Patent Publication Number: US-2023163994-A1

Title: Method and apparatus for providing infrastructure processing and communications

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present application claims priority to Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Application Serial Number PCT/US21/25010 filed on Mar. 30, 2021, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application 63/003,715 filed on Apr. 1, 2020 wherein both of these applications are entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING INFRASTRUCTURE PROCESSING AND COMMUNICATIONS”, by Jmaev, the text and figures of those application are incorporated by reference into this application in their entireties. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     In the wake of the global pandemic, we all realize that our infrastructure was just barely able to keep up with the demand for Internet access. Communications, entertainment, and public safety all require high-bandwidth data communications. Unfortunately, most of our infrastructure has been built up using ground-based, wired communications pathways. Thankfully, fiber optic cables provide high-bandwidth communications. However, fiber optic cables are not available throughout the country. 
     Many have contemplated the use of wireless data communications systems. However, as wireless data communications systems are called upon to deliver greater and greater data bandwidth, the power required to achieve long-range connections becomes prohibitive. In order to overcome some of these shortfalls, many have looked to more distributed systems. In these distributed systems, high numbers of data-nodes required. These data-nodes, in some illustrative use cases, would be used in a mesh-network system. 
     It has long been realize that streetlights are so ubiquitous that they could easily serve support data-nodes some 30 feet in the air. Because streetlights are so ubiquitous, a data-node mounted on the streetlight would allow a plethora of applications to be fielded. In fact, many have created proprietary electronics platforms to support data communications and surveillance. General Electric produces a product called CityIQ, which he claims to be a ubiquitous digital infrastructure node. This product integrates various electronics and sensors. However, the CityIQ product is quite proprietary and cannot easily be altered after deployment. Another problem with such proprietary solutions is that, once it is installed by the city streetlight, it precludes the introduction of additional services by additional vendors. So, once a vender like General Electric captures a portion of this market, other vendors are effectively blocked from the captured streetlights. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the interest of clarity, several example alternative methods are described in plain language. Such plain language descriptions of the various steps included in a particular method allow for easier comprehension and a more fluid description of a claimed method and its application. Accordingly, specific method steps are identified by the term “step” followed by a numeric reference to a flow diagram presented in the figures, e.g. (step  5 ). All such method “steps” are intended to be included in an open-ended enumeration of steps included in a particular claimed method. For example, the phrase “according to this example method, the item is processed using A” is to be given the meaning of “the present method includes step A, which is used to process the item”. All variations of such natural language descriptions of method steps are to be afforded this same open-ended enumeration of a step included in a particular claimed method. 
     Unless specifically taught to the contrary, method steps are interchangeable and specific sequences may be varied according to various alternatives contemplated. Accordingly, the claims are to be construed within such structure. Further, unless specifically taught to the contrary, method steps that include the phrase “ . . . comprises at least one or more of A, B, and/or C . . . ” means that the method step is to include every combination and permutation of the enumerated elements such as “only A”, “only B”, “only C”, “A and B, but not C”, “B and C, but not A”, “A and C, but not B”, and “A and B and C”. This same claim structure is also intended to be open-ended and any such combination of the enumerated elements together with a non-enumerated element, e.g. “A and D, but not B and not C”, is to fall within the scope of the claim. Given the open-ended intent of this claim language, the addition of a second element, including an additional of an enumerated element such as “2 of A”, is to be included in the scope of such claim. This same intended claim structure is also applicable to apparatus and system claims. 
     In many cases, description of various alternative example methods is augmented with illustrative use cases. Description of how a method is applied in a particular illustrative use case is intended to clarify how a particular method relates to physical implementations thereof. Such illustrative use cases are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. 
       FIG.  1 A  is a pictorial diagram that illustrates one example embodiment of an electronics platform intended to be used in conjunction with a streetlight. In this example embodiment, the platform  300  comprises a mounting mechanism  323  for attaching the platform  300  to a streetlight support pole  303 . According to one alternative example embodiment, the mounting mechanism  323  comprises a simple clamp. This example embodiment of a platform  300  further includes an electrical connector  305 , which is configured to accept power from power lines emanating from the streetlight support pole  303 . 
     As pictured in the diagram, one particular use case provides for receiving an earth ground cable  315 , a first power phase cable  320  and at least one or more of a second power phase cable  310  and/or a neutral cable  310 . It should be appreciated that according to various illustrative use cases, a streetlight support pole  303  will provide a single phase of power, relative to a neutral return. In this case, the neutral is referred to as a “second power phase”. In other illustrative use cases, the streetlight support pole  303  provides two phases of power, which are typically 180° out of phase with each other, and also provides an earth ground cable. 
       FIG.  1 B  is a flow diagram that depicts a corresponding method for providing infrastructure processing and communications. The example apparatus herein described embodies such an illustrative method. As such this example method includes a step for deploying an electronics bay by attaching the electronics bay to a streetlight support pole (step  5 ). In an additional included step, electrical power is received from the streetlight support pole (step  15 ). In yet another included step, a portion of the electrical power is converted into direct-current power (step  20 ) to be used by electronics, which are intended to be deployed in the electronics bay. An additional and/or a remaining portion of the electrical power is directed to a streetlight support member, which is also attached to the electronics bay. This is well illustrated in  FIG.  10   , infra. 
