of elements  120  to provide power (or a voltage, a current, or a signal) to at least one electronic or electrical component coupled thereto via one or more corresponding output lines  155 . Apparatus  100  is also configurable, reconfigurable, and/or expandable in the sense that load shedding is provided for by the apparatus  100 , whereby power output from various outputs of the apparatus  100  is selectively ceased. Configurable, reconfigurable, and/or expandable also includes redundancy or backup functions of the apparatus  100 . For example, when a particular power element has malfunctioned or is defective, the apparatus  100  may control a backup power element such that it effectively takes the place of the malfunctioning or defective power element. 
     Apparatus  100  can also receive and transmit signals via an external bus  200  and receive power from a power supply. The power supply can be of any suitable value and can be alternating current or direct current. For example, the power supply can be 28 vdc, 12 vdc, etc. The power supply can be provided from any suitable source, internal or external to apparatus  100 . For example, in  FIG. 1 , power for apparatus  100  is provided by power supply line  300  and ground line  400 . Power supply line  300  and ground line  400  also may be supplied to another apparatus, a component or components, etc. of a system in which the apparatus  100  is associated. In various embodiments, the power supply line  300  and ground line  400  may be provided to another apparatus and components or components via the apparatus  100 . Moreover, internal to apparatus  100 , the power supply line  300  may be provided to each element  120  (either directly or indirectly) for supplying power thereto. Additionally, power supply line  300  may supply power to each output terminal  150  of apparatus  100  via one or more elements  120 . 
     Controller  110  can be any suitable controller, including, but not limited to, a microcomputer, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a computing device, a circuit board or boards using electronic components, etc. For example, controller  110  can be a CAN addressable controller. Controller  110  can be configured to operate in accordance with a sequence of programmed instructions and can include a memory in which the programmed instructions are encoded or stored. 
     Controller  110  can have any suitable coupling or couplings. In various embodiments, controller  110  can be coupled to external bus  200  to receive and transmit signals. The signals may be associated with or specific to the external bus  200 . For example, the signals transmitted and received by controller  110  via external bus  200  may be associated with or specific to a CAN bus, a J1939 bus, etc. Controller  110  also may be coupled to some or all of elements  120 . In various embodiments, controller  110  may be coupled to some or all of elements  120  via control and/or monitoring lines  140 . Controller  110  also may be supplied with a power supply (not shown), which can be either external or internal to the apparatus  100 . 
     Controller  110  can be configured to perform any suitable operation or function. In various embodiments, controller  110  can be configured to electronically or electrically control and/or monitor power for one or more electrical or electronic components coupled to the apparatus  100  (components not shown in this figure). For example, the controller  110  may control elements  120  to control power for associated electrical or electronic components coupled to output terminals  150  via the corresponding output lines  155 . Controller  110  also may be configured to monitor characteristics or states of the elements  120  to which it is coupled via control lines  140 . In doing so, controller  110  may be able to determine characteristics of the system, of the apparatus  100 , or of a component or components. For example, one of the elements  120  may be a circuit breaker and the controller  110  may be coupled thereto. By monitoring the state of the circuit breaker (e.g., open or closed), the controller  110  may be able to determine characteristics of the output line  155  and/or component coupled to the output line  155 . For example, when if the controller determines, based on monitoring the circuit breaker, that the circuit breaker has tripped, the controller  110  may determine that there is a short circuit on the associated output line  155  or that the associated component is faulty. By monitoring characteristics or states of the elements  120 , controller  110  also may be able to perform diagnostics and/or prognostics. 
     Controller  110  also may be configured to control at least one element  120  per output terminal  150 . In various embodiments, controller  110  can control each element  120  per output terminal  150 . Controller  110  may control one or more of the elements  120  based on signals received from external bus  200 . The signals may be associated with or specific to the particular external bus implemented. For example, the signals may be associated with or specific to a CAN bus, a J1939 bus, etc. Controller  110  also can control one or more of the elements  120  based on signals or information received from any element or elements  120 . 
     Controller  110  can control one or more other apparatuses  100  via external bus  200 . In various embodiments, controller  110  can send control signals that are specific to the external bus  200  to control the one or more other apparatuses  100 . For example, controller  110  can send control signals via external bus  200  to control power output of the one or more other apparatuses  100 . Moreover, as another example, controller  110  can send control signals via external bus  200  to other apparatuses  100  to configure or reconfigure outputs thereof. 
