Environmental Control System

The invention relates to an environmental control system and, more particularly, to an environmental control system for use in greenhouses or the like and preferably utilizing existing power transmission lines for communication among elements of the control system.

Control of the temperature, humidity and the other measurements in a greenhouse or the like to permit the control of the environment therein can necessitate monitoring and controlling numerous sensing and control devices at various locations within the building being environmentally controlled. Due to the large number of measurements and functions that are needed to be performed, computer based or computer compatible systems have been used to centrally control the monitoring and operating functions of an environmental control system, such as in a large building.

With the advent of complex systems of environmental control a great need has evolved for monitoring systems capable of monitoring a myriad of points with respect to conditions which must be continuously observed in order to assure proper and safe operation. Similarly, alarm conditions at the points must be immediately discovered and corrected, thus requiring systems that are capable of indicating alarm conditions as well as scanning the points.

Due to the great number of remote field points that must be monitored, conventional monitoring systems utilize a control center as a receiving and sending station for monitoring the remote points which generally are scattered over great distances. Some conventional systems utilize pulse width modulation or frequency modulation to address and monitor the field points; however, these systems are extremely complex and expensive and are desirable only where extremely great distances are involved or in underdeveloped or inaccessible locations where the use of cable wires is impractical.

For environmental control in a building or complex of buildings pulse width modulation and frequency modulation systems are impractical, and systems for such application are generally based on the matrix concept as can be seen from U.S. Pat. No. 3,300,759. While the use of matrices and binary coded addresses for field points does reduce the number of wires required below the nunber of wires required for each point to be individually connected to the control central, the reduction in the number of wires is not as great as is desirable, and the number of wires required is dependent upon the number of points monitored thereby decreasing sysem flexibility. These conventional systems suffer from the disadvantages of difficult installation due to the different addresses associated with each field location and difficult system modification once the system has been installed as well as high cost of wiring. That is, each field location must be designed for a specific address thereby increasing inventory and installation time; and, if at any time additional field locations are desired to expand the system beyond the original design, additional wires are required to be installed.

Systems have been devised for reducing the number of dedicated communications wires resquired, such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,613,092, but still suffer from the cost, time, and reliability disadvantages of requiring dedicated custom installed communications wiring.

Greenhouses provide weather protection for tender plants. Cultivation of the plants requires the atmosphere within the greenhouse to be maintained at a selected temperature and humidity level. Factors affecting the greenhouse atmosphere include heat gains and heat losses. For example, during long periods of sun exposure, abnormal amounts of solar energy enter the greenhouse which tends to raise the temperature.

Logical control of greenhouse environmental conditions has heretofore utilized, for example, 24 volt control systems with relays and solenoids individually wired together and strung out, or a computer based equivalent system (such as a programmable controller) with dedicated wires for communication and control strung out and wired among all control points and sensors. These systems have proved less than adequate in terms of cost, time for installation, each of maintenance, repair, and update of equipment. Additionally, communication among elements of the environmental control system has been restricted to dedicated control and communications custom wiring. Thus, expansions required a new wiring installation or modification requires a rewiring of the system.

A significant disadvantage of many prior systems involved the system reliability and maintainability, in that a breakdown in one part of the system could effectively shut down other parts of the system. Thus, to increase reliability, redundant or backup equipment was often necessitated.

Accordingly, a general object of the invention is to provide a new and improved environmental control system which has general applicability to buildings of all kinds including but not limited to greenhouses.

A further object of the present invention to provide a control system not requiring dedicated independent wires for communication among elements of the control system.

Another object of the present invention is to permit expansion of an original control system without the necessity of running additional wires from a control center.

Another object of the present invention is to utilize similar communications interfaces at each field point to reduce inventory.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide an improved environmental control system especially suited for use in a greenhouse which provides for bidirectional communications between a central controller and peripheral elements of an environmental control system utilizing existing AC power transmission line wiring.

Other objects and advantages will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description while referring to the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a system block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a user interface and environmental control unit embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C are detailed schematic drawings of the electronic circuitry comprising the digital electronics of the environmental control unit of FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 is a schematic of the keyboad of the environmental control unit of FIG. 3 illustrating the interconnect to the electronics of FIGS. 4A-4C;

FIG. 6 is an electrical schematic diagram of the display of the electronic control unit of FIG. 3, illustrating the interconnect to the electronic circuitry of FIGS. 4A-4C;

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a vent control system embodiment of the present invention, illustrating a stand alone vent control system;

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of the present invention illustrating an alternate stand alone vent control system;

FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram illustrating the stand alone vent control system of FIG. 8 in more detailed block diagram form;

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a centralized control vent control system embodiment of the present invention illustrated;

FIG. 11 is a block diagram of a vent motor actuator system and interfaces detailing the vent motor actuator unit of FIGS. 8 and 10;

FIG. 12A is a detailed block diagram detailing functional electronic blocks within the motor actuator unit of FIG. 11;

FIG. 12B is a detailed schematic of an embodiment of the vent motor actuator unit of FIGS. 11-12;

FIGS. 13A-13C are detailed electrical schematic diagrams of a modular communications interface control processor hardware system, such as that of FIGS. 1 and 2, additionally illustrating the electronics for the outdoor and indoor aspirators;

FIG. 14 is a partial schematic partial block diagram illustrating a single speed exhaust fan control system embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a partial schematic partial block diagram of a two speed exhaust fan embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a detailed electrical block diagram of the single speed exhaust fan controller and modular communications interface of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 is a detailed electrical block diagram of a dual function low voltage controller embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a modular communications interface and steam heater controller embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a modular communications interface and FACT Impeller system embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20A is a detailed electrical schematic of a first embodiment of the modular communications interface means; and

FIG. 20B is a detailed electrical schematic of a second embodiment of the modular communication interface means.

A software listing of the program for the Modular Communication Interface Control Processor is located at pgs. 61-82; and

A software listing of the program for the Central Control Processor illustrating the vent control embodiment is located at pgs. 83-178.

Referring now to the drawings, and particularly to FIG. 1, a system embodiment of the present invention is shown. A plurality of modular communications interface (MCI) means 100 are coupled preferably to an AC power transmission line, and are additionally coupled individually to an environmental control unit 110 and to respective peripheral control means, elements 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180 and 190. The modular communications interface means 100 provides for bidirectional data communications among the environmental control unit 110 and peripheral control means preferably over existing power transmission lines. Thus, address, command, and data signals can be intercoupled between elements of the system utilizing existing power wiring without necessitating special dedicated communications wiring. The peripheral control elements can be of many types. For example in an environmental control system, the peripheral control elements may be sensors, such as wind sensor 120, rain sensor 130, photocell sensor 150, temperature aspirator (sensor) 170, temperature sensor 180, and humidistat 190. Each of these peripheral control element sensors is individually addressable, and is responsive to a predefined address as received via the respective associated modular communications interface means. When a proper address signal is received and decoded by the peripheral control element, and a proper command is received, the respective sensor provides a sensor output signal in accordance with its functionality. These sensors can detect not only absolutes (e.g. presence or absence), but can also detect relative values (e.g. values above a predefined threshold) in accordance with the system definition and configuration. Other types of peripheral control elements include vent motor control means 140 which provides control of speed and direction of vent movement, single speed fan controllers, dual speed fan controllers, single and dual function low voltage control systems, boiler control means, heat and humidity controllers, etc., as shown by functional block 160 of FIG. 1. For controlling environments in structures other than greenhouses, the peripheral control elements may vary in terminology and in function from that described herein and still fall within the purview of this invention. Likewise, it is possible to use radio frequency communication or dedicated lines rather than the power transmission lines and still use many of the claimed features of the present invention as will become apparent hereinafter from reading the description of the invention and a reading of the appended claims.

Referring to FIG. 2, an alternate embodiment of the invention illustrating a programmable environmental control system is shown. An environmental control unit or central control processor 110 is coupled to an associated modular communications interface means 100 which provides for bidirectional communication between he processor 110 and selected peripheral control elements 101, 102, and 103, over existing power transmission lines via respective other modular communications interface means 100. Thus, the central control processor 110 can communicate with peripheral control elements 101, 102, and 103, via the modular control interface means 100 associated (independently) with each of the peripheral control elements and with the central control processor, over existing AC power transmission lines. Additionally, some peripheral control elements may perform functions offline, and thus do not require communications with the central control processor 110. These peripheral control elements thus do not require a modular communications interface 100 to be associated with them. Programmable control elements 104 and 105 illustrate off network peripheral control elements.

In this illustrated embodiment, the environmental control unit 110 performs a number of functions. First, it provides a central control processor (CCP) comprising a central processing unit, and memory, coupled to input means such as a keyboard and/or switches, and coupled to a display means, such as a cathode-ray tube video display or a printer. Additionally, nonvolatile magnetic storage can be provided such as by disc tape, bubble memory, etc. The central control processor of the environmental control unit 110 in accordance with stored program instructions, user input data, command sequences, set points, and threshold values, performs the functions of system configuration control, task sequencing for control of the PCES, communications linkage and protocol, system diagnostics, user interface, and storage and archiving.

