DE102016217747B4 - METHOD FOR BIDIRECTIONAL COMMUNICATION CENTER PHASE CUT MODULATION OF AN AC SUPPLY VOLTAGE AND CORRESPONDINGLY DESIGNED OPERATING DEVICE, CONTROL DEVICE AND SYSTEM - Google Patents

Abstract

Operating device (121-123) for a lamp (131-133), which comprises: - a mains connection (497), which is set up to supply an AC supply voltage (193) via a supply line (102, 102-1, 102-2). ) to receive, - an AC / DC converter (499), which is set up to output a DC supply voltage (194) to the lamp (131-133) based on the AC supply voltage (193), and - a logic circuit (470), which is set up to receive first data (701) based on a phase cut modulation (301, 302) of the AC supply voltage (193) and to receive second data (702) based on the phase cut modulation (301, 302) of the AC -Supply voltage (193) to send.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

Various embodiments of the invention relate to an operating device for a lamp and a control device. In particular, various embodiments relate to techniques for enabling bidirectional communication between the operating device and the control device based on phase cut modulation of an AC supply voltage.

BACKGROUND

The US 2011 / 0 316 441 A1 discloses a system having a controller and line units. The controller receives AC power from a power source and delivers an AC signal to the units via two conductors. In one example, the control is a dimmer switch and the units are smart LED bulbs. The controller uses phase cut modulation to transmit information (e.g. lighting control commands) to the units. The units receive the AC signal, demodulate and recover the phase cut modulated information, and optionally transmit the information back to the controller using load modulation. An addressed unit changes the load on the two conductors from phase cut time to phase cut time, thereby modulating information onto the AC signal. The controller monitors the AC signal, demodulates it and restores the information. All bidirectional communication is called bidirectional phase cut modulation over AC conductors. The units can be controlled individually or in groups.

The WO 2010/117 340 A1 discloses systems and methods for transmitting control data over AC lines. The system may include a transmitter comprising: a zero crossing detector; a microprocessor; and a triac (alternating current triode) or SCR (silicon controlled rectifier) trigger device; wherein the transmitter receives the control data from a data source and the microprocessor divides the control data into a plurality of elements, provides a fixed time delay for each of the elements and transmits each of the elements to the triac or SCR trigger device capable of a to trigger the corresponding triac or SCR connected to the AC line when the zero crossing detector detects a zero crossing of a supply voltage of the AC line.

The DE 101 28 258 A1 describes a powerline control system. To control electrical devices or lights (L) that are connected to a common power supply network (1), the electrical devices exchange information with a control unit (2) via the power supply network (1) using a powerline process. The electrical devices are synchronized with one another in such a way that they receive information from or send information to the power supply network (1) in predetermined transmission and reception cycles, with each electrical device receiving information received in a transmission and reception cycle in a directly or indirectly following one Send and receive cycle back into the power supply network (1).

The transmission of digital data from a control device to an operating device for a lamp using phase cut modulation is known. See for example: DE 10 2015 203 456 A1 . The communication from the control device to the operating device corresponds to a downstream (DS) direction, ie from the central control device to the operating device.

Such techniques may have the limitations that communication in the upstream (US) direction, i.e. a return channel, is not available.

SUMMARY

There is therefore a need for improved techniques for communication between an operating device for a lamp and a control device.

This task is solved by the features of the independent patent claims. The features of the dependent claims define embodiments.

In one example, an operating device for a lamp includes a power connection. The mains connection is set up to receive an AC supply voltage via a supply line. The operating device also includes an AC/DC converter that is set up to output a DC supply voltage to the lamp based on the AC supply voltage. The operating device also includes a logic circuit that is set up to receive first data based on a phase cut modulation of the AC supply voltage and to send second data based on the phase cut modulation of the AC supply voltage.

The data can be, for example, packaged data. The data can be digitally coded, for example. The data can include, for example, user data and test data, for example having a checksum, etc. The data can, for example, be native in a physical layer of a transmission channel that is implemented using phase cut modulation over the AC supply voltage. The transmission channel can, for example, be implemented frame-based. The frames may have a fixed length, defined, for example, in units of periods of the AC supply voltage.

