Luminaire control device

Abstract

A luminaire control device includes a controller and a plurality of channels coupled to the controller. Each channel includes a control path for providing a control voltage from the controller. A switch is located along the control path and is operable between an open position wherein the control voltage is interrupted along the control path and a closed position wherein the control voltage flows through the control path. A detection path is coupled to the controller and is operable when the switch is in the open position. The controller is configured to determine, for each of the plurality of channels, whether a corresponding driver for a luminaire is coupled to the channel based on whether a floating voltage is received from the corresponding driver along the detection path when the switch is in the open position.

Description

[0001] LUMINAIRE CONTROL DEVICE

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present disclosure is generally directed to a luminaire control device, and more specifically, to a luminaire control device having multiple channels that provides automatic detection of luminaires connected to one or more of the channels.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Control modules having a number of channels are utilized to connect a number of networked light fixtures or luminaires. When network connected luminaires are commissioned, the installers must know how each channel is wired to the connected luminaire(s) in order to configure the nodes accordingly. Currently, control modules are utilized in some examples that have a predefined number of channels for wiring to a pre-defined number of luminaire drivers. This requires different control modules for each configuration of channels to match the number of luminaire drivers to be connected. Thus, multiple configurations of control modules must be produced and stocked to accommodate different configurations, which creates additional cost, development time, and resources.

[0006] Further, once installed, the networked luminaires must be linked to the particular nodes in the control module. The current practice is to “blink” each channel in a given node and walk around the area of the installation to see which luminaires respond to identify the luminaire connected to each channel of the control module. This manual iterative process takes time and can be associated with human error if an incorrect luminaire is associated with a node.

[0007] Accordingly, there is a need in the art for a luminaire control device that includes a plurality of channels that provides automatic detection of luminaires coupled to the channels.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present disclosure is directed to a luminaire control device. The luminaire control device includes a controller. A plurality of channels are coupled to the controller. Each of the plurality of channels includes a control path for providing a control voltage from the controller. A switch is located along the control path. The switch is operable between an open position wherein the control voltage is interrupted along the control path and a closed position wherein the control voltage flows through the control path. Each of the plurality of channels also include a detection path coupled to the controller. The detection path has a high impedance value. The detection path is operable when the switch is in the open position. A voltage divider is provided for each detection path. The voltage divider is configured to scale the floating voltage prior to being received by the controller. The controller is configured to determine, for each of the plurality of channels, whether a corresponding driver for a luminaire is coupled to the channel based on whether a floating voltage is received from the corresponding driver along the detection path when the switch is in the open position. The determination of whether the corresponding driver is coupled to each of the channels can be made at start-up of the luminaire control device.

[0010] Accordingly, the luminaire control device can automatically detect whether drivers are connected to each of the plurality of channels. The luminaire control device can then operate only those channels that have a driver present. This provides the flexibility to use a single luminaire control device in single, dual, or higher luminaire configurations. This approach provides convenience, speed, and cost savings when commissioning networked luminaires. The luminaire control device can also be used to debug luminaire wiring by sensing the presence or absence of a connection. The controller is further configured to output an identification of each of the plurality of channels determined to have the corresponding driver coupled thereto.

[0011] After the automatic detection, the controller is further configured to operate the switch of each of the plurality of channels determined to have the corresponding driver coupled thereto to move to the closed position to provide the control voltage, such as a 0-10V dimming signal, to the corresponding driver along the control path. The controller is further configured to provide the control voltage at a predetermined value stored on the controller for each of the plurality of channels determined to have the corresponding driver coupled thereto.

[0012] Generally, in one aspect, a luminaire control device is provided. The luminaire control device includes a controller. A plurality of channels are coupled to the controller.

[0013] Each of the plurality of channels includes a control path for providing a control voltage from the controller. A switch is located along the control path. The switch is operable between an open position wherein the control voltage is interrupted along the control path and a closed position wherein the control voltage flows through the control path.

[0014] Each of the plurality of channels also include a detection path coupled to the controller. The detection path is operable when the switch is in the open position.

