Operating device with staggered protection circuits against overvoltage and overcurrent and antenna for driving intelligent lamps and lighting appliances

Abstract

In order to achieve a universal, flexible and highly integrated operating device for driving various lamps, ensuring the protection of the entire operating device and of the appliances connected thereto by means of staggered protective measures at both the input and the output, starting from the preamble of claim 1, a first branch for connecting a lamp to a first of the interface circuits (SS1) and a second branch for connecting at least one communication module to a second of the interface circuits (SS2) are connected to the coarse protection circuit (G) which short-circuits an overvoltage of the mains voltage occurring at the input of the operating device. In the first branch, a line filter (NF) is connected to the coarse protection circuit (G) and a clamp circuit (K) consisting of the fine protection circuit (F) and of a first energy absorber (E1) is connected to the line filter (NF). When the residual pulse voltage is too high, the fine protection circuit (F) activates the first energy absorber (E1), the overvoltage pulse is short-circuited and the short-circuit is deactivated again when the mains voltage reaches the next zero crossing. A second energy absorber (E2) which, when it is switched on, limits the current with the aid of a temperature-dependent resistor (NTC), is connected to the first energy absorber (E1). Moreover, the first interface circuit (SS1) comprises a protection circuit (ÜS) against overvoltage and overcurrent, and an intermediate protection circuit (M) consisting of a transmitter (Ü) and of a first fine protection circuit (F1) is connected to the coarse protection circuit (G) in the second branch. A filter (FK) for separating communication signals fed in parallel into the power supply grid is connected to the first fine protection circuit (F) and a second fine protection circuit (F2) is connected to this filter (FK). In order to protect the second interface circuit (SS2) of the operating device from overvoltage and overcurrent coming from the communication module and acting upon the operating device, the second interface circuit (SS2) comprises a protection circuit (ÜS) against overvoltage and overcurrent. The invention is used in the field of protection systems against overvoltage.

Claims

1. An operating device with an input coarse protection (G), an output with separate interface circuits (SSI, SS2) and an output fine protection (F) and between the coarse protection (G) and the fine protection (F) arranged a decoupling for protection, control and power supply connected thereto lamps formed as a filter, wherein the coarse protection (G), which short-circuiting the mains voltage occurring at the input of the operating device, is connected both a first branch for connecting a lighting means to a first of the interface circuits (SS1) and a second branch for the connection of at least one communication module to a second of the interface circuits (SS2), wherein in the first branch with the coarse protection (G) a line filter (NF) is connected, which delays, reduces and folds the overvoltage pulse limited by the coarse protection (G) for the subsequent circuit parts and reduces the slew rate, wherein with the line filter (NF) a clamping circuit (K), consisting of the fine protection (F) and a first energy absorber (E1), is connected, whereby at too high residual voltage of the pulse the fine protection (F) of the first energy absorber (EI) is activated and the overvoltage pulse is short-circuited and the short circuit is deactivated again when the next zero crossing of the mains voltage is reached, wherein a second energy absorber (E2) is connected to the first energy absorber (EI), which is switched on by means of a temperature-dependent resistor (NTC), limits the current and wherein to protect the output side interface circuit (SSI) of the operating device from overvoltages and overcurrent that act on the operating device from the light source, the first interface circuit (SSI) has an overvoltage and overcurrent protection (ÜS) and that in the second branch with the coarse protection (G) a middle protection (M), consisting of a transformer (Ü) and a first fine protection circuit (F1) is connected, wherein the transformer (Ü) goes into saturation during the overvoltage pulse, wherein with the first fine protection circuit (F) a second filter (FK) for the separation of parallel to the power supply network fed communication signals is connected and a second fine-protection circuit (F2) is connected to the second filter (FK) and wherein to protect the second interface circuit (SS2) of the operating device against overvoltages and overcurrent, which act on the operating device from the communication module, the second interface circuit (SS2) has another overvoltage- and overcurrent-protection (ÜS), whereby the staggered protective measures from the input and the output, protection of the entire operating device and downstream devices is ensured.

2. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the coarse protection (G) has a gas discharge tube (1) and two varistors (2) in series with the gas discharge tube (1) and that for thermal coupling a thermal fuse (4) is placed very close to the varistors (2), so that the end of life of the varistors (2) is detected by this flowing increased leakage current.

3. The operating device according to claim 2, wherein the operating device comprises a monitoring circuit (3) arranged between one of the varistors (2) and the thermal fuse (4), which detects the separation of the coarse protection (G) from the supply voltage and reports to a microprocessor of the operating device.

4. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein for the functional safety of the operating device, a second thermal fuse (5) is arranged between the N-conductor connection and the coarse protection (G).

5. The operating device according to claim 4, wherein on the housing of the operating device, a display means (6) is arranged, which indicates the response of the second thermal fuse (5).

6. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein to protect the components in the clamping circuit (K) before fast voltage and current increases, at the input of the clamping circuit (K) an inductance is installed and that the fine protection (F) of the clamping circuit (K) is realized by clamping diodes and the first energy absorber (E1) by means of a TRIAC.

7. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein for inrush current limiting the second energy absorber (E2) looped in the N-conductor has the temperature-dependent resistor (NTC) and that after a few network periods, the resistor (NTC) automatically via a first switch (S1) is short-circuited and in the event that the energy absorber (E2) detects an overvoltage during operation, the resistor (NTC) by means of a second switch (S2) automatically switched back into a ground line and that after the decay of the voltage pulse the resistor (NTC) is automatically short-circuited via the first switch (S1).

8. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the overvoltage and overcurrent protection (ÜS) arranged at the output of the operating device in the interface circuits (SS1, SS2), each initially seen from the output comprising a second coarse protection (GÜ), then an associated with a third filter (FÜ), which delays and reduces the by the second coarse protection (GÜ) limited overvoltage pulse for the subsequent circuit parts, and finally connected to the third filter (FÜ) a fine protection (FSÜ).

9. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein if no function of the operating device is needed, a microprocessor (MP) of the operating device turns off by disabling an auxiliary power supply and switching to ECO-mode, and that leaving the ECO-modes is by means of the microprocessor (MP) time-controlled or by detecting the switching-off and switching-on of the mains voltage or by a communication module connected to the operating device.

10. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the operating device has for controlling, for querying status messages of the ballast, for initializing the parameters of a lighting means (12) and for updating the firmware of the operating device, at least a powerline communication interface (PA) and that the operating device operates as a gateway between the individual communication interfaces.

11. A lighting mean with an operating device according to claim 1, wherein the lighting means consists of an upper light-emitting part with light-emitting diodes (12) and configured as a device base with terminal base lower light-emitting part, that the connection base is formed as a screw thread ring contact (E) and foot contact (FK) and in which the electronics are arranged both for the lighting control, as well as for a powerline communication PLC and Bluetooth low energy BLE communication including an overvoltage and overcurrent protection.

