Wireless load control device assembly

Abstract

A control device for controlling power delivered to an electrical load may comprise a faceplate assembly, a control module assembly, and an antenna structure defining an antenna. The faceplate assembly may include a faceplate that has a front surface and an opposed rear surface, and defines an edge at an outer periphery of the front surface. The faceplate assembly may have a user interface provided at the front surface of the faceplate. The control module assembly may comprise a control module that is responsive to the user interface of the faceplate assembly. The antenna defined by the antenna structure may be electrically coupled to a wireless communication circuit of the control module via a coaxial cable. The antenna structure may be positioned adjacent to the edge of the faceplate, for example, adjacent to a notch in a rim that extends from a rear surface of the faceplate.

Description

WIRELESS LOAD CONTROL DEVICE ASSEMBLYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims benefit of Provisional U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 705,176, filed on October 9, 2024, the entire disclosure of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.BACKGROUND

[0002] Load control devices may be used to control the amount of power delivered from a power source, such as an alternating-current (AC) power source, to one or more electrical loads. An example of such a load control device is a wall-mounted dimmer switch. Load control devices may be integrated into home automation systems

[0003] Home automation systems, which have become increasing popular, may be used by homeowners to integrate and control multiple electrical and / or electronic devices in their house. For example, a homeowner may connect devices, such as appliances, lights, blinds, thermostats, cable or satellite boxes, security systems, telecommunication systems, and the like to each other via a wireless network.

[0004] The homeowner may control such devices using a central (e.g., automated) controller, a dedicated remote control device (e.g., a wall -mounted keypad), a user interface provided via a phone, tablet, computer, or other device that is directly connected to a home network or remotely connected via the Internet, and so on. These devices may communicate with each other and / or with a control device, for example to improve efficiency, convenience, and / or usability of the devices. The devices may be configured to provide feedback, for example, by illuminating one or more visual indicators, to indicate a state and / or present level of the system, the device, and / or one or more of the electrical loads.SUMMARY

[0005] As described herein, a control device for controlling power delivered to an electrical load may comprise a faceplate assembly, a control module assembly, and an antenna structure defining an antenna. The faceplate assembly may include a faceplate that has a front surface and an opposed rear surface, and defines an edge at an outer periphery of the front surface. The faceplate assembly may also include a user interface provided at the front surface of the faceplate. The control module assembly may comprise a control module that is configured to be responsive to the user interface of the faceplate assembly and includes one or more wireless communication circuits. The antenna defined by the antenna structure may be electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module via a coaxial cable for communicating messages via wireless signals. The antenna structure may be positioned adjacent to the edge of the faceplate.

[0006] In addition, a control device comprise a faceplate assembly having a faceplate made from a conductive material, a control module assembly, and an antenna structure positioned adjacent to a notch in a rim of the faceplate. The faceplate of the faceplate assembly may have a front surface, an opposed rear surface from which the rim of the faceplate may extend. The faceplate assembly may also include a user interface provided at the front surface of the faceplate. The control module assembly may comprise a control module that is configured to be responsive to the user interface of the faceplate assembly and includes one or more wireless communication circuits. The antenna structure may define an antenna electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module for communicating messages via wireless signals.

[0007] A control module assembly that includes a control module and an antenna structure is also described herein. The control module may comprise an enclosure and one or more wireless communication circuits housed in the enclosure. The antenna structure may define an antenna electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module for communicating messages via wireless signals. The antenna structure may comprise an antenna printed circuit board on which the antenna is at least partially formed and a carrier configured to support the antenna printed circuit board. The carrier may include anelongated member that is configured to extend from the carrier to the enclosure of the control module for supporting the antenna printed circuit board relative to the control module and comprises a channel through which a coaxial cable extends between the antenna printed circuit board and the enclosure of the control module.

[0008] Further, a control device may comprise a faceplate assembly, a control modules assembly, and first and second antenna structures defining first and second antennas, respectively. The faceplate assembly may include a faceplate that has a front surface and an opposed rear surface, and defines an edge at an outer periphery of the front surface. The faceplate assembly may also include a user interface provided at the front surface of the faceplate. The control module assembly may comprise a control module that is configured to be responsive to the user interface of the faceplate assembly and includes one or more wireless communication circuits. The first and second antennas defined by the first and second antenna structures, respectively, may be are electrically coupled to one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module for communicating messages via wireless signals. The first and second antenna structures may be positioned adjacent to the edge of the faceplate on opposing sides of the control module.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] FIG. l is a simplified block diagram of an example load control system for controlling the amount of power delivered to one or more electrical loads.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an example control device for use in a load control system, such as the load control system of FIG. 1.

[0011] FIG. 3 is a front exploded view of another example control device along with a wallbox to which the control device is configured to be mounted.

[0012] FIG. 4 is a rear exploded view of the control device of FIG. 3 and the wallbox.

[0013] FIG. 5 is an exploded front perspective view of a control module assembly of the control device of FIG. 3.

[0014] FIG. 6 is an exploded rear perspective view of the control module assembly of the control device of FIG. 3.

[0015] FIG. 7 is an exploded front perspective view of a faceplate assembly of the control device of FIG. 3.

[0016] FIG. 8 is an exploded rear perspective view of the faceplate assembly of the control device of FIG. 3.

[0017] FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of another example control device.

[0018] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view of a control module assembly of the control device of FIG. 9.

[0019] FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the control module assembly of the control device of FIG. 9.

[0020] FIGs. 12A and 12B are bottom cross-section views of a first antenna structure and a second antenna structure, respectively, of the control device FIG. 9.

[0021] FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram of an example control device.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] FIG. 1 is a simplified block diagram of an example load control system 100 (e.g, a lighting control system). The load control system 100 may comprise one or more load control devices (e.g., such as lighting control devices) for controlling one or more electrical loads (e.g., such as lighting loads). For example, the load control devices of the load control system 100 may comprise a wall-mounted load control device, such as a dimmer switch 110, which may be electrically coupled between a power source 102 and a light source, such a lighting load 112 (e.g, an external lighting load). The power source 102 may comprise, for example, an alternating-current (AC) power source (e.g, as shown in FIG. 1) and / or a direct-current (DC) power source. The lighting load 112 may comprise a dimmable light source (e.g, such as an incandescent lamp, a halogen lamp, and / or a dimmable light-emitting diode (LED) light source)installed in a lighting fixture 114, such as a ceiling-mounted downlight fixture. The dimmer switch 110 may be configured to control the lighting load 112 using a phase-control dimming technique (e.g., the lighting load 112 may be responsive to a phase-control signal generated by the dimmer switch 110). For example, the dimmer switch 110 may be configured to adjust an intensity level (e.g., a brightness) of the lighting load 112 using the phase-control dimming technique. The dimmer switch 110 may be configured to adjust the intensity level of the lighting load 112 between a low-end intensity level (e.g., a minimum intensity level) and a high-end intensity level (e.g., a maximum intensity level).

[0023] The lighting load 112 may be configured to adjust the intensity level of light emitted by the lighting load 112 in response to a firing angle of the phase-control signal received from the dimmer switch 110. In some examples, the lighting load 112 may be configured to also adjust a color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color) of the light emitted by the lighting load 112 in response to the phase-control signal according to a relationship between the color temperature and the intensity level set by the phase-control signal (e.g., according to a warm-dim curve). The dimmer switch 110 may comprise a user interface, including one or more buttons configured to be actuated by a user for controlling the lighting load 112. In addition, the dimmer switch 110 may be configured to receive messages (e.g., digital messages) via communication signals, such as wireless signals, e.g., radio-frequency (RF) signals 108. For example, the message may include commands for causing the dimmer switch 110 to control the lighting load 112. In some examples, in addition to generating the phase-control signal, the dimmer switch 110 may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the lighting load 112 (e.g., and / or other lighting loads in the load control system 100). For example, the lighting load 112 may be configured to adjust the intensity level and / or the color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color) of the light emitted by the lighting load 112 in response to the commands received in the messages (e.g., from the dimmer switch 110) via the RF signals 108.

[0024] The load control devices of the load control system 100 may also comprise a remote load control device, such as an LED driver 120, for controlling a lighting load, such as LED light source 122 (e.g., an external lighting load). The LED driver 120 may be electrically coupled to the power source 102 for receiving power and may be configured to control theamount of power delivered to the LED light source 122 for controlling an intensity level and / or color (e.g., full color and / or color temperature) of the LED light source 122. For example, the integral LED light source may comprise one more LED circuits of different colors that may be mixed together to control a cumulative light emitted by the integral LED light source. The LED light source 122 may comprise, for example, an LED light engine that is external to a housing of the LED driver 120 and installed with the LED driver 120 in a lighting fixture 124, such as a ceiling-mounted downlight fixture. For example, the LED driver 120 may be a multi-channel LED driver having multiple channels (e.g., outputs) for controlling the differently-colored LED circuits of the LED light source 122. The LED driver 120 may be configured to control the magnitude of drive currents conducted through each of the LED circuits of the LED light source 122 to control the intensity level and / or color of the light emitted by the LED light source 122. The LED driver 120 may be configured to adjust the intensity level of the LED light source 122 between a low-end intensity level (e.g., a minimum intensity level) and a high-end intensity level (e.g., a maximum intensity level). The LED driver 120 may be configured to receive messages (e.g., digital messages) via the RF signals 108. For example, the message may include commands for causing the LED driver 120 to control the LED light source 122. The LED driver 120 may be configured to adjust the intensity level and / or the color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color) of the light emitted by the LED light source 122 in response to the commands received in the messages via the RF signals 108. In some examples, the LED driver 120 may be integrated into the LED light source 122, and the LED light source 122 may be responsive to the command received in the messages via the RF signals 108.

[0025] In addition, the load control devices of the load control system 100 may comprise a controllable light source 130 (e.g., such as a smart lamp or smart bulb). The controllable light source 130 may comprise an integral lighting load (e.g., an integral LED light source) included in the same housing as a load control circuit (e.g., an LED driver circuit) for controlling the integral LED light source. For example, the integral LED light source may comprise one more LED circuits of different colors that may be mixed together to control a cumulative light emitted by the integral LED light source. The controllable light source 130 may be installed into, for example, a table lamp 132 that may be plugged into an electrical outlet 134 (e.g., an electrical receptacle), which may receive power from the power source 102 for powering the controllablelight source 130. For example, the electrical outlet 134 may be electrically coupled to the power source 102 via a toggle switch 136 (e.g., a mechanical switch). When the toggle switch 136 is on (e.g., is in a conductive state), the controllable light source 130 may receive power from the power source 102 (e.g., be powered). When the toggle switch 136 is off (e.g., is in a non-conductive state), the controllable light source 130 may be disconnected from the power source 102 (e.g., be unpowered). The load control circuit of the controllable light source 130 may be configured to control an intensity level (e.g., a brightness) and / or a color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color) of the cumulative light emitted by the integral lighting load. The controllable light source 130 may be configured to receive messages (e.g., digital messages) via the wireless signals, e.g., the RF signals 108. For example, the message may include commands for causing the controllable light source 130 to control the integral lighting load. The controllable light source 130 may be configured to adjust the intensity level and / or the color (e.g., color temperature and / or full color) of the light emitted by the integral LED light source in response to the commands received in the messages via the RF signals 108.

[0026] The lighting loads of the load control system 100 (e.g., the lighting load 112 controlled by the dimmer switch 110, the LED light source 122 controlled by the LED driver 120, and / or the LED light source of the controllable light source 130) may be capable of multiple means of control. For example, one or more of the lighting loads may be intensity-control capable when the lighting loads are capable of being controlled in response to intensity-adjustment commands. In addition, one or more of the lighting loads may be color-temperature-control capable when the lighting loads are capable of being controlled in response to color-temperature-adjustment commands. Further, one or more of the lighting loads may be full-color-control capable when the lighting loads are capable of being controlled in response to full-color-adjustment commands. For example, the lighting load 112 controlled by the dimmer switch 110 may be intensity-control capable (e.g., only intensity-control capable) when the lighting load 110 may be controlled via a phase-control signal (e.g., only via a phase-control signal). In addition, the LED light source 122 controlled by the LED driver 120 and the LED light source of the controllable light source 130 may be intensity-control capable as well as color-temperature-control capable and / or full-color-control capable. For example, some lighting loads may be color-temperature-control capable (e.g., only color-temperature-controlcapable) when the color of the light emitted by the lighting load may be controlled (e.g., only be controlled) to colors (e.g., white colors) along the black body curve. In addition, some lighting loads may be color-control capable when color of the light emitter by the lighting load may be controlled to multiple colors (e.g., as determined by an x-chromaticity coordinate and a y-chromaticity coordinate) within a gamut in the color space (e.g., not limited to white colors on the black body curve). Typically, those lighting loads that are full-color-control capable are also color-temperature-control capable. A load control device that is controlling a lighting load that is both color-temperature-control capable and full -color-control capable may operate (e.g., only operate) in one or the other of the color-temperature-control mode or the full-color-control mode at a time.

[0027] The load control system 100 may include one or more input control devices for controlling the load control devices (e.g., controlling the intensity levels of the lighting load 112 controlled by the dimmer switch 110, the LED light source 122 controlled by the LED driver 120, and / or the LED light source of the controllable light source 130). For example, the input control devices of the load control system 100 may comprise, a tabletop remote control device 140, a wall -mounted remote control device 142, a handheld remote control device 144, and / or a retrofit remote control device 146 as shown in FIG. 1. The load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 110, the LED driver 120, and / or the controllable light source 130) may be controlled substantially in unison, or be controlled individually. The input control devices may be configured to control the load control devices to turn on and off the lighting load 112 controlled by the dimmer switch 110, the LED light source 122 controlled by the LED driver 120, and / or the controllable light source 130. The input control devices may be configured to control the intensity levels of the lighting load 112 controlled by the dimmer switch 110, the LED light source 122 controlled by the LED driver 120, and / or the controllable light source 130. The input control devices may be configured to control the color of light emitted by the lighting load 112 and / or the controllable light source 130 (e.g., by controlling a color temperature of the lighting loads or by applying full color control to the lighting loads). The input control devices may be configured to control the intensity level and / or the color temperature of each of the lighting load 112, the LED light source 122, and the controllable light source 130 to an absolute level (e.g., to a particular intensity level, such as to 50%), and / or by arelative amount (e.g., by a particular amount, such as by 10%). The input control devices may be configured to use full color control to control color of each of the lighting load 112, the LED light source 122, and the controllable light source 130 to an absolute level (e.g, to a particular full color).

