Patent Publication Number: US-2011057513-A1

Title: Power Sampling Systems and Methods

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/931,420, entitled Power Sampling Systems and Methods, filed Oct. 31, 2007, which claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S. Provisional App. No. 60/885,007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, filed Jan. 15, 2007, and is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/931,310, entitled Power Sampling Systems and Methods, filed Oct. 31, 2007, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,745,954, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/931,426, entitled Power Sampling Systems and Methods, filed Oct. 31, 2007, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. This application is also related to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/983,507, filed Nov. 5, 2004, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,808,122, which takes priority to U.S. Patent App. No. 60/518,374, filed Nov. 7, 2003, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,143, filed Jan. 18, 2006, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,084, filed Jan. 18, 2006, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,285,874, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,078, filed Jan. 18, 2006, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,132, filed Jan. 18, 2006, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,602,079, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,082, filed Jan. 18, 2006, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,094, filed Jan. 18, 2006, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,242,111, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/334,098, filed Jan. 18, 2006, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,579,711, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/752,846, filed May 23, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,768,152, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/746,391, filed May 9, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,646,111, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,207, filed Jul. 12, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,209, filed Jul. 12, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,212, filed Jul. 12, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,227, filed Jul. 12, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,229, filed Jul. 12, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,508,092, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,214, filed Jul. 12, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,514,814, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,216, filed Jul. 12, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,791,220, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,217, filed Jul. 12, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/777,224, filed Jul. 12, 2007, entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,485,986, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______ [Not Yet Assigned], entitled Automatic Sensing Power Systems and Methods, Attorney Docket No. 106257CON, filed on the same date as this application, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
     Not Applicable 
     COMPACT DISK APPENDIX 
     Not Applicable 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The proliferation of electronic and electrical devices is a key factor fueling an ever-increasing demand for additional alternating current (AC) outlets at home, on the road, and in the workplace. Often there are too many devices and not enough outlets. Additionally, devices including calculators, phones, and laptops use AC to direct current (DC) power converters (commonly called wall-bricks) to connect to AC power outlets. Due to their non-standard bulky form-factors, wall-bricks often take up more than one outlet, exacerbating outlet-shortage problems and driving users to seek solutions. 
     A popular remedy is to use multi-outlet power strips. However, these power strips provide an ineffective solution because they fail to adequately address all of the problems created by, and associated with, the increasing prevalence and use of wall-bricks. 
     For example, a user who owns six devices buys a power strip. While connecting the equipment, the user realizes that two devices use wall-bricks. Upon plugging the bricks into the power strip, the user discovers that only two or three of the six outlets remain open, leaving at least one outlet short. After spending $25-$200, the user expected to be able to use all the outlets, but now must buy one or more additional power strips to plug-in the remaining devices. 
     Low-cost power strips provide additional outlets, but do not adequately condition or stabilize incoming power, increasing the risk of equipment malfunction or outright failure. Moderate to high priced surge protectors perform well, but bulky wall-bricks often cover multiple outlets, reducing the number of devices that can be connected. 
     Additionally, wall-bricks often generate heat and electrical interference in addition to passing along the ambient AC conducted sags, spikes, surges, and noise generated by the power-grid and carried along AC power-lines throughout industrial, office, and residential settings. Electrical power disturbance events cause data loss and damage equipment. Wall-bricks pack and travel poorly, create cable-clutter, and are an eyesore. 
     Damaged equipment and downtime costs are a growing concern among users. As technology has advanced, business, commerce, home, and industrial users have become increasingly dependant on the health of the networks that supply and manipulate data and information. Additionally, the growing emphasis on network speed and the sheer volume of transactions that can take place in a fraction of a second make the prospect of downtime that much more ominous. The cost to business and industry of human or naturally caused power surges and outages has become substantially more detrimental. 
     It is clear from the statistical evidence that power conditioning is a vital issue and one whose importance is only going to increase. Clean, constant, noise-free power is required to ensure the proper operation, and to protect the delicate circuitry, of today&#39;s electronic and electrical devices. 
     Presently, systems and methods are needed that simultaneously solve outlet-shortage and transient voltage surge and noise problems. New systems and methods are needed to eliminate wall-brick issues and other identified problems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In one embodiment, a method for configuring alternating current (AC) power includes receiving the AC power at an AC power level at a power system that includes a plurality of direct current (DC) receptacles, at least one power sampling receptacle, a communication system, at least one AC to DC regulator, a power sampling system, at least one DC to DC regulator, and a processor. The AC power is converted to DC power at the at least one AC to DC regulator. A communication is received at the communication system. The communication includes configuration data that, when processed, identifies at least one selected DC power level. A DC power level is sampled from the at least one voltage sampling receptacle and a signal is generated that includes sampling data that, when processed, identifies the sampled voltage. The communication is processed at the processor and the at least one DC to DC regulator is configured using the processor to convert the DC power to the selected DC power level. The signal is processed at the processor and the at least one DC to DC regulator is configured using the processor to convert the DC power to the sampled voltage. The DC power is converted to the selected DC power level at the at least one DC to DC regulator and the DC power is generated at the selected DC power level for at least one DC receptacle. The DC power is converted to the sampled voltage at the at least one DC to DC regulator and the DC power is generated at the sampled voltage for at least one other DC receptacle. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a side view of an automatic sensing power system with a detachable module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 2  is a top view of an automatic sensing power system with a detachable module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 3  is a side view of an automatic sensing power system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 4  is a diagram of an automatic sensing power system communicating with one or more electrical devices and an electrical supply in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 5  is a block diagram of an automatic sensing power system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 6  is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 7  is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 8  is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 9  is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power system communicating with a computing device and an electrical device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 10  is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 11  is a block diagram of another automatic sensing power system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 12  is a side view of another automatic sensing power system with a detachable module in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of another automatic sensing power system with a detachable module in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 14  is a side view of another automatic sensing power system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 15  is a top view of a line-cord automatic sensing device in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 16  is a top view of another line-cord automatic sensing device with a connector and adaptors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 17  is a top view of other line-cord automatic sensing devices with connectors and DC adaptors in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 18  is a front view of rack/cabinet mount automatic sensing devices in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 19  is a front view of a modular power receptacle in a modular wall unit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 20  is a front view of a modular wall unit with modular automatic sensing power system receptacles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 21  is a front view of modular automatic sensing power system receptacles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIG. 22  is a front view of modular automatic sensing power system receptacles in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 23-58  are screen views of a user interface used with an automatic sensing power system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
         FIGS. 59-63  are block diagrams of exemplary embodiments a voltage sampling system in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The automatic sensing power systems and methods enable alternating current (AC) to direct current (DC) power conversion, DC to DC power conversion and supply, data communication, and power management. In one embodiment, an automatic sensing power system (ASPS) component is embedded in an electronic device, such as a laptop computer, and a power delivery component resides in an ASPS, such as a power strip or a receptacle. 
     In one embodiment, upon connection to the ASPS, the electronic device communicates its power requirements to the ASPS via a power cord or plug. The ASPS processes the request and supplies the appropriate power. Inexpensive low voltage electrical cords and modular adapters replace the wall-bricks typically supplied with cell and desk phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs), computers, mobile phones, digital cameras, cordless drills, fax machines, and other electrical devices. The ASPS is programmable and upgradeable. 
     In another embodiment, the ASPS enables a user to enter a power level for an electronic device. The ASPS supplies the appropriate power. 
     In another embodiment, the ASPS has a voltage sampling system that samples the power levels required by an electrical device. The ASPS processes the sampled voltage and supplies the appropriate power. 
     The ASPS solves many problems currently encountered by home, office, and industrial consumers. The ASPS couples with single and multi-receptacle plug-in and hard-wired surge suppression devices, AC/DC power converters and transformers, and a wide-range of electronic and electrical appliances, tools, and devices. 
     In one embodiment, the ASPS eliminates wall-bricks by placing modular DC receptacles in a power system. The power system has AC and DC receptacles in one unit, thereby eliminating the need for multiple power strips. In some embodiments, the power system includes communication and networking interfaces and systems over which communications may be transmitted, such as through Bluetooth, Ethernet, Firewire, USB, and/or other connections. In this embodiment, the ASPS includes expanded data line protection, such as for cable, DSL, Ethernet, and modem protection. In another embodiment, the ASPS integrates gateway, network, and router capabilities. Another embodiment incorporates data communication over a broadband connection. In one example, electronic devices communicate with and through the power system via a DC connector or an AC connector. 
     In another embodiment, the ASPS includes a line-cord or plug device with a detachable wall plug device. Once detached, the wall plug device can be moved between rooms or offices or taken on the road to replace wall-bricks. In some examples, the detachable wall plug device includes a voltage sampling system. 
       FIGS. 1-3  depict an exemplary embodiment of an automatic sensing power system (ASPS). In the embodiment of  FIG. 1 , the ASPS  102  includes a line-cord device  104  and a detachable wall plug device  106 . The line-cord device  104  has a housing  108 , and the detachable wall plug device  106  has a housing  110 . In other embodiments, the ASPS  102  may be only a wall plug device, only a line-cord device, or a combination thereof. The ASPS  102  also may be embodied in other forms, such as a modular wall plug permanently installed or removably installed in place of a wall receptacle, an alternating current (AC) wall receptacle, or another AC or direct current (DC) device. 
     The ASPS  102  may be incorporated in, for example, an electronic device, such as a computer, a laptop computer, a pocket PC, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a mobile phone, a recording device, or another electrical device. As used herein, an electrical device means a device that operates using electricity, including AC and/or DC electricity. Similarly, electrical devices may use a portion of the ASPS systems identified below, including those electrical devices previously listed and other electrical devices. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1-3 , the line-cord device  104  includes one or more AC receptacles  112 - 126 . Each AC receptacle  112 - 126  includes a power control/indicator  128 - 142 , such as a physical or logical on/off switch used to enable or disable power flow to the associated AC receptacle  112 - 126 . In one embodiment, the power control/indicators  128 - 142  are lighted switches. In another embodiment, the lighted switches are lighted when power is enabled to the AC receptacle, and not lighted when power is not enabled to the receptacle. In another embodiment, the power control/indicator  128 - 142  is only an indicator, such as a light, and is not used to enable or disable power to the associated receptacle  112 - 126 . For example, a processor within the ASPS  102  may be used to enable or disable power to a receptacle, and the power control/indicator  128 - 142  indicates whether or not power is enabled or disabled for that receptacle. In still another embodiment, the power control/indicator  128 - 142  is configured to enable and disable power to the associated receptacle, and the power control/indicator includes an indicator, such as a light, to indicate whether power is enabled for the receptacle either by the physical power control or by a processor or other system or method. 
     The line-cord device  104  also includes one or more automatic sensing (AS) DC receptacles  144 - 148 . The AS DC receptacles  144 - 148  may be used by devices for which the power requirements, including voltage and/or amperage requirements, will be automatically determined. The power requirements for the electrical device connected to the AS DC receptacles  144 - 148  then will be provided to the electrical device, as will be explained more completely below. 
     The AS DC receptacles  144 - 148  also have an associated power control/indicator  150 - 154  such as a physical or logical on/off switch used to enable or disable power flow to the associated DC receptacle  144 - 148 . In one embodiment, the power/control indicators  150 - 154  are lighted switches. In another embodiment, the lighted switches are lighted when power is enabled to the DC receptacle, and not lighted when power is not enabled to the receptacle. In another embodiment, the power control/indicator  150 - 154  is only an indicator, such as a light, and is not used to enable or disable power to the associated receptacle  144 - 148 . For example, a processor within the ASPS  102  may be used to enable or disable power to a receptacle, and the power control/indicator  150 - 154  depicts whether or not power is enabled or disabled for that receptacle. In still another embodiment, the power control/indicator  150 - 154  is configured to enable and disable power to the associated receptacle, and the power control/indicator includes an indicator, such as a light, to indicate whether power is enabled for the receptacle either by the physical power control or by a processor or another system or method. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 1-3 , the line-cord device  104  also has a main power control/indicator  156 . The main power control/indicator  156  is used to enable or disable power to the line-cord device  104 . In one embodiment, the main power control/indicator  156  includes a fuse device configured to disable power to the line-cord device  104  if power to the line-cord device exceeds selected voltage and/or selected amperage requirements. In another embodiment, the main power/control indicator  156  includes a surge protection device and/or other voltage and/or amperage protection devices. 
     The ASPS  102  also includes an electrical connector  158  configured to transfer power from an electrical supply to the ASPS  102 . In one embodiment, the electrical connector  158  also is configured to communicate data to and from the ASPS  102 . 
     In one embodiment, the ASPS  102  includes a reset control  160 . The reset control  160  is used to reset the ASPS  102 , in some instances, if a fuse or other device in the ASPS disables power to the ASPS. 
     In one embodiment, the ASPS  102  includes a data in port  162  and/or a data out port  164 . The data ports  162 - 164  are used to communicate data to and from the ASPS  102 , such as to a computing device, another data device, or another electrical device. The ASPS  102  may use one or more communication protocols to transfer data to and from the ASPS. 