       FIG.  1 A  also depicts that the power connector  305  protrudes through a rear bulkhead  360 . In this example embodiment, the rear bulkhead  360  separates a rear portion  362  of the platform  300  from an inner portion of the platform  366 . In this alternative example embodiment, a rear portion  362  of the platform  300  is only lightly sealed against the environment. The volume that constitutes the rear portion  362  receives a streetlight support pole  303 , which is gasketed by a rubber gasket. In some alternative example embodiments the rubber gasket comprises a neoprene gasket. It should be appreciated that it is difficult to provide a substantially hermetic seal between the rear portion  362  of the platform  300  and the outside environment. 
       FIG.  1 A  also depicts that the platform  300  includes an inner portion  366 . The inner portion  366  comprises an electronics bay which is substantially sealed from the outside environment. For example, the electrical connector  305  transitions to metal bus bars  321  which are hermetically sealed by a sealant introduced within an orifice through which the metal bus bars penetrate a rear bulkhead  360 . 
       FIG.  1 A  also illustrates that electrical power is directed to a power transition module  322  from the input power lines by way of the bus bars  321 . The power transition module  322 , which in some embodiments comprises a printed circuit board, provides an electrical connection to a set of output bus bars  330 ,  335  and  340 . These bus bars carry out the power to the streetlight through another hermetic assembly akin to the input power connector  305 . 
       FIG.  2    is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example method for providing communication and processing capabilities for infrastructure. According to this alternative example method, one or more electronic elements are received either into or onto the electronic bay heretofore described. It should be appreciated that, according to various illustrative example methods, the electronics bay includes an inner portion, which, according to various illustrative embodiments of the present method, is substantially hermetically sealed from an external environment. 
     According to this alternative example method, a wide variety of sundry electronic elements are received into the electronics bay. In one alternative example method, a processing element is received into/onto the electronics bay (step  25 ). In yet another alternative example method, a sensor element is received into/onto the electronics bay (step  30 ). And in yet another alternative example method, an image sensing element is received into/onto the electronic bay (step  35 ). According to yet another alternative example method, an image recognition element is received into/onto the electronics bay (step  40 ). According to yet another alternative example method, an image tracking element is received into/onto the electronics bay (step  45 ). 
     In order to support establishment of wireless infrastructure using the electronics bay heretofore described, one alternative example method provides for receiving a communications element into/onto the electronics bay (step  50 ). It should be appreciated that, according to various alternative example methods, the communications element comprises at least one or more of a Wi-Fi modem (step  60 ), an Internet of things cell controller (step  65 ), a 4G modem, a 5G modem, and/or a ring network element. These are but examples of the types of communications elements that are contemplated by the claims appended hereto. Accordingly, this enumeration is not intended to limit the scope of the appended claims. 
     According to some illustrative use cases, the electronics bay heretofore described is used to support the delivery of streaming media. Accordingly, one alternative example method provides for receiving a media streaming element into/onto the electronics bay (step  55 ). According to various illustrative use cases, the media streaming element comprises at least one or more of a micro-media server and/or a solid-state disk drive element. 
       FIG.  3    is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example method for providing communications amongst one or more electronic elements received into/onto the electronics bay. It should be appreciated that, according to various alternative example methods, receiving an electronic element also provides a step for interfacing the electronic element to a particular computer bus structure. Such a computer bus structure serves as an internal communications channel (step  80 ), which is provided according to an included step in this alternative example method. According to one alternative example method, interfacing the electronic element to a particular computer bus structure comprises a step for interfacing the electronic element to at least one or more of a parallel computer bus, the serial computer bus, a channelized computer bus, an STD Bus structure, an STD32 Bus structure, a VME Bus structure, a VME 64 Bus structure, a PCI bus structure, a PCIe bus structure, a PCI/104 bus structure, and/or a PCIe/104 bus structure. 
     Irrespective of the type of internal communication channel provided, one alternative example method provides for connecting a received processing element to the internal communication channel (step  27 ). With respect to this figure, the notion of connecting an electronic element to the internal communication channel is understood to be a communicative coupling of a particular electronic element received into/onto the electronics bay to the internal communication channel, as depicted in step  80 . 
       FIG.  4    is a flow diagram of a method for providing wide area network access to one or more electronic elements installed into/onto the electronics bay. According to this example alternative method, but included step provides for establishing a connection to a wide area network (step  83 ). This alternative example method further comprises a step for providing one or more local network ports (step  85 ) and providing these local network ports on a connector (step  90 ). In one alternative example method, the connector comprises a stackable connector. It should be appreciated that a stackable connector allows for electronic modules to be stacked one on top of another and allows each electronic module to communicatively coupled to at least one local area network port. It should also be appreciated that, in those embodiments where electronic elements are coupled together by way of a linear bus, non-stackable connectors are utilized. In such case, each non-stackable connector provides one or more local network ports. 