[0028] The input control device may be configured to be responsive to an input and transmit control data in one or more messages via the RF signals 108 for controlling the lighting load 112, the LED light source 122, and / or the controllable light source 130 based on the input. For example, the input may comprise a detection of an actuation of a button of the input control device by a user. The control data may include commands and / or other information (e.g., such as identification information) for controlling the lighting load 112, the LED light source 122, and / or the controllable light source 130. In some examples, the dimmer switch 110 may be configured to transmit messages via the RF signals 108 for controlling other lighting loads, such as the LED light source 122 and / or the integral LED light source of the controllable light source 130.

[0029] The input control devices (e.g., the tabletop remote control device 140, the wall-mounted remote control device 142, the handheld remote control device 144, and / or the retrofit remote control device 146) may be configured to receive an input and may generate and transmit a message (e.g., including control data, such as commands) for controlling the lighting load 112, the LED light source 122, and / or the controllable light source 130 in response to the input. The tabletop remote control device 140 may be configured to be placed on a surface (e.g., a table). The wall-mounted remote control device 142 may be configured to be mounted to a wall (e.g., directly to a wall) and / or to an electrical wallbox. The handheld remote control device 144 may be sized to fit into a user’s hand. The tabletop remote control device 140, the wall-mounted remote control device 142, the handheld remote control device 144, and / or the retrofit remote control device 146 may be powered by a direct-current (DC) power source (e.g., a battery or an external DC power supply plugged into an electrical outlet). In some examples, the wall-mounted remote control device 142 may be configured to be electrically connected to the power source 102 for receiving power (e.g., when the wall-mounted remote control device 142 is mounted to the electrical wallbox).

[0030] The retrofit remote control device 146 may be configured to be mounted to a light switch, such as the toggle switch 136 (e.g., which may be pre-existing in the lighting control system 100). As an example, a consumer may replace an existing lamp with the controllable light source 130, adjust the toggle switch 136 that is coupled to the controllable light source 130 to the on position, install (e.g., mount) the retrofit remote control device 146 onto the toggle switch 136, and associate the retrofit remote control device 146 with the controllable light source 130. As shown, the toggle switch 136 is coupled (e.g., via a series electrical connection) between the power source 102 and the electrical outlet 134 into which the table lamp 132 in which the controllable light source 130 is installed may be plugged (e.g., as shown in FIG. 1). Alternatively, the toggle switch 136 may be coupled between the power source 102 and one or more lighting loads without the electrical outlet 134.

[0031] The load control system 100 may comprise a system controller 150. For example, the system controller 150 may operate as an intermediary device and / or a central processing device for one or more other devices in the load control system 100. The system controller 150 may be configured to communicate messages (e.g., digital messages) to and from the control devices (e.g., the input control devices and the load control devices of the lighting control system 100). The system controller 150 may be configured to receive messages from the input control devices (e.g., the tabletop remote control device 140, the wall-mounted remote control device 142, the handheld remote control device 144, and / or the retrofit remote control device 146) and transmit messages to the load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 110, the LED driver 120, and / or the controllable light source 130) in response to the messages received from the input control devices. The system controller 150 may route the messages based on the association information stored thereon. The messages from the input control devices and / or to the load control devices may be communicated via the RF signals 108.

[0032] The system controller 150 may be configured to transmit messages to the load control devices for controlling the lighting loads (e.g., the lighting load 112, the LED light source 122, and / or the LED light source of the controllable light source 130) in response to the messages received from the input control devices (e.g., via the RF signals 108). For example, the system controller 150 may receive a message indicating an actuation of a button from aninput control device (e.g., such as the tabletop remote control device 140, the wall-mounted remote control device 142, the handheld remote control device 144, and / or the retrofit remote control device 146), and transmit a message to one or more of the load control devices for controlling the lighting loads. For example, the input control devices may be configured to control (e.g., indirectly control) the lighting loads (e.g., the lighting load 112, the LED light source 122, and / or the LED light source of the controllable light source 130) by transmitting messages to the system controller 150 that cause the system controller 150 to transmit messages including commands for controlling the lighting loads to the load control devices. Though the system controller 150 is described as communicating messages between devices in the load control system 100, messages may be communicated directly between devices (e.g., between the input control devices and / or the load control devices). The messages may include configuration data for configuring the input control devices and / or the load control devices, and / or the messages may include control data (e.g., one or more commands) for controlling the lighting loads. The system controller 150 may be coupled to a network, such as a wireless or wired local area network (LAN), e.g., for access to the Internet. The system controller 150 may be wirelessly connected to the network, e.g., using WI-FI technology. The system controller 150 may be coupled to the network via a network communication bus (e.g., an Ethernet communication link).

[0033] The load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 110, the LED driver 120, and / or the controllable light source 130) may be configured to be controlled by one or more of the input control devices (e.g., the tabletop remote control device 140, the wall -mounted remote control device 142, the handheld remote control device 144, and / or the retrofit remote control device 146) and / or the system controller 150. For example, one or more of the load control devices may be associated with one of the input control devices during a configuration procedure of the load control system 100. During normal operation of the load control system 100, the load control devices may be responsive to messages received from the input control devices to which the respective load control devices are associated.

[0034] The input control devices and / or the system controller 150 may be configured to activate a scene (e.g., a preset) associated with the lighting loads (e.g., the lighting load 112, theLED light source 122, and / or the LED light source of the controllable light source 130). A scene may be associated with one or more predetermined settings of the lighting loads, such as an intensity level and / or a color (e.g., a color temperature and / or a full color) of the lighting loads. The scenes may be configured via the input control devices and / or the system controller 150. The input control devices may be configured to switch between different operational modes. An operational mode may be associated with controlling different types of electrical loads or different operational aspects of one or more electrical loads of the load control system 100 (e.g., electrical loads including and / or other than the lighting loads shown in FIG. 1). Examples of operational modes may include a lighting control mode for controlling one or more lighting loads (e.g., which in turn may include an intensity-adjustment mode, a color-temperature-adjustment mode, and / or a full-color-adjustment mode), an entertainment system control mode (e.g, for controlling music selection and / or the volume of an audio system), an heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system control mode, a winter treatment device control mode (e.g, for controlling one or more shades), and / or the like.

[0035] The load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 110, the LED driver 120, and / or the controllable light source 130) may be configured to control the respective lighting loads (e.g., the lighting load 112, the LED light source 122, and / or the LED light source of the controllable light source 130) in response to scenes selected by the input control devices and / or the system controller 150 For example, the messages transmitted by the input control devices in response to a scene being selected may include an indication of the selected scene. The load control devices may have stored in memory thereon the particular intensity levels, colors (e.g., full colors), and / or color temperatures to which to control the respective lighting loads in response to the selected scenes. For example, the load control devices may be configured to provide absolute control of the intensity level, color (e.g., full color), and / or color temperature (e.g., to control the intensity level, color, and / or color temperature to absolute levels) in response to the selection of scenes. In response to the selection of a particular scene, the load control devices may be configured to control either color (e.g., full color) and / or the color temperature of a particular lighting load that is a part of the scene. For example, the LED driver 120 and / or the controllable light source 130 may be configured to operate in a color-temperature-control mode to control the color temperature of the integral lighting load, or may operate in a full-color-control mode tocontrol the color of the integral lighting load (e.g., as determined by an x-chromaticity coordinate and a y-chromaticity coordinate).

[0036] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of an example control device 200 (e.g., a load control device and / or an input device), which may be deployed as the dimmer switch 110 and / or the wall-mounted remote control 142 of the load control system 100. The control device 200 may be configured to be mounted to a wall (e.g., directly to a wall) and / or to an electrical wallbox (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below). The control device 200 may be configured to be electrically connected to a power source (e.g., the power source 102) for receiving power (e.g., when the control device 200 is mounted to the electrical wallbox). In some examples, the control device 200 may also be electrically connected to a communication link (e.g., a wired communication link) for transmitting and / or receiving messages (e.g., digital messages). In addition, the control device 200 may be configured to transmit and / receive messages in wireless signals (e.g., radio-frequency signals, such as the RF signals 108) via a wireless communication link. The control device 200 may be configured to transmit messages including control data for controlling (e.g., indirectly controlling) electrical loads. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to transmit messages including the commands for controlling electrical loads to one or more load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 110, the LED driver 120, and / or the controllable light source 130) for controlling respective electrical loads (e.g., the lighting load 112, the LED light source 122, and / or the LED light source of the controllable light source 130). In some examples, the control device 200 may comprise an internal load control circuit for controlling (e.g., directly controlling) electrical loads (e.g., that are electrically coupled to the control device 200). For example, the control device 200 may be configured to control the internal load control circuit to turn the electrical loads on and off, and / or to control an amount of power delivered to the electrical loads.

[0037] The control device 200 may comprise a faceplate 212 (e.g., a cover plate or wall plate) and a user interface 214. For example, the faceplate 212 may extend in a longitudinal direction L and a lateral direction A. The user interface 214 may comprise one or more buttons 216 that may be received through respective apertures 215 in the faceplate 212. For example, the buttons 216 may each be spaced apart from the respective aperture 215 in thefaceplate 212, such that a respective gap 218 is formed between the button 216 and the respective aperture 215. In various embodiments, the faceplate 212 and / or the buttons 216 may have metallic exposed surfaces to provide a desired aesthetic appearance. For example, the faceplate 212 and / or the buttons 216 may be made at least partially from a conductive material (e.g., metal).

[0038] The control device 200 may be configured to control the electrical loads in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 216. For example, in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 216, the control device 200 may be configured to transmit messages including control data for controlling (e.g., indirectly controlling) the electrical loads to the load control devices. The control data included in the messages may be, for example, commands for controlling the electrical loads and / or indications of the actuations of the buttons 216 (e.g., which ones of the buttons 216 that were actuated). For example, the commands for controlling the electrical loads may be one or more of an on command for turning on the electrical loads, an off command for turning off the electrical loads, a raise command for raising the amount of power delivered to the electrical loads, a lower command for lowering the amount of power delivered to the electrical loads, an goto command for controlling the amount of power delivered to the electrical loads to a command level, and / or a preset command for controlling the electrical loads according to a preset (e.g., a scene). In addition, the control device 200 may be configured to transmit messages (e.g., including indications of the actuations of the buttons 216) to an intermediate device (e.g., such as the system controller 150) in response to actuations of the buttons 216, and the intermediate device may be configured to transmit messages (e.g., including the commands for controlling electrical loads) to the load control devices for controlling the electrical loads. In some examples, the control device 200 may be configured to control the internal load control circuit to control the electrical loads in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 216.

[0039] The control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 218 around each of the respective buttons 216. For example, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 218 to provide feedback to a user. The control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the respective gap 218 around one of the buttons 216 when that button is actuated(e.g., to indicate that the command has been received and / or the control device 200 is transmitting a message to external load control devices). The control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the respective gap 218 around one of the buttons 216 to indicate the status of one or more associated electrical loads (e.g., status information regarding whether the electrical loads are on or off). The control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the respective gap 218 around one of the buttons 216 to indicate the selection of a respective preset associated with the button. The control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 218 using, for example, constant illumination and / or intermittent illumination (e.g., blinking or strobing illumination). For example, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 218 around one or more of the buttons 216 (e.g., solidly illuminate, blink, or strobe) for an amount of time after an actuation of the button and then turn off the illumination. In some examples, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 218 using different colors of illumination. In addition, the control device 200 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 218 (e.g., to a dim level) to provide a nightlight feature, so that the control device 200 may be located in a dark environment. In various embodiments, the buttons may be configured as described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 10,798,792, issued October 6, 2020, entitled KEYPAD HAVING ILLUMINATED BUTTONS, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0040] While the control device 200 shown in FIG. 2 and described herein has the buttons 216 and the apertures 215 in the faceplate 212 that are circular, the control device 200 may also have buttons and apertures having different shapes, sizes, and depths. In addition, the faceplate 212 may have a different shape, size, and / or thickness. For example, in other embodiments, the control device 200 may have square buttons received in square openings of a square faceplate. The buttons 216, the apertures 215, and the faceplate 212 may also have other shapes, such as rectangle, triangle, oval, and / or ellipse shapes.

[0041] FIGs. 3-8 illustrate an example control device 300 (e.g., a load control device, such as a wall-mounted keypad), which may be deployed as the wall-mounted remote control 142 of the load control system 100 of FIG. 1 and / or the control device of FIG. 2. FIGs. 3 and 4 are front and rear exploded views, respectively, of the control device 300. Thecontrol device 300 may comprise a faceplate assembly 310 (e.g., a cover plate assembly) and a control module assembly 320. The control device 300 (e.g., the control module assembly 320) may be configured to be mounted to a wallbox 302 e.g., when installed in a wall of a building). For example, the control device 300 may be capable of mounting to a variety of types of wallboxes, including those found in different territories throughout the world, including circular wallboxes such as those commonly used in Europe. The control device 300 may be configured to transmit messages including control data for controlling (e.g., indirectly controlling) electrical loads. For example, the control device 300 may be configured to transmit messages including the commands for controlling electrical loads to one or more load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 110, the LED driver 120, and / or the controllable light source 130) for controlling respective electrical loads (e.g., the lighting load 112, the LED light source 122, and / or the LED light source of the controllable light source 130). In some examples, the control device 300 may comprise an internal load control circuit for controlling (e.g., directly controlling) electrical loads (e.g., that are electrically coupled to the control device 300). For example, the control device 300 may be configured to control the internal load control circuit to turn the electrical loads on and off, and / or to control an amount of power delivered to the electrical loads.

[0042] The faceplate assembly 310 of the control device 300 may comprise a faceplate 312 (e.g., a cover plate or wall plate) and a user interface 314. The user interface 314 may comprise one or more buttons 316. The control device 300 may be configured to transmit control data in one or more messages for controlling the load control devices in response to actuations of the buttons 316. For example, the faceplate 312 may extend in a longitudinal direction L and a lateral direction A. The faceplate 312 may include a front surface 311 and an opposed rear surface 313. The front surface 311 may be configured to provide a desired aesthetic appearance and may include graining and / or other surface finishes as desired. The buttons 316 may be received in respective apertures 315 that extend through the faceplate 316 from the front surface 311 to the rear surface 313 (e.g., in a transverse direction T). For example, the buttons 316 may each be spaced apart from the respective aperture 315 in the faceplate 312, such that a respective gap 318 is formed between the button 316 and the respective aperture 315. The faceplate 312 may have indicia on the front surface 311 of the faceplate 312 adjacent to each of the buttons 316 for indicating the command and / or preset thatmay be selected in response to an actuation of the respective button 316. Each of the one or more buttons 316 (e.g., three circular buttons as shown in FIGs. 3-8) may be received through a respective one of the apertures 315 of the faceplate 312. In various embodiments, the faceplate 312 and / or the buttons 316 may have metallic exposed surfaces to provide a desired aesthetic appearance. For example, the faceplate 312 and / or the buttons 316 may be made at least partially from a conductive material (e.g, metal).