     In one embodiment, the ASPS  102  includes a phone in port  166  and/or a phone out port  168 . The phone ports  166 - 168  are used to communicate voice and/or data communications over a telephone or telephone-related communication device. 
     In another embodiment, as best depicted in  FIG. 3 , the ASPS  102  includes a data communication port  170 . The data communication port  170  is used to communicate process data, control data, control instructions, update data, electrical device data, and other data with a processing device, a computing device, or another device. In one embodiment, the data communication port  170  is a universal serial bus (USB) port. 
     In another embodiment, other data communication connectors may be used. As best depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 3 , other data communication connections  172  and  174  are used to communicate data to and from the ASPS  102  in various formats and using various protocols. In one example, the data connections  172 - 174  include one or more cable ports, such as an in and out cable connection. Other types of data connections, networking connections, device connections, and/or device controllers may be used. 
     Referring again to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the detachable wall plug device  106  includes AS DC receptacles  176 - 180 . The AS DC receptacles  176 - 180  have an associated power control/indicator  182 - 186 . The AS DC receptacles  176 - 180  and the power control/indicators  182 - 186  are the same as those described above. 
     The detachable wall plug device  106  also includes one or more electrical connectors  188 - 190 , such as module plugs, used to transfer power to the wall plug device. The electrical connectors  188 - 190  connect to receiving connectors  192 - 194  in the line-cord device  104 . AC and/or DC power is transmitted from the line-cord device  104  to the wall plug device  106  via the electrical connectors  188 - 190  and the receiving connectors  192 - 194 . In some embodiments, communications, including control instructions and/or data, are transmitted from the line-cord device  104  to the wall plug device  106  via the electrical connectors  188 - 190  and the receiving connectors  192 - 194 . It will be appreciated that one or more electrical connectors may be used. Additionally, while a standard 3-prong wall plug is depicted in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , other electrical connectors may be used. 
     In one embodiment, the wall plug device  106  includes a fuse device. In another embodiment, the wall plug device  106  includes a surge protection device and/or other voltage and/or amperage protection devices. In another embodiment, the wall plug device  106  includes a reset control. 
     In one embodiment, the ASPS  102  includes a grounded indicator  196  and/or a protected indicator  198 . The grounded indicator  196  indicates that the ASPS  102  is properly grounded to an electrical supply, such as to an AC receptacle. Therefore, the ASPS  102  should provide properly grounded electrical connections for electrical devices connected to the ASPS. 
     The ASPS  102  also may include a protected indicator  196  in other embodiments. The protected indicator  198  indicates that surge protection and/or noise filtration systems and/or circuits are functional. In other embodiments, the wall plug device  106  includes a grounded indicator and/or a protected indicator. 
     The ASPS  102  also includes one or more voltage sampling receptacles. In one example, only an AC voltage sampling receptacle  200  is present. In another example, only a DC voltage sampling receptacle  202  is present. In another example, both the AC and DC voltage sampling receptacles  200 - 202  are present. More than one AC or DC voltage sampling receptacle could be present. Each of the voltage sampling receptacles optionally may have an associated power/control indicator (not shown). 
     Alternately, an AC receptacle  126  can be configured as an AC voltage sampling receptacle, and the AC voltage sampling receptacle  200  is optional. Alternately, an AS DC receptacle  148  can be configured as the DC voltage sampling receptacle, and the DC voltage sampling receptacle  202  is not present. As another example, one or more of the AC receptacles  114 - 126  can be configured as voltage sampling receptacles. Additionally, one or more of the AS DC receptacles  144 - 148  can be configured as DC voltage sampling receptacles. Other examples exist. 
     The detachable wall plug device  106  also or alternately can be configured with one or more voltage sampling receptacles. In one example, only an AC voltage sampling receptacle  204  is present. In another example, only a DC voltage sampling receptacle  206  is present. In another example, both the AC and DC voltage sampling receptacles  204 - 206  are present. More than one AC or DC voltage sampling receptacle could be present. One or more of the voltage sampling receptacles  204 - 206  are optional. 
     In another embodiment, an AS DC receptacle  176  can be configured as the DC voltage sampling receptacle, and the DC voltage sampling receptacle  206  is not present. Additionally, one or more of the AS DC receptacles  176 - 180  can be configured as DC voltage sampling receptacles. These embodiments are optional. Other examples exist. 
       FIG. 4  depicts an exemplary embodiment in which an ASPS  102 A communicates with one or more electrical devices  402 , including a computer  404 , a PDA  406 , a mobile phone  408 , and/or another electrical device, via an electrical connection  410  and/or a data communication connection  412 . The electrical connection  410  and/or the data communication connection  412  are depicted as logical connections. The data communication connection  412  is optional for some embodiments. In one embodiment, the electrical connection  410  and/or the data communication connection  412  both may use a single physical connection over which both power and data communications are transmitted. In another embodiment, the electrical connection  410  and/or the data communication connection  412  may use one or more physical connections. 
     The ASPS  102 A also is connected by a connection  414  to a power system  416  and/or a communication system  418 . In one example, the power system  416  is a power source for AC power. In one embodiment of  FIG. 4 , the ASPS  102 A communicates both power and data over the same connection  414  to the power system  416 . In this example, the power system  416  includes one or more of a private power system and/or a public power system. In this example, data communications are transferred to other electrical devices, such as to communications devices or computers, via the power system  416 . In another example of this embodiment, data communications are transmitted to other electrical devices, such as communication devices and/or computers, via the communication system  418 . 
     In one example, the electrical connection  410  is an AC connection. In another example, the electrical connection  410  is a DC connection. In another embodiment, the electrical connection  410  is a two-wire DC cord with a modular connector on one end and a barrel connector on the other end. In another embodiment, the electrical connection  410  is a two-wire DC cord with a modular connector on one end and configured to accept one or more adaptive connectors on the other end. 
     In another example, the connection  414  is connected to an electrical supply, such as an AC receptacle in a home, office, or business, to a private or public power system. In one example, the connection  414  to the electrical supply connects to a public electrical power grid. Private circuits generally connect to the electrical grid via a service entrance panel or subpanel device that may or may not require the AS communication interfaces described herein. 
     In another embodiment, an automatic sensing (AS) processing system, as described more completely below, resides on the ASPS  102 A. In another embodiment, an AS processing system resides on the electrical device  402 . In another embodiment, an AS processing system does not reside on the electrical device  402 . 
     In still another embodiment, the electrical device  402  includes one or more of an Ethernet device, a cable device, a digital subscriber line (DSL) device, a satellite device, a dial-up device, an internet protocol (IP) device, or another device configured to communicate data, including voice communications converted to data and transferred as data via the connection  414 . In still another embodiment, the data communications are transferred via the power system  416  and/or the communication system  418  to another electrical device, such an Ethernet device, a cable device, a DSL device, a satellite device, a dial-up device, an IP device, or another device configured to transmit or receive communications. 
       FIG. 5  depicts an exemplary embodiment of an automatic power system (APS). The APS  502  of  FIG. 5  includes an automatic sensing power system (ASPS)  102 B, an electrical supply  504 , an electrical device  506 , and a computing device  508 . The ASPS  102 B is used to automatically determine the power requirements of the electrical device  506 , including voltage and/or amperage requirements, and supply the appropriate power to the electrical device. 
     In this embodiment, the electrical device  506  does not have a power converter. Instead, the electrical device  506  includes a simple electrical connector between the ASPS  102 B and the electrical device. The electrical connector is not a bulky power converter, such as a wall brick. The connector may be a standard power conducting wire, such as those used for a laptop computer, a PDA, a mobile telephone, or another electrical device (without the power converter). 
     The ASPS  102 B receives power from the electrical supply  504 . Upon determining the power requirements, the ASPS  102 B supplies the correct power to the electrical device  506 . 
     The ASPS  102 B is configured to sample power from the electrical device  506  to determine the power requirements for the electrical device. In one example, the ASPS  102 B is configured to sample voltage from the electrical device  506  to determine the power requirements of the electrical device. In another example, the electrical device plugs into the ASPS  102 B. The ASPS  102 B then determines the power requirements for the electrical device by sampling the voltage and/or current used by the electrical device. In another example, the electrical device plugs into the ASPS  102 B, and the ASPS determines the power drawn by the electrical device. 
     In one embodiment, the ASPS  102 B includes a receptacle to which the electrical device  506  plugs or otherwise connects. In another example, the AC plug of the transformer (i.e. wall brick) for the electrical device  506  is plugged into an AC power sampling receptacle of the ASPS  102 B, and the ASPS  102 B determines the power used to drive the transformer. In another example, the AC plug of the transformer (i.e. wall brick) for the electrical device  506  is plugged into an AC power sampling receptacle of the ASPS  102 B, and the ASPS  102 B determines the power output from the transformer. 
     In another example, the DC end of the transformer (i.e. wall brick) for the electrical device  506  is plugged into a DC power sampling receptacle of the ASPS  102 B, and the ASPS determines the power output from the transformer. In another example, a power connection is connected between the electrical device  506  and a connector for the ASPS  102 B, and the ASPS determines the power that will be drawn by the electrical device. 
     In another example, the ASPS  102 B comprises a voltage sampling system that determines the voltage drawn by the transformer, output from the transformer, or drawn by the electrical device. In another example, the ASPS  102 B comprises a voltage sampling system that determines the voltage generated by the transformer or electrical device. 
     The ASPS  102 B communicates with the computing device  508 . The computing device  508  may be a computing device, data device, or another device configured to communicate with the ASPS  102 B. 
     In one embodiment, the computing device  508  receives status data from the ASPS  102 B, including faults, breakdowns in processes, if any, surge identifications, identification of sampled voltage, and other status information. In another embodiment, the ASPS  102 B receives data from the computing device  508 . In one example, the ASPS  102 B receives control data, such as configuration data, from the computing device  508 . 
     In one example, a user uses the computing device  508  to load the power requirements of the electrical device  506  to the ASPS  102 B. The ASPS  102 B stores the power requirements and uses the power requirements to provide the appropriate power levels, including voltage and/or amperage levels, to the electrical device  506 . 
     In another example, the ASPS  102 B receives data from the computing device  508 . The computing device  508  is configured to transmit power requirements for the electrical device  506  to the ASPS  102 B. In this example, the ASPS  102 B is configured to assign a particular receptacle, such as a particular DC receptacle or a particular AC receptacle, to the electrical device  506 . In this example, a user may plug the electrical device  506  into a particular receptacle in the ASPS  102 B, and the power requirements will be transmitted to the electrical device  506 . 
     In one example, the computing device  508  is configured to enable the particular receptacle for the electrical device  506 . In this example, the computing device  508  also is configured to disable one or more other receptacles, including one or more other AC receptacles and/or DC receptacles. In this example, disabling one or more receptacles provides a safety feature so that the electrical device  506  is not inadvertently plugged into a receptacle with the wrong power requirements, which may result in damaging the electrical device. In this example, an indicator light may indicate whether the receptacle is enabled or disabled to receive power and/or to transmit power to an electrical device. 
     The ASPS  102 B may receive configuration data and/or control data to configure one or more receptacles. For example, the ASPS  102 B may configure a first receptacle for a mobile telephone and a second receptacle for a computer. In this example, the first receptacle would provide the correct power requirements to the mobile telephone, and the second receptacle would provide the correct power requirements to the computer. 
     In the above example, the electrical device  506  does not require an AS processing system, as described more completely below. This embodiment provides flexibility to the user for devices not having the AS processing system. 
     It will be appreciated that the configuration data and/or control data may be provided to the ASPS  102 B in a variety of ways. In one embodiment, the ASPS  102 B receives configuration data identifying a model of a particular electrical device  506 , such as a device name and/or a model name or number or another identifier. In this example, data identifying particular electrical devices and their power requirements reside on the ASPS  102 B. In this example, the ASPS  102 B performs a search, look up, or other process to identify the particular electronic device model and its power requirements from the data stored on the ASPS. The ASPS  102 B then can provide the correct power to the electrical device  506 . 
     In another embodiment, the ASPS  102 B is configured to receive the particular power requirements, including voltage and/or amperage requirements, directly from the computing device  508 . In this example, the ASPS  102 B is not required to perform a search, look up, or other processing operation to identify a particular electrical device&#39;s power requirements. In this example, after receiving the configuration information, the ASPS  102 B configures a particular receptacle for the power requirements. 
     In another example, the ASPS  102 B includes a power sampling connection, such as a power sampling receptacle, a power connector, or other connection. The electrical device connects to the ASPS  102 B. The ASPS  102 B samples the power required by the electrical device  508 , including the voltage requirements and/or current requirements. The ASPS  102 B transmits an identification of the sampled power requirements to the computing device  506 . The computing device  508  assigns a particular receptacle, such as a particular DC receptacle, to the electrical device  506  for that sampled power. The ASPS  102 B assigns the sampled power to the assigned receptacle. In this example, a user may plug the electrical device  506  into a particular receptacle in the ASPS  102 B, and the power requirements will be generated to the particular receptacle for the electrical device  506 . 