     According to this alternative example method, once a connection to a wide area network is established (step  83 ), a routed connection is established from a local port to the wide area network connection (step  95 ). It should be appreciated that, according to various illustrative use cases, this is established by a network router included in an integrated system supported by the electronics platform  300 . 
       FIG.  5    is a flow diagram of an alternative method for providing a wireless network access point. In this alternative example method, and included step provides for establishing a connection to a wide area network (step  100 ). This alternative example method further includes a step four providing one or more local network ports (step  105 ), establishing a wireless access point (step  110 ), forming a routed channel from a device associating with the wireless access point (step  115 ), connecting the routed channel to at least one of the local network ports (step  120 ), and establishing a routed connection from the local port to the wide area network connection (step  125 ). 
       FIG.  6    is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example method wherein the amount of power utilized by a stackable electronic element is measured. According to this alternative example method, direct-current powers received from a power converter (step  130 ). The direct-current power is directed one or more power ports, which are included in a stackable connector (step  135 ). It should be again appreciated that a stackable connector facilitates the use of stackable electronic elements, such as PCI  104   e / 104  and other types of stackable electronic modules. 
     As the direct-current power is provided to a power ports included in a stackable connector, the amount of current is measured (step  140 ). It should be likewise appreciated that, according to one alternative example method, the amount of current provided to each individual power port is measured. This example method includes a step for maintaining one or more usage counters, each of which corresponds to one of the power ports provided (step  145 ). In order to allow a power provider to recoup energy costs, this example method includes a step for directing a value from a usage counter to a metering authority (step  150 ). In this manner, different applications housed in the electronics platform are held accountable for the power each such application uses over the course of a billing period. 
       FIG.  7    is a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example method wherein the amount of power utilized by a non-stackable electronic element is measured. According to this example alternative method, the step is provided for receiving direct-current power from a power converter (step  132 ). This alternative example method provides an additional step for directing direct-current power to a power port included in a connector (step  137 ). It should likewise be appreciated that non-stackable electronic elements each require their own individual connector for interfacing to an internal communication channel. As such, power to such a non-stackable electronic element is also included in an individual connector that interfaces to such an electronic element. It should be appreciated that, according to various illustrative use cases, the power port is included in at least one or more of a communications channel connector and/or an independent power port connector. 
     Analogous to the method where a stackable electronic element receives power from a stackable connector, the amount of direct-current power flowing to a non-stackable electronic element is measured, is provided in an additional included method step (step  142 ). This alternative example method also includes a step for maintaining one or more usage counters, wherein such usage counters corresponds to power ports included in one or more individual connectors for providing power to one or more non-stackable electronic elements (step  147 ). In order to allow a power provider to recoup energy costs, this example method includes a step for directing a value from a usage counter to a metering authority (step  152 ). In this manner, different applications housed in the electronics platform are held accountable for the power each such application uses over the course of a billing period 
       FIGS.  8 A and  8 B  collectively form a a flow diagram that depicts one alternative example method for converting a portion of the electrical power into direct-current power for electronics housed in the electronics platform. One problem exhibited by prior art solutions is the fact that streetlight mounted electronics must be capable of operating over long periods of time. In fact, traditional high-pressure sodium lamp fixtures can easily operate for 30 years without much maintenance at all. Electronic elements that are installed on a light pole need direct-current to operate. 
     Another requisite imposed by power utility companies is that direct-current power supplies ought to operate in a power factor correction mode. In order to achieve power factor correction, traditional power supplies create a direct-current (“DC”) link bus. The DC link bus must be operated at a voltage substantially higher than the peak voltage of an alternating current (“AC”) power source. Because the DC link bus needs some form of filtering, capacitors are typically used as energy storage devices on the DC link bus. Further reducing reliability of such systems is the fact that high-voltage DC link buses are typically filtered by electrolytic capacitors. It is well understood that electrolytic capacitors have limited lifetimes, which follow far short of the required lifespan of electronics installed on a light pole. 
     This alternative example method comprises a step for associating a first ground referenced inductor with a first power phase (step  160 ) and also includes a step for associating a second ground referenced inductor with a second power phase (step  165 ). It should be appreciated that, in all of the discussions herein related to a first and/or second power phase, either the first and/or the second power phase comprises an active power phase. According to a variation of the present example method, either the first or the second power phase comprises a neutral return path for a complementary power phase. To be clear, the present method and various embodiments thereof are intended to be operated with at least one or more of two active phases, and/or one active phase and a return path for the active phase. It is not relevant as to which of the phases constitutes an active phase in which constitutes a neutral return path for a phase. 
     This method further includes steps for storing energy in the first inductor (step  175 ) when the voltage potential of the first phase is less than the voltage potential of the second phase relative to a ground point (step  170 ). This alternative example method also includes steps for storing energy in the second inductor (step  185 ) when the voltage potential of the second phase is lesser than the voltage potential of the first phase (step  180 ). 
     As energy is stored in the two ground referenced inductors, it is released into a ground referenced storage device (step  210 ). 