In another implementation vent controller unit may be utilized as the environmental control unit in conjunction with a vent motor actuator means emboding a PCE to provide for a stand alone vent, control system, as discussed with reference to FIGS. 7-9, hereinafter. A software listing of one embodiment of a vent control unit is included after the detailed description as pages 84-180. The modular communications interface means 100 may be comprised of a stand alone system, packaged on a single printed circuit card, or may be combined with sensing and control functions in a single system.

Referring to FIG. 3, an illustrative embodiment of the housing and front panel of an environmental control unit 110, as discussed with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2, is shown. The front panel is comprised of a keyboard 210, which contains keys which allow user input of numerics (0-9), and function specification (e.g. temperature, time, set, displacement, AM, PM, and auto or manual). The user enters appropriate data via the keyboad 210 for utilization by the central control processor of the environmental control unit 110. A master on/off switch 240 is provided to allow user control of system status. Display is provided on the front panel by means of alphanumeric display means 220, such as 7, 9, 11, or 13 segment LED, LCD, electrochrometic, vacuum fluorescent, etc. display means. Additionally, individual point light displays, such as light emitting diodes, can be used to indicate AM, 230, PM, 231, manual operational mode 233, and standby power, 232. Alternatively, other combinations of number and type digit displays, individual point displays, and number and function keys within the keyboard 210 can be provided according to the system requirements and user needs. Alternatively, other input means may be provided, such as a typewriter style keyboard, or a plurality of switches, or other appropriate means.

Referring to FIGS. 4a-c, an electrical schematic diagram is provided illustrating the electronics contained within the embodiment of FIG. 3. A central processing unit 250 performs keyboard, switch, and display interface functions in accordance with stored program instructions as output from memory 255 (nonvolatile ROM in the illustrated embodiment) and in accordance with stored data signals from read write memories 260 and 265. In the illustrated embodiment, an Intel 8035 microprocessor is utilized. This processor has a multiplexed address and data busses, and therefore requires the utilization of a latch 252 to prolong address signed outputs after multiplexing occurs to place the data signals on the multiplexed bus. Alternatively, the processor 250 and latch 252 may be replaced by other types of central processing units, either with or without external memory so as to obviate the need for the latch 252, EPROM 255, and RAMS 260 and 265. Alternatively, other types of discrete logic or microprocessor based systems may be used requiring different combinations of read-write memory and read only memory. Logic circuit 254, a 74LSOO quad NAND gate in the illustrated embodiment, provides device select functions for differentiating between addressing of the read-write memories 260 and 265, the read only memory 255, and a Universal-Synchronous-Asynchronous-Receiver-Transmitter (USART) 270. In the illustrated embodiment, the USART 270 is an Intel 8251A integrated circuit. Alternatively, other types of receiver-transmitter systems can be utilized, such as a UART (Universal-Asynchronous-Receiver-Transmitter) or this function may be included as a programmed function performed by the microprocessor 250. A counter 275 divides the master clock frequency as output from the microprocessor 250 to a compatible clock frequency for use with transmission and reception of data via USART 270. Programmed functions which are performed by the processor 250 in conjunction with stored instructions and user input data can include system configuration control, task sequencing for controlling the PCEs, communications linkage and protocol, user interface, diagnostics, archiving, and other features and functions as desired or needed.

Referring to FIG. 5, a detailed schematic of the keyboard 210 of FIG. 3 is shown. The intercoupling of the keyboard 210 to central processing unit 250 is shown, illustrating the correlation of pin assignments from matrix wires of the keyboard matrix 210 to the corresponding pins of the microprocessor 250.

Referring to FIG. 6, the display 220 of FIG. 3 is shown in electrical schematic form. The intercoupling of the display 220 to the microprocessor 250 is shown, illustrating the correlation of pin numbers of the display subelements 221 and 222 to the pin coupling designations of the microprocessor 250 (designated integrated circuit U1).

The environmental control unit 110 has the capability of separately addressing a plurality of remote peripheral control elements via the modular communication interface means 100. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 4-6, the environmental control unit can separately address 128 remote elements via modular communications interface means 100. This capability can be easily expanded by proper selection of microprocessor and memory. Utilizing the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4-6, the environmental control unit can address up to 512 remote modular communications interface means 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the remote modular communications interface means 100 (MCI) are petitioned into 28 sensor units and 100 controller units. However, other partitions can be chosen and configured. The illustrated environmental control unit (ECU) senses and controls functions within a single zone. However, the environmental control unit may alternatively sense and control functions and values in a plurality of zones. When a plurality of zones are being monitored and controlled, a separate point light display (LED) can be used to denote which zone the currently displayed data represents. Heating, cooling, and set point stages are programmed in accordance with keyboard entries. A stage is a type of operation based on the status of sensors and the current operational mode of the system. Each stage represents a priority level of operational protocol for the system, and is utilized in selecting and implementing task scheduling. The number of stages which the system can handle is flexible, according to user definition. The illustrated embodiment of FIGS. 4-6 provide a maximum of 9 stages. However, with appropriate selection of central processing unit and memory, a greater number of stages can be utilized. The temperature thresholds for each stage are entered via the keyboard. Additionally, addresses for each remote peripheral control element (equipment) to be controlled during each stage is entered via the keyboard. Temperature thresholds, including set point values, can be entered in either Fahrenheit or Celsius denominations.

A number of additional functions can be performed by the environmental control unit. An outdoor temperature override senses the outside temperature and causes changes in the indoor temperature/stage relationships to be effected by external temperature changes. Also, the temperature hysteresis associated with each stage transition can be taken into account as a processor function (in the processor software). In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 4-6, the temperature hysteresis is equal to one degree Fahrenheit. Other values of temperature hysteresis can be selected by means of appropriate processor software. Capability can be provided for manual override of preprogrammed functions, wherein the system operates completely under manual control from the keyboard 210. A dehumidification function can be selected by the user, and is programmed from the keyboard. The parameters to be entered can include the time to begin the cycle, the duration of the cycle, and states to occur simultaneously during the cycle. Where a humidistat is utilized, automatic dehumidification can be provided. For example, when the control sequence being performed under processor 250 control is at the appropriate set point stage, and the humidity exceeds the desired level as determined by the humidistat in accordance with user provider stored data, the environmental control unit switches the system to a dehumidifier stage. However, in the illustrated embodiment, temperature control will override the dehumidification process, as this is deemed generally a more critical factor in greenhouse environmental control. Equipment which is to remain idle when the system is operating under night conditions can be so specified when the system is initially programmed. Thus, the equipment to be locked out during a particular stage at night is specified from the keyboard by the operator. A photocell can be utilized to control the day/night points and corresponding temperature controlled stages of the system. Additionally, a time delay variable can be entered from the keyboard to take advantage of solar gain after dark, and to minimize the solar loss after daylight. Furthermore, a rain override function can be provided to protect against excessive rain entering the controlled environment through open vents. When rain crosses the rain sensing device, a signal is output to the processor which causes the temperature control to be overriden, resulting in the selective closing of the vents to a predetermined position. The vents are closed to the predetermined position only if the vents are open more than the predetermined position. The predetermined position may be specified (is programmable) via the keyboard 210. The system functions described herein can be added to, or deleted from, according to system needs. This may be done by appropriate selection of central processor, memories, remote sensors, and equipment, and by appropriately programming the processor system to selectively control equipment responsive to said sensors.

An important functional feature in greenhouse environmental control is vent control. A stand alone vent control system is shown in FIGS. 7-9. In the stand alone vent control system, a vent control unit 300 performs a subset of the functions and features performed by the environmental control unit as discussed above. Referring to FIG. 7, a stand alone vent control system is shown in block diagram form. A vent control unit 300 is coupled via a modular communications interface means 100 to a power transmission line 305. A temperature aspirator (temperature sensing means) 320 is coupled to an associated modular communications interface means 100 which is coupled to the power transmission line 305. Upon interrogation of the temperature aspirator 320 by the vent control unit 300, a digital word representing the current indoor temperature is transmitted from the temperature aspirator 320 via the modular communication interfaces 100 to the vent control unit 300. A vent motor actuator unit 310 is coupled to an associated modular communications interface means 100 which is coupled to the power transmission line 305. The vent motor actuator unit 310 interfaces with a vent motor (not shown), positional limit switches, torque overload sensor switches, and a vent opening detector. The vent control unit 300 transmits control signals via the modular communications interface means 100 to the vent motor actuator unit 310 responsive to the sensed temperature signal received from the temperature aspirator 320. The operation of the vent motor actuator unit is discussed in greater detail with reference to FIGS. 11-13. Referring to FIG. 8, an alternative embodiment of the stand alone vent control system is shown, differing from that of FIG. 7 in that the temperature aspirator (sensor) 320 is directly coupled to the vent control unit 300. Communications between the vent control unit 300 and motor actuator unit 310 is still accomplished via modular communications interfaces 100 and over the power transmission line 305.