[0043] FIGs. 5 and 6 are front and rear exploded views, respectively, of the control module assembly 320. The control module assembly 320 may include a mounting bracket 330 and a control module 340. The control module 340 may include at least a portion of the electrical circuitry of the control device 300 (e.g, as will be described in more detail herein). The control module 340 may comprise an enclosure 342 having a front enclosure portion 341 and a rear enclosure portion 343. The control module 340 may comprise a main printed circuit board (not shown) housed within the enclosure 342. In some examples, the internal load control circuit (e.g., for controlling the electrical loads that are electrically coupled to the control device 300) may be mounted to the main printed circuit board.

[0044] The mounting bracket 330 may be configured to be attached to the control module 340. The mounting bracket 330 may include a plate portion and a window 332 (e.g, an opening) extending through the plate portion 331 of the mounting bracket 330 such that when the mounting bracket 330 is attached to the control module 340, the front enclosure portion 341 of the enclosure 342 of the control module 340 may be accessible through the window 332. The mounting bracket 330 may also include one or more openings 334 configured to receive respective fasteners 304 (e.g., screws) to mount the control module assembly 320 to the wallbox 302. The openings 334 may be slotted (e.g, elongated) to allow for adjustment of the position of the control module assembly 320 relative to the wallbox 302. For example, the openings 334 may be elongated in the vertical direction to allow vertical adjustment of the control device 300 relative to the wallbox 302.

[0045] The mounting bracket 330 may be configured to be attached to the control module 340 using any appropriate technique. For example, the enclosure 342 (e.g., the frontenclosure portion 341) may define holes 344 for receiving respective fasteners 335 (e.g., screws). In addition, the mounting bracket 330 may define one or more holes 336 for receiving the respective fasteners 335. The fasteners 335 may be received through the holes 336 in the mounting bracket 330 and the holes 344 in the enclosure 342 to attach the mounting bracket 330 to the control module 340. It should be understood that other forms of attachment can be used to couple the mounting bracket 330 to the control module 340, such as snaps, flex arms, etc. In other embodiments, the control module 340 may not be connected (e.g., directly connected) to the mounting bracket 330 and, instead, may be able to “float” (e.g., be suspended) in the wallbox 302 when installed therein.

[0046] The faceplate assembly 310 may comprise a user interface module 350 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4). The user interface module 350 may also include at least a portion of the electrical circuitry of the control device 300 (e.g., as will be described in more detail herein). The user interface module 350 may be responsive to actuations of one or more of the buttons 316. The user interface module 350 may be connected (e.g., attached) to the faceplate 312 (e.g., to the rear surface 313 of the faceplate 312). For example, the rear surface 313 of the faceplate 312 may include a recessed portion 351 that is offset from other portions of the rear surface 313 toward the front surface 311 such that the thickness of the faceplate 312 is less between the front surface 311 and the recessed portion 351 than between the front surface 311 and other portions of the rear surface 313. The user interface module 350 may be connected (e.g., attached) to the faceplate 312 within the recessed portion 351. The user interface module 350 may comprise a back cover 352 (e.g., a housing). The back cover 352 may be attached to the faceplate 312, such that one or more components of the user interface module 350 may be enclosed between the back cover 352 and the rear surface 313 of the faceplate 312 (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below).

[0047] The faceplate assembly 310 may further comprise a mounting structure 360 that is connected (e.g., attached) to the back cover 352 of the user interface module 350. The mounting structure 360 may comprise one or more attachment members 362 for attaching the faceplate assembly 310 to the mounting bracket 330 of the control module assembly 320. The mounting bracket 330 may comprise tabs 338 surrounding the plate portion 331 of the mountingbracket 330. The attachment members 362 of the mounting structure 360 of the user interface module 350 may be configured to engage with two or more of the tabs 338 (e.g., on opposing sides of the plate portion 331) of the mounting bracket 330 for mounting the faceplate assembly 310 to the control module assembly 320. For example, the attachment members 362 of the mounting structure 360 of the user interface module 350 may be configured to engage with the tabs 338 that are located above and below the plate portion 331 of the mounting bracket 330. In some examples, the attachment members 362 of the mounting structure 360 of the user interface module 350 may be configured to engage with the tabs 338 that are located on the left and right sides of the plate portion 331 of the mounting bracket 330.

[0048] The control module 340 of the control module assembly 320 may be responsive to the user interface module 350 of the faceplate assembly 310. For example, the control module 340 may comprise a control circuit (e.g., a processor - not shown) housed within the enclosure 342 (e.g, mounted to the main printed circuit board). The control module 340 (e.g, the control circuit) may be configured to be electrically coupled to the user interface module 350, for example, via a cable 322. The control module 340 may comprise a receptacle 345 that may be located in a window 346 (e.g., an opening) in the front enclosure portion 341 and may be electrically and mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board inside of the enclosure 342. The user interface module 350 may comprise a receptacle 355 located in a window 356 (e.g., an opening) in the housing 352 (e.g, as shown in FIGs. 7 and 8). The receptacle 345 of the control module 340 may be configured to receive a first connector 324 of the cable 322, and the receptacle 355 of the user interface module 350 may be configured to receive a second connector 325 of the cable 322. The first and second connectors 324, 325 of the cable 322 may be of the appropriate type connect to the receptacle 345 of the control module 340 and the receptacle 355 of the user interface module 350. The control module 340 (e.g, the control circuit) may be configured to receive indications of actuations of the buttons 316 from the user interface module 350 via the cable 322. For example, the control module 340 (e.g, the control circuit) may be configured to receive one or more analog signals (e.g, switch signals) that indicate the actuations of the buttons 316 from the user interface module 350 via the cable 322. In addition, the control module 340 (e.g, the control circuit) may be configured toreceive one or more digital signals (e.g., messages) that indicate the actuations of the buttons 316 from the user interface module 350 via the cable 322.

[0049] The control module 340 may also include one or more connectors 347 (e.g., two connectors as shown in FIGs. 4 and 6) that may allow the control module 340 to be electrically connected to a power source and / or a wired communication link (e.g., digital communication link and / or an analog control link). For example, each of the connectors 347 may comprise one or more terminals 348 configured to provide an electrical connection to the power source and / or the wired communication link. The connectors 347 may be positioned (e.g., received in) respective openings 349 in the rear enclosure portion 343. For example, the connectors 347 may be electrically and mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board inside of the enclosure 342. The control module 340 may be configured to receive power from a power source, such as an alternating-current (AC) power source and / or a direct-current (DC) power source, and / or provide power to an electrical load, such as a lighting load, via one or more of the connectors 347. For example, the control module 340 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to transmit messages including control data for controlling the electrical loads (e.g., via the wired communication link coupled to one or more of the connectors 347 and / or a wireless communication link) in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 316. The control data included in the messages may be, for example, commands for controlling the electrical loads and / or indications of the actuations of the buttons 316 (e.g., which ones of the buttons 316 that were actuated). In some examples, the control module 340 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to control the internal load control circuit to control the power delivered to the electrical loads via one or more of the connectors 347 in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 316.

[0050] The control module 340 may comprise an actuator 326 (e.g., a button) on the front enclosure portion 341. The actuator 326 may be actuated, for example, when the faceplate assembly 310 is not attached to the control module assembly 320. The actuator 326 of the control module 340 may be accessible through the window 332 of the mounting bracket 330. For example, the actuator 326 may be formed in the front enclosure portion 341 and may comprise an arm 327 (e.g., an elongated lever) connected to the front enclosure portion 341 ofthe enclosure 342 of the control module 340 at a junction 328. When the actuator 326 is pressed in towards the control module 340, the arm 327 may flex (e.g., bend and / or pivot) about the junction 328 and actuate a switch (e.g., a momentary tactile switch - not shown) housed in the enclosure 342 of the control module 340. For example, the switch may be mounted to the main printed circuit board and electrically coupled to the control circuit of the control module 340. The control module 340 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to control the electrical loads and / or to configure the control device 300 in response to actuations of the actuator 326 e.g., by a user). The control module 340 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to turn electrical loads on and off in response to consecutive actuations of the actuator 326. For example, the control module 340 may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the electrical loads (e.g., via the wired communication link coupled to one or more of the connectors 347 and / or a wireless communication link) in response to actuations of actuator 326. In some examples, the control module 340 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to control the internal load control circuit to control the power delivered to the electrical loads via one or more of the connectors 347 in response to actuations of the actuator 326. Further, the control module 340 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to enter a configuration mode and / or otherwise be configured in response to actuations of the actuator 326.

[0051] The control module 340 may also comprise a visible indicator 329 on the front enclosure portion 341. The visible indicator 329 may be illuminated to provide feedback to a user of the control device 300 and may be visible (e.g., to the user), for example, when the faceplate assembly 310 is not attached to the control module assembly 320. The visible indicator 329 of the control module 340 may be viewed through the window 332 of the mounting bracket 330. For example, the visible indicator 329 may comprise an opening in the front enclosure portion 341 of the control module 340 that may be illuminated by a light source (e.g., a light-emitting diode - not shown) housed in the enclosure 342 of the control module 340. For example, the light source may be mounted to the main printed circuit board and electrically coupled to the control circuit of the control module 340. The control module 340 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to illuminate the visible indicator 329 to indicate a status of the control module 340. The control module 340 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured toturn the visible indicator 329 on or off, blink the visible indicator 329, and / or illuminate the visible indicator 329 one or more different colors to indicate the status. For example, the control module 340 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to turn on the visible indicator 329 when the electrical loads are on and off when the electrical loads are off. In addition, the control module 340 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to blink the visible indicator 329 when the control module 340 is in the configuration mode. The control module 340 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to illuminate the visible indicator 329 a first color (e.g., green) when the control module 340 is operating correctly and a second color (e.g., red) when the control module 340 has determined that there is an error condition.

[0052] FIGs. 7 and 8 are front and rear exploded views, respectively, of the faceplate assembly 310. As previously described, the faceplate assembly 310 may include the faceplate 312, the buttons 316, and the user interface module 350. The faceplate 312 may further include a lip 317 extending outward from the rear surface 313 at an edge 319 of the faceplate 312, in the opposite direction from the front surface 311, around the perimeter of the faceplate 312 (e.g., in the transverse direction T).

[0053] The user interface module 350 may comprise a user interface printed circuit board assembly 370, a carrier 380, and one or more insulators, such as a first insulator 390 and a second insulator 392. When the back cover 352 is attached to the faceplate 312, the user interface printed circuit board assembly 370, the carrier 380, and the first and second insulators 390, 392 of the user interface module 350 may be enclosed by the back cover 352 and the rear surface 313 of the faceplate 312. The carrier 380 may be constructed of any appropriate material, such as, plastic (e.g., nylon). The carrier 380 may be flat (e.g., relatively flat) and comprise one or more apertures 382 extending therethrough. The carrier 380 may be located between the first insulator 390 and the user interface printed circuit board assembly 370. The insulators 390, 392 may be constructed of any appropriate material that electrically insulates the components of the faceplate assembly 310 from one another. The first insulator 390 may be flat (e.g., relatively flat) and comprise one or more apertures 391 extending therethrough. The second insulator 392 may be flat (e.g., relatively flat) and comprise an opening 393 extending therethrough. The first insulator 390 may be located between the rear surface 313 of thefaceplate 312 and the carrier 380 and the second insulator 392 may be located between the user interface printed circuit board assembly 370 and the back cover 352.

[0054] The user interface printed circuit board assembly 370 may comprise a user interface printed circuit board 372 located between the carrier 380 and the back cover 352. The user interface printed circuit board 372 may comprise a front side 371 and a rear side 373. The user interface printed circuit board 372 may include traces and other electrical connections and features to allow for the operation of the other components of the user interface module 350. The user interface printed circuit board assembly 370 may comprise one or more switch contacts 374 located on (e.g., mounted to) the user interface printed circuit board 372 (e.g., the front side 371 of the user interface printed circuit board 372). The user interface printed circuit board assembly 370 may further comprise one or more light sources, such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 376, mounted to the user interface printed circuit board 372 (e.g., the front side 371 of the user interface printed circuit board 372) for illuminating at least a portion of each of the buttons 316 (e.g., as will be described in greater detail below). For example, the user interface printed circuit board assembly 370 may comprise two light-emitting diodes 376 mounted behind each of the buttons 316, for example, on both sides of each switch contact 374 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7). The user interface printed circuit board assembly 370 may further comprise the receptacle 355 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8), which may also be mounted to the user interface printed circuit board 372 (e.g., the rear side 373 of the user interface printed circuit board 372) for electrically connecting the user interface module 350 to the control module 340. The user interface printed circuit board assembly 370 may include an ambient light detector (not shown) mounted to the user interface printed circuit board 372 (e.g., as described in greater detail below).

[0055] As previously described, the buttons 316 may be received by the respective apertures 315 in the faceplate 316. When the back cover 352 is attached to the faceplate 312, the user interface printed circuit board assembly 370, the buttons 316 may each be located (e.g., captured) between the faceplate (e.g., the recessed portion 317) and the user interface printed circuit board 372 of the user interface module 350. At least a portion of each button 316 mayextend through a respective one of the apertures 382 in the carrier 380 to allow the button 316 to actuate the respective switch contacts 374 on the user interface printed circuit board 372.

[0056] Each of the buttons 316 may each comprise a cap portion 384 and a diffuser portion 386. The cap portion 384 and the diffuser portion 386 may be coupled together using adhesive, via press-fit, or using any other appropriate means. The cap portion 384 of each button 316 may be opaque. For example, each cap portion 384 may be made of a conductive material (e.g., metal). Alternatively, each cap portion 384 may be covered with an opaque material, such as a metallic sheet and / or paint. The cap portion 384 of each button 316 may comprise be received in the respective aperture 315 in the faceplate 312 such that the respective cap portion 384 may spaced apart from the respective aperture 315 to form the respective gap 318. Each cap portion 384 may be depressed (e.g., pressed in towards the user interface printed circuit board 372) by a user when the cap portion 384 is received in the respective aperture 315 of the faceplate 312. The diffuser portion 386 may have a larger periphery (e.g., outer dimension) than the respective aperture 315. The diffuser portion 386 may be positioned behind and overlap the respective gap 318 between the respective aperture 315 and the cap portion 384 when the cap portion 384 is received in the aperture 315. When the back cover 352 is attached to the faceplate 312, the diffuser portions 386 of the buttons 316 may be located between the faceplate 312 and the user interface printed circuit board 372. The diffuser portion 386 of each button 316 may be made be transparent and / or translucent. For example, each diffuser portion 386 may be made of a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic).