     In one example, the computing device  508  is configured to enable the particular DC receptacle to which the sampled power requirements will be generated for the electrical device  506 . In this example, the computing device  508  also is configured to disable one or more other receptacles. The computing device  508  may select or assign one or more receptacles for one or more sampled power requirements. In this example, an indicator light may indicate whether the receptacle is enabled or disabled to receive power and/or to transmit power to an electrical device. 
     In another example, the ASPS  102 B is configured to automatically sample the power requirements for an electrical device  508 . In one example, the ASPS  102 B has a detector to detect when an electrical device  508  is connected to the ASPS. 
     In another example, the ASPS  102 B is configured to automatically assign a receptacle to receive the corresponding power requirements for the sampled voltage. The ASPS  102 B optionally may transmit the identification of the power requirements and the receptacle assignment to the computing device  506 . 
     The ASPS  102 B may have one or more power sampling connections, such as one or more power sampling receptacles or power connectors, including one or more AC and/or DC receptacles and/or other connections. When an electrical device  508  is plugged into or otherwise connected to the power sampling receptacle, the ASPS  102 B samples the power requirements (including voltage and/or current) of the electrical device. 
       FIG. 6  depicts another exemplary embodiment of an APS  502 A. In this embodiment, the electrical device  506 A includes an AS processing system. In the embodiment of  FIG. 6 , power is transmitted from the ASPS  102 C to the electrical device  506 A. Additionally, data is communicated between the ASPS  102 C and the electrical device  506 A. 
     It will be appreciated that the power and the data may be transmitted over the same physical connection, one physical connection for the power and another physical connection for the data, or multiple physical connections for the power and/or data. 
     In one embodiment of  FIG. 6 , the ASPS  102 C identifies that an electrical device  506 A has been plugged into one of the receptacles. This identification may be made through hardware, software, firmware, or other methods. In one example, the electrical device  506 A makes a circuit when the electrical device is plugged into the receptacle. In another example, the electrical device  506 A causes the receptacle to transmit a signal when the electrical device is plugged into the receptacle. 
     In one example, the electrical device  506 A generates a power request upon being connected to the receptacle. In one example, the request includes an identification of the particular electrical device. In another example, the request includes specific power requirements for the electrical device  506 A. 
     The ASPS  102 C receives the request and determines the power requirements for the electrical device  506 A. In one example, the ASPS  102 C identifies the particular electrical device  506 A and searches its data, such as through a look up, a search, or other determination, to identify the power requirements for the electrical device  506 A. The ASPS  102 C provides the appropriate power, including the appropriate voltage and amperage, to the electrical device  506 A. 
     In another example, the ASPS  102 C receives a request for power from the electrical device  506 A. In this example, the request includes the specific power requirements. In this example, the ASPS  102 C is not required to perform a look up, search, or other determination to identify the power requirements for the electrical device  506 A. The ASPS  102 C provides the power to the electrical device  506 A according to the power requirements. 
     In another example, the ASPS  102 C has one or more power sampling connections, such as one or more power sampling receptacles or power connectors, including one or more AC and/or DC receptacles and/or other connections. An electrical device  506 A is plugged into or otherwise connected to the power sampling receptacle of the ASPS  102 C. The ASPS  102 C samples the power requirements from the electrical device  506 A. The ASPS  102 C assigns an AS DC receptacle to which the required power will be generated and generates the required power to the assigned AS DC receptacle. 
       FIG. 7  depicts an exemplary embodiment of one or more processes occurring in the ASPS  102 D, the electrical device  506 B, and the electrical device  506 C. The ASPS  102 D communicates with a computing device  508 B, and the ASPS  102 D receives power from the electrical supply  504 . 
     The ASPS  102 D has an AS processing system  702 . The AS processing system  702  controls the operations of the ASPS  102 D, including data storage, power conversion, enabling and/or disabling receptacles, generating the correct power to each receptacle, communicating with electrical devices  506 B and  506 C, and communicating with the computing device  508 B. 
     In one embodiment, the AS processing system  702  stores data in, and retrieves data from, the storage device  704 . The storage device  704  may include, for example, RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash storage, or another storage device. 
     The AS processing system  702  also processes communications received from the electrical device  506 B via the AS communication interface  706 . The AS processing system  702  determines what action to take based upon the communication from the electrical device  506 B. The AS processing system  702  also may transmit data and/or other communications to the electrical device  506 B via the AS communication interface  706 B. 
     In one embodiment, the AS processing system  702  controls conversion of power at the power converter  708 . In one example, the AS processing system  702  transmits control signals to the power converter  708  to control the power conversion and subsequent output of the converted power to one or more receptacles. In another example, the AS processing system  702  is configured to control at which receptacle the power is output from the power converter  708 . For example, the AS processing system  702  may transmit a control signal to the power converter  708  requiring the power converter to output power to a selected receptacle. In another example, the power converter  708  is hard wired to one or more receptacles, and the AS processing system  702  controls hard wired switches from the power converter to one or more receptacles. In another example, the power converter  708  may otherwise output power to particular receptacles in response to control signals from the AS processing system  702 . 
     The AS processing system  702  also controls power sampling, processes signals indicative of sampled power, controls and/or manages assignments of receptacles for power sampling, and controls and/or manages generating power to one or more receptacles for the sampled power. The ASPS  102 D has one or more power sampling connections from which power is sampled, such as one or more power sampling receptacles or power connectors, including one or more AC and/or DC receptacles and/or other connections. Signals from these power sampling connections are transmitted to the AS processing system  702  for processing. Based on processing one or more of the power sampling signals, the AS processing system  702  determines the power requirements controls generating power for the power requirements to a selected receptacle. 
     In one example, the electrical device  506 C is connected to a power sampling connection of the ASPS  102 D. The ASPS  102 D samples the power requirements from the electrical device  506 C. The processing system  702  processes the sampled power and determines the power requirements for the electrical device. The processing system  702  selects a DC receptacle to which the required power will be generated and generates one or more control signals to the power converter  708  requiring the power converter to generate power to the selected receptacle. In one example, the processing system  702  receives signals indicative of the sampled voltage, processes the signals, and determines the power requirements for the electrical device  506 C. 
     The power converter  708  receives power from the power input interface  710 . The power input interface  710  receives power from the electrical supply  504 . 
     In one embodiment, the power converter  708  includes voltage and/or amperage protection and/or surge protectors. In another embodiment, voltage and/or amperage protection and/or surge protectors are configured between the power output interface  712  and the power converter  708  and/or the AS processing system  702 . 
     The AS processing system  702  also controls the receptacles in the power output interface  712 . The power output interface  712  includes one or more AC receptacles and/or one or more DC receptacles. 
     Additionally, the power output interface  712  may include one or more power control/indicators, such as those identified in  FIGS. 1-3 . The power control/indicators may be controlled by the AS processing system  702  or otherwise. Alternately, the power control/indicators may be hard wired to one or more receptacles. In one example, the power control/indicators may indicate that power is enabled or disabled for a particular receptacle based upon power being transferred to the control/indicator. Other examples exist. In another example, the power control/indicator is a physical switch used to disable or enable power to a particular output, regardless of any control processing by the AS processing system  702 . 
     The AS processing system  702  also may transmit data to, and receive data from, a computing device  508 B or another device via the communication interface  714 . The communication interface  714  may be used to transmit and/or receive control data, configuration data, status data, or other data. In one example, the AS processing system  702  transmits and/or receives configuration data from the computing device  508 B via the communication interface  714 . In another example, the AS processing system  702  transmits and/or receives configuration data from the computing device  508 B via the communication interface  714  and stores the configuration data in the storage device  704 . The configuration data may be, for example, search data or other data used by the AS processing system  702  to identify power requirements for one or more electrical devices. 
     The AS processing system  702  also may transmit and/or receive other data, such as communication data, application data, video, voice communications, and other communications via the communication interface  714  to the computing device  508 B or through the electrical supply  504 . In one example, the electrical supply  504  includes a power supply grid. In this example, the AS processing system  702  transmits data via the communication interface  714  to the electrical supply  504  for further communication to another electrical device. In another example of this embodiment, the AS processing system  702  transmits data via the communication interface  714  to the computing device  508 B. 
     In any of the above examples, the data transmitted by the AS processing system  702  via the communication interface  714  may be configuration data, status data, or other data used for the operation of the electrical device  506 B or  506 C or other information regarding the electrical devices. The data may be used by a user of the computing device  508 B or another user. 
     The AS processing system  702  also may transmit data to, and receive data from, a computing device  508 B or another device via a user interface  716 . The user interface  716  generates data for display by the computing device  508 B or another device. The user interface  716  may be used to transmit and/or receive control data, configuration data, status data, or other data. In one example, the user interface  716  resides on the ASPS  102 D and generates data for display by the electrical device  506 B. In another example, the user interface  716  resides on the electrical device  506 B, and the ASPS  102 D communicates with the user interface so the user interface can display data and enter control processes and operations, such as selecting a particular voltage for a particular receptacle. 
     In some embodiments, the communication interface  706  and the communication interface  714  are a single interface. In other examples, the communication interface  706 , the communication interface  714 , and/or the user interface  716  are a single interface. 
     A power sampling system  718  receives a power connection from the electrical device  506 B and/or  506 C and/or other devices and samples the power requirements of the electrical devices. In one embodiment, the power sampling system  718  includes a receptacle to which the electrical device  506 B and/or  506 C plugs or otherwise connects. In one example of this embodiment, the power sampling system  718  determines the power drawn by or generated to the electrical device  506 B and/or  506 C. 
     In another embodiment, the AC plug portion of a transformer (i.e. wall brick) for the electrical device  506 C is plugged into an AC power sampling receptacle of the power sampling system  718 , and the power sampling system determines the power required for the electrical device. In another example, the power sampling system  718  determines the power used to drive the transformer. In another example, the power sampling system  718  determines the power output from the transformer. In another example, the DC end of the transformer (i.e. wall brick) for the electrical device  506 C is plugged into a DC power sampling receptacle of the power sampling system  718 , and the power sampling system determines the power output from the transformer. In another example, a power connection is connected between the electrical device  506 B and a connector for the power sampling system  718 , and the power sampling system determines the power required by the electrical device. 
     In another example, the power sampling system  718  comprises a voltage sampling system that determines the voltage drawn by the transformer or electrical device. In another example, the power sampling system  718  comprises a voltage sampling system that determines the voltage generated by the transformer or electrical device. 
     In another example, the power sampling system  718  includes one or more AC receptacles and/or one or more DC receptacles. The receptacles may be separate dedicated power sampling receptacles. Alternately, the receptacles may be one or more existing receptacles configured to sample power requirements and supply the power requirements. In one embodiment, one or more receptacles can be enabled or disabled. 
     The power sampling system  718  can be configured to automatically detect when a device is connected to one of the power sampling receptacles and automatically sample the power sampling receptacles. Alternately, the power sampling system  718  can be configured for manual initiation of the power sampling at one or more power sampling receptacles. 
     In another embodiment, the power sampling system  718  can automatically assign a sampled power or an AS DC determined power to a particular receptacle, such as a next available receptacle or other default receptacle. Alternately, a user can assign a sampled power to a receptacle. In some instances, the power sampling system  718  receives configuration data identifying a name or other identifier for a power sampled device. The name or other identifier may be assigned to or associated with a receptacle. 
     The power sampling system  718  transmits sampling data or one or more signals to the processor  702 . The sampling data or signals indicate the sampled power requirements. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the electrical device  506 B has an electrical device automatic sensing (EDAS) processing system  720  and a power input interface  722 . The EDAS processing system  720  communicates with the ASPS  102 D via the AS communication interface  706 . In one embodiment, the EDAS processing system  720  includes a processor. In another embodiment, the EDAS processing system  720  includes a storage device, such as an EPROM, EEPROM, Flash storage, or other storage. 
     In another embodiment, the EDAS processing system  720  is configured with hardware, firmware, and/or software configured to communicate with the ASPS  102 D and/or otherwise configure, control, transmit, receive, and/or process communications related to power requirements, statistics, and/or operational requirements of the electrical device  506 B. 
     In one example, the EDAS processing system  720  generates a request for power to the ASPS  102 D via the AS communication interface  706 . In another embodiment, the EDAS processing system  720  receives a communication requesting whether or not the electrical device  506 B is to receive power. In another embodiment, the EDAS processing system  720  processes instructions for transmitting power requirements to the ASPS  102 D or for receiving information regarding power requirements of the electrical device  506 B and the provision of power to the electrical device from the ASPS  102 D. 