     It should be appreciated that, in order to complete a current path to a power source, the first power phase is clamped to the ground referenced (step  195 ) when the potential of the first power phase is greater than the potential of the second power phase. Correspondingly, the second power phase is clamped to the ground reference (step  205 ) when the voltage potential of the second phase is greater than the voltage potential of the first phase. 
       FIG.  9    is a flow diagram that depicts one example alternative methods for storing energy in the first and second inductors. According to this alternative example method, storing energy in either the first and/or second inductors comprising modulating the duty cycle of energy storage in order to establish a voltage relative to the ground reference that is less than half of the peak to peak value between the two power phases. Unlike prior art solutions, which required a DC link voltage that was substantially higher than the positive peak voltage of either phase, the present alternative example method supports a low voltage DC link bus where the voltage of the DC link bus is lower than the positive peak voltage of either phase. This step  230  is included in this alternative example method. 
       FIG.  1 A , which depicts several alternative example embodiments of an electronics platform, depicts that according to one example embodiment the electronics platform comprises a streetlight hole mounting mechanism  323 . As already described, this, according to some alternative embodiments, comprises a simple clamp. Also included in this example embodiment is an electronics bay  366 . In one alternative example embodiment, the electronics bay  366 A is segregated into a lower portion and an upper portion  366 B. Such segregation is accomplished by a horizontal bulkhead  367  which is also included in this alternative example embodiment. 
       FIG.  10    is a pictorial diagram that illustrates one illustrative use case for the platform. In this illustrative use case, the platform  300  is augmented with a mounting pipe  710  which is included in yet another alternative example embodiment. The mounting pipe  710  is used to receive a streetlight fixture  715 . Power and control wires  720  emanating from the mounting pipe  710  are connected to electrical elements included in the streetlight fixture  715 . According to yet another alternative example use case, an optical sensor assembly  700  included in one alternative example embodiment is mounted on the bottom of the platform  300 . In this alternative example use case, a gasket  705  is disposed between the optical sensor assembly  700  and bottom mounting surface included in the platform. 
       FIG.  11 A  is a pictorial illustration depicting a power feed-through.  FIG.  11 A  depicts a cross-section of a power feed-through, which is included in one alternative example embodiment of the platform  300 , and also a perspective view of the feed-through apparatus structure. It should be appreciated that, in order to maintain a substantially hermetic seal within the electronics bay, is necessary to compartmentalize various portions of platform  300 . For example, the lower inner portion  366 A, which comprises the electronics bay, is separated from the rear portion  362  of the platform  300  by means of a rear bulkhead  360 . In order to bring electrical power into the inner portion  366 , i.e. the electronics bay, from the rear portion of the platform  300 , a barrier strip connector  367  is used to receive electrical wires  369 . This is also depicted in  FIG.  1    where electrical wires are brought to the power connector  305 . According to one alternative example embodiment, the barrier strip connector  367  comprises a European barrier strip, e.g. Altech Corporation part number HE16HWPR/03. This particular European barrier strip by Altech Corporation is well-suited for this application in that it provides a very wide center to center spacing of 15 mm, thereby providing sufficient dielectric withstand voltage from one terminal to the next. 
       FIG.  11 B  is a perspective view of the connector assembly and depicts that the power connector  305 , according to one alternative example embodiment of the platform  300 , comprises such barrier strip connector  367 , a plurality of metal bus bars  322 , a centering plate  370 , and a sealant  371  (shown in  FIG.  2 A ), which is applied about the metal bus bars  322  in order to establish a hermetic seal between the metal bus bars  322  and the rear bulkhead  360 . As shown in the perspective view, the centering plate  370  is used to hold the plurality of metal bus bars in a pre-established pattern so as to maintain dielectric strength from bus-bar to bus-bar and from bus-bar to the rear bulkhead  360 . 
     It should be appreciated that the barrier strip  367 , according to this example embodiment, comprises a flow-through barrier strip. This means that there are two contacts per electrical path. In this particular application, the metal bus bars  322  are inserted into a forward facing contact  372  and an electrical conductor  369  is inserted into a rear facing contact  373 . The forward facing contact  372  and the rear facing contact  373  are electrically connected to each other. 
       FIG.  12    is a block diagram that depicts one example embodiment of a platform controller included in one alternative example embodiment of a platform. This example embodiment of a platform controller  400  comprises a DC power metering circuit  430 . The DC power metering circuit  430  receives DC power  350  from the power supply  325 . The DC metering circuit provides a plurality of DC power ports, each of which is individually metered, to a top-side stacking connector  425 . The DC power metering circuit  430  also provides power to a topside computer bus connector  427 . The individual DC power ports have associated therewith individual power meter registers that are included in the DC power metering circuit  430  and which are available to a platform processor  445 . This example embodiment of the platform controller  400  includes such platform processor  445 , a platform memory  450 . The processor  445  is communicatively coupled to the platform memory  450  by way of a platform bus  447 . 
     The processor  445  executes an instruction sequences stored in the memory  450 , which causes the processor  455  to retrieve a value from a DC power metering register  430  and convey it to a local area network port provided by the platform router  410 . In this alternative example embodiment, instruction sequences stored in the memory  450  causes the processor  455  to respond to a query received from a wide area network by way of the cellular data carriage  405  and routed to the processor  445  by the platform router  410 . 