[0057] Each of the buttons 316 may also comprise a return member 388. Each return member 388 may be configured to bias the corresponding button 316 from a depressed position to a rest position, for example after the button 316 is depressed and pressure is subsequently released from the button 316. The return members 388 may be made of a deflectable, resilient material, such as rubber or the like. As shown, each return member 388 may be in the form of a collapsible, resilient dome. The return members 388 may be configured to collapse when the corresponding button 316 is operated to a depressed position (e.g., by a user applying pressure to the button 316), and to bias the button 316 from the depressed position back to the rest position when operation of the button 316 ceases, for example, after the button 316 is depressed andpressure is subsequently released from the button 316. When the button 316 is pushed in towards the user interface printed circuit board 372, the return member 388 may be configured to flex and contact the respective switch contact 374 on the user interface printed circuit board 372, which may short out electrical traces on the user interface printed circuit board 372 and indicate the depression of the button 316 to a control module 340. Examples of control devices, such as keypads, having switches that include return members in the form of deflectable domes are described in greater detail in U.S. Patent No. 10,181,385, issued January 15, 2019, entitled CONTROL DEVICES HAVING INDEPENDENTLY SUSPENDED BUTTONS FOR CONTROLLED ACTUATION, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference. Additionally or alternatively, the switch contacts 374 of the user interface printed circuit board assembly 370 may comprise mechanical tactile switches mounted to the user interface printed circuit board 372 and / or another type of switching mechanism and / or circuit. When the user interface printed circuit board assembly 370 includes mechanical tactiles switches (e.g, rather than the switch contacts 374), the mechanical tactiles switches may operate to bias the buttons 316 into the rest positions (e.g., such that the return members 388 may be omitted).

[0058] The diffuser portion 386 of each of the buttons 316 may conduct light emitted from the light-emitting diodes 376 on the user interface printed circuit board 372 to illuminate the respective gap 318 around the respective button 316. The apertures 382 of the carrier 380 may be sized and dimensioned to allow the light-emitting diodes 376 to pass through the apertures 382 so that the light-emitting diodes 376 can illuminate the respective gap 318 between the corresponding button 316 and the respective aperture 315 in the faceplate 312. The diffuser portions 386 of the buttons 316 may operate to conduct the light emitted by the light-emitting diodes 376 to the gaps 318 surrounding each of the buttons 316. The control device 300 (e.g., the user interface module 350) may be configured to illuminate the gaps 318 around each of the respective buttons 316 (e.g., in a similar manner as the control device 200 illuminates the gaps 218 around each of the respective buttons 216). For example, the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 318 to provide feedback to a user. The control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the respective gap 318 around one of the buttons 316 when that button is actuated (e.g, to indicate that the command has been received and / or the control device 300 is transmitting a message to external load control devices). The control device 300may be configured to illuminate the respective gap 318 around one of the buttons 316 to indicate the status of one or more associated electrical loads (c'.g, status information regarding whether the electrical loads are on or off). The control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the respective gap 318 around one of the buttons 316 to indicate the selection of a respective preset associated with the button. The control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 318 using, for example, constant illumination and / or intermittent illumination (e.g, blinking or strobing illumination). For example, the control device 300 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 318 around one or more of the buttons 316 (c.g, solidly illuminate, blink, or strobe) for an amount of time after an actuation of the button and then turn off the illumination.

[0059] The back cover 352 may be configured to retain the user interface printed circuit board 372 between the back cover 352 and the carrier 380. The back cover 352 may be constructed such that at least a portion of the perimeter of the back cover 352 lies in a plane that is offset from other portions of the back cover 352, such as a plate portion 354 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 7). As a result, the back cover 352 may form a cavity (e.g., a pocket) within which the user interface printed circuit board 372 may be disposed when the faceplate assembly 310 is assembled. This position of the user interface printed circuit board 372 within the cavity may retain the user interface printed circuit board 372 in position. The back cover 352 may further define the window 356, which may allow for the passage of the cable 322 to electrically connect the user interface module 350 to the control module 340. The window 356 may be positioned in a recessed portion 357 of the back cover 352. The recessed portion 357 may provide clearance for components on the user interface printed circuit board 372.

[0060] The faceplate 312 may further include a plurality of posts 353 extending from the recessed portion 351 of the rear surface 313 in a direction away from the front surface 311 (e.g, in the transverse direction T). The posts 353 may be formed (e.g, rolled over or compressed as part of a riveting process) to couple the carrier 380, the user interface printed circuit board 372, and the back cover 352 to the faceplate 312. The faceplate 312 may include any appropriate number of posts 353. For example, the faceplate 312 may include six posts 353 (e.g, as shown in FIG. 8). The posts 353 may be positioned in sufficient proximity to the buttons 316 to provide sufficient stiffness for the faceplate assembly 310 when one of the buttons 316 is depressed by auser. The back cover 352 may include a plurality of holes 358 that may be located (e.g., positioned) near the perimeter of the back cover 352. The carrier 380 may also comprise a plurality of holes 383. When the faceplate assembly 310 is assembled, each post 353 of the faceplate 312 may be received in a respective one of the plurality of holes 358 in the back cover 352 and a respective on of the holes 383 in the carrier 380. The posts 353 of the faceplate 312 may extend through the holes 383 in the carrier 380 and the holes 358 in the back cover 352 (e.g., in the transverse direction T). With these components stacked as noted above and with the posts 353 disposed in the holes 383, 358, the end of the post 353 may be formed (e.g., as part of the riveting process) such that the diameter of the end of the post is increased (e.g., in a mushroom -like shape) to secure the components together.

[0061] The mounting structure 360 may be coupled to the back cover 352 of the user interface module 350. The back cover 352 may further include a plurality of bores 359. For example, a respective rivet 394 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 8) may be positioned through each of the bores 359 to couple the mounting structure 360 to the back cover 352. The mounting structure 360 may also include bores 364 for receiving the respective rivets 394 to couple the mounting structure 360 to the back cover 352. The mounting structure 360 may further include a window 366 to allow passage of the cable 322 to electrically couple the user interface module 350 to the control module 340. The window 366 in the mounting structure 360 may be aligned with the window 356 in the back cover 352 when the faceplate assembly 310 is assembled.

[0062] As previously mentioned, the mounting structure 360 may comprise the attachment members 362 for attaching the faceplate assembly 310 to the mounting bracket 330 of the control module assembly 320. The attachment members 362 may each include a respective arm 367 (e.g., a flex arm) and a respective projection 368. In some examples, each projection 368 may include a plurality of teeth 369. The teeth 369 may be configured to engage and grip the tabs 338 of the mounting bracket 330 to couple the faceplate assembly 310 to the control module assembly 320. The teeth 369 may be disposed at different angles (i.e., relative to an axis of the arm 367) to allow for surface contact of one of the teeth 369 with one of the tabs 338 of the mounting bracket 330 regardless of the orientation of the arm 367.

[0063] The mounting structure 360 may be attached to the back cover 352 before or after the back cover 352 is attached to the faceplate 312. To couple the mounting structure 360 to the back cover 352, the rivets 394 can be inserted through the bores 359 in the back cover 352 and the bores 364 in the mounting structure 360. The end of the rivets 394 may then be formed to secure the mounting structure 360 to the back cover 352. It should be understood that other methods and means may be used to couple the mounting structure 360 to the back cover 352, such as, for example, screws, adhesive, snap arms, heat stakes, etc.

[0064] When assembled, the faceplate assembly 310 may be arranged in a stack in the following order: (i) the faceplate 312, (ii) the first insulator 390, (iii) the carrier 380, (iv) the user interface printed circuit board 372, (v) the second insulator 392, (vi) the back cover 352, and (vii) the attachment member 360. Assembling the components of the faceplate assembly 310 in this way may allow the stack (i.e., thickness) from the front surface 311 of the faceplate 312 to the back cover 352 to be quite thin. This is particularly so as these components may be positioned against the recessed portion 351 of the rear surface 313 of the faceplate 312. In some examples, when assembled, the distance from the front surface 311 of the faceplate 312 to the plate portion 354 of the back cover 352 may be less than the depth of the lip 317 of the faceplate 312. This may allow a portion of the faceplate assembly 310 to be positioned outside the perimeter of the wallbox 302. In other words, for example, a portion of the back cover 352 may be disposed between the faceplate 312 and drywall or other building material that is adjacent to the cutout in the building material for the wallbox 302. This may allow the faceplate assembly 310 to include multiple arrays (or gangs) of buttons and still be mounted to a wallbox that was designed for a single gang switch. This may allow for significant advantages in terms of flexibility in designing load control systems without modifying wallboxes or other structures. It should be understood that, when the faceplate assembly 310 includes multiple arrays (or gangs) of buttons, each array of buttons may be associated with a separate carrier, local control module, and back plate, but that the faceplate assembly 310 may still only require a single attachment member to attach the faceplate assembly 310 to the control module assembly 320. Further, in such examples, each local control module may be connected to the control module via a separate cable.

[0065] During installation of the control device 300, one or more wires may be connected to the one or more connectors 347 of the control module 340 to electrically connect the control device 300 the wired communication link, as well as the power source and / or the electrical loads. The control module assembly 320 may then be attached to the wallbox 302 by inserting the screws 304 through the openings 334 in the mounting bracket 330. The screws 304 may be threaded into threaded holes 306 in the wallbox 302. The cable 322 may then be attached to the control module 340 and the user interface module 350. The faceplate assembly 310 may then be connected (e.g, attached) to the mounting bracket 330 by engaging the attachment members 362 of the mounting structure 360 with the mounting bracket 330.

[0066] The control device 300 (e.g., the faceplate assembly 310) may also include one or more gaskets 396 (e.g., as shown in FIGs. 7 and 8). The gaskets 396 may be coupled to the rear surface 311 of the faceplate 312 just inside the lip 317. The gaskets 396 may be constructed of an elastomeric or other compressible material. When the control device 300 is installed, the gaskets 396 may come into contact with the wall to which the control device 300 and / or the wallbox is mounted tow take up any gaps that may exist between the lip 317 of the faceplate 312 and the wall.

[0067] As described above, the control module 340 is electrically connected to the user interface printed circuit board 372. This allows the processing and control tasks of the control device 300 to be shared between the control module 340 and the user interface module 350 as desired. For example, and as described in more detail below, the load control functions may be performed by the control module 340. As a result, the user interface module 350 may be a relatively simple and cost-effective module. The user interface module 350 may be configured, primarily, to transmit a signal to the control module 340 upon depression or actuation of one of the buttons 316. The user interface module 350 may be further configured to control the illumination of the gaps 318 around the buttons 316, for example, via the light-emitting diodes 376. The control of the illumination of the gaps 318 around the buttons 316 may be based on determinations made locally at the user interface module 350 or, alternatively, may be in response to one or more control signals provided by the control module 340.

[0068] While the control device 300 shown in FIGs. 3-8 and described herein has the buttons 316 and the apertures 315 in the faceplate 312 that are circular, the control device 300 may also have buttons and apertures having different shapes, sizes, and depths. In addition, the faceplate 312 may have a different shape, size, and / or thickness. For example, in other embodiments, the control device 300 may have square buttons received in square openings of a square faceplate. The buttons 316, the apertures 315, and the faceplate 312 may also have other shapes, such as rectangle, triangle, oval, and / or ellipse shapes.

[0069] FIGs. 9-11 illustrate an example control device 400 (e.g., a load control device, such as a wall-mounted keypad), which may be deployed as the wall-mounted remote control 142 of the load control system 100 of FIG. 1 and / or the control device of FIG. 2. FIG. 9 is a bottom perspective view of the example control device 400. The control device 400 may comprise a faceplate assembly 410 (e.g., a cover plate assembly) and a control module assembly 420. The control device 400 (e.g., the control module assembly 420) may be configured to be mounted to a wallbox (e.g., such as the wallbox 302 shown in FIGs. 3 and 4) when installed in a wall of a building. For example, the control device 400 may be capable of mounting to a variety of types of wallboxes, including those found in different territories throughout the world, including circular wallboxes such as those commonly used in Europe. The control device 400 may be configured to transmit messages including control data (e.g., commands) for controlling (e.g., indirectly controlling) electrical loads. For example, the control device 400 may be configured to transmit messages including the commands for controlling electrical loads to one or more load control devices (e.g., the dimmer switch 110, the LED driver 120, and / or the controllable light source 130) for controlling respective electrical loads (e.g., the lighting load 112, the LED light source 122, and / or the LED light source of the controllable light source 130). In some examples, the control device 400 may comprise an internal load control circuit for controlling (e.g., directly controlling) electrical loads (e.g., that are electrically coupled to the control device 400). For example, the control device 400 may be configured to control the internal load control circuit to turn the electrical loads on and off, and / or to control an amount of power delivered to the electrical loads.

[0070] The faceplate assembly 410 may have a similar structure as, for example, the faceplate assembly 310 shown in FIGs. 7 and 8. The faceplate assembly 410 may include a faceplate 412 (e.g., a cover plate or wall plate) and a user interface 414. For example, the faceplate 412 may extend in a longitudinal direction L and a lateral direction A. The user interface 414 may comprise one or more buttons 416. In addition, the faceplate assembly 410 may include a user interface module (e.g., such as the user interface module 350) and a mounting structure (e.g., such as the mounting structure 360). The user interface module may comprise a back cover (e.g., such as the back cover 352), a printed circuit board assembly (e.g., such as the user interface assembly 370), a carrier (e.g., such as the carrier 380), and one or more insulators (e.g., such as the first and second insulators 390, 392). The faceplate 412 may include a front surface 411 and an opposed rear surface (e.g., such as the rear surface 313 of the faceplate 312). The front surface 411 may be configured to provide a desired aesthetic appearance and may include graining and / or other surface finishes as desired. The faceplate 412 may further include a lip 417 extending outward from the rear surface at an edge 419 of the faceplate 412, in the opposite direction from the front surface 411, around the perimeter of the faceplate 412 (e.g., in a transverse direction T).

[0071] The buttons 416 may be received in respective apertures 415 that extend through the faceplate 412 from the front surface 411 to the rear surface (e.g., in the transverse direction T). For example, the buttons 416 may each be spaced apart from the respective aperture 415 in the faceplate 412, such that a respective gap 418 is formed between the button 416 and the respective aperture 415. The faceplate 412 may have indicia on the front surface 411 of the faceplate 412 adjacent to each of the buttons 416 for indicating the command and / or preset that may be selected in response to an actuation of the respective button 416. Each of the one or more buttons 416 (e.g., three circular buttons as shown in FIG. 9) may be received through a respective one of the apertures 415 of the faceplate 412. In various embodiments, the faceplate 412 and / or the buttons 416 may have metallic exposed surfaces to provide a desired aesthetic appearance. For example, the faceplate 412 and / or the buttons 416 may be made at least partially from a conductive material (e.g., metal).