     The power input interface  722  receives power from the ASPS  102 D via the power output interface  712 . The power input interface  722  may be hardware, such as a plug and/or cord, and/or another device. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the electrical device  506 C does not include an EDAS processing system. In this embodiment, data is not communicated between the electrical device  506 C and the ASPS  102 D. In this embodiment, the electrical device  506 C receives power at the power input interface  724  from the ASPS  102 D via the power output interface  712 . 
     In one embodiment, the computing device  508 B includes a configuration system used to configure the ASPS  102 D. In one embodiment, the computing device  508 B includes a user interface (UI) used to configure power requirements for particular electrical devices, power requirements or other configurations for particular AC and/or DC receptacles, operational parameters for the ASPS  102 D, and/or other processes of the ASPS  102 D. 
     In one example, the UI enables a user to configure particular receptacles on the ASPS  102 D for particular electrical devices. The UI presents a simple screen or other output to the user, such as with radio buttons, check boxes, or drop-down boxes to enable or to disable particular receptacles or make selections. Text boxes enable a user to enter data, such as voltage and/or current values and names of electrical devices, other identifiers, and other text. For example, a user may use the UI to program a DC receptacle for a mobile telephone by setting the voltage and/or amperage requirements of the mobile telephone for a selected receptacle. The user may use the GUI to program a second DC receptacle for a PDA by setting the voltage and/or amperage requirements of the PDA for a selected receptacle. In a particular embodiment of this example, the user may select an identification of the electrical device from a menu or other interface. The electrical device then may be assigned to a particular receptacle. Alternately, the user may enter the name or other identifier of the electrical device. 
     In another example, the particular receptacle with the associated electrical device may be enabled or disabled using a radio button, check box, or other entry on the UI. In the above example, after the user configures the first receptacle for the mobile telephone, an enable and disable button is generated for the first receptacle. After the user configures the second receptacle for the PDA, an enable and disable button is generated for the second receptacle. Once the configuration data is transmitted to the ASPS  102 D, the communication connection between the ASPS  102 D and the computing device  508 B may be removed. 
     In one example, once the configuration data is downloaded to the ASPS  102 D, the ASPS retains the configuration data. In another example, the ASPS  102 D may be reset by the computing device  508 B. In another example, the ASPS  102 D configuration may be reset by a reset button, such as the reset button depicted in  FIG. 1 . In another example, the configuration of the ASPS  102 D may be reset upon removing power from the device. Other examples exist. 
     In another example, one or more AC receptacles (ports) and one or more DC receptacles (ports) are identified on the UI. Each receptacle has an associated radio button, check box, or other entry or selection for enabling or disabling the receptacle. The UI also includes a status window, box, or frame for identifying the status or operations. 
     The UI may include one or more selection or operation buttons for initiating an action or operation, including a Sample Port button for initiating the power sampling operation for one or more power sampling receptacles, a separate Sample AC Port for sampling one or more AC receptacles, a separate Sample DC Port for sampling one or more DC receptacles, a Read asDC Voltage (Volt) button for initiating communication between the ASPS and the electrical device to determine the power requirements for the electrical device, an Assign Port button to assign a sampled power or an AS DC determined voltage to a particular port, and a Force Port button to force a selected port on or off. 
     The UI also may include radio buttons, check boxes, or other selection mechanisms to select a receptacle (port) for a power assignment from a power sampled receptacle or an AS DC determined voltage. Radio buttons, check boxes, or other selection mechanisms are used to enable and disable an automatic (auto) sample feature configured to automatically detect and sample power requirements for a device, including a transformer, connected to a power sampling receptacle and an automatic assignment (auto assign) feature configured to automatically assign a sampled power to a default receptacle (port), such as the next lowest numbered receptacle. 
     Other text boxes are used to show the sampled voltage/power, the AS DC determined voltage, and a name for the AS DC determined device. A text entry box, drop down box, or other entry mechanism enables a user to enter a name or other identifier for a power sampled device. The name or other identifier may be assigned to a receptacle (port) with an Assign Name button or other button or operation. 
       FIG. 8  depicts an exemplary embodiment of an ASPS  102 E communicating with the electrical device  506 D. In this embodiment, the ASPS  102 E has a communication interface  802  through which it communicates to a communication interface  804  of the electrical device. The AS processing system  702 A controls transmission of communications from, and reception of communications at, the communication interface  802 . 
     In some embodiments of  FIG. 8 , the communication interface  706  and the communication interface  714  are a single interface. In other examples, the communication interface  706 , the communication interface  714 , the user interface  716 , and/or the communication interface  802  are a single interface. 
     In this embodiment, communications normally transmitted to and from the electrical device  506 D via an Ethernet connection, a cable connection, a DSL connection, a dial-up connection, an IP connection, or another type of connection through which other data may be communicated, are transmitted to the ASPS  102 E for further transmission and from the ASPS to the electrical device. In this embodiment, the communications being transmitted between the electrical device  506 D and the ASPS  102 E may occur via one or more physical connections, including wireless connections. The power transmitted from the ASPS  102 E to the electrical device  506 D may be provided over the same physical connection or another physical connection. 
       FIG. 9  depicts an exemplary embodiment of another ASPS  102 F communicating with an electrical device  506 E and a computing device  508 D. The ASPS  102 F includes an AS processing system  702 B. The AS processing system  702 B operates with a power data system  902 , a data update and device control process  904 , and a communication system  906 . 
     The power data system  902  has data identifying the power requirements for one or more electrical devices. In one embodiment, the power data system  902  includes a voltage and/or amperage database that identifies the voltage and/or amperage requirements for one or more electrical devices. In this embodiment, the voltage and/or amperage database may be used with a look up or other search process by the AS processing system  702 B to identify the power requirements for an electrical device. The power data system  902  may include other power related data, including configuration data and other operational data. 
     The data update and device control process  904  is used to automatically update information stored in the power data system  902 . In one example, the data update and device control process  904  includes an automatic database update process used to automatically receive database updates from the computing device  508 D and to automatically store the updated data in the power data system  902 . 
     The communication system  906  may include a communication interface to the computing device  508 D, a communication interface to the electrical device  506 E, and/or another system configured to receive and/or transmit communications, including instructions and data. The communication system  906  may include one or more different types of physical connections and/or ports by which communications are received or transmitted. The communication system  906  also may operate according to one or more communication protocols to receive and/or transmit communications. 
     The computing device  508 D includes a processor  908  used to control the processes in the computing device. In one embodiment, the processor  908  controls storage of data in, and retrieval of data from, the data storage device  910 . The processor  908  also receives communications from, and transmits communications to, the communication system  912 . 
     The processor  908  also receives data from, and transmits data to, the update system  914 . The update system  914  may include an automated data update process  916  and a manual update process  918 . The automated data update process  916  is configured to automatically update data, including configuration data, power requirements, and other data, for the ASPS  102 F. The manual data update process  918  is configured to enable a user to manually update data, including configuration data, power requirements, and other data, to the ASPS  102 F. 
     The processor  908  controls generation of data to the display  920 , such as data for a GUI or another user interface. Additionally, the processor  908  receives data from an input device  922 , such as a keyboard, a mouse, a pointer, or another input device. The processor  908  also outputs data to other output devices  924 , such as a printer, another electrical device, or another device. 
     In one embodiment, the computing device  508 D enables a user to configure the ASPS  102 F, including one or more AC and/or DC receptacles on the ASPS  102 F. The configuration includes enabling and disabling one or more receptacles and providing configuration data, including power requirements and/or power sampling configuration or operation data, to the ASPS  102 F for one or more receptacles in which one or more electrical devices will be plugged. 
     In one embodiment, the processor  908  generates a GUI to the display  920 . In another embodiment, the processor  908  generates another user interface. 
     In one example, the GUI or other user interface is used to display operational and event logging. In another embodiment, the GUI or other user interface is used to display device operational information and AC and/or DC receptacle controls. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , the electrical device  506 E connects to the ASPS  102 F. Thereafter, the electrical device  506 E initiates an automatic power request upon the connection at step  926 . The ASPS  102 F receives the request, processes the request, and automatically initiates the power supply to the electrical device  506 E at step  928 . Other examples exist. 
     As used in the description of  FIGS. 5-9 , the word “system” includes hardware, firmware, software, and/or other systems used to perform the functional and/or component operations and/or requirements. Similarly, the word “interface” includes hardware, firmware, software, and/or other systems used to perform the functional and/or component operations and/or requirements. One or more interfaces and/or systems may be separated and/or combined in the above-descriptions. Physical and/or logical components may be combined and/or separated. 
       FIG. 10  depicts an exemplary embodiment of an ASPS  102 G. In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , a processor  1002  controls the operation of the ASPS  102 G. 
     Power is received at the ASPS  102 G from a power system  416 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the power is received at a fuse  1004 . In other embodiments, the power may be received into the ASPS  102 G at a resetable switch  1006 , at an on/off switch  1008 , or at another component. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 10 , the fuse  1004  enables power to flow from the power system  416  to the ASPS  102 G. The fuse  1004  terminates the flow of power into the ASPS  102 G when the amperage level or another power level reaches an upper limit. In one example, the fuse  1004  opens the circuit between the power system  416  and the resetable switch  1006 , or other components of the ASPS  102 G, if the resetable switch is not present or when the current from the power system  416  is approximately at or exceeds 30 amps, thereby terminating the flow of electricity to the ASPS  102 G. In some embodiments, the fuse  1004  is replaced after the fuse opens the circuit between the power system  416  and the resetable switch  1006  or other components. The fuse  1004  is optional in some embodiments. 
     The resetable switch  1006  temporarily terminates the circuit between the power system  416  and the on/off switch  1008  or other components of the ASPS  102 G if the on/off switch is not present. In one example, if the on/off switch  1008  is not present, the resetable switch  1006  temporarily terminates the circuit between the power system  416  and the optical relay  1010  and the AC to DC switching regulator  1012 . The resetable switch  1006  can be reset, such as by a user or automatically by another method, to close the circuit and enable power transmission to the components of the ASPS  102 G. In one embodiment, the resetable switch  1006  is a circuit breaker configured to open the circuit when the current level from the power being drawn from the power system  416  is approximately at or exceeds 15 amps. The resetable switch  1006  is optional in some embodiments. 
     The on/off switch  1008  enables a user to manually turn power on and off for the ASPS  102 G. The on/off switch  1008  may be a toggle switch, a push switch, an electronic and/or software driven switch, or another type of switch. It will be appreciated that the on/off switch  1008  may be located logically or physically in another location in the ASPS  102 G, such as before or after the fuse  1004  or the resetable switch  1006 . The on/off switch  1008  is optional in some embodiments. 
     The optical relay  1010  isolates the incoming AC power from the processor  1002  and enables the processor to control turning AC power on or off for one or more of the AC receptacles  1014 . The optical relay  1010  isolates the received AC power and the transmitted AC power from connections from the processor  1002 . 
     The optical relay  1010  receives one or more signals from the processor  1002 . Based upon the one or more signals, the optical relay  1010  connects AC power to one or more of the AC receptacles  1014 . In one embodiment, the optical relay  1010  connects AC power to one selected AC receptacle. In another embodiment, the optical relay  1010  connects AC power to N selected AC receptacles out of M possible AC receptacles, where N is a number greater than or equal to one, and M is a number greater than or equal to one. 
     In one embodiment, the optical relay  1010  is a TRIAC. In other embodiments, the optical relay  1010  is another transistor device. In other embodiments, the optical relay  1010  is another type of relay configured to isolate the processor  1002  from the incoming AC power and the outgoing AC power to the AC receptacles  1014 . The optical relay  1010  is optional in some embodiments. 
     The AC to DC regulator  1012  receives AC power and converts the AC power to DC power. The converted DC power is transmitted to the linear regulator  1016  and to the DC to DC regulator  1018 . In one embodiment, the AC to DC regulator  1012  converts 120 volt AC (VAC) power to 24 volt DC (VDC) power. 
     The AC receptacles  1014  are configured to transmit power from the ASPS  102 G to one or more electrical devices connected to the AC receptacles. The AC receptacles  1014  include one or more AC receptacles. In one embodiment, a single AC receptacle is included in the ASPS  102 G. In another embodiment, 8 AC receptacles are included in the ASPS  102 G. In another embodiment, N AC receptacles are included in the ASPS  102 G, where N is a number greater than or equal to one. 
     In one embodiment, the AC receptacles  1014  include one or more 3-prong AC receptacles. In another embodiment, the AC receptacles  1014  include one or more 2-prong AC receptacles. Other embodiments include other types of AC receptacles. The AC receptacles  1014  are optional in some embodiments. 
     In one embodiment, an optional switch (not shown) is included between the optical relay  1010  and the AC receptacles  1014 . The optional switch enables a user to turn a selected one or more of the AC receptacles  1014  on or off. In one example, each optional switch includes one of the indicators  1024 . 