The logic circuit could be implemented, for example, by a microcontroller or a processor or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC).

Such a technology makes it possible to transmit information via a return channel, i.e. from the operating device to a control device. Depending on the content of the information, different applications can be made possible. In particular, it may be possible to report operationally relevant parameters of the operating device to the control device. This could, for example, make the operation of the operating device more reliable.

The operating device can, for example, comprise a switching element between a signal conductor and a reference conductor. The logic circuit can then be set up to impose the second data on the AC supply voltage by operating the switching element based on the phase cut modulation.

The switching element makes it possible to selectively allow charges to flow between the signal conductor via the switching element and the. This allows the potential difference between the signal conductor and the reference conductor to be reduced in the short term. This allows the phase cut to be achieved.

The reference conductor can be implemented, for example, by ground in the DC domain or the neutral conductor in the AC domain. The signal conductor can be implemented, for example, by the external conductor in the AC domain. The signal conductor can, for example, have a DC voltage relative to ground in the DC domain.

The switching element can be, for example, a solid-state switch. For example, the switching element could be implemented by a bipolar transistor or a field effect transistor.

Fundamentally different arrangements of the switching element are conceivable: In one example, the operating device includes a DC switching power supply, which is, for example, part of the AC/DC converter. The DC switching power supply includes a switch that can implement the switching element.

For example, the DC switching power supply could be a step-up converter that also has an inductor, a diode and a capacitor. Such an example has the advantage that in typical reference implementations of operating devices, the DC switching power supply with the associated switch is already present: therefore, it may be possible that the switch of the DC switching power supply is reused to achieve the phase cut modulation. Alternatively, the DC switching power supply can also be formed, for example, by an isolated flyback converter or SEPIC converter.

In a further example, the operating device can also include a rectifier. For example, it would be possible for the switching element to be arranged between the rectifier and the switching power supply, i.e. in the DC domain. In such an example, the DC switching power supply may have a separate switch that does not implement the switching element.

In a further example, it would also be possible for the switching element to be arranged between the mains connection and the rectifier. Such an example has the advantage that the switching element is already arranged in the AC domain in front of the rectifier and can therefore trigger the phase cut particularly effectively.

Using such techniques for transmitting first data and second data, it may be possible to implement bidirectional communication of messages. For example, it would be possible for the logic circuit to be set up to communicate a request message using the first data. This may mean that the request message is received by a control unit in the DS direction. The logic circuits may further be configured to communicate a response message using the second data in response to the request message. This may mean that the response message is sent to the control unit in the US direction.

By means of the request message and the response message sent in response to the request message, it may therefore be possible to control access to the transmission medium of the AC supply voltage. This makes it possible, for example, to avoid collisions between first data that is transmitted in the DS direction and second data that is transmitted in the US direction. Besides, this would make it For example, it is possible to avoid collisions between second data sent by several operating devices in the US direction.

For example, it would be possible for the prompt message to index a point in time. The logic circuit can then be set up to send the second data in accordance with the time.

For example, in some examples it would be possible for the time to be indexed in absolute units. In other examples, it would also be possible for the time to be implicitly indexed depending on the properties of the transmission channel, which is implemented using phase cut modulation via the AC supply voltage. Such properties could, for example, relate to a specific clock frequency, transmission frames, etc.

By indexing the time, it may be possible for access to the transmission medium of the AC supply voltage to be controlled particularly efficiently. In particular, it may be unnecessary for the second data to be transmitted immediately following the first data. It may be possible to use the time point to implement a specific time offset between the transmission of the first data and the transmission of the second data.

The response message could, for example, contain information selected from the following group: an operating status of the operating device; a response to information contained in the solicitation message; a Boolean value; an identifier of the operating device; an acknowledgment of execution of a command included in the request message; and information that is indicative of a measurement of a sensor of the operating device.

It can be seen from this that response messages with variable information content can be transmitted using the second data. This may make it possible to implement different applications based on the information.