Referring to FIG. 9, a detailed block diagram of the stand alone vent control system of FIG. 8 is shown illustrating functional features of the system. The vent control unit 300 is shown with a front panel display and switches, including alphanumeric display 329, display indicator lights 331, 332, 333, and 334, selection switch 335, on/off switch 336, auto manual selection switch 337, manual temperature selection means 338, and manual adjust/set selector 339. The vent control unit 300 contains a processor and memory, an analog to digital converter, and a timer counter, as illustrated. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 9, all of these features are within a microcomputer such as an Intel 8022 microprocessor system. This microprocessor contains 2 kilobytes of ROM, 64 bytes of read-write memory, an analog to digital converter, a central processing unit, a timer and counter, and multiple input, output, address, and data ports. Alternatively, other processor means and memory means could be utilized, and external analog to digital converters and timer counters could be utilized, or may be included within the selected processor system. For example, the processor system discussed with reference to FIGS. 4 through 13 could be utilized. The motor control communications output from the processor 340 is coupled to a modular communications interface means 100 which may form an integral part of the vent controller unit 300 or may form a separate system to which the motor control outputs of the vent control unit are coupled. The modular communications interface 100 converts digital data to a form acceptable for communications over power transmission lines, and converts data received from power transmission lines back to digital data format for use by the digital system of the vent control unit and of the peripheral control elements. The temperature sensor 320 provides an analog signal, in the illustrated embodiment, which is coupled to the vent control unit 300, as shown in FIG. 8. The analog value output of a temperature sensor 320 is coupled to the analog to digital converter of the processor system 340, where the analog value is converted to a digital value for use by the processor system. Alternatively, the temperature sensor could provide a direct digital output, or the analog to digital converter could be a separate system from the processor subsystem 340.

Referring to FIG. 10, a centrally controlled vent control system is shown, utilizing an environmental control unit in the place of the vent control unit. An environmental control unit 350 provides the central control processor for the system. Communications to and from the environmental control unit 350 is via a modular communications interface means 100 and therefrom over the power transmission line 355. The communications from the environmental control unit 350 are coupled via the power transmission line to a second modular communications interface 100b which provides bidirectional communications interface between the power transmission line and a peripheral control element 360. The peripheral control element 360 can be a vent control unit, or may be a stand alone digital logic or processor based system, or may be an integral part of a motor actuator unit 365. A temperature sensor 330 outputs its temperature sensed signal to the peripheral control element 360. The peripheral control element 360 detects when a predefined address has been received via modular communications interface means 100b, and appropriately couples signals either to or from the temperature sensor 330 or the motor actuator unit 365. The motor actuator unit 365 is coupled to a motor and gearhead assembly 370 and to sensor 375. The motor actuator unit provides direction and speed control signals to the motor 370 responsive to received command signals from the environmental control unit 350 via the peripheral control element 360 and modular communications interface means 100b and 100. The speed and direction of the motor of assembly 370 is controlled by the motor actuator unit 365 responsive to the outputs received from the sensor 375 and the control signal received from the environmental control unit.

Referring to FIG. 11, a vent motor actuator unit 400 is shown with sensor and motor interfaces. The vent motor actuator unit 400 is coupled to a vent proportional opening detector 410, which provides an output to the vent motor actuator unit 400 representative of the proportional opening of the vent. Vent override sensing means, such as switches 420, provide full closed and full open output signals to the vent motor actuator unit 400 representative of the fully closed or fully opened position of the vent. A modular communications interface means 100 is either included integrally within the vent motor actuator 400 or may be an external system coupled to the vent motor actuator unit. Communications between the vent motor actuator unit 400 and the vent control unit of FIG. 7 or environmental control unit of FIG. 10 is accomplished via respective modular communications interface means 100. The respective control unit provides control signals to the vent motor actuator unit. The vent motor actuator unit 400 provides motor control outputs, forward control and reverse control (corresponding to vent open and vent close commands) to the motor and gear assembly 440, which are responsive to the control signals received via the modular communications interface means 100, and responsive to the full open and full closed signals. The full open and full closed signals provide a system override feature whereby the control signals received via the modular communications interface means 100 are overriden responsive to in response to either of the full open or full closed signals. The motor control signals (vent open and vent close) are responsive to the control signals received from the central control unit (ECU or VCU) via the modular communications interface, and to the vent proportional opening signal, vent closed and vent full open signals. The status of the fully closed and fully open signals, vent proportional openings signal, can alternatively be communicated to the vent control unit (or environmental control unit) from the vent motor actuator unit via the modular communications interface 100.

The controller (whether it is a vent control unit or environmental control unit) performs a number of specific functions and features. First, the opening of the vent is controlled in discrete steps. In the illustrated embodiment, the vent opening is a function of the temperature difference between a set point and the measured indoor temperature (actual). The relationship between the vent opening, temperature differential, and stage, are preprogrammed and can be modified from the keyboard of the vent control unit (or environmental control unit). Numerous preset vent positions can be programmed into the system, such as close (0% open), crack (5% open), 25% open, 50% open, 75% open, and fully open. Alternatively, more, less, and different percentage open positions may be selected (programmed). The vent override limit switches 420 detect the full open and full closed positions of the vent. When one of these limit switches is triggered, a corresponding output signal is activated, which is transmitted to and sensed by the vent motor actuator unit 400 which then initiates a command to shut off the motor of assembly 440. Excessive torque is sensed by a torque overload sensor 430. Upon indication of torque overload, by either a forward or a reverse torque overload signal, the vent motor actuator unit 400 (or environmental control or vent control unit where appropriate) initiates a command to shut off the motor. The percentage opening of the vent for a particular setting (e.g., vent crack=5% nominally) can be controlled on the basis of a particular stage which the system is in, the actual temperature and/or the time of day. The vent opening option can also be controlled manually, such as manual control of the crack option. The vent control unit (or environmental control unit) can be programmed to insert a time delay, such as ten seconds, between the time the motor is shut off and the time it is started again. The length of this delay can be determined by appropriate programming.

The vent motor actuator unit 400 provides an interface between the environment control unit or vent control unit and the motor/gear assembly 440 of a vent. The vent motor actuator unit 400 can be a stand alone product which can be mounted physically in the vicinity of the vent assembly. For example, it can be an enclosed unit with an on/off switch and an indicator light.

Referring to FIG. 12A, a detailed block diagram of the system of FIG. 11 is shown. For example, the diagram of FIG. 12 can represent a printed circuit board block layout drawing. Before discussing the specifics of the vent motor actuator unit components, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, a number of specific features of the vent motor actuator unit shall be discussed. The inputs and outputs of the vent motor actuator unit consist of the AC power line 450 (110/220 volts AC), 110/220 VAC vent motor power connection 460, and low voltage wires 465 from the vent full open/closed limit switches and vent proportional opening indicator. In the illustrated embodiment of FIG. 12A, the modular communications interface means 100 is built into the vent motor actuator unit. Vent override switches 420 of FIG. 11, provide detection and signals indicative of the vent full open and full closed positions. The signals representing vent full open and vent full close positions are coupled to the vent motor actuator unit via wires 465. When either a vent full open or vent full closed signal is received, the motor controlled by the vent motor actuator unit 400 is turned off. Similarly, when torque overload is sensed, the motor is turned off. The vent proportional opening detector 410, in the illustrated embodiment, determines the degree of vent opening based on counting the teeth in the rack and pinion assembly comprising a vent open/close drive assembly. A photo emitter and detector pair can be utilized to count the teeth in the rack and pinion assembly. Only the change in status of the photo detector output is stored within the vent motor actuator unit 400. This change in status is coupled to the vent control unit or environmental control unit which contains a counter to maintain an accurate positional status indication. The counter can be zeroed and the vent fully closed to initialize a zero reference position. Thereafter, the number of teeth passing the photo sensor as compared to the total number of teeth comprising the rack will equal the percentage that the vent is open. In the illustrated embodiment, two messages must be received from the vent control unit or environmental control unit prior to activating reversal in the vent opening.

Referring again to FIG. 12A, the vent motor actuator unit 400 is further comprised of a power supply 455 which is coupled to the main power wires 450 and provides a digital logic voltage supply to the remainder of the vent motor actuator unit components. Communications between the modular communications interface means 100 and the rest of the vent motor actuator unit is accomplished via USART device 458 which is coupled to processor system 462. The low voltage sensing lines 465 are coupled to the motor control assembly and therefrom to the processor system 462. Vent motor actuator unit 400 address selection and identification is selected and programmed via address select switches 468 using I/O expansion device 469. Alternatively, where the processor system 462 has adequate numbers of inputs, the I/O expansion device 469 is not required. The processor system 462 outputs vent open and vent close control signals to control the motor and gear assembly 470. The vent open and vent close signals are output from the processor 462 to a motor control assembly 470 and therefrom to the motor via power wires 460.