[0015] The controller is configured to determine, for each of the plurality of channels, whether a corresponding driver for a luminaire is coupled to the channel based on whether a floating voltage is received from the corresponding driver along the detection path when the switch is in the open position.

[0016] According to an example, the controller is further configured to operate the switch of each of the plurality of channels determined to have the corresponding driver coupled thereto to move to the closed position to provide the control voltage to the corresponding driver along the control path.

[0017] According to an example, the controller is further configured to provide the control voltage at a predetermined value for each of the plurality of channels determined to have the corresponding driver coupled thereto.

[0018] According to an example, the predetermined value for the control voltage is stored on the controller.

[0019] According to an example, the luminaire control device further includes a voltage divider for each detection path. The voltage divider is configured to scale the floating voltage prior to being received by the controller.

[0020] According to an example, the control voltage is a 0-10V dimming signal. According to an example, the determination of whether the corresponding driver is coupled to each of the channels is made at start-up of the luminaire control device.

[0021] According to an example, the detection path has a high impedance value.

[0022] According to an example, the controller is further configured to output an identification of each of the plurality of channels determined to have the corresponding driver coupled thereto.

[0023] Generally, in another aspect, a method for providing automatic detection of one or more luminaire drivers is provided. The method includes determining, by a controller, for each of a plurality of channels coupled to the controller, whether a corresponding driver for a luminaire is coupled to the channel based on whether a floating voltage is received from the corresponding driver along a detection path coupled to the controller. The detection path is operable when a switch located along a control path coupled to the controller is in an open position to interrupt a control voltage along the control path.

[0024] According to an example, the switch is operable between the open position to a closed position wherein the control voltage flows through the control path.

[0025] According to an example, the method further includes operating, by the controller, the switch of each of the plurality of channels determined to have the corresponding driver coupled thereto to move to the closed position to provide the control voltage to the corresponding driver along the control path. According to an example, the method further includes providing, by the controller, the control voltage at a predetermined value for each of the plurality of channels determined to have the corresponding driver coupled thereto.

[0026] According to an example, the determination of whether the corresponding driver is coupled to each of the channels is made at start-up of the luminaire control device.

[0027] According to an example, the method further includes outputting, by the controller, an identification of each of the plurality of channels determined to have the corresponding driver coupled thereto.

[0028] It should be appreciated that all combinations of the foregoing concepts and additional concepts discussed in greater detail below (provided such concepts are not mutually inconsistent) are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. In particular, all combinations of claimed subject matter appearing at the end of this disclosure are contemplated as being part of the inventive subject matter disclosed herein. It should also be appreciated that terminology explicitly employed herein that also may appear in any disclosure incorporated by reference should be accorded a meaning most consistent with the particular concepts disclosed herein.

[0029] These and other aspects of the various embodiments will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment s) described hereinafter.

[0030] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the various embodiments.

[0032] FIG. l is a block diagram of an environment including a luminaire control device, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0033] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one of the channels of the luminaire control device of FIG. 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one example of a controller that could be employed in the luminaire control device of FIG. 1, according to aspects of the present disclosure.