In one example, a control device includes a power connection. The mains connection is set up to receive an AC supply voltage via a supply line. The control device also includes a logic circuit that is set up to send first data based on a phase cut modulation of the AC supply voltage and to receive second data based on the phase cut modulation of the AC supply voltage.

Such a control device can, for example, interact with an operating device as described above to enable bidirectional communication.

The control device can, for example, comprise a first switching element which is arranged in a signal conductor. The control device can also include a second switching element which is arranged between the signal conductor and a reference conductor. The control device can further comprise a logic circuit which is set up to impose the first data on the AC supply voltage by operating the first switching element and the second switching element based on the phase cut modulation

Such a hardware implementation of the communication interface has the advantage that the first and second switching elements are already present in various reference implementations for DS communication using phase cut modulation. It may then be possible to reuse the first and second switching elements for US communication using phase cut modulation.

For this purpose, the logic circuit could, for example, be set up to switch the first switching element non-conductive in accordance with the time indicated in a request message that was previously sent to the operating device.

This can mean, for example, that the first switching element is switched non-conducting shortly before the time. In particular, it may be desirable to make the period of time for which the switching element is switched non-conducting particularly small. For example, it would be possible for the switching element to be switched non-conductive for only a fraction of a period of the AC supply voltage.

This can prevent a short circuit from occurring when the charge flows away from the signal conductor in the area of the operating device.

In another example, a method includes receiving an AC supply voltage. The method also includes outputting a DC supply voltage to a lamp based on the AC supply voltage. The method also includes receiving first data based on a phase cut modulation of the AC supply voltage. The method also includes sending second data based on the phase cut modulation of the AC supply voltage.

Such a method could be carried out, for example, by an operating device for a lamp.

In another example, a method includes receiving first data based on phase cut modulation of an AC supply voltage. The method also includes sending second data based on the phase cut modulation of the AC supply voltage.

Such a method could, for example, be carried out by a control device in communication with one or more operating devices for a lamp.

The features set out above and features described below can be used not only in the corresponding combinations explicitly set out, but also in further combinations or in isolation without departing from the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

• 1A schematically illustrates a system according to various embodiments, which includes a supply line, a control device and several operating devices for lighting devices.
• 1B schematically illustrates a system according to various embodiments, which includes a supply line, a control device and several operating devices for lighting devices.
• 2 schematically illustrates the control unit of the system 1A according to various embodiments in greater detail.
• 3 schematically illustrates phase cut modulation of an AC supply voltage according to various embodiments, wherein the AC supply voltage is via the supply line of the system 1A is transmitted.
• 4 schematically illustrates the operating device of the system 1A according to various embodiments in greater detail, wherein the operating device comprises a switching element for phase cut modulation as part of a DC switching power supply.
• 5 schematically illustrates the operating device of the system 1A according to various embodiments in greater detail, wherein the operating device comprises a switching element for phase cut modulation between a rectifier and a DC switching power supply.
• 6 schematically illustrates the operating device of the system 1A according to various embodiments in greater detail, wherein the operating device comprises a switching element for phase cut modulation in the AC domain in front of a rectifier.
• 7 schematically illustrates US data and DS data that are transmitted via the supply line using phase cut modulation according to various embodiments.
• 8th is a signal flow diagram showing the transmission of messages using the US data and the DS data between the control unit and an operating device of the system 1A illustrated according to various embodiments.
• 9 is a flowchart of a method according to various embodiments.
• 10 schematically illustrates the control unit of the system 1A according to various embodiments in greater detail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The characteristics, features and advantages of this invention described above, as well as the manner in which these are achieved, will be more clearly and clearly understood in connection with the following description of the exemplary embodiments, which will be explained in more detail in connection with the drawings.

The present invention is explained in more detail below using preferred embodiments with reference to the drawings. In the figures, the same reference numbers designate the same or similar elements. The figures are schematic representations of various embodiments of the invention. Elements shown in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Rather, the various elements shown in the figures are reproduced in such a way that their function and general purpose is understandable to those skilled in the art. Connections and couplings between functional units and elements shown in the figures can also be implemented as an indirect connection or coupling. A connection or coupling can be implemented in a wired or wireless manner. Functional units can be implemented as hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

Techniques related to communicating data over an AC supply line are described below. In particular, techniques are described below that enable bidirectional communication between a control device and one or more operating devices for lighting devices. In various examples, it is possible to imprint the data onto the AC supply voltage based on phase cut modulation.