     The linear regulator  1016  converts the DC power received from the AC to DC regulator  1012  to DC voltages required by other components in the ASPS  102 G. The linear regulator  1016  provides DC voltage to integrated circuits, linear components, and other components in the ASPS  102 G. In one example, the linear regulator  1016  down converts the 24 VDC voltage received from the AC to DC regulator  1012  and transmits the down-converted DC voltage to the processor  1002 , the optical relay  1010 , the modulator  1020 , the memory  1022 , the indicators  1024 , the reset controller  1026 , and the communication system  1028 . In one embodiment, the linear regulator  1016  outputs 5 volts DC to one or more components of the ASPS  102 G. In another embodiment, the linear regulator  1016  outputs N volts DC to one or more components of the ASPS  102 G, where N is a number greater than or equal to 0.001. 
     The DC to DC regulator  1018  provides DC power to the DC receptacles  1030  at one or more voltage levels. In one example, the DC to DC regulator  1018  is an adjustable switching regulator configured to convert the 24 VDC incoming power to one or more output DC voltages. In another example, the DC to DC regulator  1018  is a synchronous adjustable switching regulator. 
     The DC to DC regulator  1018  receives one or more signals from the processor  1002 . The DC to DC  1018  sets the output DC voltage based upon the one or more signals received from the processor  1002 , and outputs the set voltage to one or more selected DC receptacles  1030 . In one embodiment, the processor  1002  digitally adjusts the output of the DC to DC regulator  1018  and configures the DC to DC regulator to output the selected DC voltage to a selected DC receptacle. For example, the DC to DC regulator  1018  may receive a first signal from the processor  1002  from which the DC to DC regulator configures a first output DC voltage for 20 VDC and 4.5 amps. In another example, the DC to DC regulator  1018  receives a signal from the processor  1002  from which the DC to DC regulator configures an output DC voltage to a selected DC receptacle for 7.5 VDC and 1 amp. In another example, the DC to DC regulator  1018  receives a signal from the processor  1002  from which the DC to DC regulator  1018  configures an output DC voltage for a selected DC receptacle for 3.7 VDC and 340 milli-amps. Other examples exist. 
     The modulator  1020  transmits communications to and receives communications from one or more DC receptacles  1030 . The modulator  1020  enables the ASPS  102 G to transmit communications to an electrical device and receive communications from an electrical device over DC power carrying wire or other cable via the DC receptacles  1030 . The modulator  1020  also transmits communications to and receives communications from the processor  1002 . 
     The modulator  1020  modulates communications received from the processor  1002  for transmission to the DC receptacles  1030 . The modulator  1020  also demodulates communications received from the DC receptacles  1030  for transmission to the processor  1002 . 
     In one embodiment, the modulator  1020  modulates and demodulates communications using voltage modulation. In this embodiment, the modulator  1020  modulates the on and off states of a DC voltage to serially transmit data packets. The modulator  1020  receives voltage modulated data packets and detects the modulated data packets. In one example, the modulator  1020  reassembles the data packets to a digital form and transmits the digital data to the processor  1002 . In another example, the modulator  1020  or the processor  1002  includes a voltage divider circuit that divides the voltage level of the received data to a lower range. An analog-to-digital converter then converts the divided-voltage into a digital format processable by the processor  1002 . 
     In one example, one or more communications from the electrical device connected to the DC receptacle  1030  includes an identification string or other identification in the communication. In one embodiment, the identification string is a series of ASCII characters that correspond to data or a data structure stored in the memory  1022 . The electrical device identification and/or the voltage code are stored as data in the memory  1022 . 
     In another example, one or more communications are transmitted from and received at the modulator  1020  serially. The communications are formatted using a hexadecimal format. In this example, one or more of the following may be transmitted: a request by the ASPS  102 G if an electrical device is present, an acknowledgment by the electrical device, a request for an identification code from the electronic device, an electronic device identification code, a request for a voltage code, an electrical device voltage code, an instruction to an electrical device to enable DC power for itself, a request from the ASPS for data, an electrical device data download, and other communications. In another example, one or more of the previously identified communications include ASCII characters transmitted via the hexadecimal format. 
     In another embodiment, the modulator  1020  transmits and receives communications using frequency shift key modulation. In this embodiment, communications are transmitted and received using a higher bandwidth. 
     In another embodiment, the modulator  1020  transmits and receives carrier signals that are superimposed onto the power generated from the DC to DC regulator  1018  through the DC receptacles  1030 . In other embodiments, other types of modulation and/or communication may be used. 
     The memory  1022  includes RAM, Flash memory, EEPROM memory, and/or other memory. The memory  1022  may be used, for example, to store data, data structures, operating parameters, and/or programming, including firmware, software, and other programming. 
     The memory  1022  stores data received from the processor  1002 . The memory  1022  also retrieves data and transmits it to the processor  1002 . 
     In one embodiment, the memory  1022  stores product specification data for one or more electrical devices. In one example, the product specification data includes names of one or more electrical devices, model numbers of one or more electrical devices, serial numbers of one or more electrical devices, a product description of one or more electrical devices, and customer numbers for one or more electrical devices. Other data may be included. 
     In another embodiment, the memory  1022  includes data structures identifying voltage requirements for one or more electrical devices. The data structure also includes a designation of the electrical device, such as a model name, a model number, a serial number, or another designation. 
     In another embodiment, the memory  1022  includes data stored by the ASPS  102 G during the operation of the ASPS. This data may include, for example, a voltage setting for a selected DC receptacle, another voltage setting for another selected DC receptacle, a voltage setting for an electrical device, another voltage setting for another electrical device, and other data. The ASPS data also may include event data, such as for power surges, selected settings for DC receptacles, states of the receptacles, critical events for the ASPS, including data identifying a blown fuse or a broken circuit, when an event occurred, and other data. Other examples exist. 
     In one embodiment, the memory  1022  stores one-time variables and buffer data for the processor  1002  operations. In another embodiment, the memory  1022  includes non-volatile storage for the storage of programming that is executed by the processor  1002 . In another embodiment, the memory  1022  stores other non-volatile variable data, such as event data, data strings, voltage settings, and other product data. 
     The indicators  1024  indicate a status of one or more states and/or one or more operations for the ASPS  102 G. In one embodiment, the indicators  1024  indicate a status of one or more DC receptacles  1030  and/or one or more AC receptacles  1014 . In one example, the indicator is off, red, or green. If the indicator is off, the receptacle is not powered. If the indicator is green, the receptacle is powered and configured to output power to an electrical device. If the indicator is red, the receptacle is active and available to generate power to a connecting electrical device, but the receptacle is not yet generating power to the electrical device. If the indicator is red and green, an error condition exists. 
     The indicators  1024  receive one or more control signals from the processor  1002  and operate in accordance with the signals. In one example, a control signal causes an indicator to enable a red or green indication. 
     In one embodiment, the indicators  1024  are light emitting diodes (LEDs). In other embodiments, the indicators  1024  are other light emitting devices. In still other embodiments, the indicators are other types of indicating devices. The indicators  1024  are optional in some embodiments. 
     The reset controller  1026  resets the components on the ASPS  102 G. In one embodiment, the reset controller  1026  provides a memory address to the processor  1002  at which start-up programming is stored. In another embodiment, the reset controller  1026  resets one or more DC receptacles  1030  so that the DC receptacles and the DC to DC regulator  1018  are not set for particular DC output voltages. In another embodiment, the reset controller  1026  resets the AC receptacles  1014 . In another embodiment, the reset controller  1026  resets all logic components on the ASPS  102 G. The reset controller  1026  is optional in some embodiments. 
     The communication system  1028  processes communications transmitted from, and communications received at, the communication interface  1032 . The communication system  1028  formats communications to be transmitted from the ASPS  102 G in a format receivable by the receiving device. The communication system  1028  formats communications received from a transmitting device connected to the ASPS  102 G so that the formatted communications are processable by the processor  1002 . 
     The communication system  1028  processes communications for various protocols. In one embodiment, the communication system  1028  processes universal serial bus (USB) based communications. In this embodiment, the communication system  1028  decodes USB data received via the communication interface  1032  and transmits the decoded data to the processor  1002 . These communications may include, for example, control commands, data, and programming. The communication system  1028  also receives communications from the processor  1002  and codes the communications for transmission as USB data via the communication interface  1032 . These communications may include, for example, control commands, data, and programming. 
     The communication system  1028  may be configured to transmit and receive communications via other protocols. For example, the communication system  1028  may be configured to transmit and receive communications as internet protocol (IP) packets, analog-based data such as voice data, digitized data, Ethernet-based data, and other types of communication system based data. Other examples exist. The communication system  1028  is optional in some embodiments. 
     The DC receptacles  1030  are configured to transmit power from the ASPS  102 G to one or more electrical devices connected to the DC receptacles. The DC receptacles  1030  include one or more DC receptacles. In one embodiment, a single DC receptacle is included in the ASPS  102 G. In another embodiment, N DC receptacles are included in the ASPS  102 G, where N is a number greater than or equal to one. 
     In one embodiment, one or more of the DC receptacles  1030  are barrel connectors. The barrel connector includes a ground pin and power pin. The DC receptacle in this embodiment is a female barrel connector and is configured to receive a male barrel connector. 
     In one embodiment, the barrel connector also includes a switch and/or switch detector configured to indicate when a mating barrel connector is connected to the barrel connector of the DC receptacle  1030 . The processor  1002  receives a signal from the switch detector when a mating barrel connector is connected to the connector of the DC receptacle. 
     In one example, the switch detector has a switch lead that is connected to a ground lead when no device is plugged into the barrel connector. The switch lead also is connected to the processor  1002 , and a switch detector signal is transmitted via the switch lead to the processor. When the switch lead is connected to ground, the processor  1002  reads the switch detector signal as a logic 0, which corresponds to ground. When an electrical device is connected to the barrel connector, the switch lead is disconnected from the ground lead. The processor  1002  reads the switch detector signal as a logic 1, which indicates an electrical device is connected into the barrel connector of the DC receptacle. 
     In one embodiment, an optional switch (not shown) is included between the DC to DC regulator  1018  and the DC receptacles  1030 . The optional switch enables a user to turn a selected one or more of the DC receptacles  1030  on or off. In one example, each optional switch includes one of the indicators  1024 . 
     The communication interface  1032  interfaces to one or more types of communication systems. In one embodiment, the communication interface  1032  is a USB interface. In another example, the communication interface is an RJ-11 or RJ-14 telephone jack interface. In another example, the communication interface is an RJ-45 connector. In another example, the communication interface  1032  is an Ethernet-based interface. One or more of the previously referenced communication interfaces and/or one or more other interfaces may exist in a single embodiment. Other examples exist. The communication interface  1032  is optional in some embodiments. 
     The power sampling system  1034  receives a power connection from an electrical device and samples the power requirements of the electrical devices. In one embodiment, the power sampling system  1034  includes one or more power sampling receptacles  1036  to which the electrical device plugs or otherwise connects, such as an AC receptacle, an AS DC receptacle, or a DC receptacle. Alternately, the AC receptacles and/or DC receptacles  1030  may be used for power sampling. In one example of this embodiment, the power sampling system  1034  determines the power drawn by or generated to the electrical device. 
     In one example, the AC plug portion of a transformer (i.e. wall brick) for an electrical device is plugged into an AC power sampling receptacle of the power sampling system  1034 , and the power sampling system determines the power required for the electrical device. In another example, the power sampling system  1034  determines the power used to drive the transformer. In another example, the power sampling system  1034  determines the power output from the transformer. In another example, the DC end of a transformer (i.e. wall brick) for an electrical device is plugged into a DC power sampling receptacle of the power sampling system  1034 , and the power sampling system determines the power output from the transformer. In another example, a power connection is connected between the electrical device and a connector for the power sampling system  1034 , and the power sampling system determines the power required by the electrical device. 
     In another example, the power sampling system  1034  comprises a voltage sampling system that determines the voltage drawn by an electrical device or a transformer for an electrical device. In another example, the power sampling system  1034  comprises a voltage sampling system that determines the voltage generated by a transformer for an electrical device. 
     In another example, the power sampling system  1034  includes one or more AC receptacles and/or one or more DC receptacles. The receptacles may be separate dedicated power sampling receptacles. Alternately, the receptacles may be one or more existing receptacles configured to sample power requirements and supply the power requirements. In one embodiment, one or more receptacles can be enabled or disabled. 
     The power sampling system  1034  can be configured to automatically detect when a device is connected to one of the power sampling receptacles and automatically sample the power sampling receptacles. Alternately, the power sampling system  1034  can be configured for manual initiation of the power sampling at one or more power sampling receptacles. 
     In another embodiment, the power sampling system  1034  can automatically assign a sampled power or an AS DC determined power to a particular receptacle, such as a next available receptacle or other default receptacle. Alternately, a user can assign a sampled power to a receptacle. In some instances, the power sampling system  1034  receives configuration data identifying a name or other identifier for a power sampled device. The name or other identifier may be assigned to or associated with a receptacle. 
     The power sampling system  1034  transmits sampling data or one or more signals to the processor  1002 . The sampling data or signals indicate the sampled power requirements. 