[0072] The control device 400 (e.g., the user interface module of the faceplate assembly 410) may be configured to illuminate the gaps 418 around each of the respective buttons 416 (e.g., in a similar manner as the control device 200 illuminates the gaps 218 around each of the respective buttons 216 and / or the control device 300 illuminates the gaps 318 around each of the respective buttons 316). For example, the faceplate assembly 410 (e.g., the user interface module) may comprise one or more light sources (e.g., such as the light-emitting diodes 376) mounted to a user interface printed circuit board of the printed circuit board assembly for illuminating the gaps 418 between the respective buttons 416 and respective apertures 415 in the faceplate 412 (e.g., in a similar manner as the light-emitting diodes 376 illuminate the gaps 318 of the faceplate 312 of the faceplate assembly 310). For example, the control device 400 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 418 to provide feedback to a user. The control device 400 may be configured to illuminate the respective gap 418 around one of the buttons 416 when that button is actuated (e.g., to indicate that the command has been received and / or the control device 400 is transmitting a message to external load control devices). The control device 400 may be configured to illuminate the respective gap 418 around one of the buttons 416 to indicate the status of one or more associated electrical loads (e.g., status information regarding whether the electrical loads are on or off). The control device 400 may be configured to illuminate the respective gap 418 around one of the buttons 416 to indicate the selection of a respective preset associated with the button. The control device 400 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 418 using, for example, constant illumination and / or intermittent illumination (e.g., blinking or strobing illumination). For example, the control device 400 may be configured to illuminate the gaps 418 around one or more of the buttons 416 (e.g., solidly illuminate, blink, or strobe) for an amount of time after an actuation of the button and then turn off the illumination.

[0073] FIG. 10 is a front perspective view and FIG. 11 is a rear perspective view of the control module assembly 420 (e.g., with the faceplate assembly 410 removed from the control device 400). The control module assembly 420 may include a mounting bracket 430 and a control module 440. The control module 440 may include at least a portion of the electrical circuitry of the control device 400 (e.g., as will be described in more detail herein). The control module 440 may comprise an enclosure 442 having a front enclosure portion 441 and a rearenclosure portion 443. The control module 440 may comprise a main printed circuit board (not shown) housed within the enclosure 442. In some examples, the internal load control circuit (e.g., for controlling the electrical loads that are electrically coupled to the control device 300) may be mounted to the main printed circuit board.

[0074] The mounting bracket 430 may be configured to be attached to the control module 440 (e.g., using any appropriate technique). The mounting bracket 430 may comprise a plate portion 431 having a window 432 (e.g., an opening) extending through the plate portion 431 of the mounting bracket 430 such that when the mounting bracket 430 is attached to the control module 440, the front enclosure portion 441 of the enclosure 442 of the control module 440 may be accessible through the window 432. The mounting bracket 430 may also include one or more openings 434 configured to receive respective fasteners (e.g., such as the fasteners 304) to mount the control module assembly 420 to the wallbox. In addition, the mounting bracket 430 may define one or more holes 436 for receiving respective fasteners 435 (e.g., screws). The fasteners 435 may be received through the holes 436 in the mounting bracket 430 and the holes in the enclosure 442 (e.g., such as the holes 344 of the enclosure 342) to attach the mounting bracket 430 to the control module 440. It should be understood that other forms of attachment can be used to couple the mounting bracket 430 to the control module 440, such as snaps, flex arms, etc.

[0075] The faceplate assembly 310 of the control device 300 may be attached to the mounting bracket 430 of the control module assembly 420. The mounting structure of the faceplate assembly may comprise attachment members (e.g., such as the attachment members 362) may be configured to engage with the mounting bracket 430 of the control module assembly 420. For example, the mounting bracket 430 may comprise arms 438 extending from the plate portion 431 (e.g., above the plate portion 431) of the mounting bracket 430. The mounting structure of the faceplate assembly may be configured to engage with the arms 438 for attaching the faceplate assembly to the mounting bracket 430 of the control module assembly 420. In some examples, the mounting bracket 430 may also comprise arm (e.g., similar to the arms 438) extending from the plate portion 431 below the plate portion 431 for engaging the attachment members of the mounting structure of the faceplate assembly. Inaddition, the attachment members of the mounting structure of the faceplate assembly may also be configured to engage other portions of the mounting bracket 430, such as edges 433 of the window 432 and / or inner edges 439 of the plate portion 431 of the mounting bracket 430 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10).

[0076] The control module 440 of the control module assembly 420 may be responsive to the user interface module of the faceplate assembly 410. For example, the control module 440 may comprise a control circuit (e.g., a processor - not shown) housed within the enclosure 442 (e.g., mounted to the main printed circuit board). The control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to be electrically coupled to the user interface module 450, for example, via a cable (e.g., such as the cable 322). The control module 440 may comprise a receptacle 445 that may be located in a window 446 (e.g., an opening) in the front enclosure portion 441 of the enclosure 442 and may be electrically and mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board inside of the enclosure 442. The receptacle 445 of the control module 440 may be configured to receive a first connector of the cable (e.g., the first connector 324 of the cable 322), and a receptacle (e.g., the receptacle 355) of the user interface module may be configured to receive a second connector of the cable (e.g., the second connector 325 of the cable 322). The control module 440 may be configured to receive indications of actuations of the buttons 416 from the user interface module via the cable. For example, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to receive one or more analog signals (e.g., switch signals) that indicate the actuations of the buttons 416 from the user interface module 450 via the cable 422. In addition, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to receive one or more digital signals (e.g., messages) that indicate the actuations of the buttons 416 from the user interface module 450 via the cable 422.

[0077] The control module 440 may also include one or more connectors 447 (e.g., one connector as shown in FIG. 11) that may allow the control module 440 to be electrically connected to a power source and / or a wired communication link (e.g., digital communication link and / or an analog control link). For example, the connector 447 may comprise one or more terminals 448 configured to provide an electrical connection to the power source and / or the wired communication link. The connector 447 may be positioned (e.g., received in) anopening 449 in the rear enclosure portion 443. For example, the connectors 447 may be electrically and mechanically connected to the main printed circuit board inside of the enclosure 442. The control module 440 may be configured to receive power from a power source, such as an alternating-current (AC) power source and / or a direct-current (DC) power source, and / or provide power to an electrical load, such as a lighting load, via the connector 447. For example, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the electrical loads (e.g., via the wired communication link coupled to the connector 447 and / or a wireless communication link) in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 416. The control data included in the messages may be, for example, commands for controlling the electrical loads and / or indications of the actuations of the buttons 416 (e.g., which ones of the buttons 416 that were actuated). In some examples, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to control the internal load control circuit to control the power delivered to the electrical loads via the connector 447 in response to actuations of one or more of the buttons 416.

[0078] While not shown in FIG. 10, the control module 440 may comprise an actuator on the front enclosure portion 441 (e.g., such as the actuator 326 of the control module 340). The actuator may be actuated, for example, when the faceplate assembly 410 is not attached to the control module assembly 320). The actuator of the control module 440 may be accessible through the window 432 of the mounting bracket 430. For example, the actuator of the control module 440 may be configured to actuate a switch (e.g., a momentary tactile switch - not shown) housed in the enclosure 442 of the control module 440. For example, the switch may be mounted to the main printed circuit board and electrically coupled to the control circuit of the control module 440. The control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to control the electrical loads and / or to configure the control device 400 in response to actuations of the actuator of the control module 440 (e.g., by a user). The control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to turn electrical loads on and off in response to consecutive actuations of the actuator of the control module 440. For example, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to transmit messages including commands for controlling the electrical loads (e.g., via the wired communication link coupled to one or more of the connectors 447 and / or a wireless communication link) in response to actuations of actuator of thecontrol module 440. In some examples, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to control the internal load control circuit to control the power delivered to the electrical loads via the connectors 447 in response to actuations of the actuator of the control module 440. Further, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to enter a configuration mode and / or otherwise be configured in response to actuations of the actuator of the control module 440.

[0079] While not shown in FIG. 10, the control module 440 may also comprise a visible indicator on the front enclosure portion 441 (e.g., such as the visible indicator 329 of the control module 340). The visible indicator may be illuminated to provide feedback to a user of the control device 400 and may be visible e.g., to the user), for example, when the faceplate assembly 410 is not attached to the control module assembly 420. The visible indicator of the control module 440 may be viewed through the window 432 of the mounting bracket 430. For example, the visible indicator of the control module 440 may comprise an opening in the front enclosure portion 441 of the control module 440 that may be illuminated by a light source (e.g., a light-emitting diode - not shown) housed in the enclosure 442 of the control module 440. For example, the light source may be mounted to the main printed circuit board and electrically coupled to the control circuit of the control module 440. The control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to illuminate the visible indicator to indicate a status of the control module 440. The control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to turn the visible indicator on or off, blink the visible indicator, and / or illuminate the visible indicator one or more different colors to indicate the status. For example, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to turn on the visible indicator when the electrical loads are on and off when the electrical loads are off. In addition, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to blink the visible indicator when the control module 440 is in the configuration mode. The control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to illuminate the visible indicator a first color (e.g., green) when the control module 440 is operating correctly and a second color (e.g., red) when the control module 440 has determined that there is an error condition.

[0080] As previously mentioned, the control device 400 (e.g., the control module 440) may be configured to transmit and receive messages via wireless signals (e.g., RF signals). To enable the transmission and reception of the wireless signals, the control device 400 (e.g., the control module 440) may comprise one or more wireless communication circuits, such as one or more RF transceivers. For example, the one or more wireless communication circuits may be housed within the enclosure 442 (e.g., mounted to the main printed circuit board) and electrically coupled to the control circuit of the control module 440. In addition, the control device 400 (e.g., the control module assembly 420) may comprise one or more antenna structures, for example, first and second antenna structures 460a, 460b that may define first and second antennas, respectively, for the one or more wireless communication circuits. For example, the first and second antenna structures 460a, 460b may be located on opposing dies of the control device 400 (e.g., to the lower left side and the lower right side of the enclosure 442 of the control module 440, respectively, as shown in FIG. 10).

[0081] The first antenna structure 460a may comprise an antenna printed circuit board 462a on which the first antenna is at least partially formed. The antenna printed circuit board 462a of the first antenna structure 460a may comprise a front side 461a (e.g., a front surface) and an opposing rear side 463a (e.g., a rear surface). The front side 461a of the antenna printed circuit board 462a may face the rear surface of the faceplate 412 when the faceplate assembly 410 is attached to the control module assembly 420. The first antenna structure 460a may comprise an antenna chip 464a mounted to the rear side 463a of the antenna printed circuit board 462a. FIG. 12A is a bottom cross-section view of the first antenna structure 460a taken through the center of the antenna chip 464a. For example, the antenna chip 464a may be mechanically and electrically connected (e.g., via solder connections) to a first electrical pad 465a and a second electrical pad 466a on the rear side 463a of the antenna printed circuit board 462a.

[0082] The antenna printed circuit board 462a may further comprise an electrical trace 467a that extends along the front side 461a, and one or more vias, such as a first via 468a and a second via 469a the extend from through the antenna printed circuit board 462a from the front side 461a to the rear side 463a. For example, the first and second vias 468a, 469a maycomprise respective plated through-holes (e.g., at each end of the antenna chip 464a). The first via 468a may be configured to electrically couple the first electrical pad 465a on the rear side 463a of the antenna printed circuit board 462a to the electrical trace 467a on the front side 461a of the antenna printed circuit board 462a. The second via 469a may be configured to electrically couple the second electrical pad 466a on the rear side 463a of the antenna printed circuit board 462a to the electrical trace 467a on the front side 461a of the antenna printed circuit board 462a. The antenna that is defined by the first antenna structure 460a may be formed by a conductive loop that extends through the antenna chip 464a, the first via 468a, the electrical trace 467a, and the second via 469a. While the electrical trace 467a is shown located on the rear side 463a of the antenna printed circuit board 462a in FIG. 12A, the electrical trace 467a could be located on another layer of the antenna printed circuit board 462a (e.g., such as an internal layer).

[0083] The antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a may be electrically coupled to a matching network circuit 470a that may be mounted to the antenna printed circuit board 462a (e.g., to the rear side 463a of the antenna printed circuit board 462a). The matching network circuit 470a may be electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits on the main printed circuit board inside the enclosure 442 of the control module 440 via a first coaxial cable 472a. For example, the first coaxial cable 472a may be electrically coupled to the antenna printed circuit board 462a via a coaxial connector (not shown). The one or more wireless communication circuits may be electrically coupled to the antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a via the matching network circuit 470a on the antenna printed circuit board 462a and the first coaxial cable 472a. The matching network circuit 470a may be configured to optimize the performance of the antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a. For example, the matching network circuit 470a on the antenna printed circuit board 462a may be configured to match an impedance of the antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a to an impedance of the one or more wireless communication circuits to obtain a maximum transfer of power between the one or more wireless communication circuits and the antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a. The matching network circuit 470a may include one or more RF filters, for example, one or more inductor-capacitor (LC) filters.

[0084] The first antenna structure 460a may further comprise an antenna carrier 480a, which may define a recess 482a in which the antenna printed circuit board 462a may be located. For example, the first antenna structure 460a may be made from a non-conductive material (e.g., plastic). The antenna carrier 480a may have an elongated portion 484a that comprises a channel 485a in which the first coaxial cable 472a may be located. The antenna chip 464a may be mounted to the rear side 463a of the antenna printed circuit board 462a close to an end portion 483a of the antenna carrier 480a (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11). The antenna chip 464a and the matching network circuit 470a may be located in a window 481a in the antenna carrier 480a near the end portion 483a.

[0085] The elongated portion 484a may support the antenna carrier 480a and the antenna printed circuit board 462a (e.g., and thus the antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a) relative to the control module 440. The elongated portion 484a may extend from the antenna printed circuit board 462a to the control module 440, such that the first coaxial cable 472a may extend between the antenna printed circuit board 462a and the main printed circuit board inside of the control module 440. The elongated portion 484a (e.g., and the channel 485a) may extend from the recess 482a towards the control module 440, for example, in the longitudinal direction L of the control device 400 and / or in the lateral direction A of the control device 400 (e.g., in a plane that extends in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A). In addition, the elongated portion 484a (e.g., and the channel 485a) may extend towards the enclosure 442 (e.g., towards the rear enclosure portion 443), for example, in the transverse direction T. The first coaxial cable 472a may extend into the enclosure 442 (e.g., through the rear enclosure portion 443 and be electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits mounted to the main printed circuit board of the control module 440. For example, the antenna carrier 480a and the elongated portion 484a may be connected to and / or formed as part of the enclosure 442 (e.g., the front enclosure portion 441 and / or the rear enclosure portion 443) of the control module 440. The antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a (e.g., the antenna carrier 480a and the antenna printed circuit board 462a) may be located in front of the front enclosure portion 441 of the enclosure 442 (e.g., in the transverse direction T). The antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a (e.g., the antenna carrier 480a and the antenna printed circuit board 462a) may be offset from the enclosure 442(e.g., the front enclosure portion 441) in the longitudinal direction L, the lateral direction A, and the transverse direction T).