Referring to FIG. 12B, a detailed electrical schematic of the vent motor control assembly 470 of FIG. 12A is shown. The power line 450 is coupled to a power supply 1210 which provides regulated, 1214, and unregulated, 1212, DC voltage outputs. The power line 450 is also coupled to switching means, 1230, (such as a solid state relay), to electronic torque overload sensing means 1220, and to power switching network means 1240.

The torque overload sensing means 1220 is comprised of current sensing means coupled to the power line 450 and senses the current provided to the motor unit 1250 via switching means 1230 and power switching network means 1240. When current is sensed above a predefined threshold, a torque overload signal is output to the processor system (462 of FIG. 12A) and forces the drive to the motor 1250 to be shut off. Alternatively, torque overload sensors can be placed in the motor means 1250, and a torque overload signal is output to the low voltage lines 465, and therefrom to the processor 462.

The power supply 1210 additionally couples a transformer isolated AC signal, which tracks the power line AC signal, to a zero crossing network 1260. When a zero crossing is detected, the network 1260 outputs a signal 1261 which is coupled to the clock input of a latch 1270, such as an SN7474 D-type flip-flop. The output of latch 1270 is coupled to the control input of the switching means 1230, and when active, causes the switching means 1230 to couple one phase of the AC power line 450, as output 460C, to one side of run winding 1251, and to one side of power switching network 1240. The other side of run winding 451 is directly coupled to the power line 450.

The output of the latch 1270 is also coupled to one input each of NAND gates 1281-1284 of control network 1280.

The forward and reverse motor control signals are each coupled to one input of exclusive OR gate 1285 which has its output coupled to the data input D of latch 1270. The exclusive OR gate 1285 in conjunction with latch 1270 enables an output of an active signal from the latch 1270 only when one or the other of the motor control signals is active, but not when both are active.

The forward motor control signal is also coupled to the other input of each of NAND gates 1281 and 1282 while the reverse motor control signal is also coupled to the other input of each of NAND gates 1283 and 1284.

The NAND gates 1281-1284 provide logic decoding of the motor direction control signals to effectuate proper activation and selection of switching paths within switching network 1240. The output from NAND gates 1281, 1282, 1283, and 1284, respectively, are coupled via current limitting resistors to the control inputs of triacs 1241, 1244, 1242, and 1243, respectively. The switching network 1240 outputs are power signals 460B and 460A which are coupled to the starter winding 1252 of the motor 1250.

The motor 1250 is activated when both the start and run windings, 1252 and 1251, respectively, are activated. The direction of motor movement is controlled by the starter winding 1252, which is controlled by the switching network 1240. When triacs 1241 and 1244 are on (active) and triacs 1242 and 1243 are off, and switching means 1230 is on, the motor is driven in a forward direction. Conversely, when triacs 1242 and 1243 are on, triacs 1241 and 1244 are off, and switching means 1230 is on, the motor is driven in a reverse direction.

In the illustrated embodiment, the outputs of NAND gates 1281-1284 are optically isolated from the inputs of triacs 1241-1244 by optical isolators 1245-1248.

The rack tooth sense input, 465D, indicates movement of the vent along its rack and pinion assembly. The processor 462 is coupled to the rack tooth sense input signal 465D, and counts the rack tooth sense signals to determine the percentage opening of the vent. A opto-reflective sensor 1291 mounted in the pinion assembly senses passage of a tooth of the rack and pinion assembly by the sensor. A level shift buffer 1290, within the assembly 470 is coupled to the opto-reflector assembly and provides as its output the rack tooth sense signal 465D responsive to the opto-reflective sensor.

A full open and full closed limit switch, 1295 and 1296 respectively, are located on the pinion assembly for the vent. The switches 1295 and 1296 are coupled to exclusive OR gates 1297 and 1298, respectively within the assembly 470, which provide debounce and buffering. Full open limit and full closed limit signals are output from gates 1297 and 1298, respectively, to the processor 462. If either the full open or full closed limit signals are active, the vent motor is shut off.

Referring to FIGS. 13a-c, a detailed electrical schematic diagram of the processor system 462, USART transmitter system 458, I/O expansion device 469, and address select switches 468 is shown in detailed schematic form. Any microcomputer can be used, such as an independent microprocessor with separate read only and read-write memories or other type of processor system having memory and I/O. In the illustrated embodiment, the Intel 8748 microprocessor (or 8048 microprocessor) system 500 is utilized as processor system 462 having on board read only memory and read-write memory. A plurality of sensed inputs are coupled to the processor 500 via its I/O ports. Device address selection is accomplished via switches 502, 503, 504 and 505 coupled to I/O expansion device 510, an Intel 8243 in the illustrated embodiment. As dicussed above, the I/O expansion device can be eliminated where an appropriate processor is chosen. The I/O device 510 is also coupled to the processor 500 for coupling address selection information thereto. The processor 500 is additionally coupled to the USART 458. The USART 458, as shown in FIG. 13b, is comprised of a universal synchronous asynchronous transmitter 520, an Intel 8251a, in the illustrated embodiment, and a counter circuit, a TTL SN 7493 integrated circuit, 525. The counter circuit 525 divides the master clock frequency received from the processor system 500 and provides suitable clock frequencies to the USART 520. The same electronics of FIGS. 13a-b can be utilized in the peripheral control elements for outdoor and indoor aspirators (temperature sensors), with the addition of an analog to digital converter and temperature calibrator as shown in FIG. 13b. As shown in FIG. 13b, the data bus signals denoted D, from the processor 500 are coupled to A to D converter 530, an ADC080X (such as is available from Analog Devices, Texas Instruments, etc.) but may alternatively be other types of analog to digital converters. A thermistor, 535, a National Semiconductor LM 235A in the illustrated embodiment, is coupled to appropriate biasing circuitry which is then appropriately calibrated to achieve proper temperature calibration. The output from the thermistor 535 is coupled to the A to D converter where the analog voltage from the temperature sensor is converted to a digital signal equivalent which is coupled to the processor 500 via the bus designated D.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the interaction of the environmental control unit 110 with the peripheral control elements 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 170, 180, and 190 via the modular communications interface means 100 will now be discussed in greater detail. The environmental control unit 110 interfaces with each sensing peripheral control element (such as wind sensor 120, rain sensor 130, indoor temperature aspirator 170, outdoor temperature sensor 180, humidistat 190, and photocell 150) according to a predefined protocol. The protocol utilized in the illustrated embodiment is as follows. First, a read command is output from the environmental control unit to each of the sensing units or only those sensing units desired, periodically. The rate of interrogation, i.e., the cycle time, is only limited by the speed of the processing units within the environmental control unit and peripheral control elements, and the communications transmission speed of the selected modular communications interface means. Typically, the sensing units are interrogated once every fraction of a second or few seconds. The modular communications interface means associated with each peripheral control element sensing unit receives the read command signal output from the environmental control unit and either the modular communications interface means or the peripheral control element has means to decode an address associates therewith to determine if that particular sensor is being addressed. The addressed sensor transmits back to the environmental control unit appropriate data regarding the status of the sensor. The modular communications interface means 100 associated with the addressed sensor transmits the data signal via the power transmission line back to the modular communications interface means 100 associated with the environmental control unit 110. Modular communications interface means 100 associated with the environmental control unit 110 decodes the transmitted data and provides it in digital form to the environmental control unit for processing. The environmental control unit thereupon updates its file for the sensor interrogated. The environmental control unit updates its file for each sensor as that sensor is interrogated and reported. This protocol can also be utilized with the vent control unit 300 as described with reference to FIGS. 7-9. However, the vent control unit typically interfaces only with the temperature aspirator unit 170, with or without respective modular communication interface means depending upon the respective locations of the temperature aspirator 170 and the vent control unit.

The temperature aspirator 170 draws air through from ambient surroundings within the indoor environment being controlled. A temperature sensor provides an indication of the ambient air temperature which is drawn through the aspirator. The environmental control unit 110 (or the vent control unit in a stand alone configuration) interfaces with the temperature aspirator 170 through modular communication interface means 100. Upon interrogation and proper address decode, the temperature sensor within the temperature aspirator responds to the interrogation with a digital word representing the current indoor temperature. As discussed above, the environmental control unit 110 then updates its file for the temperature aspirator accordingly.

The outdoor temperature sensor 180 provides an indication of the outdoor temperature. The environmental control unit 110 interfaces with the outdoor temperature sensor 180 via respective modular communications interface means 100. Upon interrogation and proper address decode, the temperature sensor 180 responds by outputting a digital word representing the current outdoor temperature to the environmental control unit. The environmental control unit then updates its outdoor temperature sensor file accordingly.

The photocell sensor 150 provides an indication of the light level at the location of the photocell. Environmental control unit 110 interfaces with the photocell sensor 150 via respective modular communications interface means. Upon interrogation and command, and proper address decode, the photocell sensor 150 responds with a status bit (logic 1 or logic 0) indicating the present state of the sensor. The environmental control unit 110 then updates its photocell file accordingly. If there are more than one of a given type sensor, only the appropriate file is updated.