12. The lighting means according to claim 11 with an antenna, wherein it is in the form of an angled dipole (D) having at least one structural element (ST1, ST2), which connects the antenna to the third dimension extended.

13. The lighting means according to claim 12, wherein the structural element is designed as a pin header (ST1, ST2), which extends perpendicular to the conductor track of the angled dipole (D).

14. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein the line filter (NF) is constructed as an LC-filter forth order with low-pass behavior and insulated against ground potential (ground conductor PE).

15. The operating device according to claim 1, wherein as protection against temporary overvoltage, the line filter (NF) has a relay (Re) located in the phase conductor (L).

Description

(1) Further advantages and details can be taken from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention with reference to the drawing. In the drawing shows:

(2) FIG. 1 a block diagram for overvoltage and overcurrent protection,

(3) FIG. 2 a block diagram for a coarse protection as lightning protection,

(4) FIG. 3 a block diagram of an energy absorber,

(5) FIG. 4 a block diagram of an interface circuit of the operating device according to the invention,

(6) FIG. 5a a block diagram of an operating device with connected LED bulbs, Wi-Fi adapter and video camera,

(7) FIG. 5b a block diagram for varying isolated and non-isolated structure,

(8) FIG. 6 a block diagram of cascaded operating devices for a system according to FIG. 5,

(9) FIG. 7 a second embodiment of an operating device according to the invention,

(10) FIG. 8 a block diagram of the system according to FIG. 7,

(11) FIG. 9 an antenna for an operating device according to the above embodiments of the invention,

(12) FIG. 10a the time profile of a standard current pulse 8/20 μs at the input of the coarse protection G,

(13) FIG. 10b the time profile of the associated terminal voltage of the coarse protection G,

(14) FIG. 10c the time profile of the output voltage of the line filter NF,

(15) FIG. 10d the time profile of the current through the clamping circuit K of the inventive operating device and

(16) FIG. 11 the structure of a network filter NF according to the invention.

(17) FIG. 1 shows a block diagram for overvoltage and overcurrent protection of the operating device, which protects the hardware against overvoltages and overcurrent.

(18) The protection consists of various successively staggered and coordinated circuit areas. Each of these circuit areas performs different tasks for protection.

(19) The first embodiment of the operating device according to the invention has both a first branch for the connection of a light source (with a protection of the power supply STR, see dashed line) and a second branch (with a protection, in particular a power line coupling PA, see dashed line) for the connection of at least a communication module of a device to separate first and second interface circuits SS1, SS2 at the output of the operating device.

(20) At the input of the operating device is arranged a common coarse protection G for first and second branch (see FIG. 2), hereinafter referred coarse protection, which has a gas arrester 1 and in series with the gas arrester 1 two varistors 2 and protects the system against large pulses. Overvoltages are limited to a lower voltage and the pulse at the input of the system is short-circuited. For overvoltage and overcurrent protection, a line filter NF connected to the output of the coarse protection G in the first branch has the task of delaying, reducing and folding the voltage pulse limited by the coarse protection G for subsequent circuit parts and of reducing the slew rate (see in more detail below described four tasks for the inventive network filter NF). If, after the line filter NF, the residual voltage of the pulse is too high for the subsequent circuit parts, this is limited due to a terminal circuit K connected to the output of the network filter NF, consisting in the first stage of a fine protection F and in the 2nd stage of a first energy absorber El. Here, the fine protection F activates the first energy absorber E1 and there is a short circuit of the voltage pulse to protect the subsequent circuit parts from damage. When reaching the next zero crossing of the mains voltage, the short circuit is deactivated again. Upon further response of the fine protection F, a new activation of the first energy absorber E1 takes place.

(21) Furthermore, in the first branch at the output of the clamping circuit K, a second energy absorber E2 is connected, which limits the current when it is switched on by means of an NTC-resistor NTC (negative temperature coefficient thermistor, thermistor). This protects the circuit from high currents and at the same time relieves the supply network. In normal operation, the NTC-resistor is bypassed to minimize power dissipation. If the second energy absorber E2 detects an overvoltage pulse, this bridging is canceled again. This increases the internal resistance of the circuit and reduces the energy occurring in the subsequent circuit parts. Furthermore, the second energy absorber E2 acts as inrush current limit.

(22) The Powerline coupling PA (second branch) couples the communication signals of a Powerline connection directly to the mains supply lines. For this reason, only the coarse protection G protects the coupling, but not subsequent protective devices. Due to the clamping voltage of the coarse protection G, whose value would still cause damage to the coupling circuit, the circuit requires additional protection measures. For this purpose, a middle protection M is connected to a transformer Ü at the output of the coarse protection G in the second branch, which goes into saturation during the overvoltage pulse. The saturation effects of the transformer Ü cause a strong limited transmission of the pulse energy to the secondary side of the transformer Ü. In addition, there are components on the secondary side , namely a first fine-protection circuit F1, a filter FK connected thereto for separating communication signals fed in parallel into the power supply network and a second one fine protection circuit F2 connected to this filter FK, which limit the remaining voltage pulse. According to the invention, a first fine protection circuit F1 of the power line coupling PA is connected to the secondary side of the transformer Ü, which additionally protects components of the circuit which are sensitive to interference, in particular all inputs of a microprocessor MP, by voltage-limiting components (clamping diodes).

(23) To protect the output stage of the operating device/ballast against overvoltages and overcurrent, which act on the ballast of the lamp, this first interface circuit SS1 is provided with corresponding limiting circuits. The second interface circuit SS2 also has overvoltage and overcurrent protection to protect the ballast (see FIG. 1 upstream fine protection circuit F2). The staggered protective measures ensure effective protection of the entire control gear/ballast. The operation of the protective devices is dimensioned so that the respective devices effectively protect all subsequent circuit parts of primary and secondary.

(24) Below is a detailed description of the individual elements of overvoltage and overcurrent protection. The coarse protection G shown in FIG. 2 protects the system from major voltage and current pulses, such as these, for example, occur during lightning events.

(25) In the case of a pulse ignites a gas collector 1 and thereby limits the pulse. When dimensioning the arrester 1, make sure that it only ignite with overvoltage or overcurrent pulses and not in normal operation. To clear the arrester 1, it is necessary to limit the current through the arrester 1. For this reason, two varistors 2 are connected in series with the arrester 1. A varistor 2 is connected between the L-conductor and arrester 1. The second varistor 2 is connected between the N conductor and the arrester 1. In order to limit the current through the arrester 1 accordingly, it is necessary that the “stand-off” voltage of the two varistors 2 in total is greater than the mains voltage. Due to the supply network topology, the varistors 2 can be asymmetrically dimensioned, with the result that the clamping voltage of the coarse protection G is reduced. It is assumed that the neutral conductor N and the ground conductor PE are connected in the network. This ensures that there are no major potential differences between the neutral conductor N and the ground conductor PE.