     Yet another alternative example embodiment, the platform controller  400  further includes a dimming controller  435 . In this alternative example embodiment, the dimming controller  435  is communicatively coupled to the platform processor  445 . The platform processor  445 , in this example embodiment, communicates dimming commands to the dimming controller  435 . The dimming controller  435 , in turn, generates dimming signals  440  that are directed to a streetlight. 
     In yet another alternative example embodiment, the platform controller  400  further includes a platform router  410  and a network interface  405 . In yet another alternative example embodiment, the network interface comprises a cellular data carriage. It should be appreciated that a cellular data carriage allows data connectivity to a wireless cellular system. It should also further be appreciated that the network interface  405 , according to various alternative example embodiments, comprises at least one or more of a wired network interface, a fiber network interface, and/or a wireless network interface. 
     In this alternative example embodiment, the network interface  405  is communicatively coupled  407  to the platform router  410 . The platform router  410  establishes and manages a plurality of network interfaces  415 . Accordingly, such network interfaces for 15 or included in this alternative example embodiment of the platform controller  400 . In this alternative example embodiment, the one or more network interfaces  415  are directed to a top-side stacker connector  420 . 
     In yet another alternative example embodiment, one of the network interfaces  415  is communicatively coupled to the platform processor  445 . It should be appreciated that the platform router  410  performs all necessary functions to enable discrete network interfaces  415  to communicate by way of a single network address. For example, in one illustrative use case, a single Internet protocol address is used by the network interface  405  to communicate with the Internet. The platform router  410  then channels individual data packets to a particular network interface according to well-established protocols. The platform router  410  provides network routing capability. 
     According to yet another alternative example embodiment, the platform controller  400  further includes a gateway processor  455 . In this alternative example embodiment, the gateway processor  455  is communicatively coupled to the platform router  410  by way of one of the network interfaces  415 . The gateway processor  455  is also communicatively coupled to a gateway memory  460 , which is included in this alternative example embodiment of a platform controller  400 . The gateway processor  455  is communicatively coupled to the gateway memory  460  by way of a gateway bus  457 . 
     In one alternative example embodiment, the platform controller further comprises at least one or more of an IoT gateway  465  and/or a Wi-Fi access point  467 . it should be appreciated that the one or more of the IOT gateway for 65 and/or the Wi-Fi access point  467  or communicatively coupled to the gateway processor  455  by way of the gateway bus  457 . According yet another alternative example embodiment, the IOT gateway  465  comprises a network control cell for at least one or more of a LoRa network, a Buzbee Network and/or a sigFox network. It should likewise be appreciated that the Wi-Fi access point comprises a network access point for the IEEE 802.11 standard and all of its variations. It should be appreciated that where a particular network protocol is herein specified, the claims appended hereto are to read upon an entire family of network protocols as defined by the most recent specification of such network protocol and all proceeding versions of said specification that have been supplanted or augmented by the most recent version. 
     According to one illustrative use case, the gateway processor  455  establishes a communication with a gateway server in order to provide communication from the gateway server to the IOT gateway  465 . According yet another illustrative use case, the gateway processor  455  establishes a gateway with a Wi-Fi neighborhood network server and the Wi-Fi access point  467 . In either of these cases, the gateway processor  455  establishes of communication by way of the network interface  405  using one of the network interfaces  415  established by the platform router  410 . 
     It should be appreciated that, according to various illustrative use cases, the platform processor  445  executes functional processes that are stored in its associated memory  450 . By executing such functional processes, which comprise instruction sequences stored in the memory  450 , the platform processor  445  embodies custom capabilities, which may be specified by different users of the platform  300 . In an analogous manner, the gateway processor  455  executes functional processes that are stored in its associated memory  460  in order to custom capabilities that are also specified by different users of the platform  300 . In this manner, the platform controller  400  provides a flexible structure enabling different customers and users of the platform  300  to specify particular functions and capability and to embody those functions and capability enter firmware that is stored in either the platform processors memory  450  or the gateway processor&#39;s memory  460 . 
     The functional processes (and their corresponding instruction sequences) described herein enable a processor to embody custom capabilities in accordance with the techniques, processes and other teachings of the present method. According to one alternative embodiment, these functional processes are imparted onto computer readable medium. Examples of such medium include, but are not limited to, random access memory, read-only memory (ROM), Compact Disk (CD ROM), Digital Versatile Disks (DVD), floppy disks, flash memory, and magnetic tape. This computer readable medium, which alone or in combination can constitute a stand-alone product, can be used to convert a general or special purpose computing platform into an apparatus capable of performing custom capabilities according to the techniques, processes, methods and teachings presented herein. Accordingly, the claims appended hereto are to include such computer readable medium imparted with such instruction sequences that enable execution of the present method and all of the teachings herein described. 