     The control signals sent from controller  110  to elements  120  via control lines  140  can be any suitable signals. The signals may be associated with or specific to the system, network, or bus in which the apparatus  100  is implemented. In various embodiments, controller  110  can control each element  120  that it is coupled to automatically and independently of other elements  120  to which it is coupled. 
     External bus  200  can be any suitable bus and can facilitate reception and transmission of any suitable signals. In various embodiments, external bus  200  can be specific to a bus for vehicles. For example, external bus  200  may be a CAN bus, a J1939 bus, etc. External bus  200  can be coupled to a plurality of apparatuses  100  via a main bus  250  (not shown in  FIG. 1 ). 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 1 , apparatus  100  includes a plurality of elements  120 . Apparatus  100  can have any suitable number of elements, the elements  120  can be of any suitable configuration, and the elements  120  can have any suitable operation and/or function. Moreover, the elements  120  can be the same or different. In various embodiments, at least one element  120  of the plurality can be associated with each output terminal  150  and output line  155 . As an example, each output terminal  150  and associated output line  155  can have associated therewith a plurality of elements  120 . However, some or all of the output terminals  150  and associated output lines  155  can have only one element  120  associated therewith. In one embodiment, elements  120  associated with a same one of the output terminals  150  may be different elements having different functions and/or operations. In another embodiment, elements  120  associated with a same one of the output terminal  150  can be substantially the same element, having substantially the same function and/or operation. Embodiments of the present invention also envision apparatus  100  having a combination of different elements having different functions for a same output terminal  150  and same elements having same functions for anther same output terminal  150 . 
     Each element  120  may be pluggable or replaceable. For example, each element  120  can be physically replaced with another element  120  of the same type of element  120 . The same type of element includes having the same physical characteristics, the same operation, and/or the same function. Each element  120  can also be replaced with an element  120  having a different physical characteristic, a different operation, and/or a different function. Additionally, each element  120  can be plugged into or removably affixed to a circuit board which coupled to a backplane of any suitable configuration. For example, the backplane can be a block backplane with a fixed mechanical format that allows the same backplane to be configured for various roles in a vehicle power system. In various embodiments, each element  120  can be plugged into one of a plurality of receptacles of a circuit board, such as the backplane. 
     The receptacles can be any suitable receptacle including a socket. In various embodiments, each type of element (e.g., function, operation, or configuration) may be configured to be plugged into or affixed to any of the receptacles, thereby making all of the elements  120  interchangeable from receptacle to receptacle. Alternatively, the receptacles may be configured to prevent certain types of elements  120  (e.g., with certain functions, operations, or configurations) from being plugged into the receptacle. 
     Any suitable number of elements  120  can be controlled by controller  110 , for example. In various embodiments, the elements  120  can be controlled based on signals received from the external bus  200 , a characteristic or condition of the associated output terminal  150  or output line  155 , a characteristic or condition of another element  120 , and/or a characteristic or condition of another output terminal  150  or output line  155 . For example, controller  110  may detect a condition of element  120   a   2  associated with the output terminal  150   a  via control line  140   a  and control one or more of the elements  120  (e.g.,  120   b   1 ,  120   c   1 ,  120   c   2 , . . .  120   z   1 ,  120   z   2 , etc.) associated with another of the output terminals  150  ( b - z ) to control power to corresponding output terminals  150  ( b - z ). 
     In various embodiments, some or all of elements  120  can be power elements. For example, each element  120  may be one of a fuse, a circuit breaker, a pass through element, a normally open element, a normally closed element, a step down converter, and a step up converter. Note, however, that the elements  120  are not limited to the foregoing examples and can be any suitable element for outputting, modifying, and/or controlling power, voltage, or current to output terminals  150 . In various embodiments, each element  120  may be configured to control power output to outside the apparatus  100 . For example, each element  120  may be configured to control power to a component coupled to the apparatus  100  via output line  155 . 