[0086] The antenna carrier 480a may also comprise a plate portion 486a that may be positioned behind the mounting bracket 430. The antenna carrier 480a may comprise one or more protrusions 488a (e. ., two protrusions as shown in FIG. 10) that extend from the plate portion 486a. The protrusions 488a may be configured to be received in respective openings 439a in the mounting bracket 430 to locate the first antenna structure 480a relative to the mounting bracket 430 and the control module 440.

[0087] The first antenna structure 460a may be located close to the edge 419 of the faceplate 412 (e.g., at a bottom side 413 of the faceplate 412 as shown in FIG. 9), such that the antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a is able to transmit the wireless signals between the lip 417 of the faceplate 412 and the wall to which the control device 400 and / or the wallbox is mounted. The faceplate 412 may comprise a first notch 490a in the lip 417 adjacent to the first antenna structure 460a (e.g., adjacent to the end portion 483 a of the first antenna structure 460a). The first notch 490a may be located in the lip 417, for example, on the bottom side 413 of the faceplate 412 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9), such that the first notch 490a may not be easily seen by a user of the control device 400. For example, the end portion 483a of the antenna carrier 480a may be located in the first notch 490a in the lip 246 of the faceplate 412. The first notch 490a may be characterized by a depth DNOTCH in the transverse direction T (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9). The depth DNOTCH of the notch 490a may be sized large enough such that the conductive loop of the first antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a is not covered by the lip 417 of the faceplate 412. Accordingly, electromagnetic waves extending through the conductive loop of the antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a and may extend through the notch 490a in the lip 417 of the faceplate 412 to allow for the transmission and / or reception of the wireless signals.

[0088] The second antenna structure 460b may comprise an antenna printed circuit board 462b which the second antenna is at least partially formed. The antenna printed circuit board 462b of the second antenna structure 460b may comprise a front side 461b (e.g., a frontsurface) and an opposing rear side 463b (e.g., a rear surface). The front side 461b of the antenna printed circuit board 462b may face the rear surface of the faceplate 412 when the faceplate assembly 410 is attached to the control module assembly 420. The first antenna structure 460b may comprise an antenna chip 464b mounted to the rear side 463b of the antenna printed circuit board 462b. FIG. 12B is a bottom cross-section view of the first antenna structure 460b taken through the center of the antenna chip 464b. For example, the antenna chip 464b may be mechanically and electrically connected (e.g., via solder connections) to a first electrical pad 465b and a second electrical pad 466b on the rear side 463b of the antenna printed circuit board 462b.

[0089] The antenna printed circuit board 462b may further comprise an electrical trace 467b that extends along the front side 461b, and one or more vias, such as a first via 468b and a second via 469b the extend from through the antenna printed circuit board 462b from the front side 461b to the rear side 463b. For examples, the first and second vias 468b, 469b may comprise respective plated through-holes (e.g., at each end of the antenna chip 464b). The first via 468b may be configured to electrically couple the first electrical pad 465b on the rear side 463b of the antenna printed circuit board 462b to the electrical trace 467b on the front side 461b of the antenna printed circuit board 462b. The second via 469b may be configured to electrically couple the second electrical pad 466b on the rear side 463b of the antenna printed circuit board 462b to the electrical trace 467b on the front side 461b of the antenna printed circuit board 462b. The antenna that is defined by the first antenna structure 460b may be formed by a conductive loop that extends through the antenna chip 464b, the first via 468b, the electrical trace 467b, and the second via 469b. While the electrical trace 467b is shown located on the rear side 463b of the antenna printed circuit board 462b in FIG. 12B, the electrical trace 467b could be located on another layer of the antenna printed circuit board 462b (e.g., such as an internal layer).

[0090] The antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b may be electrically coupled to a matching network circuit 470b that may be mounted to the antenna printed circuit board 462b (e.g., to the rear side 463b of the antenna printed circuit board 462b). The matching network circuit 470b may be electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communicationcircuits on the main printed circuit board inside of the enclosure 442 of the control module 440 via a second coaxial cable 472b. For example, the second coaxial cable 472b may be electrically coupled to the antenna printed circuit board 462b via a coaxial connector (not shown). As such, the one or more wireless communication circuits may be electrically coupled to the antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b via the matching network circuit 470b on the antenna printed circuit board 462b and the second coaxial cable 472b. The matching network circuit 470b may be configured to optimize the performance of the antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b. For example, the matching network circuit 470b on the antenna printed circuit board 462b may be configured to match an impedance of the antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b to an impedance of the one or more wireless communication circuits to obtain a maximum transfer of power between the one or more wireless communication circuits and the antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b. The matching network circuit 470b may include one or more RF filters, for example, one or more inductor-capacitor (LC) filters.

[0091] The second antenna structure 460b may further comprise an antenna carrier 480b, which may define a recess 482b in which the antenna printed circuit board 462b may be located. For example, the second antenna structure 460b may be made from a non-conductive material (e. , plastic). The antenna carrier 480b may have an elongated portion 484b that comprises a channel 485b in which the second coaxial cable 472b may be located. The antenna chip 464b may be mounted to the rear side 463b of the antenna printed circuit board 462b close to an end portion 483b of the antenna carrier 480b (e.g., as shown in FIG. 11). The antenna chip 464b and the matching network circuit 470b may be located in a window 481b in the antenna carrier 480b near the end portion 483b.

[0092] The elongated portion 484b may support the antenna carrier 480b and the antenna printed circuit board 462b (e.g., and thus the antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b) relative to the control module 440. The elongated portion 484b may extend from the antenna printed circuit board 462b to the control module 440, such that the second coaxial cable 472b may extend between the antenna printed circuit board 462b and the main printed circuit board inside of the control module 440. The elongated portion 484b (e.g., and thechannel 485b) may extend from the recess 482b towards the control module 440, for example, in the longitudinal direction L of the control device 400 and / or in the lateral direction A of the control device 400 (e.g., in a plane that extends in the longitudinal direction L and the lateral direction A). In addition, the elongated portion 484b (e.g., and the channel 485b) may extend towards the enclosure 442 (e.g., the rear enclosure portion 443), for example, in the transverse direction T. The second coaxial cable 472b may extend into the enclosure 442 (e.g., into the rear enclosure portion 443) and be electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits mounted to the main printed circuit board of the control module 440. For example, the antenna carrier 480b and the elongated portion 484b may be connected to and / or formed as part of the enclosure 442 (e.g., the front enclosure portion 441 and / or the rear enclosure portion 443) of the control module 440. The antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b (e.g., the antenna carrier 480b and the antenna printed circuit board 462b) may be located in front of the front enclosure portion 441 of the enclosure 442 (e.g., in the transverse direction T). The antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b (e.g., the antenna carrier 480b and the antenna printed circuit board 462b) may be offset from the enclosure 442 (e.g., the front enclosure portion 441) in the longitudinal direction L, the lateral direction A, and the transverse direction T).

[0093] The antenna carrier 480b may also comprise a plate portion 486b that may be positioned behind the mounting bracket 430. The antenna carrier 480b may comprise one or more protrusions 488b (e.g., two protrusions as shown in FIG. 10) that extend from the plate portion 486b. The protrusions 488b may be configured to be received in respective openings 439b in the mounting bracket 430 to locate (e.g., align) the first antenna structure 480b relative to the mounting bracket 430 and the control module 440.

[0094] The second antenna structure 460b may be located close to the edge 419 of the faceplate 412 (e.g., at the bottom side 413 of the faceplate 412 as shown in FIG. 9), such that the antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b is able to transmit the wireless signals between the lip 417 of the faceplate 412 and the wall to which the control device 400 and / or the wallbox is mounted. The faceplate 412 may comprise a second notch 490b in the lip 417 adjacent to the second antenna structure 460b (e.g., adjacent to the end portion 483b of thesecond antenna structure 460b). The second notch 490b may be located in the lip 417, for example, on the bottom side 413 of the faceplate 412 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 9), such that the second notch 490b may not be easily seen by a user of the control device 400. For example, the end portion 483b of the antenna carrier 480b may be located in the second notch 490b in the lip 417 of the faceplate 412. The second notch 490b may be characterized by a depth in the transverse direction T (e.g., equal to the depth of the first notch 490a as shown in FIG. 9). The depth DNOTCH of the notch 490b may be sized large enough such that the loop of the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b is not covered by the lip 417 of the faceplate 412. Accordingly, electromagnetic waves extending through the loop of the antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b and may extend through the notch 490b in the lip 417 of the faceplate 412 to allow for the transmission and / or reception of the wireless signals.

[0095] In some examples, the attachment members of the mounting structure of the faceplate assembly may also be configured to engage with the respective antenna carriers 480a, 480b of the first and second antenna structures 460a, 460b for attaching the faceplate assembly to the mounting bracket 430 of the control module assembly 420.

[0096] The one or more wireless communication circuits mounted to the main printed circuit board inside of the control module 440 may be configured to transmit and receive messages (e.g., digital messages) via the RF signals using the first antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a and the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b. The one or more wireless communication circuits may be configured to transmit and receive the RF signals using a communication protocol at a communication frequency fcoMM (e.g., approximately 2.4 GHz). For example, the one or more wireless communication circuits may be configured to transmit the messages via a standard communication protocol (e.g, the WI-FI, BLUETOOTH, BLUETOOTH LOW ENERGY (BLE), ZIGBEE, Z-WAVE, THREAD, and / or other standard protocols) and / or via a proprietary communication protocol (e.g, the CLEAR CONNECT, CLEAR CONNECT A, CLEAR CONNECT X, and / or other proprietary protocols).

[0097] The one or more wireless communication circuits may be configured to transmit messages using the first antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a during a first timeperiod and transmit messages using the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b during a second time period that does not overlap with the first time period (e.g., to avoid collisions between the transmitted messages). For example, the first time period and the second time period may be respective (e.g., consecutive) time slots of a timing sequence defined by the communication protocol. The one or more wireless communication circuits may be configured to transmit messages via the first and second antennas at respective first and second communication frequencies fcoMMi, fcoMM2 that are different from each other (e.g., slightly different from each other). For example, the first communication frequency fcoMMi and the second communication frequency fcoMM2 may be separated by an offset foFFSET (e.g., approximately 250 MHz). In addition, the first communication frequency fcoMMi and the second communication frequency fcoMM2 may be equally spaced apart from the communication frequency fcoMM, e.g., fcoMMi = fcoMM - (foFFSEi / 2); and fcOMM2 = fcOMM + (foFFSET / 2).Transmitting messages via the first antenna at the first communication frequency fcoMMi and via the second antenna at the second communication frequency fcoMM2 may help to avoid collisions between the transmitted messages.

[0098] In addition, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to use one or the other of the first antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a and the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b. For example, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to use the one of the first and second antennas that allows for better wireless communication. The control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to determine which one of the first and second antennas that allows for better wireless communication, for example, in response to receives signals strengths (e.g., received signal strength indicators (RSSIs)) of messages received via both of the first and second antennas, and communicate (e.g., only communicate) messages via the one of the first and second antennas that allows for better wireless communication. In some examples, the control module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to transmit (e.g., only transmit) messages via the one of the first and second antennas that allows for better wireless communication and receive messages via both of the first and second antennas. In addition, thecontrol module 440 (e.g., the control circuit) may be configured to transmit messages via both of the first and second antennas, and receive (e.g., only receive) messages via the one of the first and second antennas that allows for better wireless communication.

[0099] In some examples, the control module 440 may only include one or the other of the first antenna structure 460a and the second antenna structure 460b (e.g. , one of the first antenna structure 460a and the second antenna structure 460b may be omitted). In addition, either of or both of the first and second antenna structures 460a, 460b may be located at different locations along the edge 419 of the faceplate 412.

[0100] While the control device 400 shown in FIG. 9 and described herein has the buttons 416 and the apertures 415 in the faceplate 412 that are circular, the control device 400 may also have buttons and apertures having different shapes, sizes, and depths. In addition, the faceplate 412 may have a different shape, size, and / or thickness. For example, in other embodiments, the control device 400 may have square buttons received in square openings of a square faceplate. The buttons 416, the apertures 415, and the faceplate 412 may also have other shapes, such as rectangle, triangle, oval, and / or ellipse shapes.

[0101] FIG. 13 is a simplified block diagram of an example control device 500 (e.g., the control device 200, the control device 300, and / or the control device 400) that may be deployed for use in a load control system for controlling the amount of power delivered to one or more electrical loads. The control device 500 may include a control module 510 (e.g., the control module 340 and / or the control module 440) and a user interface module 520 (e.g., the user interface module 350 of the faceplate assembly 310 and / or the user interface module of the faceplate assembly 410). For example, the circuitry of the control module 510 may be mounted to a main printed circuit board (e.g., the respective main printed circuit boards of the control modules 350, 450) and the circuitry of the user interface module 520 may be mounted to a user interface printed circuit board (e.g., the user interface printed circuit board 372).

[0102] The control module 510 may include a main control circuit 512 (e.g., the respective control circuits of the control modules 350, 450). The main control circuit 512 may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmablelogic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing device. The control module 510 may comprise a switch 514 (e.g., a mechanical tactile switch) that may be actuated in response to actuations of an actuator (e.g., the actuator 326 of the control module 340 and / or the actuator of the control module 440). The main control circuit 512 may be coupled to the switch 514 for detecting actuations of the actuator. The main control circuit 512 may be configured to control one or more of the electrical loads of the load control system in response to actuations of the switch 514.

[0103] The control module 510 may also comprise a light source 515 (e.g., an LED) that may, for example, illuminate the visible indicator 119 of the main control unit 108 and / or the visible indicator of the main control unit 208. The main control circuit 512 may be coupled to the light source 515 to illuminate the light source 515 to provide feedback to a user of the control device 500 (e.g., to indicate a status of the control module 510).

[0104] The user interface module 520 may comprise a user interface control circuit 522. The user interface control circuit 522 may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing device. The user interface control circuit 522 of the user interface module 520 may be configured to communicate with the main control circuit 512 of the control module 510, for example, via a digital communication link, such as a communication link 529 (e.g., a wired communication link and / or a wireless communication link, such as a radio-frequency communication link). For example, when the communication link 529 between the main control circuit 512 and the user interface control circuit 522 is a wired communication link, the communication link 529 may be provided via a cable (e.g., the cable 322 of the control device 300 and / or the cable of the control device 400). The user interface module 520 may also comprise one or more switches 524 (e.g., the switch contacts 374 of the faceplate assembly 310 and / or switch contacts of the faceplate assembly 410), which may be actuated in response to actuations of one or more buttons (e.g., the buttons 216 of the control module 200, the buttons 316 of the control device 300, and / or the buttons 416 of the control device 400). Theuser interface control circuit 522 may be electrically coupled to the switches 524 for receiving user inputs. In some examples, the user interface control circuit 522 may comprise a touch sensitive element, such as a capacitive touch sensitive circuit, configured to receive one or more touch inputs (e.g., in addition to or in place of the switches 524).