       FIGS.  13 A,  13 B and  13 C  are pictorial representations that depict the structure of the top stacking network connector included on the platform controller and the mechanism by which a module interfaces there with. It should be appreciated that the platform  300  is intended to support various electronic modules in a stacking manner. In order to enable modules to stack without requiring significant modification of a particular module, it is important that the interface between a particular module, e.g.  500 , and the platform controller  400  does not vary from one module to the next. For example, the top stacker network connector  420  included in the platform controller  400  provides a plurality of network interfaces. As shown in the figure, these are identified as “router port 0”, “router port 1” and so forth. It should be appreciated that when a particular module  500  is mated with the platform controller  400 , a particular module  500  uses a bottom side stacker connector  510  to connect to the first router port included in the top side stacker connector  420 , which is included in the platform controller  400 . 
     The particular module  500  makes a connection  503  to this first port. The module  500  is then responsible to shift the remaining network interface ports so that the second available network interface port on the topside stacker connector  420  is made available on a topside stacker connector  505  included in that module  500 . Accordingly, the module  500  should shift the second available network interface to the first network interface connector position in the topside stacker module  505  included in the first PCB module  500  to be mated with the platform controller  400 . It should be likewise appreciated that the module  500  also shifts the third available network interface from the platform controller  400  to the second network interface position in the topside stacker  505  included in the PCB module  500 . As such, when a second module interfaces to the first PCB module  500 , it will likewise connect to the second network interface by way of the first network interface position included in the topside stacker  505  included in the first PCB module  500 . In this matter, each subsequent module to connect to a lower module will always use the first network interface position on a topside stacker connector  505 . 
       FIG.  13 C  is a pictorial diagram that illustrates the routing of network interfaces when a particular module  515  does not require a network interface port. It should be appreciated that, in such a situation, a module  515  simply passes a network interface from its bottom side stacker connector to the same position in its topside stacker connector. 
       FIGS.  14 A and  14 B  are pictorial diagrams that illustrate distribution of metered power ports to modules that are installed in the platform. Distribution of metered power ports is accomplished in a manner analogous to that of distributing the plurality of network interfaces included in the top network interfaces stacker  420 . As such, the plurality of DC power ports developed by the platform controller  400  are presented to a top stacking connector  425 . 
     When a particular PCB module  530  needs metered power, it makes a connection  533  to a first DC power port by way of a bottom stacker connector  540 . The PCB module  530  connects  533  to the DC power port in the first position included in the topside stacker connector  425  included in the platform controller  400 . The module  530  that receives power from the first power port is then required to shift the remaining power ports so that the second power port included in the second position of the topside stacker  425  is shifted to the first position of the topside power stacker connector  535  included in the PCB module  530 . Remaining power ports are shifted in an analogous manner so that the next module that is interfaced to the top of the stack receives its own DC power port in the first position of the power port top stacker connector  535  included in the module below that particular module. 
       FIG.  15    is a pictorial diagram that shows the installation of the platform controller in the central portion of the platform. This figure illustrates that, according to one alternative example embodiment, the central portion of the platform  300  includes a plurality of heat dissipation fins  365  that emanate outward from the side of the central portion of the platform  300 . The shape and orientation of these heat dissipation fins  365  can vary based on the application of a particular platform  300 . According to one alternative example embodiment, the heat dissipation fins  365  protrude outward from the center portion of the platform  300  and are oriented such that airflow from top to bottom covers the surface of the heat dissipation pin  365 . 
     It should also be appreciated that, according to one alternative example embodiment, the central portion of the platform  300  includes an interface surface  380 , also referred to as a mounting flange. The interface surface  380 , in this alternative example embodiment, spans a perimeter about the central portion of the platform  300 . As shown in  FIG.  10   , a corresponding mounting flange  381  is disposed on the bottom of the platform  300 . Mounted within this perimeter, according to this alternative example embodiment, is a platform controller  400 . The platform controller  400  further includes at least one or more of a computer bus connector  422 , a platform network interface connector  420  and a platform measured DC power connector  425 . It should be appreciated that, according to various alternative example embodiments, the platform network interface connector  420  and the platform measured DC power connector  425  encompass a same physical connector. However, many embodiments will have two separate connectors. 
     It should also be appreciated that, even though the platform controller  400  includes one or more processors, this example embodiment of a platform controller  400  does not utilize the computer bus connector  422  for data communications with other modules that may be stacked onto the platform  300 . Rather, in this example embodiment the platform controller  400  provides the computer bus connector  422  to facilitate orientation of one or more modules stacking upon the platform  300 . According to yet another alternative example embodiment, as shown in  FIG.  3   , the platform controller  400  includes an additional processor  426 , wherein said additional processor  426  includes a bus interface which is communicatively coupled  461  to the topside computer bus connector  427 . In this matter, a processor on the platform controller  400  is able to communicate by way of the computer bus with a module stacked onto the platform  300 . 
       FIG.  16    is a pictorial diagram that illustrates the concept of an electronics slice. A slice is also referred to as an electronic element. It should be appreciated that, according to this alternative example embodiment, an electronics slice  600  comprises a mounting frame  605  and an electronic circuit assembly  615 . The mounting frame  605  includes mounting tabs  610  which are used to mount the electronic circuit assembly  615 . The electronic circuit assembly  615  includes, according to various alternative example embodiments, top and bottom stacker connectors for at least one or more of the platform network interface connectors, the platform DC measured power connectors, and the platform computer bus connectors  625 . 