[0035] FIG. 4 is a flowchart of a method for providing automatic detection of one or more luminaire drivers, according to aspects of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0036] The present disclosure is generally directed to a luminaire control device. The luminaire control device includes a controller. A plurality of channels are coupled to the controller. Each of the plurality of channels includes a control path for providing a control voltage from the controller. A switch is located along the control path. The switch is operable between an open position wherein the control voltage is interrupted along the control path and a closed position wherein the control voltage flows through the control path. Each of the plurality of channels also include a detection path coupled to the controller. The detection path has a high impedance value. The detection path is operable when the switch is in the open position. A voltage divider is provided for each detection path. The voltage divider is configured to scale the floating voltage prior to being received by the controller. The controller is configured to determine, for each of the plurality of channels, whether a corresponding driver for a luminaire is coupled to the channel based on whether a floating voltage is received from the corresponding driver along the detection path when the switch is in the open position. The determination of whether the corresponding driver is coupled to each of the channels can be made at start-up of the luminaire control device.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary environment 10 including a luminaire control device 12 connected to a plurality of luminaire drivers 14(l)-14(n) associated with a luminaire 15. The luminaire control device 12 can be configured to be coupled to any number of luminaire drivers. Although the single luminaire 15 is illustrated in FIG. 1, it is to be understood that the plurality of luminaire drivers 14(l)-14(n) could each be associated with a different luminaire. In other example, various combinations of luminaire drivers could be employed to operate any number of luminaires. In one example, the luminaire control device 12 can be utilized to connect to a plurality of network connected luminaires. Referring again to FIG. 1, the exemplary luminaire 15 can include a plurality of light emitting diodes that are coupled to, and have one or more aspects of their operation controlled by, one or more of the plurality of luminaire drivers 14(l)-14(n). The plurality of luminaire drivers 14(l)-14(n) in this example are dimmable drivers configured to operate one or more aspects of the luminaire 15 based on a 0-10V dimming signal.

[0038] The luminaire control device 12 includes a plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) coupled to a controller 18. The luminaire control device 12 can include any number of channels depending on the desired operation. The plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) each independently couple the controller 18 to a respective one of the plurality of luminaire drivers 14(l)-14(n). Although each of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) is illustrated as coupled to one of the corresponding plurality of luminaire drivers 14(l)-14(n), it is to be understood that the luminaire control device 12 can be installed with various combinations of luminaire drivers coupled to plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n). Thus, when installed, one or more of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) may not have a connected luminaire driver. The plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) allow for independent operation and detection of the plurality of luminaire drivers 14(l)-14(n) connected to the controller 18 in accordance with the methods described herein. This configuration advantageously allows the luminaire control device 12 to automatically determine at start-up which of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) have an associated luminaire driver coupled thereto. The luminaire control device 12 can then operate the connected luminaire drivers.

[0039] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the channel 16(1) shown in FIG. 1. Although channel 16(1) is illustrated and described, it is to be understood that each of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) provide the same structure and function as described with respect to the channel 16(1).

[0040] The channel 16(1) includes a control path 20 that couples the controller 18 to the luminaire driver 14(1) associated with the channel 16(1) when the luminaire driver 14(1) is installed with the luminaire control device 12. The control path 20 can be utilized for providing a control voltage 22 from the controller 18 to the luminaire driver 14(1), as shown in FIG. 2. In one example, the control voltage 22 is a 0-10V dimming signal, although other control voltages could be employed.

[0041] The channel 16(1) further includes a switch 24, which is located along the control path 20. The switch 24 is coupled to the controller 18 through a switch control path 25. The controller 18 can send signals to the switch 24 through the switch control path 25 to control the operation of the switch 24 to enable the detection methods described herein. The switch 24 is operable between an open position wherein the control voltage 22 is interrupted along the control path 20 and a closed position wherein the control voltage 22 flows through the control path 20 to the luminaire driver 14(1). The switch 24 is operable to allow detection of whether or not the luminaire driver 14(1) is coupled to the controller 18 through the channel 16(1) in accordance with the methods described herein.

[0042] The channel 16(1) also includes a detection path 26 coupled to the controller 18. The detection path 26 is further coupled to the control path 20 between the switch 24 and the luminaire driver 14(1). In this example, the luminaire driver is a 0-10V dimmable driver. The detection path 26 is configured to receive a floating voltage 28 from the luminaire driver 14(1) when the luminaire driver 14(1) is connected and the switch 24 is the open position, i.e., the control voltage 22 is not flowing through the control path 20. Thus, the detection path 26 is operable only when the switch 24 is in the open position.

[0043] The channel 16(1) further includes a voltage divider 30 located along the detection path 26. The voltage divider 30 is configured to scale the floating voltage 28 prior to being received by the controller 18, such that the floating voltage 28 is within a tolerance range of the controller 18. The voltage divider 30 can be any circuit element suitable to provide the floating voltage 28 to the controller 18 at a level within the tolerance range of the controller 18. In this example, the detection path 26 has a high impedance value.