(26) At the end of life of the varistors 2, the leakage current flowing through them increases. As a result, the varistor 2 heat up, which can lead to thermal destruction of the component. To prevent this, a thermal fuse 4 is placed very close to the varistor 2 (thermal coupling). In the event of excessive heating of the varistors 2, this fuse 4 triggers and disconnects the circuit from the supply voltage L in order to prevent thermal destruction of the varistors 2.

(27) The separation of the coarse protection G from the supply voltage L leads to a loss of the protective effect of the coarse protection G. For this reason, a monitoring circuit 3 detects the separation of the coarse protection G, and reports this to the microprocessor MP of the operating device/ballast.

(28) For the functional safety of the system, a second thermal fuse 5 is installed between the N conductor connection and the coarse protection G. This fuse triggers in case of overcurrent of the system and thus prevents a short circuit of the primary power supply. In addition, this fuse triggers also in case of excessive heating of the device. In both cases, a safe separation of the operating device/ballast from the network is done. A status display/display means 6, in particular a light-emitting diode/LED, indicates the disconnection on the housing of the operating device/ballast.

(29) The arrangement of the two thermal fuses 4, 5 allows optimum protection with minimal power loss of the fuses, since there is only one fuse in the energy path. Optionally, a reduced protection without grounding PE is possible. This allows the use of the control gear/ballast as a device of protection class II (devices of protection class II need not be connected to a protective conductor and the protective conductor can be omitted, i.e. the contact protection is ensured by a protective insulation, whereby all voltage leading parts in addition to the operating isolation still have a further isolation). Optionally, the earth conductor PE can also be used to protect the interfaces SS1. For this purpose, the ground conductor PE is internally connected to the interface protection circuit. Devices of protection class I must be connected to a protective conductor, i.e. all metal parts that can pick up voltage during operation and maintenance, in the event of a fault must be conductively connected to the earth conductor. In detail, see the following description to FIG. 5b.

(30) To reach a distance between phase L and earth conductor PE or to ensure neutral conductor N and earth conductor PE of 4 mm, this demanded from a standard for safe electrical separation, an additional thermal fuse 7 is implemented at the earth conductor connection point of the gas extractor 1 (see FIGS. 2 and 11). As a result, in each path there are two thermal fuses connected in series, each having 2 mm separation distance.

(31) All thermal fuses, namely 4, 5 and 7 are thermally coupled to the varistors 2. As a result, the increased leakage current of the varistors 2 at the end of life is detected. The line filter NF arranged in the first branch assumes four tasks in the operating device/ballast:

(32) First, in the case of overvoltage or overcurrent pulse, the terminal voltage L, which remains pending at the output of the coarse protection circuit G, is folded (by the properties of the line filter NF, the energy distribution is changed/delayed in the time domain) and the pulse is delayed passed to subsequent circuit parts. The folding of the voltage pulse causes a reduction of the peak value with a simultaneous extension of the pulse.

(33) Mathematically, the function of the pulse “p” is folded with the function “f” of the network filter NF. The calculation is done in the time domain. The result of the folding is:
y(t)=p(t)*f(t)=∫p(t−τ)×f(τ)d τ

(34) For example, a Laplace transform transforms the functions into the frequency domain.

(35) In the frequency domain, the folding results in a multiplication according to the equation:
Y=P×F
whereby a suitable choice of the filter function reduces the peak value of the pulse and at the same time extends the duration of the pulse. The energy of the pulse remains unchanged.

(36) The delay of the pulse ensures that lightning protection responds as a first measure to an overvoltage or overcurrent event. As a result, the main energy of the pulse is reduced at the coarse protection G.

(37) The second task of the network filter NF is a filtering of the system, for example generated in the internal power supply and in the lamp control generated common mode noise and push-pull interferences.

(38) The third task of the network filter NF is the generation of high impedance for the powerline communication signals fed into the network in parallel. Communication via Powerline takes place in a frequency range between 30 kHz and 500 kHz. This frequency range requires the high impedance in order not to short-circuit the communication signals or to strongly attenuate them by low impedance. High impedance allows a good signal transmission from the mains to the coupling circuit and vice versa.

(39) The fourth object of the network filter NF is to protect the first energy absorber E1 from fast current slew rates resulting from shorting an overcurrent pulse.

(40) FIG. 11 shows a preferred embodiment of the network filter NF according to the invention, namely an LC filter 4. order with low-pass behavior. The corner frequency (−3 dB) is set at 2 kHz. The line filter NF is isolated from the ground potential/ground conductor PE. The isolation prevents power line communications signals from being coupled to the ground potential/ground conductor PE. It also prevents disturbances on the ground potential/ground conductor PE influencing the power-line communication PLC. This is an essential difference to the conventional network filters.

(41) In summary, the line filter NF thus has four functions: 1) interference suppression of the network of internal switching disturbances of the operating device. 2) represents a high impedance termination/barrier for the Power Line Communication PLC. 3) folding of the energy pulses during lightning strikes/events. 4) reduces the slew rate of current pulses to a value acceptable by the triac (see FIG. 1, first energy absorber E1).

(42) The solution described above is a pure hardware-technical implementation/development and does not require any software/firmware interventions.

(43) In addition, a protection against temporary overvoltage is included. The control gear should detect overvoltages caused by mains faults and disconnect the input connection of mains in order to protect the downstream components against overvoltage. As soon as the overvoltage fault has been resolved, the operating device switches the input again and normal operation continues. The switch-on/switch-off is a relay L looped in phase L (see FIG. 11). Thus, the requirements for insulation distances can be ensured. The function of the coarse protection G, the line filter NF and the clamping circuit K is given in each operating state of the device, i.e. even without supply voltage, the protective measures of the described circuit acts.

(44) The clamping circuit K is constructed in two stages. The first stage (fine protection) detects an overvoltage that may be present at the output of the line filter. This level limits the overvoltage. Due to the limitation, the second stage (energy absorber E1, with switch, z. B. MosFet, TRIAC) acts, which ultimately short-circuits the residual energy (overvoltage). In the design of the control gear/ballast, the first stage is realized by clamping diodes. The second stage is a TRIAC. The limitation and the short circuit of the clamping circuit limits the voltage for the subsequent circuit parts. The TRIAC automatically clears the line voltage L when the next zero crossing is reached.

(45) To protect the components in the clamping circuit K from fast voltage and current increases, an inductance is installed at the input of the clamping circuit K. The inductor slows down the increases. Another task of the inductor is to limit the voltage increase when clearing the TRIAC. Limiting the rise prevents re-ignition of the TRIAC.

(46) A monitoring circuit 3 detects a possible failure of the circuit and reports it to the microprocessor MP of the control gear/ballast.