     When a slice  600  is mounted onto the platform  300 , a gasket  395  is sandwiched between the interface surface  380  and a bottom surface of the slice  600 . It should be appreciated that, according to various alternative example embodiments, the gasket  395  comprises a material that is thermally conductive and provides a moisture barrier when it is sandwiched between the interface surface  380  and the bottom surface of the sliced  600 . It should be appreciated that, when an additional slice is mounted on top of the first slice  600 , a second gasket is disposed between the first slice  600  and an additional slice that is mounted on top of the first slice. 
       FIG.  16    also illustrates that, emanating from a front portion of the central portion of the platform, are power lines  387  that are used to feed a streetlight fixture. In this embodiment, there is an output power connector  385  which receives power from a power transition module  322  by way of bus bars  330 ,  335  and  340 . It should be appreciated that the opera power connector  385  is also hermetically sealed in a manner as described above. 
       FIG.  16    also illustrates that, according to yet another alternative example embodiment, an additional hermetically sealed connector  390  is used to convey dimming signals  392  to a streetlight. It should likewise be appreciated that these dimming signals  440  are received from the dimming controller  435  included in the platform controller  400 . 
       FIG.  17    is a pictorial diagram that illustrates one embodiment of a high-power slice. It should be appreciated that, according to one alternative example embodiment, a slice  601  includes heat dissipation fins  645  emanating outward from an external surface of the slice. It should be appreciated that, according to this alternative example embodiment, a sliced scissor one includes a frame  640  and mounting tabs  654  mounting a circuit board assembly onto the frame  640 . As illustrated, the frame  640  of a high-power sliced  601 , according to one alternative example embodiment, further comprises heat transfer webbing, which is used to provide a physical path for heat generated by electronic components so as to enable the heat to reach the outer perimeter of the frame. 
       FIG.  18    is a pictorial diagram that illustrates the use of concentric mounting fasteners for installing one slice upon another. In order to ensure that slices can be stacked one upon the other in a fixed orientation, one example embodiment provides for the use of a concentric male/female fastener ( 680 ,  685 ). When a first slice is mounted upon the platform  300 , a concentric male/female fastener is used to secure the frame  675  of a first slice to the platform  300 . When a second slice is mounted upon the first slice, a second concentric male/female fastener  680  is used to secure the frame  670  of the second slice to the first frame  675 . In actuality, the male portion of the second concentric faster  680  engages with a female portion of the first fastener  685 . 
       FIGS.  19 A and  19 B  are pictorial illustrations that further clarify one alternative example embodiment of a concentric faster. It should be appreciated that, when the frame of a second sliced  670  is mounted to the frame of a second sliced  675 , the gasketing material  672  is disposed between a top surface of the frame of the first slice  675  and the bottom surface of the frame of the second sliced  670 . 
     A mounting hole  682  is included in the frame of a slice. According to this example embodiment, the mounting hole  682  has a first diameter  684  that is maintained downward through the frame  670  four approximately two thirds of the thickness of the frame  670 . It should be appreciated that, the depth of the mounting hole  682  at the first diameter  684  is only described by example, and is not intended to limit the claims appended hereto. The first diameter  684  terminates in a caller  686  and then a smaller diameter  688  is presented from the caller six and 86 through the remainder of the slice. 
     The concentric fastener  680  includes a female threaded portion  654  and a male threaded portion  656 . It should be appreciated that, at the top surface of the concentric faster  680  there is a torqueing feature  652 . In one alternative example embodiment, the torqueing feature  652  comprises a hexagonal shape intended to receive a hexagonal driver, for example a driver commonly referred to as a “hex wrench”. The torqueing feature  652  projects downward from the top surface of the concentric fastener  680  to an extent that is necessary according to the type of material and the amount of torque necessary to fix the concentric faster to at least one or more of a threaded feature included in the mounting surface  380  and/or a second concentric faster  685 , as shown in  FIG.  8   . 
       FIGS.  20 A- 20 C  are top level electrical schematics of one example embodiment of a low-voltage DC link power supply. It should be appreciated that most utility companies require that streetlight fixtures maintain a very high power factor as they present to the power grid used to provide electrical power to the platform  300 . In the prior art, effective power factor correction could only be achieved where the DC link voltage is set at a very high value, for example 400 VDC or more. The reason for providing a very high DC link voltage in the prior art was to enable power factor correction over what is known as a universal AC input voltage, e.g. 85 VAC through 264 VAC. The DC link voltage must therefore be at a value greater than the peak of a 264 VAC sinewave. The requirement to operate over a universal AC input voltage drives the requirement that the DC link voltage be set at 400 VDC or more. In a significant achievement over the prior art, the DC link voltage in the claimed apparatus is set at a voltage lower than the peak VAC input. 
