Dual-Protocol Load Control Devices for Fast Updates and Reliable Commands
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Solution Overview
Problem
Load control devices face challenges in balancing high bandwidth wireless communications for reconfiguration and software updating with high reliability and low latency operational communications.
Innovation Solution
A dual-protocol communication system is implemented in load control devices, using a first wireless communication circuit for configuration data via a high-bandwidth protocol like Wi-Fi and a second communication circuit for operational data via a low-latency protocol like RF, enabling simultaneous efficient configuration and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single high-bandwidth wireless protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi) is used for all communications, then configuration data transfer speed is improved, but operational command latency and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication system into two distinct wireless communication circuits: a first circuit dedicated to configuration data transfer using high-bandwidth protocols like Wi-Fi, and a second circuit dedicated to operational commands using low-latency protocols like RF. This segmentation allows each circuit to be optimized for its specific function, resolving the contradiction between configuration speed and operational reliability.
2Loss of time
If a single low-latency wireless protocol (e.g., RF) is used for all communications, then operational command latency is reduced, but configuration data transfer bandwidth deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the communication functionality into separate circuits: the second wireless communication circuit handles operational commands with low-latency RF protocols, while the first wireless communication circuit handles configuration data with high-bandwidth Wi-Fi protocols. This segmentation eliminates the bandwidth limitation that would exist if only low-latency RF protocol were used for all communications.
3Adaptability or versatility
If dual-protocol communication circuits are implemented, then both high-bandwidth configuration and low-latency operational communications are achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While segmentation into dual circuits does increase hardware complexity, it provides superior adaptability by enabling the device to simultaneously support both high-bandwidth Wi-Fi configuration updates and low-latency RF operational commands. The complexity is justified by the significant improvement in communication versatility and performance for different data types.
Solution Approach 2:
The load control device achieves multi-functionality in its communication system by incorporating both Wi-Fi and RF capabilities. The first wireless communication circuit provides universal high-bandwidth connectivity for configuration, while the second provides universal low-latency connectivity for operations, making the device adaptable to various communication requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for controlling the power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load may include a controllably conductive device. The apparatus may also include a first wireless communication circuit that may be operable to communicate on a first wireless communication network via a first protocol and the first communication circuit may be in communication with the controller. The apparatus may also include a second communication circuit that may be operable to communicate on a second communication network via a second protocol. The controller may be further operable to control the first wireless communication circuit to communicate configuration data with the first wireless communication network via the first protocol. The controller may also be operable to control the second wireless communication circuit to communicate operational data with the second communication network via the second protocol.