(47) Before switching on the system, all capacities of the system are discharged. A discharged capacity represents a short circuit at the moment of switch-on. In order to prevent this short circuit in the switch-on, an inrush current limit is integrated in the operating device/ballast, which is shown in FIG. 3 and described in more detail below.

(48) At the moment of switch-on, a temperature-dependent resistor, in particular an NTC-resistor NTC, limits the inrush current. This protects on the one hand the circuit against inadmissibly high currents, and on the other hand also causes a reduction in the load on the supply network. After the switch-on, i.e. after a few network periods, the NTC-resistor NTC is automatically short-circuited via a first switch S1. This reduces the power loss of the system.

(49) During an overvoltage event, energy absorber 2 detects this overvoltage. Then the NTC-resistor NTC is automatically switched back into the circuit by means of a first switch S2. This increases the internal resistance of the circuit. The increased internal resistance prevents subsequent circuit parts being loaded with high energy pulses. After the decay of the voltage pulse, a renewed short circuit of the NTC-resistor NTC takes place.

(50) The Powerline coupling PA couples the communication signals directly to the mains supply lines. For this reason, only the coarse protection G, but not subsequent protective devices protects the coupling. Due to the clamping voltage of the coarse protection G, whose value would still cause damage to the coupling circuit, the circuit requires additional protection measures.

(51) The existing in the medium protection M transformer Ü (see FIG. 1) goes during the overvoltage pulse into saturation. The saturation effects of the transformer Ü cause a strong limited transmission of the pulse energy to the secondary side of the transformer Ü. In addition, there are components on the secondary side, in particular the first fine protection F1, which limit the remaining voltage pulse. For the generation of safety extra-low voltage (SELV voltage, Safety Extra Low Voltage), the transformer Ü is constructed in such a way that a short circuit between the primary winding and the secondary winding as well as its connections is not possible. The windings of the primary circuit or secondary circuits can only be superimposed if there is a double or reinforced insulation between them as galvanic isolation. Alternatively, the windings can be accommodated above or next to one another in separate insulating chambers. The safety extra-low voltage is a small electrical voltage, which, due to its low height—below 25 volts AC or 60 volts DC—and the insulation against higher voltage circuits, offers special protection against electric shock.

(52) All components of the coupling on the line side of the transformer Ü are designed for the clamping voltage of the coarse protection G.

(53) The sensitive inputs and outputs of the coupling to the digital and analog signal processing modules or Class A/B-amplifiers are additionally protected by fine-protection measures in the form of clamping diodes F1. These are designed so that they do not affect the communication signal, in particular the powerline signal.

(54) The protective circuit US shown in FIG. 4 and arranged in the interface SS1 to the light sources protects the system against pulses, which act on the system coming from the side of the light sources. Here is an example a lightning strike in the housing of the lamp listed, which generates an overvoltage, which acts on the lamp/ballast from the light source. The protection is constructed in the same way as the coarse protection G at the input of the control gear/ballast, i.e. also with filter and fine protection (clamping diode).

(55) In the case of SELV lamp outputs (as power source, the transformer Ü/safety transformer is used), the protective circuit ÜS continues to fulfill the task of limiting the maximum output voltage to a safe level. This is necessary above all in the event of a fault, because then, for a short time, higher voltages can occur until internal safety mechanisms act.

(56) In the case of an LED lighting application, the LEDs are usually connected in series and are operated at a constant current for optimum, uniform brightness, color and intensity. Constant current sources have (with an open circuit) a maximum output voltage. The fuses to be provided must be robust enough to withstand current surges of usually 3 kA, but also up to 6 kA. They also need to react quickly enough to prevent component failure. Criteria for selecting the upstream fuse at the AC input include voltage, amperage, and the I.sup.2t value.

(57) To protect the user of the control gear/ballast from electric shock, all interfaces, i.e. the light control and the communication interfaces (except PLC) are disconnected from the power supply. The interface for the lamp control can comply with the rules for safety extra-low voltage (SELV) by: electrical isolation of all interfaces, including the lamp control, from the supply network, separation of the interfaces both with transformers and optically, voltage supply of the additional modules and devices is also electrically isolated, safe isolation and limitation of all output voltage to less than or equal to 120 VDC, to comply with the SELV (safety extra low voltage) criteria.

(58) If no operation of the control gear/ballast is required, the control gear/ballast microprocessor MP will switch off by deactivating the auxiliary power supply. In this mode, only the ECO mode circuit is in operation. This operating mode allows a very low energy consumption (<100 mW) without having to switch off the mains voltage, while maintaining the protective effect in active ECO mode.

(59) There are three options for supplying the ECO mode circuit: 1. Power supply via a DC voltage, which also supplies the microprocessor of the control gear/ballast.

(60) The power supply is available only in normal operating condition. When the auxiliary power supply is switched off, this power supply is also switched off 2. Power supply via a high-impedance circuit with the mains voltage.

(61) The high-impedance connection limits the current flow. In addition, the value of the power supply must be limited to protect the ECO-mode circuit from damage. In the present circuit, for the purpose of component reduction, the monitoring circuit/monitoring circuit 3 (see FIG. 2) for lightning protection (coarse protection G) is simultaneously used for the voltage supply of the ECO mode circuit. 3. Power supply via capacitor

(62) When switched on (point 1) or in the case of mains voltage supply (point 2), a capacitor charges up. As soon as the input voltages are switched off, the ECO-mode circuit can supply itself from the capacitor for a longer time.

(63) There are various options for leaving ECO-mode: 1. Time-controlled: The microprocessor of the control gear/ballast adjusts the ECO-mode for a certain period of time. When this time has elapsed, the ECO-mode switches the system on (again). 2. During a power cycle (switching the mains voltage off and on again), the control gear/ballast automatically switches on again. This is also the case insofar as the ECO-mode was activated before switching off 3. A connected to the operating device/ballast communication module (for example Bluetooth, Ethernet module, etc.) can switch the operating state of ECO-mode to normal operation.

(64) For communication, each operating device/ballast preferably has a powerline communication interface which is suitable for the following tasks: Control of the operating device/ballast (lighting on, switching off and dimming, etc.), Querying status information of the operating device/ballast, Initializing the parameters of the lamp, Update of the firmware of the control gear/ballast.

(65) In addition to the powerline communication, further communication interfaces may be available. The following list shows some examples, but should not be considered as complete: Bluetooth. Ethernet. Fiber optic technology (LWL). Wireless LAN (WLAN). Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI). 1-10 V interface. PWM.

(66) All these interfaces are used for the following tasks: Control of the ballast (light source switching on, switching off and dimming etc. Check status of ballast signals. Initialize lamp parameters. Upgrade ballast firmware. Connect external devices (e.g. security camera, motion detectors, sensors and actuators, etc.).