[0044] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one example of the controller 18 that may be employed in the luminaire control device 12. In this example, the controller 18 includes one or more processor(s) 32, a memory 34, a communication interface 36, and a general purpose input / output (GPIO) 37, which are coupled together by a bus 38 or other communication link, although the controller 18 can include other types and / or numbers of elements in other configurations. In one example, the controller 18 is a microcontroller.

[0045] The processor(s) 32 of the controller 18 may execute programmed instructions stored in the memory 34 for the any number of the functions described and illustrated herein. In one example, the processor(s) 32 provides instructions to provide a control voltage 22 to one or more of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n), respectively, as discussed in further detail below. In another example, the processor(s) 32 determine, for each of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n), whether a corresponding luminaire driver is coupled thereto. In yet another example, the processor(s) 32 provide instructions to operate the switch 24 of one or more of the plurality of channels 16( 1 )- 16(2), although the processor(s) 32 can provide other instructions in accordance with the methods disclosed herein. The processor(s) 32 may include one or more CPUs, GPUs, or general-purpose processors with one or more processing cores, for example, although other types of processor(s) can also be used such as FPGA devices.

[0046] The memory 34 stores these programmed instructions for one or more aspects of the present technology as described and illustrated herein, although some or all of the programmed instructions could be stored elsewhere. A variety of different types of memory storage devices, such as random-access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), hard disk, solid state drives, flash memory, or other computer readable medium which is read from and written to by a magnetic, optical, or other reading and writing system that is coupled to the processor(s) 32, can be used for the memory 34. Accordingly, the memory 34 of the controller 18 can store one or more applications or programs that can include computer executable instructions that, when executed by the processor(s) 32 of the controller 18, cause the controller 18 to perform actions described below. The application(s) can be implemented as modules, threads, pipes, streams, or components of other applications. Further, the application(s) can be implemented as operating system extensions, module, plugins, or the like.

[0047] The communication interface 36 operatively couples and communicates between the controller 18 and one or more external devices, such as a mobile computing device, over one or more communication networks. The communication interface 36 may be utilized, for example, for providing an identification of one or more of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) for which a luminaire driver is determined to be attached in accordance with the detection methods described herein. The GPIO 37 can be utilized to send and receive electrical signals from the controller 18, for example, along the control path 20 and the detection path 26 for each of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n).

[0048] Although the exemplary controller 18 is described and illustrated herein, other types and / or numbers of systems, devices, components, and / or elements in other topologies can be used. It is to be understood that the systems of the examples described herein are for exemplary purposes, as many variations of the specific hardware and software used to implement the examples are possible, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art(s).

[0049] In addition, two or more computing systems or devices can be substituted for the controller 18. Accordingly, principles and advantages of distributed processing, such as redundancy and replication also can be implemented, as desired, to increase the robustness and performance of the devices and systems of the examples. The examples may also be implemented on computer system(s) that extend across any suitable network using any suitable interface mechanisms and traffic technologies, including by way of example only teletraffic in any suitable form (e.g., voice and modem), wireless traffic networks, cellular traffic networks, Packet Data Networks (PDNs), the Internet, intranets, and combinations thereof.

[0050] The examples may also be embodied as one or more non-transitory computer readable media having instructions stored thereon for one or more aspects of the present technology as described and illustrated by way of the examples herein. The instructions in some examples include executable code that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the processors to carry out steps necessary to implement the methods of the examples of this technology that are described and illustrated herein.

[0051] An exemplary method 400 of providing automatic detection of one or more luminaire drivers using the luminaire control device 12 shown in FIG. 1 will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1-4. In step 402, the automatic detection method is initiated. For example, the automatic detection method can be initiated during start-up of the luminaire control device 12. In this example, each switch 24 of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) can be started in the open position at start-up of the luminaire control device 12 to prevent the control voltage 22 from being transmitted along the control path 20. The switch 24 being in the open position allows for the floating voltage 28 of any of the luminaire drivers 14(l)-14(n) that are connected to the channels 16(l)-16(n) to be transmitted along the detection path 26. In another example, the controller 18 can operate the switch 24 using the switch control path 25 to move to the switch 24 for each of the plurality of channels 16(1)- 16(n) to the open position to start the detection method. The detection method can be utilized to debug the networked luminaires, by way of example only.