     Apparatus  100  can have any suitable number of output terminals  150  of any suitable configuration. In various embodiments, output terminals  150  may be coupled to respective output lines  155 , each of which may be coupled to one or more electrical or electronic components. Each output terminal  150  may be coupled to one or more of elements  120  for supply of power via the one or more elements  120  to outside apparatus  100 . In various embodiments, power outputted from output terminal  150  can be supplied to one or more electrical or electronic components. In various embodiments, the one or more electrical or electronic components can be vehicle components. 
     Apparatus  100  may be configured, reconfigured, and/or expanded manually and/or electronically. In various embodiments, controller  110  can control some or all of elements  120  to configure or reconfigure associated output terminal  150  of apparatus  100 . Additionally, any suitable combination of elements  120  of various functions and/or operations can be plugged into apparatus  100  to configure or reconfigure the associated output terminals  150 . In various embodiments, some of the elements  120  may be manually controlled, thereby allowing manual configuring or reconfiguring of the outputs of the apparatus  100 . For example, if an element  120  takes the form of a circuit breaker, the circuit breaker can be reset manually and/or electronically, thereby reconfiguring the output at the associated output terminal  150 . In various embodiments, the circuit breaker can be reset in response to signals from the external bus  200 . The circuit breaker element  120  can be controlled such that when the circuit breaker element is open, no power can be provided to the corresponding output terminal  150 , and when the circuit breaker is reset, either manually or electronically, power can be provided to the corresponding output terminal  150 . 
     As an example of a configuration of elements  120  associated with one of the output terminals  150  for apparatus  100  in  FIG. 1 , the elements  120   a  includes two elements  120   a   1  and  120   a   2  associated with output terminal  150   a  and corresponding output line  155   a . Controller  110  can be coupled to element  120   a   2  to provide electrical or electronic control and monitoring of the element  120   a   2 . In this example, element  120   a   1  may be a fuse or circuit breaker, and element  120   a   2  may be a normally open element, such as, but not limited to, a normally open relay. Note, however, that any suitable element or elements  120  can be associated with each output terminal  150 . Additionally, controller  110  can be coupled to control any suitable number of elements associated with each output terminal  150 . In this example, power line  300  may be coupled to output terminal  150   a  via the fuse element  120   a   1  and the normally open element  120   a   2 . In operation, controller  110  can control element  120   a   2  to control power from power line  300  to the output terminal  150   a , and to one or more electrical or electronic components coupled thereto via output line  155   a . In various embodiments, controller  110  can control element  120   a   2  via control line  140   a . For example, if the element  120   a   2  of associated with output terminal  150   a  is a normally open element, controller  110  can send a signal or signals via control line  140   a  to close the normally open element  120   a   2  or to “re-open” a closed normally open element, thereby controlling whether power from power line  300  is output to the output terminal  150   a.    
     In various embodiments, apparatus  100  may have a redundancy feature built therein. For example, two or more output lines  155  may be coupled to the same component or components  160 . Controller  110  can control elements  120  for each output terminal  150  such that one output terminal  150  provides power to the component or components  160  via the associated output line  155 , while the other of the output terminal or terminals  150  are controlled (associated elements  120  are controlled) such that power is not supplied to the associated output terminal or terminals  150 . Should a fault or problem develop in any of the power-supplying element or elements  120 , output terminal  150 , or associated lines or circuitry, the controller  110  can control the power-supplying element or elements  120  such that at least one of the elements  120  now prevents or reduces power supplied to the corresponding output terminal  150 , and the controller  110  can control one or more elements  120  not associated with the fault-related output terminal  150  to now provide power to their corresponding output terminal  150  to thereby continue the supply of power to the one or more components coupled to the output line  155 . In various embodiments, the control may be substantially simultaneous to maintain a substantially uninterrupted supply of power to the component or components. The redundancy feature of apparatus  100  also includes providing a backup element  120  for when a particular element  120  has malfunctioned or is defective. For example, the apparatus  100  may control a backup element  120  associated with a same power output line  150  as a defective or malfunctioning element  120  such that the backup element  120  effectively takes the place of the malfunctioning or defective power element  120 . 