(67) The operating device/ballast can work between the individual communication interfaces (for example between WLAN and Powerline) as a gateway. This makes it possible to connect different network topologies together. Such a connection of different networks increases the communication ranges.

(68) The Ethernet interface has two ports and also works as an Ethernet switch. Thus, up to two different Ethernet devices can be connected to the operating device/ballast, which can thus communicate with each other without the microprocessor MP of the operating device/ballast.

(69) The communication path between the operating device/ballast and the communication modules is isolated galvanically from the supply voltage network. Likewise, these interfaces can additionally be supplied by the operating unit/ballast via a galvanically isolated supply voltage.

(70) The compactly designed housing (not shown in the drawing) ensures a variety of connection and system variations of the control gear/ballast. The different variations of the housing construction allow a simple, inexpensive production at no extra cost and a complex solution. Likewise, the construction allows a simple and quick installation of the components (for example the assembled printed circuit boards, heatsinks and partitions) of the operating device/ballast in the housing. In addition, the housing meets all valid requirements against direct contact and ingress of liquids and micro particles.

(71) The housing of the control gear/ballast consists of two symmetrical half-shells (not shown in the drawing), which by means of snap technology, e.g. be joined or closed by merging multiple snap closures. This results in a simple and safe installation. The snap closures of the half shells are outside the sealed area.

(72) The housing is designed in such a way that, depending on the field of application, different components (controller board with microprocessor MP, different ballast control and communication modules) can be installed in it. Flat and lateral mounting holes in the projection of the half-shells allow variable mounting positions of the device.

(73) Depending on the cable entry (by means of a cable gland or grommet) and type of encapsulation (filled potting compound), a degree of protection of up to IP68 can be achieved. The encapsulation of an assembly in a half-shell can be variable stepwise (1 to 4 stages). As a result, the amount of potting compound can be minimized depending on the structure of the module used and optimized for their protection. Optionally, the entire housing can be cast, although more potting compound is needed, but reduces the manufacturing cost.

(74) The half-shells have a groove in the side walls. Here you can optionally insert a sealing cord to achieve a tightness of the housing. In this case, the casting can be omitted.

(75) By cooling plates inserted in the housing (not shown in the drawing), there is an efficient heat management for components with higher heat development through optimized heat dissipation to the environment. To compensate for different component heights, optional cooling blocks can also be inserted into the housing. By using a heat conducting foil, which is glued to the outside of the housing in a depression, impressed in the half-shells (not shown in the drawing), the heat output can be further improved by a direct thermal coupling takes place at this point with the mounting bracket.

(76) In order to achieve improved EMC shielding by means of potential bonding, the cooling plates can be connected to the printed circuit boards by means of a threaded bolt and screw. Optionally, a potential separation or potential bonding between protective earth (on the network input side) and the functional earth (on the bulb and interface side) can take place.

(77) In the half shells guides for the connector (not shown in the drawing) are incorporated, whereby the correct alignment of the modules (controller board and possibly communication module or ballast control) is guaranteed in the respective half-shell. Since this also compensates for tolerances of printed circuit board production, a further attachment of the modules and connectors is not required. The guides are leading, so that also takes an alignment between the two half-shells.

(78) The half shells result in a functional separation of the device: A half shell contains the controller board with microprocessor and optionally an universal interface for additional variants of communication modules. The other half shell contains the ballast control, whose model depends on the power class of the used light source. This function separation allows a simple adaptation of the ballast to the used light source, power classes, potential separation and protection class as well as a simple and efficient (fast) repair with optimized spare parts storage for the devices.

(79) For example, up to eight status indicators/display means (SMD LEDs) can be directly installed on the printed circuit boards, as the light pipe is routed directly to the outer wall of the housing by means of simple light pipes in the potting compound. For this purpose, located in the housing half shells at the points, where the light pipes meet the housing half shell, there are guide rings and recesses in the housing wall (not shown in the drawing). These recesses give better visibility of the status indicators. The guide rings are used for light guidance and adjustment of the light pipe and at the same time for protection against unintentional inflow of the potting compound into the light channel.

(80) FIG. 5a shows, as an example, the operating device/ballast (or its controller board DLCB with microprocessor MP) and its integration in an installation. At the lamp interface K1, K2, K3, K4 (i.e. channel 1 to 4), for example, four LED bulbs 12 are connected, which are powered by a DC power source located in the operating device/ballast. The optional interface DL-SS is in this case for an Ethernet module, whereby alternatively also a DALI, BLE (Bluetooth low energy, current-saving mode of Bluetooth), PWM (pulse width modulation) or 1-10 V module (see dotted line DALI , BLE, PWM, 1-10 V) would be possible. At the one interface of the Ethernet module is connected a video surveillance camera (1), at the other a Wi-Fi adapter Wi-Fi (x). Both devices are powered via passive Power-over-Ethernet (POE*).

(81) Furthermore, it is possible within the scope of the invention to vary the isolated and non-insulated structure (see FIG. 5a dot-dash line to PE and the dashed line “option”), which will be explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 5b. FIG. 5b shows the arrangement of primary overvoltage protection and secondary overvoltage protection in an insulated housing, preferably with 3-pin GAP (gas disturber tube, see also FIG. 2: arrester 1) for each of the two supply lines L, N. The potential separation is done by the transducers Ü in the power supply STR. The arrangement allows equipotential bonding from secondary to primary via the connection GAP A/Pkt. 2 in accordance with GAP B/Pt. 2 (Coupling via resistor F takes place only for equipotential bonding in the case of leakage), or separate earth connection.

(82) Furthermore, it is also possible to connect the primary side to the network ground PE, i.e. GAP A/Pt. 2 no connection to GAP B/Pkt. 2 and instead GAP B/Pkt. 2 and use as functional potential for the secondary side for the derivation or use as reference potential. The overvoltage protection of the primary side is achieved by GAP A, secondary by GAP B. The combination options are shown in the following table:

(83) TABLE-US-00001 housing A/ Protec- connec- Load/ housing housing System Construc- housing. tion tion Protection Elec- c/Con- D/Con- function tion B Primary (P-S) sekundary tronics struction struction ISO ISO ISO k.A. verb. k.A. ISO ISO ISO ISO ISO ISO E-verb. k. verb. k.A. X X X ISO ISO ISO E-verb. k. verb. FP-verb. X X X ISO E-verb. ISO E-verb. verb. k.A. ISO ISO ISO ISO E-verb. ISO k.A. k. verb. FP-verb. ISO ISO ISO N-ISO E-verb. ISO E-verb. verb. FP-verb. X X X ISO This means: Geh. Housing ISO isolated N-ISO not insulated k.A. no connection E Earth FP Function Potential (earth) P Primary Prot. Protection S Secondary verb. connected/connection k. verb. no connection

(84) For devices of protection class II or III there is a separation of functional earth (Function Potential) and protective earth (Prot.). The protective earth of a consumer, with a few exceptions, must not be connected to the functional earth, as the functional earth is not intended to take over protective earth functions; conversely, this is possible. Connecting the protective conductor to the functional earth connection (FP) cannot guarantee personal safety, however, a conductive connection between the protective earth (Prot.) and the functional earth (FP) at different points is possible. Functional grounding (FP) is a functional part and essential for the regular operation of a device, while protective earth (Prot.) serves to protect people from electric shock and provides protection in the event of a fault.