[0052] Next, in step 404 the controller 18 determines, for each of a plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n), whether the floating voltage 28 is received from the luminaire driver 14(l)-14(n) through the detection path 26. Step 404 will be described with respect to the determination for the channel 16(1), although the determination can be made for each of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) in the same manner. Referring more specifically to FIG. 2, when the switch 24 is in the open position and the luminaire driver 14(1) is coupled to the channel 16(1), the luminaire driver 14(1), which in this example is a 0-10V dimmable driver, goes to full power. The floating voltage 28 is provided along the detection path 26 and is scaled by the voltage divider 30 to be within the tolerance level of the controller 18. If in step 404 the controller does not receive the floating voltage 28 for the channel 18(1), the NO branch is taken to step 408 where the controller determines that the channel 18(1) is not active as there is the luminaire driver 14(1) is not connected. If in step 404, the controller 18 receives the floating voltage 28 for the channel 18(1), the YES branch is taken to step 408 where the controller 18 determines that the luminaire driver 14(1) is connected to the channel 18(1). Step 404 is performed for each of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) to determine whether the luminaire driver 14(l)-14(n) is connected.

[0053] In step 410, the controller operates the switch 24 of each of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) determined in step 408 to have the corresponding luminaire driver 14(l)-14(n) coupled thereto to move to the closed position. For example, the controller 18 provides a signal through the switch control path 25 of each of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) determined in step 408 to have the corresponding luminaire driver 14(l)-14(n) coupled thereto to close the switch 24. Referring more specifically to FIG. 2, when the switch 24 is closed, the control path 20 couples the controller 18 to the luminaire driver 14(1), for example.

[0054] In step 412, the controller 18 provides the control voltage 22 at a predetermined value for each of the plurality of channels 16(l)-16(n) determined to have the corresponding luminaire driver 14(l)-14(n) coupled thereto. For example, the control voltage 22 can be used to control one or more features of light emitting diodes coupled to each of the luminaire drivers 14(l)-14(n) of the luminaire 15, such as light intensity or color tuning, by way of example only. The control voltage 22 can be used to control any dimmable features. For example, the preset values for the control voltage 22 can be stored in the memory of the controller 18 and can be adjusted based on user preferences.

[0055] In optional step 414, the controller 18 outputs an identification of each of the plurality of channels 16( 1 )- 16(n) determined to have the corresponding luminaire driver 14( 1 )- 14(n) coupled thereto. The identification in step 414 can be used to provide a map of the occupied channels 16( 1 )- 16(n) for a number of networked luminaires. For example, the identification can be graphically displayed on a user device to identify the occupied channels.

[0056] All definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and / or ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0057] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0058] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0059] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.”

[0060] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements can optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified.

[0061] It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.

[0062] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0063] The above-described examples of the described subject matter can be implemented in any of numerous ways. For example, some aspects can be implemented using hardware, software, or a combination thereof. When any aspect is implemented at least in part in software, the software code can be executed on any suitable processor or collection of processors, whether provided in a single device or computer or distributed among multiple devices / computers.

[0064] The flowchart and block diagrams in the Figures illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various examples of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flowchart or block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of instructions, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). In some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the Figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession can, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently, or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowchart illustration, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or carry out combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0065] Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims and other claims to which the applicant can be entitled.