     In various embodiments, apparatus  100  may be configured to diagnose a characteristic or condition of components  160  and/or output lines  160  associated therewith. Apparatus  100  also may be able to diagnose a characteristic or condition of the elements  120 . In various embodiments, the diagnosing may be based on the controlling of elements  120 . The diagnosing also may be based on monitoring and detecting a characteristic, a condition, or information related to one or more of elements  120  and/or of one or more of components  160  coupled to the elements  120  via output terminals  150  and corresponding output lines  155 . In various embodiments, the characteristic can be associated with element  120 . The characteristic also can be associated with one or more of the electrical components  160  or associated output terminal  150  or output line  155 . For example, a characteristic, a condition, or information detected or monitored may indicate an open, a short, and a tripped circuit breaker for an associated output line  155 . 
     In various embodiments, apparatus  100  may be configured to provide prognosticating operations or functions for elements  120  and/or for components  160  coupled thereto via output terminals  150  and output lines  155 . In various embodiments, the prognosticating may be performed by controller  110  and based on the controlling of elements  120 . The prognosticating also may include monitoring elements  120  and estimating, based on signals received from the monitored element  120 , a condition or a soon-to-be condition of the monitored element  120  and/or the associated component  160  coupled thereto. The prognostics also may be based on information associated with one or more of the elements  120 . In various embodiments, the prognostics may include detecting and/or recording information from elements  120 . The information may be stored in any suitable storage means, such as, but not limited to, RAM, SRAM, DRAM, ROM, EEPROM, etc. The information detected may provide an indication of when a component  160  or element  120  may go bad or fail. For example, the information may be related to a number of times a certain element  120  has actuated, or for how long the element  120  has been providing power to a component  160  via output terminal  150  (e.g., how long a component has been energized). Based on this information, the controller  110  may be able to determine how long the load or component  160  has been on and estimate (or prognosticate) the remaining life cycle of that component  160 . The controller  110  also could prognosticate the remaining life cycle of a particular element  120  based on the number of times the element has been activated or energized, for example. 
     Embodiments of the apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 1  can also include a reconfiguring function or operation including a load shedding function or operation. For the load shedding with respect to components  160  associated with a particular apparatus  100 , the load shedding may include monitoring power or electric usage by the components  160  and shutting down/stopping or reducing power to various ones of the components  160 . In various embodiments, controller  110  can monitor the power or electric usage of components  160  coupled thereto via output lines  155 , and control corresponding elements  120  to cease or limit power to various ones of the components  160 . A command to perform load shedding for components  160  coupled to an apparatus  100  may also come from outside the apparatus  100 , such as via external bus  200  and main bus  250  (e.g., CAN bus or J1939 bus). In various embodiments, the monitoring of the power or electric usage may be continous. Moreover, the shutting down or controlling one or more elements  120  to cease or lower power provided to one or more of the components  160  may be based on an upper load threshold of electric or power use by the component or components  160 . Furthermore, in various embodiments, the load shedding may be performed in a predetermined order. 
       FIG. 2  shows an apparatus (or module)  100  according to various embodiments of the present invention. The apparatus  100  is substantially the same as the apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 1 , except that the apparatus  100  in  FIG. 2  has a plurality of elements  130  each having a plurality of elements  120  (or element portions). Apparatus  100  can have any suitable number of elements  130 , and elements  130  can have any suitable number of element portions  120 . In various embodiments, both element  130  and element portions  120  can be pluggable power elements, and element portions  120  can be substantially as described above for elements  120 . Moreover, none, some, or all of elements  130  may have the same configuration. Note that in  FIG. 2 , for example, neither of the shown elements  130   a  and  130   z  have the same configuration in the sense of number of element portions  120 . 
     Each element  130  may be associated with at least one output terminal  150  and associated output line  155 . Moreover, each element  130  can be coupled to power line  300  and to controller  110  via one or more control lines  140 . In various embodiments, controller  110  can be configured to control each of the elements  130  to control power supplied to associated output terminals  150 . Elements  130  may be controlled based on one or more signals received from the external bus  200 , a characteristic or condition of the associated output terminal  150  or output line  155 , a characteristic or condition of another element  120 , and/or a characteristic or condition of another output terminal  150  or line  155 . For example, controller  110  may detect a condition of element  130   a  associated with output terminal  150   a  and control element  130   z , for example, to provide power to the corresponding output terminal  150   z . Output terminals  150  may be coupled to one or more components and can supply power to the components based on controlling of the associated element  130 . 