The wind sensor 120 provides an indication of wind velocity, and can also be utilized to indicate wind direction where desirable. The environmental control unit interfaces with the wind sensor 120 via respective modular communications interface means 100. The wind sensor compares the sensed wind velocity with a predefined threshold level. Upon command and proper interrogation, and proper address decode, the wind sensor 120 responds by outputting a status bit (logic 1 or 0) indicating whether the current state of the sensor is above or below the predefined threshold. The wind sensor 120 can give a proportional reading, and utilizing an A to D convertor and a modular communications interface means 100 can communicate proportional data back to the environmental control unit 110.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rain sensor 130 detects and provides an indication of outside moisture. The environmental control unit 110 interfaces with the rain sensor 130 via respective modular communications interface means 100. Upon proper command and interrogation, and proper address decode, the rain sensor 130 responds by outputting a status bit (logic 1 or 0) indicating that the current sensed state of the sensor is greater than a predefined threshold. Alternatively, proportional, relative, or absolute value sensing and transmission can be provided.

A humidistat 190 can be provided in the system to detect the humidity level, either in absolute terms, or in relative terms above or below a set point. The environmental control unit 110 interfaces with the humidistat via respective modular communications interface means 100. Upon proper command and interrogation, and proper address decode, the humidistat responds by outputting a status bit (logic 0 or 1) indicating whether the humidity is above or below the set point. Alternatively, other data regarding humidity can be provided and transmitted.

Communications between the environmental control unit and each remote peripheral control element is via respective modular communications interface means 100. There are two communications protocols which can be utilized in the illustrated embodiment. First, the transmission can be unidirectional from the environmental control unit 110 to the addressed unit to be controlled or sensed. The environmental control unit 110 transmits the current desired status bits to each functional unit or units, one transmission at a time, once every second or fraction of a second (depending on the cycle time). In a cycle in which the command from the environmental control unit is rejected by the peripheral control element, no action is initiated by the addressed function until a correct message is received.

Alternatively, the transmission between the environmental control unit 110 and the addressed remote peripheral control element or elements can be bidirectional. In this mode, command is transmitted by the environmental control unit 110 to a remote unit (peripheral control element), via respective modular communication interface means, and, if properly decoded and accepted, is acted upon by the addressed remote unit or units, and a status bit activated, which is output (transmitted) to the environmental control unit 110 via the modular communications interface means. In this mode, the command continues to be retransmitted at predefined time intervals until a positive response is received from the addressed remote unit. If a positive response is not received after a predefined number of transmissions, an alarm routine is engaged by the environmental control unit (a program is actuated) which causes the nonresponding modular communications interface address number to be flashed on the display until it is manually reset by the operator. This bidirectional transmission mode provides fault isolation and can be tied into an alarm system if desired.

Many additional functions and features can be added to the environmental control system in the greenhouse control setting. To utilize the central environmental control unit requires that many of these functions be interfaced to the environmental control unit via respective modular communications interface means. These include single speed and two speed exhaust fans, evaporative cooling pumps, unit heaters (both gas fired and steam heaters), and FACT impellers (which can consist of a fan motor and motorized shutter assembly).

Referring to FIG. 14, a partial schematic partial block diagram of a single speed exhaust fan interfaced to a modular communications interface circuit is shown. The modular communications interface means 600, as illustrated, contains a switching means 605 for providing a selective coupling. For example, a single relay (e.g. single pole) in the modular communication interface means 600 can be utilized to switch either the line voltage or a control signal. The voltage to be controlled can vary from 24 volts AC to 440 volts AC depending upon the electric service and the type of exhaust fan control utilized. Typically, the power to be switched is approximately 40 watts. A controller circuit within the modular communications interface 600 provides the necessary signal for activating the relay (switch) 605, which thereupon activates the motor 610 to cause the exhaust fan to be turned on.

Referring to FIG. 15, a partial schematic partial block diagram of a two speed exhaust fan interface with a modular communications interface system is shown. As illustrated, the modular communications interface means 620 contains two relays (switches) providing double pole switching, which can be independently or simultaneously controlled. Where the selected fan motor 635 has two speeds which must be controlled remotely, two relays 625 and 630, or other appropriate switching means, can be incorporated into the modular communications interface means 620. The same voltage switching combinations are possible as noted above for the single speed option of FIG. 14. The relays are activated by signals from a controller means forming a part of the modular communications interface 620. Where independent control of each relay is desired, two control signals are required from the controller means.

Referring to FIG. 16, a detailed block diagram for a single speed exhaust fan controller and modular communications interface means, such as 600 of FIG. 14, is shown with associated components.

The single speed exhaust fan modular communications interface means 640 may also be used for an evaporative cooling pad pump or for control of a gas unit heater without a venter. The modular communications interface means 640 is comprised of terminal strips 644 and 647, central processor system 648, address selector 650, power supply 652, transmitter means 654, receiver means 656, signal isolation means 658, and power switching means 660. A cable of wires 665, power transmission line wires, is coupled to the power transmission lines, whether it be single phase requiring only two wires, or 220 volts-two phase or 440 volts-three phase. The voltage and phase of the power transmission line system utilized affects selection of the power supply means 652. The power supply 652 converts the AC power line voltage to DC logic power supply voltage levels for utilization by other circuitry in the modular communications interface means 640. The transmitter 654 and receiver 656 can be coupled to a single phase of the power supply transmission system (or may alternatively be coupled to one some, or all phases of a multi phase power transmission system, depending on the system circuit design utilized). In the illustrated embodiment, the transmitter 654 and receiver 656 are coupled to a single phase power transmission system. The transmitter 654 and receiver 656 are also coupled to a central processing system 648, containing a central processing unit, memory, and input and output ports. In the illustrated embodiment, an 8048 microcomputer (e.g. Intel) is utilized, but other processor systems, whether single chip or multichip, can be utilized as desired in accordance with system needs and cost constraints. The processor system 648 is coupled to an address selection means 650. The address selection means 650 is set to the desired modular communications interface address to which the modular communications interface means 640 is to respond. The receiver 656 converts communications data signals received from the power transmission line via cable 665 to digital signals which are output to the processor system 648. The processor first compares the received address to the preselected address of the address selector 650. If a proper address is selected, then the processor system 648 responds in a proper manner according to a preprogrammed function.

When appropriate, the processor system 648 transmits a digital message to the transmitter 654. This message is converted to a form compatible for transmission via the power transmission line and is output as communicated data onto the power transmission line via cable 665. Additionally, when appropriate, the processor 648 provides outputs to the isolation means 658 so as to activate the power switching means 660. In the illustrated embodiment, optically isolated triac drivers are utilized for the signal isolation means 658 and triac switches are utilized in the power switching means 660. The number of triacs and the number of isolators utilized is a function of the number of phases and the AC voltage and current levels being switched. The power switching means 660 is coupled to the incoming power tranmission line via the terminal 644 and cable 665. The switch outputs from the triac switches 660, or other switching means are coupled to the terminal strip 647 and therefrom to cable 670, containing wires which lead to and contact to a remote fan or motor 675. The fan motor 675 can also be an evaporative cooling pad pump, or gas unit heater without venter, each of which typically require less than five amps. However, the power requirements of the load may be adjusted for by appropriate selection of a power supply 652 and switching means 660.

Referring to FIG. 17, a dual function low voltage modular communications interface means 700 is shown which may be utilized for controlling a two speed fan, a unit heater with venter, a unit heater with electronic ignition, or a FACT impeller. The dual function low voltage modular communications interface means 700, as illustrated, is comprised of terminal strips 702 and 704, power supply 710, transmitter 715, receiver 720, central processing systems 725, address selection means 730, voltage isolation means 735, and power switching means 740. The power transmission lines 690, whether they be single phase 110 volt, two phase 120 volt, or three phase 440 volt, are coupled to the modular communications interface 700 via connection means 701, such as a multiwire cable. The connection from cable 701 connects to terminal strips 702 and therefrom to the power supply 710, transmitter 715, and receiver 720. The power supply 710 converts the AC voltage to a DC logic power supply voltage utilized for the electronic components within the modular communications interface means 700. Communications signals received from the environmental control unit over the transmission lines 690 are decoded by the receiver 720 and converted to digital signal form. In the illustrated embodiment the transmission and decode are serial in nature. The processor system 725, containing a central processing unit, memory, and input and output ports, in accordance with preprogrammed functions, decodes the received data signals and compares the reconstituted receved address signal to the preselected address signal as set by address selector means 730. If the proper address is decoded, the processor systems 725 responds in accordance with programmed functons. The processor system 725 may be the same processor system as 648 of FIG. 16, programmed differently, or operating off different subportions of a master program. Alternatively, other processor systems can be utilized as discussed with reference to FIG. 16. In a similar manner, as discussed with reference to FIG. 16, where appropriate, the processor system 725 outputs digital signals through the transmitter 715, which converts those signals to proper format and level for power line transmission. The transmitter 715 then outputs the appropriate signals via the connection means 701 back onto the power transmission line 690, where the signals are thereafter received and decoded and acted upon by the modular communications interface means 100 associated with the environmental control unit and are thereafter acted upon by the central control processor of the environmental control unit. Additionally, where appropriate (responsive to the received address and command from the environmental control unit), the processor system 725 provides control outputs representative of the desired power switching states. These outputs are coupled to the inputs of isolation means 735, which in the illustrated embodiment are optically isolated triac isolators. The output from the isolator means 735, corresponding to the control outputs of the processor system 725, are then used to control the switching means 740 to selectively close switches therein. In the illustrated embodiment, triac switches are utilized in the switching means 740 to provide two switching channels. The number and types of triacs are dependent upon the voltage and currents being switched. In the illustrated embodiment, low voltage (e.g. 24 volts AC) signals are coupled from an external low voltage control unit 745 via cable 705 to terminal strip 704 and therefrom to the input of the switching means 740. The output of the switching means are coupled to the terminals 704 and therefrom to the cables 705 back to the low voltage control unit 745. The low voltage control unit 745 selectively switches the power line voltage, or other desired voltage, to the dual speed fan, unit heater with venter, unit heater with electronic ignition, FACT impeller, or other selected equipment. Alternatively, the low voltage control unit can be replaced by a power line control voltage level unit, in which case the inputs to the terminal strip 704 and therefrom to the switching means 740 would be from the power transmission line 690 itself, in a manner similar to that discussed with reference to FIG. 16.