[0066] While various examples have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means and / or structures for performing the function and / or obtaining the results and / or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations and / or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be exemplary and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and / or configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the teachings is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific examples described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims and equivalents thereto, examples can be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Examples of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, kit, and / or method described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods, if such features, systems, articles, materials, kits, and / or methods are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A luminaire control device (12) comprising: a controller (18); and a plurality of channels (16(l)-16(n)) coupled to the controller (18), each of the plurality of channels (16(l)-16(n)) comprising: a control path (20) for providing a control voltage (22) from the controller (18); a switch (24) located along the control path (20), the switch (24) being operable between an open position wherein the control voltage (22) is interrupted along the control path (20) and a closed position wherein the control voltage (22) flows through the control path (20); and a detection path (26) coupled to the controller (18), the detection path (26) operable when the switch (24) is in the open position; wherein the controller (18) is configured to: with the switch being in the open position for each of the plurality of channels, determine, for each of the plurality of channels (16(l)-16(n)), whether a corresponding driver for a luminaire (14(l)-14(n)) is coupled to one of the channels (16(l)-16(n)) based on whether a floating voltage (28) value within a floating voltage value range is detected by the controller on the detection path connected to the corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)); wherein the controller (18) is further configured to close the corresponding switch (24) of each of the plurality of channels (16(l)-16(n)) determined to have the corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)) coupled thereto to provide the control voltage (22) to the corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)) along the control path (20); and wherein subsequent to determining whether a corresponding driver for a luminaire is coupled to one of the channels, the controller (18) outputs an identification of each of the plurality of channels (16(l)-16(n)) determined to have the corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)) coupled thereto.

2. The luminaire control device of claim 1, wherein the controller is further configured to provide the control voltage at a predetermined value for each of the plurality ofchannels (16(l)-16(n)) determined to have the corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)) coupled thereto.

3. The luminaire control device (12) of claim 2, wherein each detection path includes a voltage divider circuit, where the voltage diver circuit scales the floating voltage provided to the controller prior to determining whether a corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)) is coupled to the channel (16(l)-16(n)).

4. The luminaire control device (12) of claim 3, wherein the floating voltage is scaled to a value within a tolerance range of the controller.

5. The luminaire control device of the claim 1, wherein the control voltage (22) is a 0-10V dimming signal.

6. The luminaire control device (12) of claim 1, wherein the determination of whether the corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)) is coupled to each of the channels (16(1)- 16(n)) is made at start-up of the luminaire control device (12).

7. The luminaire control device (12) of claim 1, wherein the detection path (26) has a high impedance value.

8. A method (400) for providing automatic detection of one or more luminaire drivers, the method comprising: providing a luminaire control device (12), wherein the luminaire control device includes a controller (18) and a plurality of channels (16(l)-16(n)) coupled to the controller (18), each of the plurality of channels (16(l)-16(n)) comprising: a control path (20) for providing a control voltage (22) from the controller (18), a switch (24) located along the control path (20), the switch (24) being operable between an open position wherein the control voltage (22) is interrupted along the control path (20) and a closed position wherein the control voltage (22) flows through the control path (20), and a detection path (26) coupled to the controller (18), the detection path (26) operable when the switch (24) is in the open position;with the switch being in the open position for each of the pluarility of channels, determining (404), by a controller (18), for each of the plurality of channels (16(1)- 16(n)) coupled to the controller (18), whether a corresponding driver for a luminaire (14(1)- 14(n)) is coupled to the channel (16(l)-16(n)) based on whether a floating voltage (28) value within a floating voltage value range is detected by the controller corresponding to the detection path connected to the corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)). closing, by the controller (18), the switch (24) of each of the plurality of channels (16(l)-16(n)) determined to have the corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)) coupled thereto to move to the closed position to provide the control voltage (22) to the corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)) along the control path (20), and wherein subsequent to determining whether a corresponding driver is coupled to one of the channels, outputting (414), by the controller (18), an identification of each of the plurality of channels (16(l)-16(n)) determined to have the corresponding driver (14(1)- 14(n)) coupled thereto.

9. The method (400) of claim 8, further comprising: providing (412), by the controller (18), the control voltage (22) at a predetermined value for each of the plurality of channels (16(l)-16(n)) determined to have the corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)) coupled thereto.

10. The method (400) of claim 8, wherein the determination of whether the corresponding driver (14(l)-14(n)) is coupled to each of the channels (16(l)-16(n)) is made at start-up of the luminaire control device (12).

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