       FIG.  20 A  depicts that, according to one alternative example embodiment, the power supply  385  included in the platform  300  the power supply  325  comprises an electromagnetic interference filter  800 . Techniques for designing an electromagnetic interference filter (EMI) are well-known and will not be described here. The output of the EMI filter realizes two power phases (PHA, PHB). It should be appreciated that, according to various illustrative use cases, one of these phases may in fact be a neutral or return line. In such case, only one phase is active. In other illustrative use cases, both phases present AC voltage, for example wherein one phase is typically 180° out of phase with the other phase. 
       FIG.  20 B  shows that, according to this alternative example embodiment, the power supply  385  includes a power train  805 . The power train  805  is embodied as a bridgeless structure that drives an inverting buck-boost converter. It should be appreciated that, input diodes D 6  and D 1 , are oriented so that current flows into the source of AC power when a power phase is at a lower potential than a ground reference  807 . In this configuration, switches S 3  and S 1  enable a buildup of current in inductors L 1  and L 2 . It should be appreciated that only one of these legs is active at any given time. So, when the input voltage on a first phase is negative compared to the second phase, current flows from the second phase through an inductor and is switched through the diode to the other phase. 
     In this presented illustrative embodiment, current path  811  illustrates current flow from Phase B ( 817 ) when the voltage potential of phase B is greater than the ground reference  807 . Current flows through a clamping diode D 4  from Phase B ( 817 ) and up through an inductor L 1  ( 820 ). The current is pulsed with modulated by means of a switch S 3  ( 825 ). When the switch S 3  ( 825 ) is opened, current from the inductor  820  continues down an alternate path  830  through diode D 9  ( 835 ). This current then feeds an energy storage bank  840 , which in this alternative example embodiment comprises a bank of capacitors. Energy from the capacitor bank  840  drives a load, simulated by a resistor R 12  ( 845 ). 
     Hence, the inverting buck-boost converter generates a voltage that is much lower, for example 75 V DC. This example included is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. Because of the structure of the buck-boost converter, controlled by a drive signal “DRV”  880  is monotonic even though the peak voltage present on either phase may be lesser or greater than the DC link voltage. The drive train also includes current sensors. In this alternative example embodiment, the current sensors are low value resistors are 16 and are 17. However, current transformers are used in yet another alternative example embodiment, digital logic U2 and U3 combines the outputs of the two current sensors in order to generate a zero cross signal (“ZC”)  882 . 
       FIG.  20 C  shows one alternative example embodiment of a pulse with modulated controller that achieves power factor correction at a low DC link voltage. Accordingly, a pulse width modulated signal is initiated only when the current flowing through both inductors is substantially zero, which is determined by zero crossing detectors depicted in  FIG.  20 B  ( 850 ). The pulse width modulated (PWM) signal is generated according to a feedback signal  870  from the DC link voltage (Vbulk). The feedback is adjusted in bandwidth and step response according to well-known techniques and will not be discussed further here. 
     The output of the filter  875  is then directed to a set point comparator and a pulse width generator (collectively embodied as ARB3, ARB2 and ARB4). A flip-flop U4, is only set when the zero cross signal indicates there is substantially no current flowing through the two inductors. A constant current source I 1  ( 860 ) is used in conjunction with a capacitor c 10  ( 865 ) in order to establish a maximum pulse with for the on time. Feedback  875  from the voltage created on the capacitor bank  840  is scaled and filtered  875  and compared with a sawtooth wave generated by the constant current source  860  and capacitor  865 . As In this manner, a classic borderline control concept for power factor correction is implemented, which requires no sensing of input voltage. It should also be appreciated that various control techniques for power factor correction are contemplated in the use of a borderline control concept is not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. It should likewise be appreciated that, according to various alternative example embodiments additional control features are included for shutting down the switches in the event of overcurrent condition. 
     Various alternative example embodiments provide a secondary voltage regulator that is driven by the DC link voltage. Accordingly, such secondary voltage regulators provide voltage to the platform controller  400 . In some alternative example embodiments, the secondary voltage regulator is included in the platform controller  400 . It should be noted that  FIGS.  20 A- 20 C  present various values of electronic components which were selected based on simulation. Accordingly, any component values or other functional aspects of the controller shown in  FIG.  20 C  are not intended to limit the scope of the claims appended hereto. 
     Aspects of the method and apparatus described herein, such as the logic, may also be implemented as functionality programmed into any of a variety of circuitry, including programmable logic devices (“PLDs”), such as field programmable gate arrays (“FPGAs”), programmable array logic (“PAL”) devices, electrically programmable logic and memory devices and standard cell-based devices, as well as application specific integrated circuits. Some other possibilities for implementing aspects include: memory devices, microcontrollers with memory (such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory i.e “EEPROM”), embedded microprocessors, firmware, software, etc. Furthermore, aspects may be embodied in microprocessors having software-based circuit emulation, discrete logic (sequential and combinatorial), custom devices, fuzzy (neural) logic, quantum devices, and hybrids of any of the above device types. 
     While the present method and apparatus has been described in terms of several alternative and exemplary embodiments, it is contemplated that alternatives, modifications, permutations, and equivalents thereof will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon a reading of the specification and study of the drawings. It is therefore intended that the true spirit and scope of the claims appended hereto include all such alternatives, modifications, permutations, and equivalents.