Typically, such techniques can be used to enable bidirectional communication for a multi-node transmission channel. The supply line can be operated as a communication bus system, which enables communication between more than two nodes: typically, communication between a control device and several operating devices that are associated with different lighting devices can be enabled.

Different applications can be implemented using such techniques. Different applications can be implemented, for example, depending on the information from messages that are communicated using the data. Examples of applications include monitoring the operation of the operating devices and lamps, the acquisition of observables for an environment of the operating devices, for example using sensor readings, emergency indications, etc.

The techniques described herein can be applied, for example, in room lighting or street lighting.

1A schematically illustrates aspects relating to a system 100, which includes a control device 111 and several operating devices 121-123. The control device 111 and the operating devices 121-123 are connected to one another via a supply line 102. A voltage source 101 is provided, which is set up to feed an AC supply voltage 193 opposite ground 103 into the supply line 102. Typically, the voltage source 101 is a connection to the power grid. But it would also be possible for the voltage source 101 to be a generator, etc., for example. The AC supply voltage 193 could be, for example, a 220 V or 110 V AC voltage.

Out of 1A It can be seen that each operating device 121-123 is associated with a lamp 131-133. Examples of lamps 131-133 include: light-emitting diodes (LEDs), halogen lamps, gas discharge lamps, etc. Different operating devices 121-123 can supply different types of lamps 131-133.

While in the example the 1A an implementation is shown in which each operating device 121-123 is assigned a single lamp 131-133, it could also be possible in other examples for more than one lamp 131-133 to be provided per operating device 121-123.

The system 100 of 1A supports bidirectional communication. In 1A It is shown that DS data 701 can be transmitted from the control device 111 to one operating device 121-123 (point-to-point communication) or several operating devices 121-123 (point-to-multipoint communication). In 1A It is also shown that US data 702 can be transmitted from one of the operating devices 121-123 to the control device 111.

In further examples, it would also be possible for further data to be transmitted between the individual operating devices 121-123 (peer-to-peer or device-to-device, D2D communication).

Techniques that enable such data transfer are described below. In particular, techniques are described that enable transmission using phase cut modulation.

1B schematically illustrates aspects relating to a system 100, which includes a control device 111 and several operating devices 121-123. The example of 1B basically corresponds to the example of 1A . In the example of the 1 B However, the various operating devices 121-123 are connected in parallel and not - as in the example 1A - connected in series. In the various examples described here, it would be possible to use a parallel connection or a series connection of operating devices.

2 schematically illustrates aspects relating to the controller 111 of the system 100. In particular illustrated 2 the control unit 111 in greater detail than 1A .

The control device 111 is interposed in the supply line 102. For this purpose, the control device 111 includes corresponding interfaces 297. The supply line 102 includes an external conductor 102-1, which has the time-variable AC supply voltage 193 compared to a neutral conductor 102-2. The external conductor 102-1 implements a signal conductor and the neutral conductor 102-2 implements a reference leader. The supply conductor could also include a ground conductor (in 2 not shown), which implements another reference conductor.

The controller 211 also includes a logic circuit 220 that is configured to send the US data 701 based on a phase cut modulation of the AC supply voltage 193 and to receive the DS data 702 based on the phase cut modulation of the AC supply voltage. For this purpose, the control device 211 includes a switching element 211, which is arranged in the outer conductor 102-1 of the supply line 102. The control device 111 also includes a switching element 212, which is arranged between the outer conductor 102-1 and the neutral conductor 102-2. Then, the logic circuit 220 may be configured to impress the US data 701 onto the AC supply voltage 193 by operating the switching element 211 and the switching element 212 based on the phase cut modulation.