     As noted above, elements  130  can have any suitable number of element portions  120 , and element portions  120  can be any suitable elements. In various embodiments, some or all of element portions  120  can be power elements. For example, each element portion  120  may be one of a fuse, a circuit breaker, a pass through element, a normally open element, a normally closed element, a step down converter, and a step up converter. Note, however, that the element portions  120  are not limited to the foregoing examples and can be any suitable element for outputting, modifying, or controlling a power, voltage, or current to components coupled to output terminals  150  and output lines  155 . For example, element portion  120   z   4  may be a switching element that supplies power to only one of the element portions  120   z   1 ,  120   z   2 , and  120   z   3  at a time. 
     Some of all of elements  130  can be controlled. In various embodiments, controller  110  can control some of all of the elements  130 . Moreover, some or all of the element portions  120  can be controlled or monitored by controller  110 , for example. In various embodiments, controller  110  can control and/or monitor element portions  120  to configure or reconfigure the outputs at the output terminals  150  of the apparatus  100 . Furthermore, the control and/or monitoring can be substantially the same as described above for  FIG. 1 . 
     As with  FIG. 1 , the apparatus  100  of  FIG. 2  may include a redundancy or back-up power feature by having components  160  coupled to more than one output line  155 , for example. For example, two or more output lines  155  may be coupled to the same component or components  160 . Controller  110  can control element portions  120  for each output terminal  150  such that one output terminal  150  provides power to the component or components  160  via the associated output line  155 , while the other of the output terminal or terminals  150  are controlled (associated element portions  120  are controlled) such that power is not supplied to the associated output terminal or terminals  150 . Should a fault or problem develop in any of the power-supplying element portion or portions  120 , output terminal  150 , or associated lines or circuitry, the controller  110  can control the power-supplying element portion or portions  120  such that at least one of the element portions  120  now prevents or reduces power supplied to the corresponding output terminal  150 , and the controller  110  can control one or more element portions  120  not associated with the fault-related output terminal  150  to now provide power to their corresponding output terminal  150  to thereby continue the supply of power to the one or more components coupled to the output line  155 . In various embodiments, the control may be substantially simultaneous to maintain a substantially uninterrupted supply of power to the component or components. 
     The apparatus  100  of  FIG. 2  also may be configured to diagnose a characteristic or condition of components  160  and/or output lines  155  associated therewith (components  160  shown in  FIG. 3 ). In various embodiments, the diagnosing may be based on controlling of element portions  120  of elements  130 . The diagnosing also may be based on monitoring and detecting a characteristic, a condition, or information related to one or more of element portions  120  and/or of one or more of components  160  coupled to the elements  130  via output terminals  150  and corresponding output lines  155 . In various embodiments, the characteristic, condition, or information can be associated with element portion  120 . The characteristic, condition, or information also can be associated with one or more of the electrical components  160  or associated output terminal  150  and output line  155 . For example, a characteristic, a condition, or information detected or monitored may indicate an open, a short, and a tripped circuit breaker for an associated output line  155 . 
     The apparatus  100  of  FIG. 2  further may be configured to provide prognosticating operations or functions for elements  130 , element portions  120 , and/or one or more components  160  coupled thereto via output terminals  150  and output lines  155  (components  160  shown in  FIG. 3 ). In various embodiments, the prognosticating may be performed by controller  110  and based on the controlling of elements  130  and/or element portions  120 . The prognosticating also may include monitoring element portions  120  and estimating, based on signals received from the monitored element portion  120 , a condition or a soon-to-be condition of the monitored element portion  120 , associated element  130 , and/or the associated component  160  coupled thereto. The prognostics also may be based on information associated with one or more of the element portions  120 . In various embodiments, the prognostics may include detecting and/or recording information from elements  130  and/or element portions  120 . The information may be stored in any suitable storage means, such as, but not limited to, RAM, SRAM, DRAM, ROM, EEPROM, etc. The information detected may provide an indication of when a component  160 , element  130 , or element portion  120  may go bad or fail. For example, the information may be related to a number of times a certain element portion  120  has actuated, or for how long the element  130  or element portion  120  has been providing power to a component  160  via output terminal  150  (e.g., how long a component has been energized). Based on this information, the controller  110  may be able to determine how long the load or component  160  has been on and estimate (or prognosticate) the remaining life cycle of that component  160 . The controller  110  also could prognosticate the remaining life cycle of a particular element  130  or element portion  130  based on the number of times the element portion  130  has been activated or energized, for example. 
