Protocol Conversion Module for Power Line LED Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing light fixtures connected via power lines face limitations in control capacity due to limited data bandwidth, making it challenging to reconfigure or retrofit without extensive costs and labor.
Innovation Solution
A power line light controller system that uses a master controller to convert Remote Device Management (RDM) communication to power line communication, enabling efficient control of individually addressable LED lights, thereby increasing control capacity and reducing installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If power line communication is used to control light fixtures, then installation flexibility is improved, but control capacity is limited due to low data bandwidth
Solution Approach 1:
A protocol conversion device is introduced as an intermediary between the master controller and light fixtures. This device converts RDM communication (received from the master controller) into power line communication suitable for transmission over power lines, and vice versa. The conversion enables the system to overcome the bandwidth limitations of power line communication while maintaining the ability to use existing power line infrastructure for installation.
2Quantity of substance
If RDM communication is converted to power line communication, then control capacity is improved, but communication overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol conversion device extracts only the essential control instructions from the RDM communication protocol, removing unnecessary overhead and metadata. By identifying and transmitting only the critical control parameters needed for light fixture operation, the system achieves effective control capacity improvement while minimizing communication overhead on the power line.
3Adaptability or versatility
If protocol conversion is implemented, then system versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protocol conversion device is designed to automatically perform protocol conversion without requiring manual configuration or complex setup. The device self-configures by receiving RDM communication from the master controller, automatically identifying the appropriate conversion parameters, and transmitting the converted signals over the power line. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity while maintaining system versatility.
Data Source
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Figure 2B
AI summary
In some examples, light controller technology includes methods and apparatuses. In other examples, the technology includes a light controller system (100). The system includes one or more light fixtures (130a-130z). Each light fixture of the one or more light fixtures (130a-130z) is electrically coupled via a power line (120). Each light fixture of the one or more light fixtures (130a-130z) includes a protocol conversion module (136a) configured to convert instructions between power line communication and first remote device management (RDM) communication, a communication module (138a) configured to communicate the power line communication over the power line (120), and a light controller (132a) configured to control one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs, 134a) in the respective light fixture (130a-130z) based on the instructions.