(85) FIG. 6 describes an application example in the event that the supply of the interface module for the surveillance camera video is insufficient. Shown twice is the control gear/ballast (or their controller boards DLCB with microprocessor MP), each with Ethernet module as an optional interface DL-SS, whereas both ballasts via an Ethernet interface are cascaded (see line K). As already described in FIG. 5, an LED illuminant 12 is connected to the upper ballast on all four channels K1 to K4 of the lamp interface. On the still free Ethernet interface of the upper control gear/ballast are connected two cascaded Wi-Fi adapters, and possible sensors and/or actuators (for example brightness sensor, weather sensor, etc.). All these devices are powered by passive Power-over-Ethernet POE.

(86) In the case of the lower operating device/ballast, on the other hand, a video surveillance camera is connected to the free Ethernet interface, which in this case should represent a stronger consumer. In order to ensure the energy consumption of this video surveillance camera via Power-over-Ethernet POE, the DC power supply, which in the other case supplies the LED lamps 12 connected to the four LED channels, is used to supply the video surveillance camera with energy, since the supplying of the interface module alone would not be enough.

(87) FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 show a second embodiment of a control gear/ballast according to the invention integrated in an LED lamp for 230 V/115 V with electronics in the lamp base E, for example E-thread of a commercial incandescent lamp, for the realization of a complete device. The complete device integrates an LED lamp 12 and a gateway, wherein the necessary for the lamp function electronics for the operation of the LEDs 12 is included in the device, the function of which is known and will therefore not be described further. For the identical modules/modules, the same reference numerals are used in FIGS. 7 and 8 as for the embodiment of a control gear/ballast according to the invention described in particular with reference to FIG. 1.

(88) As the structural design according to FIG. 7 shows, the complete device consists of a “luminous element” and a device base E with a connection socket (E-thread and foot contact FK). In the upper part of the lamp with the protective cap SK, the LEDs 12 and a light distribution optics 13a (diffuser) and sensors 13b (in particular brightness, color) are included, the lower part contains all the electronics, both for the LED drive, as well as for PLC and BLE communication. This spatial arrangement reduces the temperature influence of the electronics. The intermediate space is preferably used for a Bluetooth receiver and balun 14 and an antenna D, wherein the housing shape makes it possible to realize a corresponding opening angle of the angled dipole D in a surprisingly simple manner (in detail see FIG. 9).

(89) The lower end of the housing GH of the lamp is designed as a screw thread connection socket E. Standard threads come as in conventional incandescent lamps with z. B. E27 thread for use. Other connections are not necessary. This facilitates the installation by the user.

(90) The electronics further implement a radio communication system, due to the very low energy consumption and widespread of Bluetooth low energy this is provided. This wireless standard is directly supported by all current smartphones and many laptops.

(91) The electrical interconnection of the modules together can be seen from the block diagram of FIG. 8. The rough protection circuit G at the lower end of the housing GH of the lamp comprises, in addition to a thermal fuse, a display which is also used for functional safety. By this spatial arrangement, a glare-free reading of the display, in particular in the form of LEDs, is possible. The power line coupling PA according to the invention comprises the transformer Ü and the fine protection F1. In the power supply STR or power supply of the complete device are arranged in series, a bridge rectifier 7, an intermediate circuit capacitor 8 and a DC-DC converter (DC/DC converter). The microprocessor MP has the connections Rx (see secondary side of the transformer Ü of the power line coupling PA), the connections M0, M1, M2, M3, MU (which are connected to the outputs of a measured value acquisition 11 for regulating, controlling, and monitoring constant current sources 10) and the connections Tx, T_EN to the primary side of the transformer Ü of the power line coupling PA. In addition, follows in series thereto the constant current sources 10, the measured value acquisition 11 (with the connections M0, M1, M2, M3, MU to the microprocessor MP), the LED lighting means 12, the sensors 13, the Bluetooth receiver and balun 14 and the antenna D.

(92) For the radio system of the complete device an efficient antenna is needed, which nevertheless covers as much as possible all spatial areas equally and therefore should have no directivity and which will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 9. According to the invention, a printed circuit board antenna with additional pins D are used in the housing GH. By the pins, a homogenization of the directional characteristic is achieved, the wide conducting path provide sufficient usable bandwidth, but also for a higher tolerance to environmental influences.

(93) The functional configurations of the complete device are: a) implementation of a gateway function between BLE and PLC, b) use of BLE or PLC for controlling/monitoring the lamp, c) setup of a PLC network for connection to other control units without BLE, d) data exchange with actuators and sensors via PLC or BLE, recording data from different sensors (e.g. B. brightness, but also switch) by means of BLE, e) recording of meter data from energy meters with BLE, transfer of meter data to Bridge to extern PLC network of the grid operator, for example for billing purposes, f) configuration of the network/system, g) application of security features, in particular authentication, encryption, integrity checking, h) software update via PLC or BLE, i) integration of diagnostic functions, hereby different degrees of detail for appropriate user groups and j) possibly redundant BLE-PLC transition when using several complete devices in the same space, also to improve radio coverage,
which are described in detail below.

(94) to a)

(95) The complete device allows bidirectional data exchange between the radio and PLC system. This allows different devices to be linked communicatively, each of which supports only one of the two systems. Furthermore, each system can serve to extend the range of the other. Due to the low range of BLE, PLC will usually be used for communication beyond the boundaries of a room.

(96) to b)

(97) In addition to the gateway function, the control electronics for the LEDs also represent a data end point, which can be reached from both communication systems. This allows on the one hand, to influence or to monitor the switching state and the brightness of the lamp, on the other hand to influence their status from the outside or to monitor. For this purpose, the data exchange with mobile phone via BLE for controlling the devices (lamps, etc.) and for display of measurement/sensor data/system can be done.

(98) to c)

(99) In a mixed installation of various PLC-capable devices, these can also be controlled, monitored and configured by the gateway using BLE, without even having BLE radio technology. Conversely, pure BLE devices can also be controlled, monitored and configured by means of the PLC using the gateway. In particular, this offers the advantage of being able to control the entire home automation system via BLE from one point, even if the radio range would not be sufficient for this purpose.