     The apparatus  100  shown in  FIG. 2  can include a load shedding function or operation. For the load shedding with respect to components  160  associated with a particular apparatus  100 , the load shedding may include monitoring power or electric usage by the components  160  and shutting down/stopping or reducing power to various ones of the components  160  (components  160  shown in  FIG. 3 ). In various embodiments, controller  110  can monitor the power or electric usage of components  160  coupled thereto via output lines  155 , and control corresponding elements  130  to cease or limit power to various ones of the components  160 . A command to perform load shedding for components  160  coupled to an apparatus  100  may also come from outside the apparatus  100 , such as via external bus  200  and main bus  250  (e.g., CAN bus or J1939 bus). In various embodiments, the monitoring of the power or electric usage may be continous. Moreover, the shutting down or controlling one or more elements  130  to cease or lower power provided to one or more of the components  160  may be based on an upper load threshold of electric or power use by the component or components  160 . Furthermore, in various embodiments, the load shedding may be performed in a predetermined order. 
       FIG. 3  shows a system  600  according to various embodiments of the present invention. System  600  can be implemented in any suitable means. In various embodiments, system  600  may be implemented in a vehicle  650 . Vehicle  650  can be any suitable vehicle of any suitable configuration. For example, vehicle  650  can be a car, a truck, a trailer, an all terrain vehicle, a military vehicle, etc. Vehicle  650  can have any suitable conveying means, such as, but not limited to, wheels, treads, etc. For example,  FIG. 3  shows vehicle  650  having four wheels. Note, however, that vehicle  650  is not limited to having four wheels, and may have any suitable number of wheels. Vehicle  650  can have any suitable motive means, such as, but not limited to, an engine, a motor, etc. Vehicle  650  also could be mechanically coupled to another vehicle which provides the means by which vehicle  650  is moved. For example, vehicle  650  may be a trailer that is “pulled” by a wheeled truck or all terrain vehicle. 
     System  600  can have any suitable configuration. In various embodiments, system  600  can have a plurality of components  160 , a plurality of apparatuses (or modules)  100 , and a main bus  250 . 
     Main bus  250  can be any suitable bus of any suitable configuration. In various embodiments, main bus  250  can be associated with or specific to a bus for vehicles. For example, main bus  250  can be a CAN bus, a J1939 bus, etc. Main bus  250  may include terminators  750  at each ends thereof. Moreover, main bus  250  can be coupled to modules or apparatuses  100  via respective nodes  725 . 
     System  600  can have any suitable number of apparatuses  100 . Apparatuses  100  can be coupled to one or more components  160  via output lines  155 . In various embodiments, apparatuses  100  can be coupled to components  160  via two or more output lines  155 . Moreover, apparatuses  100  can be coupled to other apparatuses  100  via one or more output lines  155 . Apparatuses  100  for system  600  can be of any suitable configuration and can perform any suitable function or operation. In various embodiments, apparatuses  100  can be configured substantially as described above for  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 . 
     Components  160  can be any suitable component. In various embodiments, components  160  can be electrical or electronic components. For example, components can be common “hotel” loads for general vehicle operation. Components  160  can be coupled to one or more apparatuses  100  via one or more output lines  155 . In various embodiments, components  160  may receive power (or voltage, current, or a signal) from one or more of the apparatuses  100 . 
     In various embodiments, system  600  can be configured to provide a redundancy or back-up power feature for components  160  and/or apparatuses  100 . For example, if one of the apparatuses  100  fails, another apparatus  100  may be controlled (e.g., configured, reconfigured, or expanded as described above) to provide power to commonly connected components  160 . As another example, should an internal or external power supply fail for one of the apparatuses  100 , another of the apparatuses  100  can be controlled (e.g., configured, reconfigured, or expanded as described above) to provide power to the apparatus  100  whose power supply has failed. 