The functionality of the control device 111 for sending the DS data 701 is explained in more detail below. In normal operation, i.e. without sending the DS data 701 or without phase cut modulation, the switching element 211 is switched on and the switching element 212 is switched off. In order to generate a phase cut, the current flow through the signal conductor 102-1 is first interrupted by switching the switching element 211 non-conducting. The switching element 212 is then switched on so that charge can flow from the signal conductor 102-1 to the reference conductor 102-2 and a corresponding potential difference is reduced. The resistor 213 is provided for this purpose. The logic circuit 220 is set up to carry out this switching of the switching elements 211, 212 in a time-synchronized manner with respect to the phase of the AC supply voltage 193. For example, the logic circuit 220 could be coupled to the supply line 102 in order to achieve a corresponding phase synchronization.

It is also possible that the logic circuit 220 is set up to enable transmission of the US data 702 by appropriately operating the switching elements 211, 212. For this purpose, it may be possible for the switching element 211 - corresponding to the operation for sending the DS data 701 - to be switched non-conductive at a time at which the transmission of the US data 702 is expected. In this way, a short circuit can be prevented if a signal conductor is connected to a reference conductor by one of the operating devices 121-123.

3 illustrates aspects relating to phase cut modulation 301, 302. Particularly illustrated 3 the phase cut modulation 301 in the falling edge of the AC supply voltage 193 and the phase control modulation 302 in the rising edge of the AC supply voltage 193. The phase control modulation can include phase control modulation 302 and/or phase control modulation 301. For example, the presence of a phase cut 301, 302 may indicate a logical ONE of the data 701, 702; for example, the absence of a phase cut 301, 302 may indicate a logical ZERO of the data 701, 702.

4 schematically illustrates aspects relating to operating devices 121-123. Particularly illustrated 4 the operating devices 121-123 in greater detail than 1A .

The operating devices 121-123 are connected to the supply line 102 via a power connection 497. The mains connection 497 is set up to receive the AC supply voltage 193 via the supply line 102. In the example of the 4 The supply line 102 includes the external conductor 102-1 as a signal conductor, the neutral conductor 102-2 as a reference conductor, and ground 103 as a further reference conductor.

The operating devices 121-123 also include an AC/DC converter 499, which is set up to supply a DC supply voltage 194 via an output connection 451 to the corresponding lamp 131-133 (in 4 not shown). The DC supply voltage is defined as a reference conductor between a corresponding signal conductor 104 and ground 103.

The operating devices 121-123 also include a logic circuit 470 that is set up to receive the DS data 701 based on the phase cut modulation 301, 302 of the AC supply voltage. For this purpose, the logic circuit 470 is connected to the connections 416, 417 (in 4 not shown for reasons of clarity). Resistors 411-414 implement appropriate voltage dividers and limit current flow. For example, the phase cut 301, 302 can be detected by comparing the potentials at the connections 416, 417.

The logic circuit 470 is further set up to send the US data 702 based on the phase cut modulation 301, 302 of the AC supply voltage 193.

For this purpose, the operating devices 121-123 each include a switching element that can be operated by the logic circuit 470 either in the conducting or non-conducting state. The switching element is between a signal conductor and a reference ladder arranged. By operating the switching element, the phase cut modulation can then be used to impress the US data 702 onto the AC supply voltage 103 90.

In the example of the 4 the switching element 432 is implemented by a switch of a DC switching power supply 498. The DC switching power supply 498 is in the example 4 a step-up converter and includes an inductor 431 in the signal conductor 104, a diode 433 in the signal conductor 104, and a capacitor 435 which is connected - in parallel to the switching element 432 - between the signal conductor 104 and ground 103. The inductor 431 and the capacitor 435 can alternately store energy, with clocking of the DC switching power supply of the 498 being implemented by cyclically switching the switching element 432 by the logic circuit 470. The logic circuit 470 is therefore set up to control the switch 432 of the DC switching power supply to provide the DC supply voltage 194.

In addition to operating the DC switching power supply 498 to generate the DC supply voltage 194, the logic circuit 470 is also set up to operate the switching element 432 for imposing the phase cut modulation for the US data 702 on the AC supply voltage 193.