(100) to d)

(101) Sensors such as switches, brightness sensors, temperature sensors and actuators such as lamps, sockets, radiator valves, blinds can be connected via PLC or BLE. The choice of the communication system does not affect the functional possibilities due to the gateway function, so it can be made purely on the basis of the existing infrastructure in terms of power supply. For example, PLC components are preferably installed in places with mains supply, while others are connected by radio and, if necessary, supplied with batteries.

(102) to e)

(103) The data exchange is not limited to sensors used for home automation. Through the secure forwarding of the data, data from consumption meters can also be recorded by radio and transmitted to a relaying point externally by the PLC system. This allows freely placed counters in the house, for example to integrate water meter in the bathroom or gas meter in the basement with little effort in the remote reading. The communication connection to the billing center can, for example done by a bridge that is installed in the meter box or in the house supply. Depending on the equipment, this can also be integrated in the electronic electricity meter.

(104) to f)

(105) The smartphone or alternatively the laptop with BLE interface becomes the control center of the complete automation system. Since this interface is already included in almost all current devices, the user is very likely to have a suitable device immediately available and does not need to be purchased separately for the automation system. Thanks to the gateway function, not only the radio components can now be detected via this path, but the control, monitoring and configuration of the entire system including all PLC components is made possible.

(106) to g)

(107) Communication via BLE as well as via PLC is protected according to the state of the art regarding IT security. This includes in particular the processing of meter data, so that they can be used for billing purposes. But also the control of the home automation system needs good protection mechanisms in order to prevent interventions from the outside.

(108) to h)

(109) An updated firmware can be fed in and distributed via both communication systems so that all devices in the overall system can be reached.

(110) to i)

(111) By integrating detailed diagnostic functions, numerous parameters can be captured in the system to assess the state and the reserves of the communication systems and, in case of problems, to receive indications of possible errors/defects. This includes the control electronics for the LEDs and connected devices. This diagnostic data can either be evaluated by the user himself, or assessed by a specialist, depending on the nature of the error and the level of training of the user.

(112) to j)

(113) The gateway function between radio and PLC allows the use of gateways for easy extension of the radio range by installing additional complete devices at the edge of the coverage area.

(114) Alternatively, multiple complete devices in the same space may be useful for achieving redundancy, both in terms of the radio connection itself, but also for data exchange with the PLC system.

(115) In the context of the invention, other radio standards, such as ZigBee, WLAN, wMBus, for the device are alternatively also conceivable, provided that they can be operated in accordance with widespread and energy-saving. Furthermore, an adaptation of the antenna to the form factor of the device can be carried out and depending on the structural design of the devices, other antennas are used. Also, an integration of the gateway into other devices, e.g. Switch, LED Driver, Meter or similar could be done. In particular, the described functions of the gateway radio PLC can also be integrated into other devices in addition to lamps, in which case their basic function can be controlled in each case via the two communication paths. Depending on the type of device then eliminates the advantage of easy installation by the consumer. Devices with any combination of the corresponding communication systems can be connected to the overall system. Regardless, all functions are available through the gateway. In particular, with regard to IoT, the control of various consumers and devices other than light, e.g. heating, thermostats etc. could be done. This also applies to the industrial sector within IIOT.

(116) Within the scope of the invention, an angled dipole antenna can be used on a printed circuit board of the operating device in the form of a pin stripe at the end of the strip line (see in detail FIG. 9). Suggestions regarding the effect of the location of the feed point, slot shape, slot size, slot position are known in the art. For example, a small rectified antenna is known from DE 60 2005 002 799 T2. Consequently, in order to operate the antenna in the bandwidth of an RFID system, the problem of complex conjugate matching between the transponder antenna and the semiconductor chip has to be solved. The antenna according to DE 60 2005 002 799 T2 comprises a dielectric substrate, a metal layer formed on the upper part of the dielectric substrate, a main slot formed as a pattern on the metal layer, having a longitudinal axis, two ends and upper and lower parts, a plurality sub-slots connected to one or the other end of the main slot and rotating in a predetermined direction, a plurality of first transverse slots extending on the upper part of the main slot at right angles to the main slot, a plurality of second transverse slots extending extend under a lower part of the main slot at right angles to the main slot, and an inlet of a semiconductor chip formed inside the main slot. The main slot, the plurality of sub-slots, and the plurality of first and second transverse slots may perform a conjugate resistance adjustment of the small antenna without an external matching element. The first and second transverse slots may be divided into two symmetrical groups by the longitudinal axis of the main slot, and the predetermined direction may be right-handed or left-handed. The small antenna has an improved RCS (Radar Cross Section) in an operating bandwidth of a transponder, without adversely affecting the radiation pattern, the polarization purity, etc. of the antenna.

(117) Furthermore, from DE 601 22 698 T2 an improved multi-band planar antenna is known. The planar antenna includes a generally rectangular conductive plate defined by first and second pairs of opposite sides; a ground plane, a dielectric substrate between the plate and the ground plane, a feeding mechanism for applying electromagnetic signals to a feed point located on the conductive plate, and one or more slots formed in the plate, whereas each slot being spaced from the sides of the plate, wherein the feed point is arranged on an imaginary line through a corner and the center of the conductive plate or matches, a first slot comprises an elongated body portion, which is adjacent and parallel to one of the first sides of the plate. Furthermore, the antenna comprises a second slot comprising an elongated body portion disposed adjacent and parallel to the other of the first sides of the plate, the first slot comprising a corresponding foot slot portion disposed adjacent and parallel to a corresponding second side of the plate, wherein the second slot includes a corresponding foot slot portion disposed adjacent and parallel to the corresponding second sides of the panel. The antenna can resonate in a plurality of separate frequency bands. This means that the antenna is capable of multi-band operation without the need for additional resonant plates, shorting pins, mating circuits or multiple feed points. The feed mechanism is designed to provide a direct feed to the conductive plate, alternatively the plate may be fed by indirect coupling. Preferably, the antenna is formed of microstrips. In a preferred embodiment, the conductive plate has a generally rectangular shape and includes first and second slots, one on each side of the feed point, whereas each slot having an elongate body portion with a respective foot portion or adjacent both ends of the body portion, the slots are configured such that the respective elongated body portions are disposed substantially parallel with respect to a pair of opposite edges of the panel and that the respective foot portions are in close proximity to the other pair of opposed panel edges. Preferably, the one pair of opposed plate edges are the plate edges which emit electromagnetic energy during resonance in a frequency band, the conductive plate being primarily designed to resonate with respect to the frequency band. The first and second slots are substantially I-shaped and the respective foot portions are designed to be substantially parallel to the other opposing panel edges.