     The processor  1002  controls the operations of the ASPS  102 G. The processor  1002  controls the on and off states of the AC receptacles  1014  by enabling and disabling the optical relay  1010  to connect and disconnect the AC input power for output to one or more AC receptacles. The processor  1002  transmits one or more signals to the optical relay  1010  to make or break a connection for one or more of the AC receptacles  1014 . 
     The processor  1002  controls the on and off states of the DC receptacles  1030 . The processor  1002  controls which DC receptacles  1030  will be enabled with DC power. The processor  1002  determines the DC power level that will be output from the DC to DC regulator  1018  for each DC receptacle. The processor  1002  transmits a signal to the DC to DC regulator  1018  identifying the DC power level to be output to each DC receptacle and enables the DC power output level for that DC receptacle. 
     The processor  1002  processes the sampling data or signals from the power sampling system  1034 . The processor  1002  then determines the power requirements for the electrical device based on the sampling data or signals. For example, the sampling data or sampling signals could be a lower value DC signal. The value of the signal corresponds to the value required by the electrical device. 
     The processor  1002  controls the transmission and reception of data to and from the modulator  1020 . The processor  1002  receives data from the modulator  1020  and processes the data. The data may include, for example, a specific or approximate DC voltage level required by an electrical device connected to one of the DC receptacles  1030  and/or an identification of the electrical device. 
     The processor  1002  determines the type of communication that will be made via the modulator  1020 . In one example, the processor  1002  controls the modulation of the modulator  1020  so that communications are made in a format receivable by the electrical device connected to the DC receptacle  1030 . The processor  1002  also controls demodulation of the modulator  1020  so that communications received from an electrical device are transmitted in a format receivable by the modulator  1020  and processable by the processor  1002 . 
     The processor  1002  controls the indicators  1024 . The processor  1002  transmits one or more signals to one or more of the indicators  1024  for an indicator status. In one embodiment, the indicators  1024  are LEDs, and the processor  1002  enables a particular input to cause the LED to turn on. In another example, the processor  1002  enables another input of the LED to cause the LED to light a second color. 
     The processor  1002  controls start-up of the ASPS  102 G. In addition, upon receiving a reset signal from the reset controller  1026 , the processor  1002  retrieves the start-up programming from memory  1022  and resets the ASPS  102 G. 
     The processor  1002  processes communications received via the modulator  1020  and the communication system  1028 . The processor  1002  also transmits communications via the modulator  1020  and the communication system  1028 . 
     In one embodiment, the processor  1002  generates a user interface via the communication system  1028  for display, such as for display on a computer system with a monitor. In this embodiment, the processor  1002  transmits data to the computer system for display. The data may include, for example, voltage levels required for a particular DC receptacle  1030 , power sampling data, instructions to enable a particular DC receptacle for a particular level, instructions to assign power values to one or more receptacles, instructions to sample a receptacle, instructions to enable or disable one or more AC receptacles  1014  and/or DC receptacles  1030 , or other data. 
     In another embodiment, the user interface resides on a computer system that is communicating with the processor  1002  via the communication system  1028  and the communication interface  1032 . In this embodiment, the processor  1002  transmits data to the computer system for display by the user interface. The computer system transmits data received from the user interface to the processor  1002  for processing. In this example, the data may include, for example, voltage levels required for a particular DC receptacle  1030 , instructions to enable a particular DC receptacle for a particular level, instructions to enable or disable one or more AC receptacles  1014  and/or DC receptacles  1030 , or other data. 
     In one embodiment, the processor  1002  monitors the output from the DC to DC regulator  1018  to identify the actual or approximate actual voltage being generated from the DC to DC regulator to a selected DC receptacle  1030 . The raw analog voltage level generated by the DC to DC regulator  1018  is used as a feedback signal and is input back to the processor  1002 . This feedback signal is indicated by the dashed-line between the processor  1002  and the DC to DC regulator  1018  in  FIG. 10 . In this embodiment, the processor  1002  has a voltage divider that divides the feedback signal to a lower DC voltage range, such as between 0 volts and 5 volts, samples the divided feedback signal with an analog-to-digital converter, and uses the sampled feedback signal to determine if any adjustments must be made to the output of the DC to DC regulator  1018  to maintain the proper output DC voltage. In one example, the voltage divider is a circuit having two resistors. 
     In one embodiment, the processor  1002  transmits an adjustment signal to the DC to DC regulator  1018  to adjust its output of a DC voltage for a particular DC receptacle  1030 . In one example, the adjustment signal is an analog output signal that is used to inject an offset into the DC to DC regulator  1018 . In this example, the degree of offset is linearly related to the output DC voltage of the DC to DC regulator  1018 . This voltage may be expressed as Voutput=Vadjustment*Beta, with Beta=GainFactor+Tolerance. The GainFactor is a gain specific to the DC to DC regulator  1018 , and its value depends upon the exact design of the DC to DC regulator. The Tolerance is a parameter used to express the production tolerance of each DC to DC regulator. Ideally, the Tolerance is 0. 
     The feedback loop signal enables the processor  1002  to vary Vadjustment until Voutput is equal to the DC voltage required by the electrical device connected to the particular DC receptacle. In other embodiments, the adjustment signal includes a raw digital format, rather than an analog format. Other examples exist. 
     In one embodiment, when an electrical device is connected to one of the DC receptacles  1030 , the processor  1002  causes a minimal level of DC power to output from the DC to DC regulator  1018  to the DC receptacle. The minimal power level is enough DC power to initiate operations of the electrical device, such as operation of the electrical device&#39;s processor, but not enough DC power to fully power the electrical device. The minimal power level is low enough that it will not exceed power levels that may damage the electrical device. In this example, the minimal power level enables the processor of the electrical device to communicate with the processor  1002  of the ASPS  102 G. The processor of the electrical device then is able to transmit the voltage requirements or the electrical device&#39;s identification to the processor  1002  of the ASPS  102 G. The processor  1002  then configures the DC voltage level to be output from the DC to DC regulator  1018  to the DC receptacle  1030  in which the electrical device is connected and enables output of the DC power to that DC receptacle. 
       FIG. 11  depicts another exemplary embodiment of a ASPS  102 H. In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the ASPS  102 H includes DC receptacle  1   1030 A through DC receptacle N  1030 B. Each DC receptacle  1030 A- 1030 B has an associated detector  1102 - 1104 , such as a detector switch for the barrel connector described above. Other examples exist. Each detector  1102 - 1104  is configured to enable a signal to the processor  1002 A identifying that an electrical device connector has been connected to the receptacle  1030 A- 1030 B. 
     A modulator  1020 A- 1020 B is configured to communicate between a respective DC receptacle  1030 A- 1030 B and the processor  1002 A. The processor  1002 A transmits communications to the DC receptacles  1030 A- 1030 B via the modulator  1020 A- 1020 B and receives communications from the DC receptacles via the modulators. 
     A low current driver  1106  and  1108  and a high current switch  1110  and  1112  are associated with each DC receptacle  1030 A- 1030 B. The low current drivers  1106  and  1108  receive DC power from the DC to DC regulator  1018 A- 1018 B at a low current level and/or a low voltage level. The low current drivers  1106 - 1108  provide the DC power to the DC receptacles  1030 A- 1030 B. The low current driver  1106 - 1108  is used to signal to the electrical device connected to the DC receptacle  1030 A- 1030 B that the processor  1002 A will transmit communications to, or receive communications from, the electrical device. In one embodiment, a low current driver  1106 - 1108  includes one or more resistors. 
     The high current switches  1110 - 1112  receive DC power from the DC to DC regulator  1018 A- 1018 B at a high current level and/or a high voltage level. The high current switches  1110 - 1112  provide the DC power to the DC receptacles  1030 A- 1030 B. The DC power provided by the high current switch  1110 - 1112  to the DC receptacle  1030 A- 1030 B is used to charge or otherwise power the electrical device connected to the DC receptacle. In one embodiment, a high current switch  1110 - 1112  includes a transistor or multiple transistors configured to receive DC power from the DC to DC regulator  1018 A- 1018 B and to receive an enable signal from the processor  1002 A. Upon receiving the enable signal from the processor  1002 A, the high current switch  1110 - 1112  transmits the DC power to the DC receptacle  1030 A- 1030 B. 
     In the embodiment of  FIG. 11 , the processor  1002 A and the modulators  1020 A- 1020 B are configured to communicate using voltage modulation. In one embodiment, the modulator  1020 A- 1020 B transmits communications to, and receives communications from, the DC receptacle  1030 A- 1030 B using a hexadecimal format. In one example, one or more communications transmit ASCII-based characters using hexadecimal format. 
     In one embodiment, the ASPS  102 H of  FIG. 11  operates as follows. The DC receptacle  1030 A includes a female barrel connector having a ground pin, a power pin, and a switch pin. The detector  1102  is the switch pin and switching mechanism in this example. 
     When a mating jack is not connected to the DC receptacle  1030 A, the switching mechanism causes the switch pin to be connected to the ground lead. The switch pin also is connected to an input of the processor  1002 A. When the switch pin is connected to ground, the processor reads the switch pin signal as a logic 0, which corresponds to ground. 
     An electrical device having a male connector is plugged into the DC female barrel connector receptacle. When the device is connected, the switch lead of the detector  1102  is disconnected from the ground lead. In this example, pull-up resistors are connected to the switch lead between the detector  1102  and the processor  1002 A. When the switch lead is disconnected from ground, the detector signal transitions to a logic 1. 
     When the detector signal transitions to a logic 1, the processor  1002 A determines that an electrical device is connected to the DC receptacle  1030 A. The processor  1002 A causes a low current and/or a low voltage driver signal to be generated from the DC to DC regulator  1018 A through the low current driver  1106  to the DC receptacle  1030 A. In this example, the low current signal is 24 volts DC and less than 5 milli-amps. The low current signal is enough power to turn on a processor for the electrical device. However, the low current signal likely does not have sufficient amperage to damage the electrical device. 
     The low current driver signal is an indication to the electrical device that one or more communications will be transmitted from the ASPS  102 H to the electrical device. The processor  1002 A transmits a query to the electrical device through the modulator  1020 A and to the DC receptacle  1030 A. In this example, the modulator  1020 A uses voltage modulation to transmit the communication. 
     After the low current driver signal has been transmitted to the electrical device, the processor  1002 A causes the modulator  1020 A to transmit the communication to the electrical device through the DC receptacle  1030 A. In this example, the processor  1002 A transmits a series of enable and disable signals to the modulator  1020 A. In response to the enable signals, the modulator  1020 A outputs a voltage having an amplitude greater than a minimal amperage, such as 3 volts DC. The electrical device receives the voltage having the amplitude and recognizes it as a logic 1. When the modulator  1020 A receives a disable signal, the modulator either outputs a voltage having a level below the minimal level or does not output any voltage at all. The electrical device identifies that the voltage is either below the minimal level or that no voltage is received at all and reads this as a logic 0. Using this method, a series of 1s and 0s are transmitted between the modulator and the electrical device as one more data packets. 
     The electrical device transmits a communication to the modulator  1020 A through the DC receptacle  1030 A, and the modulator transmits the communication to the processor  1002 A. In this example, the processor  1002 A has a divider circuit that divides the voltage of the communication to a lower voltage, such as voltage between 0 and 5 volts DC. The processor  1002 A also has an analog-to-digital converter that samples the divided communication. The processor  1002 A reads the converted signal and identifies the communication type and the data in the communication. 
     In this example, the communication from the electrical device is an acknowledgment indicating a status OK command. The processor  1002 A transmits a message via the modulator  1020 A requesting a voltage code and an identification string from the electrical device. The processor  1002 A receives a communication from the electrical device via the modulator  1020 A with the voltage code and the identification string for the electrical device. 
     The processor  1002 A transmits a signal to the DC to DC regulator  1018 A for the requested voltage and enables the output from the DC to DC regulator to the high current switch  1110 . The processor  1002 A also enables the switch for the high current switch  1110 , which causes the DC power to flow from the DC to DC regulator  1018 A through the high current switch  1110  and to the DC receptacle  1030 A. 
     If the processor  1002 A communicates with the electrical device while or after the electrical device receives the DC power generated from the DC to DC regulator  1018 A through the high current switch  1110 , the processor  1002 A disables the output from the DC to DC regulator to the high current switch  1110 . The processor  1002 A may accomplish this by disabling the output from the DC to DC regulator  1018 A, disabling the high current switch  1110 , or both. 
     The processor  1002 A then enables a low current and/or low voltage driver signal from the DC to DC regulator  1018 A to the low current driver  1106 . The low current driver  1106  transmits the low current driver signal to the electrical device through the DC receptacle  1030 A. The low current driver signal is a signal to the electrical device that a communication will be transmitted from the processor  1002 A. In this example, the processor  1002 A and the electrical device operate in a master-slave relationship. In other embodiments, a polling relationship may occur between the processor  1002 A and the electrical device. Other examples exist. 