The AC/DC converter 499 further includes a rectifier 404 and a capacitance 440 for smoothing the rectified DC signal received from the rectifier 404. A filter for filtering interference signals, which includes a capacitor 401 and inductors 402, 403, is also arranged between the mains connection 497 and the rectifier 404.

The arrangement of the switching element 432 for the phase cut modulation in the UL direction as part of the DC switching power supply of the 498 according to 4 is not limiting. In other examples, it would also be possible for the switching element for the phase cut modulation in the UL direction to be arranged at a different location on the respective operating device 121-123.

5 schematically illustrates aspects relating to operating devices 121-123. Particularly illustrated 5 the operating devices 121-123 in greater detail than 1A . The example of an implementation of the operating devices 121-123 according to 5 Basically corresponds to the example for an implementation of the operating devices 121-123 4 . In the example of the 5 However, the switching element 501 for the phase cut modulation in the UL direction is arranged at a different location than in the example 4 . In the example of the 5 the switching element 501 is arranged between the rectifier 404 and the DC switching power supply 498. The switching element is arranged between the signal conductor 104 and ground 103 in the DC domain.

6 schematically illustrates aspects relating to operating devices 121-123. Particularly illustrated 6 the operating devices 121-123 in greater detail than 1A . The example of an implementation of the operating devices 121-123 according to 6 Basically corresponds to the example for an implementation of the operating devices 121-123 according to each of the 4 and 5 . In the example of the 6 However, the switching element 601 for the phase cut modulation in the UL direction is arranged at a different location than in the examples of 4 and 5 . In the example of the 6 the switching element 601 is arranged between the power connection 497 and the rectifier 404. The switching element 601 is therefore arranged adjacent to the filter 401, 402, 403.

In the example of the 6 There is also an optional resistor 699. The resistor 699 can be used, for example, to detect an impermissible overcurrent. This would make it possible, for example, for the resistor 699 to be implemented in relation to the switching element 601. Alternatively or additionally, it would also be possible to detect DS data 701 sent as a voltage drop across resistor 699 by means of phase cut modulation 301, 302 of the AC supply voltage.

In the examples of 4-6 The logic circuit 470 is set up to carry out the phase cut by closing the respective switching element 432, 501, 601. In this regard, however, it may be desirable to synchronize the phase cut by closing the respective switching element 432, 501, 601 with the opening of the switching element 211 in the control device 111. This allows a short circuit between the respective signal conductor 102-1, 104 and the respective reference conductor 102-2, 103 to be avoided.

7 illustrates aspects related to the DS data 701 and the US data 702. In the example the 7 the DS data 701 and the US data 702 are shown in packetized form. The DS data 701 and the US data 702 are transmitted interleaved in the time period (time multiplexing). This allows interference between the DS data 701 and the US data 702 to be avoided.

For example, it would be possible for the DS data 701 to be used to index a time 711 at which the US data 702 is to be sent.

8th illustrates aspects related to communicating messages 801, 802 between the control unit 111 and the operating devices 121-123. In 8th An example implementation for scheduling US data 702 is shown. In the example of the 8th The control device 111 sends a request message 801 to one or more of the operating devices 121-123 using the DS data 701. Then the at least one operating device 121-123 that was addressed using the request message 801 can send a response message 802 in response to the request message 801 communicate using US data 702. Using such techniques, the access of the operating device 121-123 to the AC supply voltage 193 that implements the transmission medium can be controlled. This can prevent interference.

In a simple example, it would be possible for the corresponding operating device 121-123 to send the response message 802 immediately in response to receiving the request message 801. In further examples, it would be possible for the prompt message 801 to index one or more times 711. Then the logic circuit 470 of the respective operating device 121-123 can be set up to send the US data 702 corresponding to the response message 802 in accordance with the indexed time 711 or the indexed times 711. Accordingly, the logic circuit 220 of the controller 111 may be configured to receive the US data 702 corresponding to the response message 802 in accordance with the indexed time 711 or the indexed times 711. For this purpose, the logic circuit 222 can in particular be set up to switch the switching element 211 non-conductive in accordance with the time 711 or the times 711. This can mean, for example, that the switching element 211 is switched non-conductive between before and shortly after the transmission of a bit of the US data 702. This can mean that the switching element 211 is switched non-conductive in the area of an expected phase cut 301, 302. For example, the switching element 211 could be switched non-conducting for a period of time that is in the range of 100 - 120% of the duration of the phase cut 301, 302.