[0105] The main control circuit 512 may be configured to disable the operation of the switch 514 and the light source 515 when the control module 510 is connected to the user interface module 520 (e.g., when the cable is connected between the control module 510 and the user interface module 520). For example, the main control circuit 512 may be configured to attempt to communicate with the user interface control circuit 522 and detect that the cable is connected between the control module 510 and the user interface module 520 when the main control circuit 512 receives a response from the user interface control circuit 522. The main control circuit 512 may ignore actuations of the switch 514 and may not illuminate the light source 515 when the control module 510 is connected to the user interface module 520. The main control circuit 512 may enable (e.g., re-enable) operation of the switch 514 and the light source 515 in response to detecting that the control module 510 is not connected to the user interface module 520. For example, the main control circuit 512 may be configured to attempt to communicate with the user interface control circuit 522 and detect that the cable is not connected between the control module 510 and the user interface module 520 when the main control circuit 512 does not receive a response from the user interface control circuit 522.

[0106] The control module 510 may comprise a communication circuit 516 configured to communicate (e.g., transmit and / or receive) messages (e.g., digital messages). For example, the communication circuit 516 may comprise one or more wired communication circuits and / or wireless communication circuits. The one or more wired communication circuits and / or wireless communication circuits of the communication circuit 516 may be implemented as external integrated circuits (ICs) or as internal circuits of the main control circuit 512. For example, the one or more wireless communication circuits of the communication circuit 516 may include for example, one or more a radio-frequency (RF) transceivers coupled to a respective antenna for transmitting and / or receiving RF signals. In addition, the one or more wireless communication circuits of the communication circuit 626 may also include an RF transmitter for transmitting RFsignals, an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, or an infrared (IR) transmitter and / or receiver for transmitting and / or receiving IR signals. The one or more wireless communication circuits of the communication circuit 516 may be capable of performing communication via the same communication channels or different communication channels. In some examples, the communication circuit 516 may be configured to communicate via a network, such as a wireless or wired local area network (LAN), e.g., for access to the Internet. In addition, the communication circuit 516 may be configured to communicate via a control network (e.g., a wired or wireless control communication link) for communicating with the fan-speed control devices of the load control system.

[0107] The main control circuit 512 may be coupled to the communication circuit 516 for transmitting messages (e.g., digital messages) in response to actuations of the actuators 524 of the user interface module 520 (e.g., in response to depression of one of the buttons 516 and / or the buttons 252). For example, the main control circuit 512 may be configured to transmit a message including control data (e.g., one or more indications of actuation of the actuators 524 and / or commands for controlling the electrical loads) via the communication circuit 516 in response to an actuation of one of the actuators 524 (e.g., an actuation of one of the buttons 216, 316, 416). In addition, the main control circuit 512 may be configured to transmit messages including feedback data (e.g., such as status information of the control device 500) via the communication circuit 512. Further, the main control circuit 512 may be configured to receive messages including, for example, selected presets and / or the statuses of the electrical loads.

[0108] The control device 500 may comprise an antenna module 530 that may include an antenna 532, which may be, for example, the antenna defined by the first antenna structure 460a and / or the antenna defined by the second antenna structure 460b of the control device 200. The antenna module 530 may also comprise a matching network circuit 534, which may be, for example, the matching network circuit 470a mounted to the antenna printed circuit board 462a of the first antenna structure 460a and / or the mounting network circuit 470b mounted to the antenna printed circuit board 462b of the second antenna structure 460b. The matching network circuit 534 may be coupled to the communication circuit 516 via a wired communication link 556 (e.g., one of the first coaxial cable 472a and / or the second coaxial cable 472b). Theantenna 532 of the antenna module 530 may be electrically coupled to the matching network circuit 534 and the wired communication link 536. The communication circuit 516 may be configured to transmit and receive the RF signals using a communication protocol at a communication frequency fcoMM (e.g., approximately 2.4 GHz).

[0109] While the control device 500 shown in FIG. 13 comprises a single antenna module 530, the control device 500 may also comprise multiple antenna modules 530, e.g., two antenna modules that define respective antennas, which may be the first antenna structure 460a and / or the second antenna structures 460b of the control device 400. The main control circuit 512 may be configured to transmit messages via the communication circuit 516 using the first antenna module during a first time period and transmit messages using the second antenna module during a second time period that does not overlap with the first time period (e.g., to avoid collisions between the transmitted messages). For example, the first time period and the second time period may be respective (e.g., consecutive) time slots of a timing sequence defined by the communication protocol. The main control circuit 512 may be configured to transmit messages via the first and second antenna modules at respective first and second communication frequencies fcoMMi, fcoMM2 that are different from each other (e.g., slightly different from each other). For example, the first communication frequency fcoMMi and the second communication frequency fcoMM2 may be separated by an offset foFFSET (e.g., approximately 250 MHz). In addition, the first communication frequency fcoMMi and the second communication frequency fcoMM2 may be equally spaced apart from the communication frequency fcoMM, e.g., fcoMMi = fcoMM - (foFFSEi72); and fcOMM2 = fcoMM + (foFFSEl / 2).Transmitting messages via the first antenna module at the first communication frequency fcoMMi and via the second antenna module at the second communication frequency fcoMM2 may help to avoid collisions between the transmitted messages.

[0110] In addition, the main control circuit 512 may be configured to use one or the other of the first and second antenna modules for transmitting and / or receiving messages via the communication circuit 516. For example, the main control circuit 512 may be configured to use the one of the first and second antenna modules that allows for better wireless communication.The main control circuit 512 may be configured to determine which one of the first and second antenna modules that allows for better wireless communication, for example, in response to receives signals strengths (e.g., received signal strength indicators (RS Sis)) of messages received via both of the first and second antenna modules, and communicate (e.g., only communicate) messages via the one of the first and second antenna modules that allows for better wireless communication. In some examples, the main control circuit 512 may be configured to transmit (e.g., only transmit) messages via the communication circuit 516 using the one of the first and second antenna modules that allows for better wireless communication and receive messages via the communication circuit 516 using both of the first and second antenna modules. In addition, the main control circuit 512 may be configured to transmit messages via the communication circuit using both of the first and second antenna modules, and receive (e.g., only receive) messages via the communication circuit 516 using the one of the first and second antenna modules that allows for better wireless communication.[0U1] The control module 510 may comprise a memory 518 that may be communicatively coupled to the main control circuit 512. The memory 518 may be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the main control circuit 512. The memory 518 may comprise a computer-readable storage media or machine-readable storage media that maintains computer-executable instructions for performing one or more procedure and / or functions as described herein. For example, the memory 518 may comprise computer-executable instructions or machine-readable instructions that when executed by the main control circuit 512 configure the main control circuit 512 to provide one or more portions of the procedures described herein. The main control circuit 512 may access the instructions from the memory 518 for being executed to cause the main control circuit 512 to operate as described herein, or to operate one or more other devices as described herein. The memory 518 may comprise computer-executable instructions for executing configuration software. For example, the main control circuit 512 may be configured to store in and retrieve from the memory 518 configuration data for configuring the main control circuit 512. In addition, the main control circuit 512 may be configured to store in and retrieve from the memory 518 configuration settings and / or operational settings of the main control circuit 512.For example, the operational characteristics stored in the memory 518 may be configured during a configuration procedure of the main control circuit 512.

[0112] The user interface module 520 may include one or more light sources 526 for illuminating gaps around the buttons (e.g, the gaps 218, 318, 418 around the buttons 216, 316, 416 of the control devices 200, 300, 400, respectively). For example, the light sources 526 may comprise one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 526 e.g., the LEDs 170 of the faceplate assembly 510 and / or the LEDs of the faceplate assembly 410). The user interface control circuit 522 may be configured to individually turn each of the light sources 526. The user interface control circuit 522 may be configured to dim the illumination of each of the light sources 526. The user interface control circuit 522 may be configured to control the light sources 526 to provide feedback to a user of the control device 500. The user interface control circuit 522 may be configured to illuminate the gap around one of the buttons e.g., by blinking and / or strobing the illumination) when that button is actuated or depressed (e.g., to indicate that the user interface control circuit 522 has received the input and / or the communication circuit 516 is transmitting a message to external load control devices). The user interface control circuit 522 may be configured to illuminate the gap around one of the buttons to indicate the status of one or more associated electrical loads (e.g., status information regarding whether the electrical loads are on or off). The user interface control circuit 522 may be configured to illuminate the gap around one of the buttons to indicate the selection of a respective preset associated with the button. For example, the user interface control circuit 522 may control the light sources 526 to illuminate the gap around the button of the selected preset to a first intensity level and to illuminate the gaps around each of the other buttons to a second intensity level that may be less than the first intensity level. In addition, the user interface control circuit 522 may be configured to control the light sources 526 to illuminate the gaps around the buttons (e.g., to a dim level) to provide a nightlight feature.

[0113] The control device 500 (e.g., the user interface module 520) may further comprise an ambient light detector 528 (e.g., an ambient light detection circuit) for measuring an ambient light level LAMB in the room in which the control device 500 is installed. The ambient light detector 530 may generate an ambient light detect signal VAMB, which may indicate the ambientlight level and may be received by the user interface control circuit 522. The user interface control circuit 522 may be configured to adjust the intensities of light sources 526 in response to the measured ambient light level LAMB as determined from ambient light detect signal VAMB. For example, the user interface control circuit 522 may be configured to increase the intensities of the light sources 526 when the ambient light level increases, and decrease the intensities of the light sources 526 when the ambient light level decreases.

[0114] While FIG. 13 illustrates the control module 510 and the user interface module 520 with each having a control circuit (e.g., the main control circuit 512 and the user interface control circuit 522), in other embodiments, the control device 500 may comprise a single control circuit. For example, the control circuit 510 of the control module 502 may be coupled (e.g., directly coupled) to the actuators 522, the light sources 526, and / or the ambient light detector 528 (e.g., via the cable 322 of the control device 300 and / or the cable of the control device 400).

[0115] The control module 510 may also comprise a power supply 518 for generating a direct-current (DC) supply voltage Vcc for powering the main control circuit 510, the communication circuit 516, the memory 518, and the other low-voltage circuitry of the control module, as well as the local control circuit 522, the actuators 524, the light sources 526, and the ambient light detector 528 of the local control module 520. The power supply 519 may be coupled to a power source (e.g., such as an AC power source or an external DC power source) via electrical connections 519a, 519b (e.g., with the connectors 347 of the control module 340 and / or the connector 447 of the control module 440). Alternatively, the control device 500 may comprise an internal power source (e.g., one or more batteries) in place of, or for supplying power to, the power supply 519. In various embodiments, the control module 510 may be directly coupled to the power supply 519 and the user interface control module 520 may receive power from the control module 510 via a cable connection (e.g., the cable 322 of the control device 300 and / or the cable of the control device 400).

[0116] The control device 500 may further comprise an internal load control circuit (not shown) that may be coupled between a power source (e.g., an alternating-current power sourceor a direct-current power source) and the electrical load for controlling the power delivered to the electrical load. The main control circuit 510 may be configured to control the load control circuit to control the power delivered to the electrical load in response to the actuation of one or more of the buttons.

[0117] Although features and elements may be described herein in particular combinations, each feature or element may be used alone or in any combination with the other features and elements. While this disclosure has been described in terms of certain embodiments and generally associated methods, alterations and permutations of the embodiments and methods will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the above description of example embodiments does not constrain this disclosure. Other changes, substitutions, and alterations are also possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this disclosure.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A control device for controlling power delivered to an electrical load, the control device comprising: a faceplate assembly having a faceplate that has a front surface and an opposed rear surface, and defines an edge at an outer periphery of the front surface, the faceplate assembly also having a user interface provided at the front surface of the faceplate; a control module assembly comprising a control module that is configured to be responsive to the user interface of the faceplate assembly and includes one or more wireless communication circuits; and an antenna structure defining an antenna electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module via a coaxial cable for communicating messages via wireless signals; wherein the antenna structure is positioned adjacent to the edge of the faceplate.

2. The control device of claim 1, wherein the antenna structure comprises an antenna printed circuit board and an antenna chip mounted to the antenna printed circuit board, the antenna defining a conductive loop extending through the antenna chip and an electrical trace of the antenna printed circuit board.

3. The control device of claim 2, wherein the control module comprises an enclosure in which the one or more wireless communication circuits are housed, and the antenna defined by the antenna structure is electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits housed in the enclosure via the coaxial cable.

4. The control device of claim 3, wherein the antenna structure comprises a carrier configured to support the antenna printed circuit board, the carrier comprising an elongated member configured to extend from the carrier to the enclosure of the control module for supporting the antenna printed circuit board relative to the control module, the elongated membercomprising a channel through which the coaxial cable extends between the antenna printed circuit board and the enclosure of the control module.

5. The control device of claim 4, wherein the carrier comprises a recess in which the antenna printed circuit board is located.

6. The control device of claim 5, wherein the elongated member extends from the recess to the enclosure of the control module in a plane that extends in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction.

7. The control device of claim 6, wherein the elongated member extends in a transverse direction towards the enclosure of the control module.

8. The control device of claim 4, wherein the control module assembly further comprises a mounting bracket attached to the control module, the faceplate assembly configured to engage the mounting bracket to couple the faceplate assembly to the control module assembly.

9. The control device of claim 8, wherein the carrier comprises at least one protrusion configured to be received in an opening in the mounting bracket for aligning the carrier relative to the mounting bracket.

10. The control device of claim 4, wherein the faceplate of the faceplate assembly comprises a rim extending from the rear surface at the edge of the faceplate, the rim of the faceplate defining a notch adjacent to the antenna structure, the carrier comprising an end portion configured to be received within the notch.

11. The control device of claim 4, wherein the control module comprises a main printed circuit board to which the one or more wireless communication circuits are mounted, the main printed circuit board housed within the enclosure of the control module, the coaxial cableextending from the main printed circuit board to the antenna printed circuit board through the channel of the elongated member.

12. The control device of claim 2, wherein the antenna printed circuit board comprises a first and second electrical pads to which the antenna chip is mounted, the antenna printed circuit board further comprising a first via electrically coupling the first electrical pad to the electrical trace and a second via electrically coupling the second electrical pad to the electrical trace.

13. The control device of claim 12, wherein the electrical trace is located on a first layer of the antenna printed circuit board and the antenna chip is mounted to a second layer of the antenna printed circuit board.