     After the low current driver signal has been transmitted to the electrical device, the processor  1002 A causes the modulator  1020 A to transmit the communication to the electrical device through the DC receptacle  1030 A. In this example, the processor  1002 A transmits a series of enable and disable signals to the modulator  1020 A. In response to the enable signals, the modulator  1020 A outputs a voltage having an amplitude greater than a minimal amperage, such as 3 volts DC. The electrical device receives the voltage having the amplitude and recognizes it as a logic 1. When the modulator  1020 A receives a disable signal, the modulator either outputs a voltage having a level below the minimal level or does not output any voltage at all. The electrical device identifies that the voltage is either below the minimal level or that no voltage is received at all and reads this as a logic 0. Using this method, a series of 1s and 0s are transmitted between the modulator and the electrical device as one or more data packets. 
     Similarly, in this example, the electrical device transmits one or more data packets to the modulator  1020 A having a voltage amplitude that indicates a logic 1 or a logic 0. The voltage levels are transmitted from the modulator to the divider circuit and the analog-to-digital converter on the processor  1002 A and read by the processor as a logical 0 or a logical 1. 
     It will be appreciated that one or more of the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-11  may be embodied in a line-cord device, a wall-plug device, the line-cord device  104  of  FIGS. 1-3 , the detachable wall-plug device  106  of  FIGS. 1-3 , each of the line-cord device  104  and the detachable wall-plug device  106  of  FIGS. 1-3 , or another device. Alternately, portions of the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-11  may be embodied in those devices. Other examples exist. 
       FIGS. 12-14  depict another exemplary embodiment of an ASPS  1021 . In the embodiment of  FIGS. 12-14 , the detachable wall plug device  106 A includes an AC receptacle  1202 . In some embodiments, the AC receptacle  1202  has an associated power control/indicator  1204 . 
     The wall plug device  106 A also includes a single electrical connector  1206 . The electrical connector  1206  connects to a receiving connector  1208  in the line-cord device  104 A. AC and/or DC power is transmitted from the line-cord device  104 A to the wall plug device  106 A via the electrical connector  1206  and the receiving connector  1208 . In some embodiments, communications, including control instructions and/or data, are transmitted from the line-cord device  104 A to the wall plug device  106 A via the electrical connector  1206  and the receiving connector  1208 . In one embodiment, the electrical connector  1206  is a 3-prong electrical plug. In other embodiments, other types of electrical connectors may be used. 
     The wall plug device  106 A also includes a communication interface  1210 . The communication interface  1210  is configured to communicate with a corresponding communication interface  1212  in the line-cord device  104 A. In one embodiment, the communication interface  1210  is a female connector, and the corresponding communication interface  1212  is a male connector configured to mate with the female connector. In one embodiment, the corresponding communication interface  1212  is a foldable male connector that folds down or to the side when not in use. In one example, the foldable male connector locks into place when in use. 
     In the embodiment of  FIGS. 12-14 , communications may be transmitted between the line-cord device  104 A and the wall plug device  106 A via the communication interfaces  1210  and  1212 . Alternately, communications may be transmitted via the electrical connector  1206 . 
     The ASPS  1021  also includes one or more power sampling receptacles. In one example, only an AC power sampling receptacle  1214  is present. In another example, only a DC power sampling receptacle  1216  is present. In another example, both the AC and DC power sampling receptacles  1214 - 1216  are present. More than one AC or DC power sampling receptacle could be present. Each of the power sampling receptacles optionally may have an associated power/control indicator (not shown). 
     Alternately, an AC receptacle  126 A can be configured as an AC power sampling receptacle, and the separate AC power sampling receptacle  1214  is optional. Alternately, an AS DC receptacle  148 A can be configured as the DC power sampling receptacle, and the separate DC power sampling receptacle  1216  is not present. As another example, one or more of the AC receptacles  114 A- 126 A can be configured as power sampling receptacles. Additionally, one or more of the AS DC receptacles  144 A- 148 A can be configured as DC power sampling receptacles. Other examples exist. 
     The detachable wall plug device  106  also or alternately can be configured with one or more power sampling receptacles. In one example, only an AC power sampling receptacle (not shown) is present. In another example, only a DC power sampling receptacle  1218  is present. In another example, both the AC power sampling receptacle (not shown) and the DC power sampling receptacle  1218  are present. More than one AC or DC power sampling receptacle could be present. One or more of the power sampling receptacles are optional. 
     In another embodiment, an AC receptacle  1202  can be configured as the AC power sampling receptacle, and a separate AC power sampling receptacle is not present. In another embodiment, an AS DC receptacle  176 A can be configured as the DC power sampling receptacle, and the DC power sampling receptacle  1218  is not present. Additionally, one or more of the AS DC receptacles  176 A- 180 A can be configured as DC power sampling receptacles. These embodiments are optional. Other examples exist. 
     It will be appreciated that one or more of the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-11  may be embodied in a line-cord device, a wall-plug device, the line-cord device  104 A of  FIGS. 12-14 , the detachable wall-plug device  106 A of  FIGS. 12-14 , each of the line-cord device  104 A and the detachable wall-plug device  106 A of  FIGS. 12-14 , or another device. Alternately, portions of the embodiments of  FIGS. 4-11  may be embodied in those devices. Other examples exist. 
       FIGS. 15-22  depict other embodiments of an automatic sensing power system and/or an automatic power system.  FIG. 15  depicts an embodiment in which line-cord devices  1502  and  1504  incorporate the automatic sensing power system, and each device is configured for power sampling and has an AC receptacle  1506  and  1508  that is configured as a power sampling receptacle. Alternately, the AC receptacle  1506  and  1508  is configured as a power sampling receptacle and a power delivery receptacle. 
       FIG. 16  depicts another embodiment of an automatic sensing power system  1602 , including AC receptacles, DC receptacles, and a detachable module, such as the detachable wall plug device.  FIG. 16  also depicts an exemplary embodiment of one type of electrical modular connector  1604  that may be used in connection with the automatic sensing power system, including the receptacles, electrical cords, and/or connectors and adaptors. The power system  1602  is configured for power sampling and has an AC receptacle  1604  that is configured as a power sampling receptacle. Alternately, the AC receptacle  1604  is configured as a power sampling receptacle and a power delivery receptacle. Alternately, a DC receptacle  1608  can be configured as a power sampling receptacle. 
       FIG. 17  depicts an exemplary embodiment that incorporates an automatic sensing power system  1702  and  1704  in a device that may be plugged into a vehicle receptacle. Each device is configured for power sampling and has an AC receptacle  1706  and  1708  that is configured as a power sampling receptacle. Alternately, the AC receptacle  1706  and  1708  is configured as a power sampling receptacle and a power delivery receptacle. 
       FIG. 18  depicts another embodiment in which AC receptacles and DC receptacles are used in a rack mount  1802  and a cabinet mount  1804  automatic sensing power system. The rack mount  1802  is configured for power sampling and has an AC receptacle  1806  that is configured as a power sampling receptacle. Alternately, a DC receptacle  1808  is configured as a power sampling receptacle. Alternately, an AC receptacle  1810  and/or a DC receptacle  1812  are configured as power sampling receptacles and power delivery receptacles. 
       FIGS. 19-22  depict various modular devices using the automatic sensing power system.  FIG. 19 , for example, depicts a modular unit  1902  installed in a wall  1904 , such as a modular wall receptacle junction box  1906 . The modular wall receptacle junction box  1906  of  FIG. 19  includes both AC and DC modular receptacles  1908 - 1910  and  1912 - 1914 , respectively. The modular wall receptacle junction box  1906  and/or the modular receptacles  1908  and  1912  are configured for power sampling. In one example, the AC receptacle  1908  is configured as a power sampling receptacle. Alternately, the AC receptacle  1908  is configured as a power sampling receptacle and a power delivery receptacle. In another example, a DC receptacle  1912  is configured as a power sampling receptacle. Alternately, the DC receptacle  1912  is configured as a power sampling receptacle and a power delivery receptacle. 
       FIG. 20  depicts removable modular receptacles that may be removably installed in a modular wall receptacle junction box  1906 .  FIG. 20  depicts various modules  2002 - 2008  that may be interchangeably placed in a modular wall receptacle junction box  1906 . In one example, the AC receptacle  2006  is configured as a power sampling receptacle. Alternately, the AC receptacle  2006  is configured as a power sampling receptacle and a power delivery receptacle. In another example, the DC receptacle  2008  is configured as a power sampling receptacle. Alternately, the DC receptacle  2008  is configured as a power sampling receptacle and a power delivery receptacle. 
       FIG. 21  depicts other wall modules  2102 - 2108  that may be interchangeably and removably installed in modular wall receptacle junction box  1906 . The example of  FIG. 21  includes an AC receptacle  2102  and DC receptacles  2104 - 2108 , each of which include a grounded indicator and/or a protected indicator and/or an enabled or disabled indicator. In one example, the AC receptacle  2102  is configured as a power sampling receptacle and/or a power delivery receptacle. In another example, the DC receptacle  2104  is configured as a power sampling receptacle and/or a power delivery receptacle. 
       FIG. 22  depicts exemplary embodiments of modular power receptacles that may be installed in a modular wall receptacle junction box  1906 . Each of the modular power receptacles may include a grounded indicator, a protected indicator, and/or an enabled/disabled power indicator. The examples of  FIG. 22  include a lighting module  2202 , a battery recharge module  2204 , a dimmer module  2206  for dimming control of the power output from the dimmer module, and a DC power module  2208  with surge suppression. In one example, the AC receptacle  2206  is configured as a power sampling receptacle and/or a power delivery receptacle. In another example, the DC receptacle  2208  is configured as a power sampling receptacle and/or a power delivery receptacle. 
       FIGS. 23-58  depict an exemplary embodiment of a user interface (UI)  2302 . The UI enables a user to determine if an electrical device is connected to the ASPS. In the embodiment of  FIGS. 23-58 , an electrical device is referred to as an automatic sensing-direct current and automatic synchronous-data communication (asDC) device, and the ASPS is referred to as an intelligent power hub. 
     The UI enables a user to select the voltage to be transmitted from the ASPS to an electrical device and to select the DC receptacle to which it will be generated. The UI also enables a user to turn one or more AC receptacles and/or DC receptacles on or off. The US also enables the operation of the power sampling system, including initiating power sampling, setting automatic sampling, selecting a DC receptacle for a sampled voltage, setting an automatic assignment for assigning a DC receptacle to a sampled voltage, entering a name or identifier for a sampled device, assigning voltages to one or more receptacles, and enabling/disabling one or more receptacles. For exemplary purposes, the UI of  FIGS. 23-43  is directed to only one AC receptacle (identified as an AC port on the UI) and only one DC receptacle (identified as a DC port on the UI), and the UI of  FIGS. 44-58  is directed to multiple AC receptacles (ports) and multiple DC receptacles (ports). However, other UIs may enable selection of one or multiple AC receptacles and one or multiple DC receptacles. 
     Additionally, a computer is connected to the power hub through a USB connection in an embodiment of  FIGS. 23-58 . The UI in this embodiment is generated through the host computer and displayable on the computer&#39;s display. Other examples exist. 
     In one example, when the computer is not connected to the power hub, the UI indicates that no power hub is connected to the computer and no asDC device is connected to the power hub, as depicted in  FIG. 23 . When the power hub is connected to the computer, the UI indicates that the power hub is connected to the computer via the USB port, as depicted in  FIG. 24 . 
     As depicted in  FIG. 25 , when an asDC device is connected to the power hub, a window is displayed with the status change. The user selects the “OK” button on the status change window, and the status change window disappears. In other embodiments, the status window briefly appears and automatically disappears after a selected period of time. The asDC device status indicates that an asDC device was identified, as depicted in  FIG. 26 . The asDC device identification is specified by values in two fields, including a name or identity field and an operating voltage field. In the example of  FIG. 26 , the name or identity field may contain a string of up to forty characters. In this example, the device is identified as an “asDC Motorola 730” having an operating voltage of 5.29 volts DC. Other examples exist. 
     When the asDC device is disconnected from the power hub, a status change window is generated, as depicted in  FIG. 27 . The device status indicates that no asDC device is connected to the power hub, as indicated in  FIG. 28 . 
     An electrical device that is not configured to communicate with the power hub is referred to as a non-asDC device. If a non-asDC device is connected to the power hub, a status change window indicates that the non-asDC device is connected to the power hub, as indicated in  FIG. 29 . The status change window suggests that the user manually enable a DC receptacle. 
     The user may select a voltage to be output to a selected DC receptacle, as depicted in  FIG. 30 . In this example, the user selected the voltage level to be output to the selected DC receptacle. The user then selected the “force asDC port ON” to set the DC receptacle to the selected voltage level. 
     The user may elect to turn the AC receptacle on or off, as depicted in  FIG. 31 . If the user selects the check box for “AC port on/off,” the user may turn the receptacle on and off. When the AC receptacle is turned on, the power hub status window indicates that the AC port was enabled. 