As discussed with reference to FIG. 16, the single function modular communications interface means 640 can be utilized to control a single speed exhaust fan, evaporative cooling pad pump, gas unit heater without venter, or other single function devie. However, although the same basic modular communications interface is required for each of these functions, certain applications may require some modifications to the switching means 660 dependent on the power requirements of the motor being controlled. Some pad pump motors can be twice as large as the typical exhaust fan motor. For example, a typical exhaust fan motor is one-horsepower requiring five amps. In some locations, pad pump motors can require as much as ten horsepower motors. Obviously, by selection of high power switching devices for the switching means 660, one system can handle all requirements. However, by appropriate selection of optimally sized switching means 660, the cost can be reduced for those applications requiring less power.

As discussed with reference to FIGS. 16 and 17, unit heaters can also be controlled by the single function (gas unit heater without venter) and dual function modular communications interface means. In accordance with the illustrated embodiment, there are at least two types of unit heaters which can be controlled. One is gas fired, and the other is steam or hot water powered. The modular communication interface means of FIG. 17 can accomodate the various options which the gas fired units can present. Simple on-off control requires only one relay (or other appropriate switching means) on the modular communications interface means. Typically, a one-sixth horsepower motor is utilized requiring 120 volts power line voltage to be switched. This application can be handled by the modular communications interface means as discussed with reference to FIG. 16. Where the gas fired heater includes a venter, two relays or switching means are required on the modular communications interface, such as the modular communications interface of FIG. 17. One relay (or other appropriate switch) is required for switching 24 volts AC at two amperes to provide for heat control, in the illustrated embodiment. The second relay (or other switching means) is needed for fan control and must be able to switch 24 volts AC one amp, in the illustrated embodiment. Typically, the heater fan motor will be three-fourths horsepower, 230 volts. The low voltage control unit 745 switches power to the fan motor responsive to the second relay control signal. A gas fired heater having a two stage heater requires three relays on the modular communications interface means. One relay is required for fan control, and the other two for the two stages of heat control. The relays can be solid state, electromechanical or otherwise, as desired. A gas heater with electronic ignition requires two relays or switches on the modular communications interface, such as a system of FIG. 17. One of the relays (switches) is required for gas flow control. The other relay (switch) is required for fan motor control, as discussed above.

Referring to FIG. 18, a steam heater low voltage modular communications interface means 800 is shown. The steam heater 850 requires control of a fan and a proportional steam valve. The fan control is based on a simple on/off control which requires only one relay or switching means 845. The proportional steam valve control interfaces with an actuator which is fully open when driven by a first voltage level, three volts DC in the illustrated embodiment, and is fully closed at a second voltage level, six volts DC in the illustrated embodiment, However, in the illustrated embodiment, intermediate voltages of four and five volts DC are also required. The power transmission line 790 (the voltage and phase dependent on the power tansmission system being utilized) is coupled via connection means 801 (such as a cable) to the terminal strip 805 of the modular communications interface means 800. The power supply 810, transmitter 815, and receiver 820 are each coupled to the power transmission line via terminal strip 805. The power supply 810 converts the AC voltage to DC logic power supply voltage levels for utilization by electronic components within the modular communications interface means 800. The receiver converts received communications signals from the power transmission lines to digital signal equivalents, coupling the digital signals to the processor system 825.

The processor system 825 contains a central processing unit, memory, and input and output ports. Alternatively, discrete logic can be utilized to perform necessary functions or other types of processor or logic can be utilized. For example, the processor can be an Intel 8048, as described with reference to FIG. 16, or can be implemented by other appropriate processors or logic. The processor compares the received communications address with a preselected address as output from the address selection means 830. The address selection means 830 is preset to the desired modular communcations interface address to which this modular communications interface is desired to respond. Responsive to receiving and decoding appropriate address and command signals, the processor 825 responsively performs respective functions, accordingly, either responsive to a predefined program, or in accordance with other logic control means. When appropriate, the processor 825 transmits digital signals (corresponding to an appropriate response) to the transmitter 815, which converts the digital signals to appropriate form and level for output to the power transmission line 790 via terminal strip 805 and cable 801. Additionally, when appropriate, responsive to received address and command signals, the processor system 825 provides output control signals to select one of four voltage options. The voltage control signal may either be encoded, requiring two signals, or unencoded, requiring four signals. The voltage selection signals are output to the voltage selection means 835 which provide one of the four voltage outputs (3, 4, 5 or 6 volts DC in the illustrated embodiment) on a single actuator output, responsive to the received voltage selection inputs. The actuator output is coupled to the steam heater proportional valve control and provides a drive signal therefore. Additionally, where appropriate, the processor system 825 provides a separate fan control signal output. The fan control signal output is coupled to the voltage isolation means 840, and therefrom to the power switching means 845. The isolation means 840, in the illustrated embodiment, is an optically isolated solid state switching circuit, such as a triac or transistor based switch. The output of the isolation means 840 is coupled to the switching means 845, which can be a relay or triac assembly, or other appropriate voltage switching means.

A low voltage control unit 795 provides a 24 volt AC fan control signal, in the illustrated embodiment, via conductor 802 to terminal strip 808 of the modular communications interface 800. This signal is coupled to the input of the switching means 845. The output of the switching means 845 is coupled to a different terminal of the terminal strip 808 and coupled therefrom to the conductor 802 to the low voltage control unit 795. Responsive to the output of the switching means 845, the low voltage control unit 795 selectively switches the power transmission line voltage signals at its inputs to its outputs and therefrom to the steam heater 850 providing fan control.

As discussed with reference to FIG. 17, the dual function low voltage modular communications interface means can be utilized for control of the FACT impeller. The FACT impeller can consist of a fan motor and a motorized shutter. The fan motor can be controlled by a simple on/off control which requires one relay or switch on the modular communications interface, the relay or switch having a capacity in accord with the fan motor specifications. The FACT impeller also has a motorized shutter which requires an on/off control signal, thus requiring a second relay or switch on the modular communications interface for the FACT impeller.

Referring to FIG. 19, a modular communications interface means for a FACT impeller is shown. The modular communications interface 900 is coupled to the power line 890 by coupling means 895. The coupling means 895 couples the power line to the transmitter-receiver 950 of the modular communications interface 900. Received communication signals are converted to digital signal form which are then coupled from the receiver portion of the transmitter receiver system 950 to the processor system 960 of the communications interface 900. The processor system 960 reconstitutes the received address and command signals, detects and confirms proper address selection for this particular modular communications interface in accordance with the predefined address selection. When a proper address selection is confirmed, the commands received are interpreted and acted upon by the processor system 960. Where appropriate and responsive, the processor system 960 couples a digital signal output to the transmitter portion of the transmitter-receiver system 950, which converts the received digital signal to a form and voltage compatible for transmission over the power line 890 via cable 895. Where appropriate, responsive to a fan motor "on" command, the processor system 960 provides an output signal coupled to first switching means 910 which actuates the fan motor. The switching means 910 can be a relay, or solid state switches, or other appropriate means. Additionally, where appropriate, in response to a properly decoded address and command, the processor system 960 outputs a control signal to a second switching means 920 so as to cause the motorized shutter to be turned on, or off, respectively, according to the received commands. The second switching means 920 can also be a relay, either electromechanical or solid state, or can be other appropriate switching means. Thus, the fan motor and motorized shutter may be individually and selectively turned on and off by the FACT impeller modular communications interface responsive to received commands from the central environmental control unit. Where it is desirable to have a positive indication that the shutter has responded as commanded, a contact switch 940 can be mounted on each shutter, external to the modular communications interface means 900, which, when activated, momentarily closes a circuit. The contact switch 940 is coupled to the modular communications interface means 900 to a status detector circuit 930 within the modular communications interface 900. Upon detection of momentary closure of the contact switch, the status detector 930 couples this status determination to the processor system 960, which in turn transmits the information via the transmitter portion of the transmitter-receiver 950 over the power line to the environmental control unit. If a positive indication is not received from the status detector 930 by the environmental control unit, the environmental control unit causes the appropriate modular communications interface address number of the respective FACT impeller modular communications interface 900 to be flashed on its display until it is manually reset. A single modular communications interface for a FACT impeller, such as 900, can also handle multiple FACT impeller systems. For example, the modular communications interface 900 of FIG. 19 could be expanded to handle tens or hundreds of FACT impeller systems by utilization of appropriate processor system hardware and software and/or output decoders and expanders. However, this is often not practical due to the spacial separation of the FACT impeller systems.