For example, it would be possible for the prompt message 801 to index multiple times 711 according to a repetition scheme. In this way, recurring resources on the transmission medium can be assigned to one or more operating devices 121-123. This makes it unnecessary for a corresponding request message 801 to be communicated from the control device 111 to the respective operating device 121-123 every time the US data 702 is to be sent. The signaling volume can thus be reduced.

Different information can be communicated using the response message 802. For example, the operating state of the operating device 121-123 could be indexed using the response message. For example, the operating state could indicate the operability of the operating device. For example, the operating state of the operating device could indicate a charge status of a battery of the operating device, for example for emergency power operation. The operating status could also indicate the power consumption of the lamp. The operating status could include error codes.

It would also be possible, for example, for the operating device to be coupled to a sensor. It would then be possible for information to be communicated using the US data, which is indicative of a measurement by the sensor. The sensor could, for example, indicate local brightness of the environment, humidity, temperature, environmental movement, smoke development, etc.

The information could be multi-bit information or just encode a single Boolean value, for example by a single bit.

The information could be requested by the request message 801, so that the information in the response message could be a response to the corresponding request information in the request message 801.

The (successful) execution of a command - for example a dimmer change - could also be acknowledged using the response message 801.

9 is a flowchart of an example method.

In block 5001, an AC supply voltage is received. For example, a mains connection that is coupled to a supply line can be used.

In block 5002, a DC supply voltage is output based on the AC supply voltage. An AC/DC converter can be used for this, for example. For example, the AC/DC converter could include a rectifier and a DC switching power supply, such as a step-up converter.

In block 5003, first data is received based on a phase cut modulation of the AC supply voltage. For this purpose, it would be possible, for example, to look at the signal level between a signal conductor and a reference conductor and then determine whether the phase angle is present or whether the phase angle is not is present. In this way it may be possible to encode a logical ONE or a logical ZERO.

In block 5004, second data is sent based on the phase cut modulation of the AC supply voltage. For this purpose, it would be possible, for example, to selectively close a switching element which connects the signal conductor to the reference conductor in a conductive position. This allows the phase cut to be achieved.

10 schematically illustrates aspects relating to the controller 111 of the system 100. In particular illustrated 10 the control unit 111 in greater detail than 1A . The implementation of the control unit 111 according to 10 basically corresponds to the implementation of the control device 111 2 . 10 also illustrates techniques for receiving the US data 702.

To receive the US data 702, the control device 111 includes a first voltage divider, which is implemented by the resistors 911, 913 between the neutral conductor 102-2 and ground 103. The control device 111 further comprises a second voltage divider, which is implemented by the resistors 912, 914 between the outer conductor 102-1 and ground 103. Connections 916, 917 are provided, at which the potential at the center of the corresponding voltage divider can be measured by the logic circuit 220. For example, it would be possible to determine whether a phase cut 301, 302 is present or not by comparing the potentials at the two midpoints of the first and second voltage dividers.

In various examples, it would also be possible for the control device 111 to include a further communication interface that is coupled to the logic circuit 220. Information can be sent and/or received via the further communication interface, which is communicated by means of the response message 802 and/or the request message 801. For example, the further communication interface could be a user interface that enables, for example, a user input to trigger the sending of the request message 801 or a user output to index the receipt of the response message 802. The user interface could, for example, enable communication with a bus system such as DALI. The communication interface could, for example, be coupled to one or more sensors; Then it would be possible to trigger the sending of the request message 801 based on measured values from the sensors.

Of course, the features of the previously described embodiments and aspects of the invention can be combined with one another. In particular, the features can be used not only in the combinations described, but also in other combinations or alone, without departing from the field of the invention.