     In various embodiments, system  600  also may be configured to provide prognosticating operations or functions for elements  120  and/or for components  160  coupled thereto via output terminals  150  and output lines  155 . In various embodiments, the prognosticating may be performed by one or more of the controllers  110  of the apparatuses  100  based on the controlling of elements  120 . The prognosticating also may include monitoring elements  120  and estimating, based on signals received from the monitored element  120 , a condition or a soon-to-be condition of the monitored element  120  and/or the associated component  160  coupled thereto. The prognostics also may be based on information associated with one or more of the elements  120 . In various embodiments, the prognostics may include detecting and/or recording information from elements  120 . The information may be stored in any suitable storage means, such as, but not limited to, RAM, SRAM, DRAM, ROM, EEPROM, etc. The information detected may provide an indication of when a component  160  or element  120  may go bad or fail. For example, the information may be related to a number of times a certain element  120  has actuated, or for how long the element  120  has been providing power to a component  160  via output terminal  150  (e.g., how long a component has been energized). Based on this information, the controller  110  may be able to determine how long the load or component  160  has been on and estimate (or prognosticate) the remaining life cycle of that component  160 . The controller  110  also could prognosticate the remaining life cycle of a particular element  120  based on the number of times the element has been activated or energized, for example. 
     In addition to providing load shedding for components as discussed above, system  600  also may provide for a reconfiguring operation or function including load shedding with respect to the apparatuses  100  themselves. In various embodiments, the load shedding operations and/or functions with respect to apparatuses  100  may include monitoring power or electric usage by the apparatuses  100  and shutting down or stopping power to various ones of the apparatuses  100 . A command to perform load shedding for apparatuses  100  can be generated by any suitable source. In various embodiments, the command may be generated by one of the apparatuses  100  designated as the “master” apparatus. In various embodiments, the command may be transmitted by the main bus  250  and external buses  200 . Moreover, the shutting down or ceasing or lower power to one or more of the apparatuses  100  may be based on an upper load threshold of electric or power use by the apparatus or apparatuses  100 . Furthermore, in various embodiments, the load shedding may be performed in a predetermined order. 
       FIG. 4  shows a method  400  according to various embodiments of the present invention. Method can be any suitable method. In various embodiments, method  400  can be for controlling and/or monitoring power to components in a network. Moreover, in various embodiments, method  400  can be for configuring or reconfiguring outputs of modules or apparatuses  100 . The network may be associated with a vehicle, for example. In various embodiments, the network may be a controller area network. 
     In various embodiments, the method  400  may start at S 402  and proceed to any suitable step or operation. In various embodiments, the method may proceed to S 404 . 
     S 404  can be any suitable step or operation. In various embodiments, S 404  may include receiving a signal associated with one of the electrical components  160 . For example, controller  110  of apparatus  100  may receive one or more of a signal from external bus  200  and a signal from one or more elements  120 . The signal thus received may be to control one or more of elements  120  or may be information associated with or from one or more of the elements  120 . In various embodiments, the signal from external bus  200  may be associated with the specific bus or a network, such as, but not limited to, a CAN bus, a J1939 bus, etc. The method may then proceed to any suitable step or operation. In various embodiments, the method may proceed to S 406 . 
     S 406  can be any suitable step or operation. In various embodiments, S 406  can include controlling a supply of power (or voltage, current, or a signal). In various embodiments, S 406  can include controlling a supply of power to output terminal  150 . For example, controller  110  of apparatus  100  may automatically and electronically control various ones of elements  120  to output, control, or modify the power output to a corresponding output terminal  150 . In various embodiments, the power for one or more electrical components  160  can be controlled by controlling one or more of the elements  120  associated with the corresponding output terminal  150  and output line  155 . Moreover, the controller  110  can control the elements  120  based on signals received in S 404 . The method may then proceed to any suitable step or operation. In various embodiments, the method may proceed to S 408 . 
     S 408  can be any suitable step or operation. In various embodiments, S 408  can include diagnosing a characteristic or condition of the network, of one or more apparatuses  100  or elements  120  thereof, and/or of one or more components  160 . The diagnosing can be based on the controlling step or operation S 406  discussed above. Additionally, S 408  can include monitoring and/or detecting a characteristic, a condition, or information of one or more apparatuses  100  or elements  120  thereof, and/or of one or more components  160 . The diagnosing can be based on the detection of a characteristic, a condition, or information. In various embodiments, the characteristic, condition, or information can be associated with either element  120  or element  130 . The characteristic, condition, or information also can be associated with one or more of the electrical components  160  or associated output terminal  150  or output line  155 . For example, a characteristic, a condition, or information detected for the diagnosing step may indicate an open, a short, or a tripped circuit breaker for an associated output line  155 . The method may then proceed to any suitable step or operation. In various embodiments, the method may proceed to S 410 . 