14. The control device of claim 1, wherein the antenna structure comprises a first antenna structure and the antenna defined by the first antenna structure comprises a first antenna, the control device further comprising: a second antenna structure defining a second antenna electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module for communicating messages via wireless signals, the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module via a coaxial cable, the second antenna structure positioned adjacent to the edge of the faceplate.

15. The control device of claim 14, wherein the one or more wireless communication circuits are configured to transmit messages using the first antenna defined by the first antenna structure during a first time period and transmit messages using the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure during a second time period that does not overlap with the first time period.

16. The control device of claim 14, wherein one or more wireless communication circuits are configured to transmit messages via the first antenna defined by the first antennastructure at a first communication frequency and transmit messages via the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure at a second communication frequency that is different than the first communication frequency.

17. The control device of claim 1, wherein the faceplate of the faceplate assembly comprises a rim that extends from the rear surface at the edge of the faceplate and includes a notch adjacent to the antenna structure.

18. The control device of claim 17, wherein the antenna defined by the antenna structure defines a conductive loop that is located adjacent to the notch, such that the lip of the faceplate does not overlap the conductive loop of the antenna.

19. The control device of claim 1, wherein the user interface of the faceplate assembly comprises at least one button received in an aperture that extends from the front surface to the rear surface of the faceplate.

20. The control device of claim 19, wherein the faceplate and the at least one button are made at least partially of metal.

21. A control device comprising: a faceplate assembly having a faceplate that has a front surface and an opposed rear surface and is made from a conductive material, the faceplate comprising a rim that extends from the rear surface of the faceplate and includes a notch, the faceplate assembly having a user interface provided at the front surface of the faceplate; a control module assembly comprising a control module that is configured to be responsive to the user interface of the faceplate assembly and includes one or more wireless communication circuits; and an antenna structure defining an antenna electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module for communicating messages via wireless signals, the antenna structure positioned adjacent to a notch in the rim of the faceplate.

22. The control device of claim 21, wherein the antenna structure comprises an antenna printed circuit board and an antenna chip mounted to the antenna printed circuit board, the antenna defined by the antenna structure defining a conductive loop extending through the antenna chip and an electrical trace of the antenna printed circuit board.

23. The control device of claim 22, wherein the control module comprises an enclosure in which the one or more wireless communication circuits are housed, and the antenna defined by the antenna structure is electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits housed in the enclosure via a coaxial cable.

24. The control device of claim 23, wherein the antenna structure comprises a carrier configured to support the antenna printed circuit board, the carrier comprising an elongated member configured to extend from the carrier to the enclosure of the control module for supporting the antenna printed circuit board relative to the control module, the elongated member comprising a channel through which the coaxial cable extends between the antenna printed circuit board and the enclosure of the control module.

25. The control device of claim 24, wherein the carrier comprises a recess in which the antenna printed circuit board is located.

26. The control device of claim 25, wherein the elongated member extends from the recess to the enclosure of the control module in a plane that extends in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction.

27. The control device of claim 26, wherein the elongated member extends in a transverse direction towards the enclosure of the control module.

28. The control device of claim 24, wherein the control module assembly further comprises a mounting bracket attached to the control module, the faceplate assembly configured to engage the mounting bracket to couple the faceplate assembly to the control module assembly.

29. The control device of claim 28, wherein the carrier comprises at least one protrusion configured to be received in an opening in the mounting bracket for aligning the carrier relative to the mounting bracket.

30. The control device of claim 24, wherein the carrier comprising an end portion configured to be received within the notch in the rim of the faceplate.

31. The control device of claim 24, wherein the carrier is made from a non- conductive material.

32. The control device of claim 22, wherein the antenna printed circuit board comprises first and second electrical pads to which the antenna chip is mounted, the antenna printed circuit board further comprising a first via electrically coupling the first electrical pad to the electrical trace and a second via electrically coupling the second electrical pad to the electrical trace.

33. The control device of claim 32, wherein the electrical trace is located on a first layer of the antenna printed circuit board and the antenna chip is mounted to a second layer of the antenna printed circuit board.

34. The control device of claim 21, wherein the antenna structure comprises a first antenna structure and the antenna defined by the first antenna structure comprises a first antenna, the control device further comprising: a second antenna structure defining a second antenna electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module for communicating messages via wireless signals, the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure electrically coupledto the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module via a coaxial cable, the second antenna structure positioned adjacent to the edge of the faceplate.

35. The control device of claim 34, wherein the one or more wireless communication circuits are configured to transmit messages using the first antenna defined by the first antenna structure during a first time period and transmit messages using the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure during a second time period that does not overlap with the first time period.

36. The control device of claim 34, wherein one or more wireless communication circuits are configured to transmit messages via the first antenna defined by the first antenna structure at a first communication frequency and transmit messages via the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure at a second communication frequency that is different than the first communication frequency.

37. The control device of claim 21, wherein the user interface of the faceplate assembly comprises at least one button received in an aperture that extends from the front surface to the rear surface of the faceplate.

38. The control device of claim 37, wherein the faceplate and the at least one button are made at least partially of metal.

39. The control device of claim 21, wherein the faceplate defines an edge at an outer periphery of the front surface, and the rim extends from the rear surface at the edge of the faceplate.

40. The control device of claim 21, wherein the antenna defined by the antenna structure defines a conductive loop that is located adjacent to the notch, such that the lip of the faceplate does not overlap the conductive loop of the antenna.

41. A control device comprising: a faceplate assembly having a faceplate that has a front surface and an opposed rear surface, and defines an edge at an outer periphery of the front surface, the faceplate assembly also having a user interface provided at the front surface of the faceplate; a control module assembly comprising a control module that is configured to be responsive to the user interface of the faceplate assembly and includes one or more wireless communication circuits; and first and second antenna structures defining first and second antennas, respectively, that are electrically coupled to one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module for communicating messages via wireless signals; wherein the first and second antenna structures are positioned adjacent to the edge of the faceplate on opposing sides of the control module.

42. The control device of claim 41, wherein the first and second antenna structures each comprise a respective antenna printed circuit board and a respective antenna chip mounted to the respective antenna printed circuit board, each of the first and second antennas defining a respective conductive loop extending through the respective antenna chip and a respective electrical trace of the respective antenna printed circuit board.

43. The control device of claim 42, wherein the control module comprises an enclosure in which the one or more wireless communication circuits are housed, and the first and second antennas are electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits housed in the enclosure via respective coaxial cables.

44. The control device of claim 43, wherein the first and second antenna structures each comprise a respective carrier configured to support the respective antenna printed circuit board.

45. The control device of claim 44, wherein the respective carrier of each of the first and second antenna structures comprises a respective elongated member that is configured toextend from the respective carrier to the enclosure of the control module for supporting the antenna printed circuit board relative to the control module and comprises a respective channel through which the respective coaxial cable extends between the respective antenna printed circuit board and the enclosure of the control module.

46. The control device of claim 45, wherein the respective carrier of each of the first and second antenna structures comprises a respective recess in which the respective antenna printed circuit board is located.

47. The control device of claim 46, wherein the respective elongated member of each of the first and second antenna structures extends from the respective recess to the enclosure of the control module in a plane that extends in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction.

48. The control device of claim 47, wherein the respective elongated member of each of the first and second antenna structures extends in a transverse direction towards the enclosure of the control module.

49. The control device of claim 44, wherein the control module assembly further comprises a mounting bracket attached to the control module, the faceplate assembly configured to engage the mounting bracket to couple the faceplate assembly to the control module assembly.

50. The control device of claim 49, wherein the respective carrier of each of the first and second antenna structures comprises at least one respective protrusion configured to be received in a respective opening in the mounting bracket for aligning the respective carrier relative to the mounting bracket.

51. The control device of claim 44, wherein the faceplate of the faceplate assembly comprises a rim extending from the rear surface at the edge of the faceplate, the rim of the faceplate comprising a first notch adjacent to the first antenna structure and a second notch adjacent to the second antenna structure, the respective carrier of each of the first and secondantenna structures comprising a respective end portion configured to be received within a respective one of the first and second notches.

52. The control device of claim 42, wherein the respective antenna printed circuit board of each of the first and second antenna structures comprises first and second electrical pads to which the respective antenna chip is mounted, the respective antenna printed circuit board further comprising a first via electrically coupling the first electrical pad to the respective electrical trace and a second via electrically coupling the second electrical pad to the electrical trace.

53. The control device of claim 52, wherein the respective electrical trace is located on a first layer of the respective antenna printed circuit board and the respective antenna chip is mounted to a second layer of the respective antenna printed circuit board.

54. The control device of claim 41, wherein the control module comprises a control circuit housed within the enclosure of the control module, the control circuit electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits for communicating messages via wireless signals using at least one of the first antenna or second antenna.

55. The control device of claim 54, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine which one of the first and second antennas that allows for better wireless communication, and communicate message via communication circuit using the one of the first and second antenna modules that allows for better wireless communication.

56. The control device of claim 55, wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit messages via the communication circuit using the one of the first and second antennas that allows for better wireless communication and receive messages via the communication circuit using both of the first and second antennas.

57. The control device of claim 55, wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit messages via the communication circuit using both of the first and second antennas, and receive messages via the communication circuit using the one of the first and second antennas that allows for better wireless communication.

58. The control device of claim 54, wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit messages via the one or more wireless communication circuits using the first antenna defined by the first antenna structure during a first time period and transmit messages using the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure during a second time period that does not overlap with the first time period.

59. The control device of claim 54, wherein control circuit is configured to transmit messages via the one or more wireless communication circuits using the first antenna defined by the first antenna structure at a first communication frequency and transmit messages via the one or more wireless communication circuits using the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure at a second communication frequency that is different than the first communication frequency.

60. The control device of claim 41, wherein the faceplate of the faceplate assembly comprises a rim that extends from the rear surface at the edge of the faceplate and includes first and second notches adjacent to the first and second antenna structures, respectively.

61. A control module assembly comprising: a control module comprising an enclosure and one or more wireless communication circuits housed in the enclosure; an antenna structure defining an antenna electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module for communicating messages via wireless signals, the antenna structure comprises an antenna printed circuit board on which the antenna is at least partially formed and a carrier configured to support the antenna printed circuit board; wherein the carrier comprises an elongated member that is configured to extend from thecarrier to the enclosure of the control module for supporting the antenna printed circuit board relative to the control module and comprises a channel through which a coaxial cable extends between the antenna printed circuit board and the enclosure of the control module.

62. The control module assembly of claim 61, wherein the antenna structure further comprises an antenna chip mounted to the antenna printed circuit board, the antenna defining a conductive loop extending through the antenna chip and an electrical trace of the antenna printed circuit board.

63. The control module assembly of claim 62, wherein the carrier comprises a recess in which the antenna printed circuit board is located.

64. The control module assembly of claim 63, wherein the elongated member extends from the recess to the enclosure of the control module in a plane that extends in a longitudinal direction and a lateral direction.

65. The control module assembly of claim 64, wherein the elongated member extends in a transverse direction towards the enclosure of the control module.

66. The control module assembly of claim 63, wherein the antenna chip is mounted to a rear side of the antenna printed circuit board and is located in a window in the antenna carrier.

67. The control module assembly of claim 66, wherein the antenna structure further comprises a matching network circuit mounted to the rear side of the antenna printed circuit board and is located in the window in the antenna carrier, the matching network circuit electrically coupled between the conductive loop of the antenna and the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module.

68. The control module assembly of claim 62, wherein the antenna printed circuit board comprises a first and second electrical pads to which the antenna chip is mounted, theantenna printed circuit board further comprising a first via electrically coupling the first electrical pad to the electrical trace and a second via electrically coupling the second electrical pad to the electrical trace.

69. The control module assembly of claim 68, wherein the electrical trace is located on a first layer of the antenna printed circuit board and the antenna chip is mounted to a second layer of the antenna printed circuit board.

70. The control module assembly of claim 61, further comprising: a mounting bracket to which a faceplate assembly may be mounted, the mounting bracket attached to the control module; wherein the faceplate assembly is configured to engage the mounting bracket to couple the faceplate assembly to the control module assembly.

71. The control module assembly of claim 70, wherein the antenna structure is configured to be positioned adjacent to an edge of a faceplate of the faceplate assembly when the faceplate assembly is mounted to the mounting bracket.

72. The control module assembly of claim 70, wherein the antenna structure is configured to be positioned adjacent to a notch in a rim that extends from a rear surface of a faceplate of the faceplate assembly when the faceplate assembly is mounted to the mounting bracket.

73. The control module assembly of claim 70, wherein the control module is configured to be responsive to a user interface of the faceplate assembly.

74. The control module assembly of claim 70, wherein the carrier comprises at least one protrusion configured to be received in an opening in the mounting bracket for aligning the carrier relative to the mounting bracket.

75. The control module assembly of claim 61, wherein the antenna structure comprises a first antenna structure and the antenna defined by the first antenna structure comprises a first antenna, the control device further comprising: a second antenna structure defining a second antenna electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits of the control module for communicating messages via wireless signals, the second antenna structure comprising an antenna printed circuit board on which the second antenna is at least partially formed and a carrier configured to support the antenna printed circuit board of the second antenna structure; wherein the carrier of the second antenna structure comprises an elongated member that is configured to extend from the carrier to the enclosure of the control module for supporting the antenna printed circuit board relative to the control module and comprises a channel through which a coaxial cable extends between the antenna printed circuit board of the second antenna structure and the enclosure of the control module.

76. The control module assembly of claim 75, wherein the control module comprises a control circuit housed within the enclosure of the control module, the control circuit electrically coupled to the one or more wireless communication circuits for communicating messages via wireless signals using at least one of the first antenna or second antenna.

77. The control module assembly of claim 76, wherein the control circuit is configured to determine which one of the first and second antennas that allows for better wireless communication, and communicate message via communication circuit using the one of the first and second antenna modules that allows for better wireless communication.

78. The control module assembly of claim 76, wherein the control circuit is configured to transmit messages via the one or more wireless communication circuits using the first antenna defined by the first antenna structure during a first time period and transmit messages using the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure during a second time period that does not overlap with the first time period.

79. The control module assembly of claim 76, wherein control circuit is configured to transmit messages via the one or more wireless communication circuits using the first antenna defined by the first antenna structure at a first communication frequency and transmit messages via the one or more wireless communication circuits using the second antenna defined by the second antenna structure at a second communication frequency that is different than the first communication frequency.

80. The control module assembly of claim 61, wherein the control module comprises a main printed circuit board to which the one or more wireless communication circuits are mounted, the main printed circuit board housed within the enclosure of the control module, the coaxial cable extending from the main printed circuit board to the antenna printed circuit board through the channel of the elongated member.

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