Claims (16)

Operating device (121-123) for a lamp (131-133), which includes: - a mains connection (497) which is set up to receive an AC supply voltage (193) via a supply line (102, 102-1, 102-2), - an AC/DC converter (499), which is set up to output a DC supply voltage (194) to the lamp (131-133) based on the AC supply voltage (193), and - a logic circuit (470) which is set up to receive first data (701) based on a phase cut modulation (301, 302) of the AC supply voltage (193) and to receive second data (702) based on the phase cut modulation (301, 302 ) of the AC supply voltage (193). Control gear (121-123). Claim 1 , which further comprises: - a switching element (423, 501, 601) between a signal conductor and a reference conductor, wherein the logic circuit (470) is set up to receive the second data (702) by operating the switching element (423, 501, 601). on the phase cut modulation (301, 302) on the AC supply voltage (193). Control gear (121-123). Claim 2 , further comprising: - a DC switching power supply (498) with a switch (432), the switch (432) implementing the switching element (432). Control gear (121-123). Claim 3 , wherein the DC switching power supply (498) is a step-up converter with an inductor (431), a diode (433), a capacitor (435) and the switch (432). Control gear (121-123). Claim 2 , which further comprises: - a rectifier (404), and - a DC switching power supply (498) with a switch (432), the switching element (501) being arranged between the rectifier (404) and the DC switching power supply (498). . Control gear (121-123). Claim 2 , which further comprises: - a rectifier (404), the switching element (601) being arranged between the mains connection (497) and the rectifier (404). Operating device (121-123) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the logic circuit (470) is set up to communicate a request message (801) using the first data (701), wherein the logic circuit (470) is further configured to communicate a response message (802) using the second data (702) in response to the request message (801). Control gear (121-123). Claim 7 , wherein the request message (801) indexes a time (711), the logic circuit (470) being arranged to send the second data (702) in accordance with the time (711). Control gear (121-123). Claim 7 or 8th , wherein the response message (802) includes information selected from the following group: an operating state of the operating device (121-123); a response to information included in the request message (801); a boolean value; an identifier of the operating device (121-123); an acknowledgment of execution of a command included in the request message (801); and information that is indicative of a measurement of a sensor of the operating device (121-123). Control unit (111), which includes: - a mains connection (297) which is set up to receive an AC supply voltage (193) via a supply line (102, 102-1, 102-2), - a logic circuit (220) which is set up to send first data (701) based on a phase cut modulation (301, 302) of the AC supply voltage (193) and to send second data (702) based on the phase cut modulation (301, 302 ) of the AC supply voltage (193). Control unit (111). Claim 10 , which further comprises: - a first switching element (211) which is arranged in a signal conductor (102-1), - a second switching element (212) which is connected between the signal conductor (102-1) and a reference conductor (102-2). is arranged, and - a logic circuit (220) which is set up to transfer the first data (701) to the AC by operating the first switching element (211) and the second switching element (212) based on the phase cut modulation (301, 302). Supply voltage (193) to be impressed. Control unit (111). Claim 10 or 11 , wherein the logic circuit (220) is set up to communicate a request message (801) using the first data (701), wherein the logic circuit (220) is further set up to send a response message (802) in response to the request message (801). to communicate using the second data (702). Control unit (111). Claim 12 , wherein the request message (801) indexes a time (711), the logic circuit (220) being arranged to receive the second data (702) in accordance with the time (711). Control unit (111). Claim 13 , wherein the logic circuit (220) is set up to switch the first switching element (211) non-conducting in accordance with the time (711). System (100), which includes: - the operating device (121-123) according to one of the Claims 1 - 9 , and - the control unit (111) according to one of the Claims 10 - 14 . Procedure that includes: - Receiving an AC supply voltage (193), - Outputting a DC supply voltage (194) to a lamp (131-133) based on the AC supply voltage (193), - Receiving first data (701) based on a phase cut modulation (301, 302) of the AC supply voltage (193), and - Sending second data (702) based on the phase cut modulation (301, 302) of the AC supply voltage (193).

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