     S 410  can be any suitable step or operation. In various embodiments, S 410  can include prognosticating a characteristic or condition of the network, of one or more apparatuses  100  or elements  120  thereof, and/or of one or more components  160 . The prognosticating my be performed by controller  110  for an associated apparatus  100  or associated output lines  155  and respective components  160 . In various embodiments, the prognosticating can be performed based on controlling power at output terminals  150 , such as in S 406 . Additionally, the prognosticating may include monitoring at least one of the elements  120 ,  130 , and estimating, based on the monitored element  120 ,  130 , a condition of the monitored element  120 ,  130  and/or a component  160  coupled thereto via output terminal  150  and output line  150 . The prognosticating may be based on information associated with one or more of the elements  120 ,  130 . For example, the prognostics may be able to detect and record information from elements  120 ,  130  that may provide an indication of when a component  160  or element  120 ,  130  may go bad or fail. For example, the information may be related to a number of times a certain element  120  has actuated, for example, or for how long the element  120 ,  130  has been providing power to a component  160  via output terminal  150  (e.g., how long a component has been energized). Based on this information, the method may be able to determine how long the load or component  160  has been on and estimate (or prognosticate) the remaining life cycle of a particular component  160 . In various embodiments, the prognosticating could include prognosticating the remaining life cycle of a particular element  150  based on the number of times the element has been activated or energized, for example. The method may then proceed to any suitable step or operation. In various embodiments, the method may proceed to S 412 . 
     At S 412 , the method may perform a load shedding operation or function. The load shedding operation may be with respect to components  160  coupled to apparatuses  100  and/or with respect to apparatuses  100  themselves. 
     For load shedding with respect to the apparatuses  100  themselves, load shedding may include monitoring power or electric usage by the apparatuses  100  and shutting down or stopping power to various ones of the apparatuses  100 . A command to perform load shedding for apparatuses can be generated by any suitable source. In various embodiments, the command may be generated by one of the apparatuses  100  designated as the “master” apparatus. Moreover, the shutting down or ceasing or lowering power to one or more of the apparatuses  100  may be based on an upper load threshold of electric or power use by the apparatus or apparatuses  100 . Furthermore, in various embodiments, the load shedding may be performed in a predetermined order. 
     For the load shedding with respect to components  160  associated with a particular apparatus  100 , load shedding may include monitoring power or electric usage by the components  160  and shutting down or stopping power to various ones of the components  160 . In various embodiments, controller  110  can monitor the power or electric usage of components  160  coupled thereto via output lines  155  and control corresponding elements  120  to cease or limit power to various ones of the components  160 . A command to perform load shedding for components  160  coupled to an apparatus  100  may also come from outside the apparatus, such as via external bus  200  and main bus  250 . Moreover, the shutting down or controlling one or more elements  120  to cease or lower power provided to one or more of the components  160  may be based on an upper load threshold of electric or power use by the component or components  160 . Furthermore, in various embodiments, the load shedding may be performed in a predetermined order. The method may then proceed to any suitable step or operation. In various embodiments, the method may proceed to S 414 , where the method ends. 
     While  FIG. 4  shows a diagnose step at S 408 , a prognosticate step at S 410 , and a load shedding step at S 412 , the order in which these steps can be performed is not limited to the foregoing, and the steps can be performed in any suitable order. Moreover, though not shown, the diagnose step, the prognosticate step, and the load shedding step can be performed substantially simultaneously. Additionally, not all of the steps are required to be performed. For example, various embodiments may include none of, one of, or two of the diagnose, prognosticate, and load shedding steps. 
     While the present invention has been described in conjunction with a number of embodiments, the invention is not to be limited to the description of the embodiments contained herein, but rather is defined by the claims appended hereto and their equivalents. It is further evident that many alternatives, modifications, and variations would be or are apparent to those of ordinary skill in the applicable arts. Accordingly, all such alternatives, modifications, equivalents, and variations that are within the spirit and scope of this invention.