Referring to FIGS. 20A-B, detailed schematic diagrams of alternate embodiments of a modular communications interface means are illustrated. Referring to FIG. 20A, a coupling 1005, such as a power connection plug, couples the modular communications interface means to the AC power transmission line. As illustrated, one side of the power line is coupled via decoupling capacitors C-15 and C-16, respectively, to a receiver transformer TM 2 and a transmitter transformer TM 1 respectively. The receiver and transmitter subsections of the modular communications interface means can alternatively be classified as demodulator and modulator sections of the modular communications interface means. The demodulator section of the modular communications interface means is designated 1090 and the modulator section of the modular communications interface means is designated 1095. A connector 1000, a 14 pin socket connector in the illustrated embodiment, provides coupling from the modular communications interface means (sections 1090 and 1095) to the associated processor system of the remote peripheral control element or environmental control unit (or vent control unit). Alternatively, where the modular communications interface means and controller portions are combined in a single system block, such as in the single speed exhaust fan modular communications interface means, the signals from the connector 1000 are coupled directly to that system processor. The processor system couples a transmit data (TXD) signal and a transmit enable (TXEN/) signal to the connector 1000 coupling therefrom to the modulator 1095. Additionally, as illustrated, a ground reference signal is coupled between the connector 1000 and the processor system attached to the connector 1000. Furthermore, a received demodulated data signal (RXD) is output from the demodulator section 1090 via connector 1000 to the associated processor system.

The transmit enable control signal TXEN/, is coupled from pin 1 of the connector 1000 to the anode of diode D1. Diode D1 can be a small signal diode, such as a 1N 914, or other device. The diode D1 provides voltage bias level isolation of the TXEN/ signal. The cathode of diode D1 is coupled to one end of a resistor R7 which has its other end coupled to ground, and to one end of base current limiting resistor R8 which has its other end coupled to the base of shunting transistor TS1. When the TXEN/ signal is at a low logic level (active), diode D1 blocks the signal from passing to transistor TS1 (diode D1 is reverse biased). The voltage at the cathode of diode D1 is pulled to ground via resistor R7. The ground potential at the cathode of diode D1 is coupled to the base of transistor TS1 via resistor R8. The ground potential signal at the base of TS-1 causes transistor TS1 to be in a non-conducting off state (for the NPN transistor as illustrated). Thus, the collector of TS1 floats at whatever signal voltage level is present thereupon. The collector of transistor TS1 is coupled to the base of transistor TS2 which provides modulator output drive for coupling the modulator signal onto the power line via transformer TM1 as discussed hereafter.

The TXD, transmit data, signal received via connector 1000 is coupled to a voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 1030 via a control spread network (1010) comprised of resistors R1 and R2 and capacitor C1, and a bias network 1015 as illustrated. The control spread network 1010 fixes the frequency spread between the space (lower frequency) and mark (higher frequency) outputs of the modulator section 1095. For maximum signal to noise ratio of the demodulated signal, the spread should be approximately equal to the digital signal data transmitting rate. The TXD signal is coupled via the control spread network 1010 via biasing network 1015 to the input of the voltage oscillator 1030. The biasing network 1015 has its configuration determined in accordance with the selected voltage control oscillator 1030. The VCO 1030 can be implemented in discrete component or integrated circuit form, such as an LM566 integrated circuit from National Semiconductor and other vendors, or other equivalent circuits. The center frequency of the VCO 1030 is set in accordance with the center frequency control network 1020 comprising resistors R5, R6, and capacitor C3, as is illustrated. The output of the VCO 1030 (pin 3 of integrated circuit 1030 as illustrated) is coupled via coupling capacitor C5 and base current limiting resistor R9 to the base of output drive transistor TS2. Diode D2 provides reverse bias input protection for transistor TS2. When TXEN/ is at an active (low logic) signal level, transistor TS1 is shut off, thereby allowing transistor TS2 to function responsive to the signals as output from VCO 1030. Thus, transistor TS2 is selectively turned on and off responsive to the output of the VCO 1030. When turned on, transistor TS2 causes current to flow through pull up load resistor R10, causing a voltage drop to occur across resistor R10. The center tap and one end tap of transformer TM1 are coupled across resistor R10. Capacitor C6 is coupled across the two end points of the primary winding of transformer TN1 forming part of the tuned circuit of the transformer TM1. In the illustrated embodiment, the transformer, TM1, and TM2, have tuning slugs to allow for tuning of center frequency selection and to provide for impedance matching of the secondary to transformer TM1 and primary of transformer TM2 to the power transmission lines via coupling means 1005. The sensed voltage change across resistor R10 is transformed and coupled in the primary of transformer TM1 to the secondary coil, performing a step down in voltage function and a step up in current function in the transformation process. The transformers TM1 and TM2 form signal tuned filters, in conjunction with associated resistance and capacitance components.

When the TXEN/ signal is in an inactive signal level (logic high), transistor TS1 is turned on, thereby shunting the base of transistor TS2 to a ground (or nearly ground) voltage level. This causes transistor TS2 of be shut off, disabled, thereby preventing any voltage drop across R10, and inhibiting any signal transmission via transformer TM1. Thus, with the transmitter disabled, TXEN/ at an inactive signal level, the driver transistor TS2 of the modulator 1095 is disabled so as to be non-responsive to VCO 1030.

The VCO 1030 converts data from TTL level data signals at connector 1000 to frequency shift keyed signals, above and below a center frequency. The binary logic levels of the TXD signal are converted from the logic 0 and logic 1 voltage levels to frequency tones above or below a carrier center frequency by a predefined spread frequency. The switching between the two frequencies is at the rate of the data input, providing asynchronous transmission capability. As discussed above, the center frequency of the VCO is determined by the center frequency control network 1020. The spread (frequency shift from the center carrier frequency) between the space (logic 0) equivalent and mark (logic 1 equivalent) signals is determined in accordance with the component values of the control spread network 1010. The spread is also a function of the drive provided at the input to the VCO, pin 5 of the illustrated embodiment. Thus, The biasing network 1015 is also a factor affecting the spread. It is desirable to maximize the signal to noise ratio of the signal as output from the modulator section. It has been found the optimal noise protection is obtained when the modulation index is kept close to 1 (unity). The modulation index equals the spread between the mark and space frequencies divided by the data rate of transmission. Thus, by setting the spread between the mark and space frequencies, equal to the data rate of transmission (as received from the processor system via the connector 1000), noise rejection can be optimized.

Power supply voltages are provided to the modulator and demodulator sections 1095 and 1090 respectively, from the associated system (e.g. the processor system) via connector 1001 of 14 pin socket connector in the illustrated embodiment. Alternatively, where the modulator communications interface means forms a stand alone control, power supply voltages may be generated and coupled directly within the modulator communications interface means system.