     If the user again selects the check box for the AC port on/off, the AC power for the AC receptacle is turned off. The check mark from the check box disappears, and a new line is entered for the power hub status indicating that the AC port is disabled, as depicted in  FIG. 32 . 
     As depicted in  FIGS. 33-34 , the user turns the power on for the DC receptacle. In this example, the user selects a different voltage to be output to the DC receptacle. The user then selects the “force asDC port ON” check box. A check mark appears in the check box to indicate that the power is being transmitted to the DC receptacle. In addition, a line appears in the power hub status indicating that the DC port was forced on, as depicted in  FIG. 34 . In this example, the status line also indicates the code for the voltage and/or the device name. 
     The user may select the check box for the DC port again to force the DC receptacle off, as indicated in  FIG. 35 . A status line is generated to the power hub status indicating that the DC port was forced off. 
     The UI enables the user to update the firmware on the power hub, as indicated by  FIG. 36 . The UI enables the user to select from an open firmware option and a download firmware option. The open firmware option may be used to locate a file that is to be installed, as indicated in  FIG. 37 . The user selects the file to be opened, and the contents of the file are checked for integrity. If the integrity check is successful, an integrity check window appears and identifies the firmware as being valid, as indicated in  FIG. 38 . When the user selects the “OK” button from the integrity check status window, the firmware is opened and downloaded. 
     If the user selects the download firmware option from the display of  FIG. 36 , a status change window is generated indicating that the firmware download is starting, as depicted in  FIG. 39 . If the download process is successful, a status change window is generated indicating that the download is complete, as depicted in  FIG. 40 . 
     When the firmware has been downloaded, the user may select the reset on the power hub or cycle the power supply for the power hub by disconnecting the power supply from the power hub and reconnecting it. The user may relaunch the UI if desired. 
     A third option from the advanced menu option from  FIG. 36  enables a user to change a target configuration of an asDC enabled device. When the user selects the change target configuration option from the menu, an update target properties window is generated for display, as depicted in  FIG. 41 . The user enters new values for the asDC device name and its operating voltage, as depicted in  FIG. 42 . When the asDC device is connected to the power hub, the power hub recognizes the device and its required operating voltage, as depicted in  FIG. 43 . 
       FIGS. 44-58  depict examples of user screens for a power sampling system. In the example of  FIG. 44 , four AC receptacles (ports) and one four DC receptacles (ports) are identified for operation and control. Each port has an associated check box for selecting that port. Once selected, the port may be assigned a power level, force to a power level, or enabled or disabled. 
     The UI also includes a status window or frame for identifying the status or operations of the system. Operations of the power sampling and logging is generated to the status frame. Operations of the automatic sensing and other functions of the system also are generated to the status frame. 
     The UI may include one or more selection or operation buttons for initiating an action or operation. Some embodiments include a Sample Port button that initiates the power sampling operation for one or more power sampling ports. Some embodiments include a separate Sample AC Port for sampling one or more AC receptacles and a separate Sample DC Port for sampling one or more DC receptacles. A Read asDC Voltage (Volt) button initiates communication between the ASPS and the electrical device to determine the power requirements for the electrical device. An Assign Port button assigns a sampled power or an AS DC determined voltage to a particular selected port. A Force Port button forces a selected port on or off. The Force Port button also forces a selected DC port to a power value entered in the entry box. 
     An Auto Sample check box enables and disables an automatic (auto) sample feature configured to automatically detect and sample power requirements for a device, including a transformer, connected to a power sampling receptacle. An Auto Assign button enables and disables an automatic assignment feature that automatically assigns a sampled power to a default receptacle (port), such as the next lowest numbered receptacle. An ASDC Device Status frame shows the AS DC determined voltage and a name for the AS DC determined device. A Power Box shows the sampled power. An entry box, drop down box, or other entry mechanism enables a user to enter a name or other identifier for a power sampled device. The name or other identifier may be assigned to a receptacle (port) with an Assign Name button or other button or operation. 
       FIGS. 44-46  depict an exemplary embodiment of user interface screens having a separate Sample DC Port and Sample AC Port buttons. In this example, the system is ready to sample power requirements of an electrical device, as depicted in  FIG. 44 . The user selected the Sample AC Port button, and the system samples the power requirements of the electrical device. The power requirements are shown in the Power Box as 5.3 volts DC (VDC), the user selects the check box for DC Port  2  to receive the power requirements identified by the sampled power, and the Status Frame indicates the user selected DC Port  2  to receive power required for the sampled power, as depicted in  FIG. 45 . The user selects the Assign Port button, DC Port  2  is assigned 5.3 VDC as its output power, and the Status Frame indicates DC Port  2  was assigned the sampled power, as depicted in  FIG. 46 . 
     In the example of  FIG. 46 , once the selected DC port is assigned for output of power requirements, the name of the port is grayed out to indicate it is assigned or in use. Similarly, if an AC port is forced off, the name of the AC port is grayed out to indicate it is off. Therefore, in the example of  FIG. 46 , after the DC Port  2  is assigned, the name of DC Port  2  is grayed out to indicate it is assigned. DC Port  3  already was grayed out to indicate it was assigned. AC Port  1  is grayed out to indicate it is off. These features are optional. Other features may be used to indicate a port is off, on, assigned, or in use. Alternately, such features are not used. 
       FIGS. 47-49  depict an exemplary embodiment of user interface screens having a single Sample Port button, a Power Box to show the sampled power, an Auto Sample button, an Auto Assign button, an Entry Box to enter the name or identifier of the sampled device, and an Assign Name button to assign the entered name or identifier to the DC Port selected to receive the sampled power. In this example, the Auto Sample and Auto Assign options are not selected. 
     As depicted in  FIG. 47 , the user selected the Sample Port button, and the system samples the power requirements of the electrical device. The power requirements are shown in the Power Box as 4.2 VDC, the user selects the check box for DC Port  2  to receive the power requirements identified by the sampled power, the Status Frame indicates the user selected DC Port  2  to receive power required for the sampled power. The user selects the Assign Port button to assign the sampled power to DC Port  2 , DC Port  2  is assigned 4.2 VDC as its output power, and the Status Frame indicates DC Port  2  was assigned the sampled power. The user enters a name or identifier of LG Phone for the selected DC port to identify the sampled device and selects the Assign Name button to assign the name to DC Port  2 . DC Port  2  is assigned the name or identifier of LG Phone, and the Status Frame indicates DC Port  2  was assigned the name LG Phone. 
       FIGS. 48 and 49  depict optional examples of name or identifier assignments for ports. In the example of  FIG. 48 , the name or identifier assigned to DC Port  2  is displayed when the user places the pointer over the DC Port  2  identifier, such as with a mouse, pointer, or other device. In the example of  FIG. 49 , the identifier for DC Port  2  is replaced by the name LG Phone, which is the identifier assigned to DC Port  2 . The name DC Port  2  is displayed when the user places the pointer over the name LG Phone. 
       FIGS. 50-51  depict an example of un-assigning a DC Port. In these examples, a DC Port was assigned a sampled voltage or an AS DC determined voltage, and the user un-assigns that port. As shown in  FIG. 50 , the user selects assigned DC Port  3 , and the Status Frame indicates DC Port  3  is selected. As shown in  FIG. 51 , the user selects the Force Port button, the Status Frame indicates that DC Port  3  is unassigned, and DC Port  3  is no longer grayed out. 
       FIGS. 52-53  depict an example of the Auto Sample and Auto Assign features. As shown in  FIG. 52 , the Auto Sample and Auto Assign features are selected and on. As indicated in the Status Frame, the system detects a device connected to a power sampling receptacle, samples the device, determines the device requires 5.3 VDC, automatically selects the first open DC Port (DC Port  1 ), and assigns the sampled power to the selected DC Port. Another default selection and assignment may be used. 
     As shown in  FIG. 53 , the Auto Sample feature is not selected and is not on, and the Auto Assign feature is selected and is on. The user selects the Sample Port button. As indicated in the Status Frame, the system samples a device connected to a power sampling port, determines the device requires 5.3 VDC, automatically selects the first open DC Port (DC Port  2 ), and assigns the sampled power to the selected DC Port. Another default assignment may be used. 
       FIG. 54  depicts an example of manually configuring the system to communicate with an AS DC enabled device. The user selects the Read asDC Volt button. The Status Frame indicates that an asDC Device is located, and the device requires 5.3 VDC. 5.3 VDC also is identified in the Power Box and the Operating Voltage Box of the asDC Device Status Frame. The user may then assign the AS DC determined voltage to DC Port  1  or DC Port  4  and assign a name to the assigned port. 
       FIGS. 54-56  depicts an example of configuring the system to communicate with an AS DC enabled device to determine the power requirements of the AS DC enabled device. As shown in  FIG. 54 , the user selects the Read asDC Volt button. The Status Frame indicates that an asDC Device is located, and the device requires 5.3 VDC. 5.3 VDC also is identified in the Power Box and the Operating Voltage Box of the asDC Device Status Frame. As shown in  FIG. 55 , the user selects open DC Port  4  to receive the AS DC determined voltage, and the Status Frame indicates that DC Port  4  is selected. As shown in  FIG. 56 , the user selects the Assign Port button to assign the AS DC determined voltage to DC Port  4 , and DC Port  4  is grayed out. The user also may assign a name to the DC Port  4  if desired. 
       FIGS. 57-58  depict an example of forcing a port off. As shown in  FIG. 57 , AC Port  2  is selected. As shown in  FIG. 58 , the user selects the Force Port button, and the Status window indicates AC Port  2  is forced off. AC Port  2  also is grayed out. 
       FIGS. 59-63  depict exemplary embodiments of power sampling systems  1034 A- 1034 E. 
       FIG. 59  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a power sampling system  1034 A connected to a power sampling receptacle  1036 . The power sampling system  1034 A includes a detector  5902  configured to receive the power from the receptacle  1036 . The detector  5902  converts the received power to a DC form processable by the processor  1002 A. The processor  1002 A receives the DC converted signal and determines the power requirements. 
       FIG. 60  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a power sampling system  1034 B. An AC power sampling receptacle  1036  receives AC power. An AC/DC converter  6004  converts the received AC power to a DC power level. A detector  6006  detects various power levels of the DC signals and transmits the various power levels to the processor  1002 B. The processor  1002 B receives the DC signals indicating the various power levels and determines the power levels corresponding to the sampled power requirements. In some instances, the detector  6006  is optional, and the processor  1002 B receives the DC signals directly from the AC/DC converter  6004 . 
       FIG. 61  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a power sampling system  1034 C. An AC power sampling receptacle  1036  receives AC power. An optional DC receptacle  6102  receives DC power. An AC/DC converter  6004  converts the received AC power to a DC power level. Optionally, the AC/DC converter may transmit the converted AC/DC power to the DC/DC converter  6104  for further down conversion. Otherwise, the AC/DC converter transmits the converted power to a detector  6006 . Optionally, the DC receptacle  6102  may transmit the DC power to a DC/DC converter  6104  for further down conversion. Otherwise, the DC receptacle  6102  transmits the DC power to a detector  6006 . The DC/DC converter  6104  down converts the DC power to a lower DC power level and transmits the lower DC power level to the detector  6006 . The detector  6006  detects various power levels of the DC signals and transmits the various power levels to the processor  1002 C. The processor  1002 C receives the DC signals from the detector  6006  indicating the various power levels and determines the power levels corresponding to the sampled power requirements. 
       FIG. 62  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a power sampling system  1034 D. An AC power sampling receptacle  6002  receives AC power. A DC receptacle  6102  receives DC power. An AC/DC converter  6004  converts the received AC power to a DC power level. Optionally, the AC/DC converter may transmit the converted AC/DC power to the DC/DC converter  6104  for further down conversion. Otherwise, the AC/DC converter transmits the converted power to a detector  6006 . The DC receptacle  6102  transmits the DC power to a DC/DC converter  6010  for further down conversion. The DC/DC converter  6010  down converts the DC power to a lower DC power level and transmits the lower DC power level to the detector  6006 . The detector  6006  detects various power levels of the DC signals and transmits the various power levels to the processor  1002 D. The processor  1002 D receives the DC signals from the detector  6006  indicating the various power levels and determines the power levels corresponding to the sampled power requirements. 
       FIG. 63  depicts an exemplary embodiment of a power sampling system  1034 E. A power sampling receptacle  1036  receives the power to be sampled. A rectifier  6302  converts the received power to a DC value signal, a filter  6304  smoothes the DC signal, an operational amplifier  6306  converts the voltage to a lower DC value, and the processor  1002 E processes the received value. Since the operational amplifier  6306  converts the DC signal by a known factor, the signal received by the processor  1002 E is a known factor. 
     The processor  1002 C receives the DC signals from the detector  6006  indicating the various power levels and determines the power levels corresponding to the sampled power requirements. 
     Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations from the specific embodiments disclosed above are contemplated by the invention. The invention should not be restricted to the above embodiments, but should be measured by the following claims.