The demodulator (receiver) system recovers the transmitted data signals from the power transmission line and converts the frequency shift keyed signals back to binary logic level data signals (TTL signals in the illustrated embodiment). The receiver transformer TM2, has its primary coupled to the power transmission line 1005 for receiving frequency shift signals therefrom. One end of the primary of TM1 is coupled directly to one leg of the power transmission line, and is coupled via decoupling capacitor C15 to the other leg of the power transmission line. Capacitors C15 and C16 act as filters to shunt out the 60 Hz frequency components of the power transmission line from the received signals. The receiver transformer TM2 is, in the illustrated embodiment, a tuned filter (about the center frequency) for maximizing the signal to noise ratio of the demodulated output signal (as output from pin 7 from demodulator means 1050). Additionally, transformer TM2 performs a voltage step-up function between primary and secondary. More specifically, the voltage appearing across the primary of TM2 is step up voltage coupled to the secondary across the center tap, pin 2, and one end tap, pin 1, of the secondary of transformer TM2. Pins 1 and 2 of the secondary transformer TN1 are coupled to the plus and minus differential inputs of the differential amplifier means 1040, coupled to pins 2 and 4, respectively. In the illustrated embodiment, the differential amplifier means 1040 is a two stage differential amplifier, such as an LM3046 or equivalent. Capacitor C7 across the two end points of the secondary of transformer TM2 forms a part of the tuned filter circuit of the transformer TM2, which in conjunction with the tuning slug, 1006, provides the resonant tank circuit for the tuned filter transformer TM2. Additionally, resistor R11 and capacitor C8 effect the tuning of the transformer TM2. The amplifier 1040 shapes, amplifies, and provides impedance transformation of the differentially input signal, and provides as an output a symmetrical square wave with output levels compatible with the requirements of the phase lock demodulator 1050 to which the output is coupled. Resistors R12 and R13 form an input biasing network, adjusting the bias level for the signal input coupled into pin 2 of the differential amplifier 1040. Resistors R14 and R15, respectively, provide current source limiting for the first and second differential input stages, respectively, coupling to the common emitter points of the first and second differential input stages. Resistors R16 and R17 are load bias resistors, coupling to the collectors of the first stage input transistors, respectively. Resistor R18 forms an output load resistor, coupled to the collector of the second (output) transistor of the second differential stage of the amplifier 1040. The output from amplifier 1040, at pin 8 of amplifier 1040, is coupled via the coupling and input level control network 1045 to the mixer input (pin 2) of phase lock demodulator 1050.

The phase lock demodulator 1050 can be discrete circuitry or an integrated circuit VCO system providing phase lock demodulation, and can also provide carrier detection. The network 1055, comprising resistor R10 and capacitor C10 are filter determining components which are coupled to the tank inputs of the lock detect filter (carrier detect) inputs (pins 3 and 4) of demodulator 1050 as illustrated. The phase output of the locked detect filter appears at pin 5 of the demodulator 1050, in the illustrated embodiment, and is not utilized outside the demodulator 1050 in the illustrated embodiment. An inverse detector output appears at pin 6 of the illustrated embodiment. The center frequency of the phase lock loop voltage controlled oscillator of the demodulator 1050 is set in accordance with the selected timing capacitor C11 coupled across pins 14 and 13 of the demodulator circuit 1050. A loop phase detect filter is provided with a time constant set according to timing network 1060 as coupled across pins 11 and 2 of the demodulator 1050. The network 1060 aids in the control of the center frequency F.sub.C of the oscillator of the demodulator 1050, and also forms a filter network to remove the carrier and thereby aid in detection of data. The output of the loop phase detector apears at pin 11 of the demodulator 1050, as illustrated, and is coupled via current limiting resistor R25 to one input, pin 8, as illustrated, of a comparator within the demodulator 1050. The other input of the comparator is internally coupled to the reference voltage as output at pin 10, as illustrated. The output of the comparator appears at pin 7, and is commoned to pin 6 and coupled to the input of a voltage level shifting interface network 1065 and is coupled via positive feedback resistor R26 to the comparator input at pin 8. Resistor R26 and capacitor C14 form a comparator feedback network between the output at pin 7 and the input at pin 8. The comparator output at pin 7 is coupled to level shifting network 1065, which converts the demodulated output to a compatible logic voltage level, TTL voltage levels in the illustrated embodiment, in conjunction with transistor TS3. Transistor TS3, an NPN transistor in the illustrated embodiment, is selectively turned on (to a conducting state) responsive to the output from the demodulator 1050. The collector of transistor TS3 is coupled to the RXD pin of connector 1000, which couples the signal received as RXD to the processor system. In the illustrated embodiment, the RXD signal is pulled up to five volts via a pull up resistor in the processor system, such as a 10K Ohm pull up resistor. When the transistor TS3 is on, the RXD signal is at ground voltage potential, as the collector is shunted to the emitter voltage level (the emitter being coupled to ground). When the transistor TS3 is off, the transistor is not conducting, and the voltage at the collector of transistor TS3, is floating, i.e. is at whatever voltage level is otherwise coupled to the collector. As discussed above, where a pull up resistor to five volts (logic one in a TTL system) is coupled to the collector of TS3 via connector 1000, the signal level of RXD in the transistor TS3 off condition is a five volt (logic 1) signal. Thus, logic 0 (0 volts) and logic 1 (5 volts) signals are provided as the decoded output of the frequency shift keyed demodulator section 1090.

Referring to FIG. 20B, an alternate subsystem 1100 of the modulator of FIG. 20A is shown. Resistors R30-R35 and transistors TS3 and TS4 form a buffer-driver amplifier, amplifying the TXD (transmit data) signal from connector 1000 and coupling the amplified signal to the input, pin 9, of voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) 2000.

The VCO 2000, as illustrated can be an EXAR XR2207, or alternatively can be any other type of VCO if appropriate support circuitry is provided. The VCO free-running frequency is determined by appropriate selection of a timing capacitor C21. The upper sideband frequency is determined by selection of resistor R39 and R41. The lower sideband frequency is determined by selection of R40. Resistors R36 and R37 provide input bias control. The frequency shift keyed signal is output from pin 13 of VCO 2000 and is coupled via capacitor C5 and resistor R9 to transistor TS2 for coupling to the power line 1005 and discussed with reference to FIG. 20A.

While the modular communications interface means has been discussed with reference to a particular embodiment, other embodiments may also be used, utilizing different communications protocols and/or similar or different circuitry to implement the system.

In an alternate embodiment, the modular communications interface means provides communications among associated peripheral control elements and control units (environmental control unit or vent control unit) via radio frequency communication, thereby obviating the need for any communications wiring, either power transmission line or dedicated communications lines. To utilize radio frequency communication instead of power line based communication, some of the oscillators and transmission frequencies must be changed, such as VCO 1030 and demodulator 1050. For example, power line communication can be implemented with a center frequency ranging from tens to hundreds of kilohertz. Radio frequency transmission typically utilizes a carrier (center) frequency of tens or hundreds of megahertz. However, conceptually the modular communications interface means would remain the same. In the illustrated embodiments of FIGS. 20A, 20B the demodulator 1050 is an Exar-XR2211 integrated circuit. Alternatively, other commercial integrated circuits could be utilized such as an LM566, LM564 or other VCO based system.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a communications network is shown. The communication network facilitates the transfer of environmental variables from remote sensing elements to the central controller, and the transfer of command data from the central controller to remote actuator elements. Furthermore, such information transfer must be made utilizing techniques which reduce the probability of error and the probability of a missed message to a negligibly low level.

All information transfers in the environmental control network are accomplished using digital signaling signalling over the existing 60 Hz AC power wiring of the facility. Digital data, in the form of a serial stream of bits, are transformed into a sequence of radio-frequency tones by a frequency-shift keyed (FSK) data apparatus. These tones are inductively coupled to the power line. In order to minimize noise susceptibility, a sampling detector is used to translate the tones back into digital data.

Each remote element, whether a sense element or an actuator element, transmits only in response to interrogation by the central controller. The central controller allocates time slots, each dedicated to communication with a uniquely-addressed remote element. Any number of addresses are possible, with an initial capability of 300 present in the illustrated embodiment. The nature of data transfer is dependent the type of remote element being addressed. For example, in the current configuration, all addresses beginning with "1" are vent motor actuators. Hence, whenever a time slot associated with an assigned vent apparatus is active, the "1" in the address directs the central control computer to first address the unit, wait for an acknowledgement, and then transmit a percentage opening for that particular vent. When the address prefix is "2", the controller sends the address, and subsequently waits for temperature data to be returned from an outdoor temperature sensor. Similarly, a "3" indicates an indoor temperature sensor, which returns both light-level and temperature information.

At the end of each time slot, the central control computer addresses a new time slot, checks to see if this time slot has been assigned by the user, and, if so, commences transmission. During this initial transmission, address data is preceded by a "unique word" which serves to synchronize all remote elements, and indicates that some element's address is forthcoming. The remote element whose address follows the unique word then takes appropriate action, while all others go back to waiting for another unique word.

When there are multiple network masters (net master), i.e., multiple central controllers, present on the network simultaneously as shown by the phantom master controller 103, no contention problem exists as long as: (1) their respective users assign no remote addresses in common, and (2) the central controllers share a common time slot clock. The latter consideration is of course the more difficult. Since even stable crystal oscillators exhibit drift phenomena, an adaptive time slot synchronization scheme is utilized in the system. In this scheme, each net master continually listens (monitors) for the transmission of the unique word by another net master. If one is detected, the ensuing address information is monitored, giving precise information regarding the state of the time slot clock of the other net master. In an adaptive manner, all net masters count time slots in lock-step with one another.

With this communication technique, provision is included for digital data transfer, two-way communication, and multiple net masters.

Although the invention has been described with reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as other embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the appended claims will cover any such modifications or embodiments as fall within the true scope of the invention. ##SPC1## ##SPC2## ##SPC3## ##SPC4## ##SPC5## ##SPC6## ##SPC7## ##SPC8## ##SPC9## ##SPC10## ##SPC11## ##SPC12##