(118) Furthermore, from DE 602 16 670 T2 an antenna with a relatively high average pattern gain (Pattern Averaged Gain, PAG) is known. The antenna comprises: a first element having a first length in a first direction and having a first end at an endpoint of its length, a second end at the other endpoint of its length and a feed point, the first end being an open circle, and the second end is grounded, a second element remote from the first and having a second length in the first direction and including a first end at an endpoint of its length and a second end at the other endpoint of its length, whereas the first end is an open circle, and the second end is an open circle; wherein the first length A/4 corresponds to the resonant frequency, and the second length A/2 corresponds to the resonant frequency, the first end of the first element and the first end of the second element are substantially in line with a second direction, which is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.

(119) An antenna according to the embodiments of the invention has a higher PAG number than an antenna consisting of only one of the two elements constituting the antenna. A higher PAG contributes directly to longer talk time/battery life and less power has to be sent from the antenna to achieve desired signal strength at a given remote point.

(120) Finally, DE 697 01 837 T2 discloses a logarithmic periodic antenna fed by microstrip. A dipole assembly of the logarithmic periodic dipole antenna has a center feed conductor disposed between the two dipole strip conductors and connected to a dipole strip conductor connector disposed between the two dipole strip conductors. The logarithmic-periodic dipole antenna according to DE 697 01 837 T2 minimizes the effect of the feed line on the antenna performance and protects it from the effects of the weather, which makes the antenna more robust. It also has good impedance matching between the dipoles and the input terminal, high return loss, and excellent directional characteristics, especially in the 824 to 894 MHz frequency band.

(121) The antenna D used in the context of the operating device according to the invention is shown in FIG. 9. According to the invention this is designed as an angled dipole D with at least one structural element, which extended the antenna in the 3rd Dimension, and which is differentially coupled. In particular, according to FIG. 9, two pin strips ST1, ST2 are provided, each with three pins ST1, ST2, which extend perpendicularly to the conductor trace of the angled dipole D. Due to the design of the antenna D as an angle dipole, the directional diagram is in a plane already approximately circular. By adding the structural elements according to the invention, “zeros” are compensated in the spatial directional diagram.

(122) Furthermore, the antenna D should have a sufficient usable bandwidth, in particular allow a broadband adaptation. In the prior art, “thick” antenna conductors are used for this purpose. According to the invention this is realized by wide traces of a printed circuit board PCB and using a 3-pin header, instead of a single pin to extend the “thick” conductor in the 3rd dimension. As a side effect, this is actually easier for the manufacture than a single pin. The opening angle of the angled dipole D is between 60° and 80°, preferably at about 60°, the gap between the parallel wide strip traces, which continue in each case in an even wider trace of the elbow, is about half of the conductor track width. In the context of the invention, an additional connection for an external antenna (in particular for Bluetooth) can be provided, as well as the switching between internal and external antenna.

(123) The usual Bluetooth chips 14 have a differential antenna connection. The data sheet/application diagram indicates which filters and balun circuits are required to convert it to an unbalanced 50Ω connection. This allows easy connection of external antennas and measurement devices. The design from the datasheet can be used directly. If an asymmetrical antenna is used, it can be connected directly to this structure.

(124) In the case of an asymmetrical antenna such as a dipole D, also here considered, there are two variants:

(125) 1. Use of another balun for the antenna D

(126) A standard-balun device or standard-balun design can be used for the antenna side. For the chip side, the design can be used from the datasheet and there is an unbalanced 50Ω connector for easy connection of external antennas and measurement devices.

(127) 2. Combination of filter/balun 1 and balun 2.

(128) This embodiment has as an advantage a smaller number of components and a lower attenuation. The disadvantage is that a separate design for the combination is necessary and that no unbalanced 50Ω connection is available, which entails a much more complex measurement.

(129) The particular advantages of the complete device according to the invention according to FIG. 7 are the ease of installation by users, e.g. there is no installation by a professional—as in the first embodiment of the operating device according to FIG. 1 to FIG. 6—necessary and the use of existing devices of the user for the configuration, for example via smartphone via BLE is possible. By using the antenna according to the invention in the form of an angled dipole D with at least one structural element, in particular a 3-pin header, the operating device can be operated from each direction and no “dead spots” arises.

(130) The diverse application possibilities of the complete device according to the invention will be further clarified with reference to three application examples. In the first application example, the starting point is an electronic electricity meter with CEN A-PLC connection (CEN A=A-band according to Cenelec standard DIN EN 50065, released for network operators for network operation (control, meter reading, . . . )) to the network operator and a Bridge CEN A-CEN BCD (CEN BCD=B- or C- or D-band according to Cenelec standard DIN EN 50065, released for users, for example in the home, in industrial plants, but also for street lighting) for displaying the meter readings by users. Now radio meters for water and gas in bathroom and cellar are to be integrated into the remote reading. For this purpose, the user exchanges in the bathroom and cellar each existing lamp with a new lamp with integrated BLE-PLC gateway (see FIGS. 7 and 8) and the installation has taken place. The data of the counters are then automatically forwarded to the accounting point for billing.

(131) In the second application example, the starting point is home automation by means of a powerline communication PLC via a central control unit or a PLC-capable consumer. Now, another switch element is to be installed at a new location, where no lines are available. The customer uses a wireless switch and integrates this by replacing an existing lamp with a new lamp with integrated BLE-PLC gateway (see FIG. 7 and FIG. 8) in the automation system. Using a configuration application on his smartphone, the user configures the function of the new switch via BLE.

(132) In the third application example, the starting point is an existing PLC-BLE infrastructure for home automation, for example in a residential building. The customer notes that the radio range is not sufficient for further expansion of its equipment to install equipment in the remote garage with power connection. Now, in the area of the planned extension, he replaces an existing lamp with a new lamp with integrated BLE-PLC gateway (see FIGS. 7 and 8), whereby the radio range is extended accordingly. The gateway function exchanges the data of the new radio elements via PLC with the previous system, even if no direct radio connection is possible.

(133) FIG. 10a to FIG. 10d shows the temporal current-voltage curve in the operating device according to the invention, wherein the current- or voltage-amplitudes are an example. In FIG. 10a the time profile of a standard current pulse 8/20 μs with a peak value of about 10 kA is shown. In a pulse generator with 2 Ohm internal resistance this corresponds to a 1.5/50 μs voltage pulse with a peak value of 20 kV at the input of the coarse protection G. Furthermore, is shown in FIG. 10b, the time profile of the associated terminal voltage of the coarse protection G, in FIG. 10c the time profile of the output voltage of the line filter NF and in FIG. 10d the time profile of the current through the clamping circuit K of the operating device according to the invention.

(134) In the first time window, the maximum energy of the pulse is short-circuited when the ignition voltage of the gas extractor 1 is exceeded. The remaining pulse which is not short-circuited by the coarse protection G (as described above with reference to the line filter NF) is delayed and folded by the line filter NF.

(135) In the second time window, a small energy contribution of the pulse from the fine protection F, which is contained in the clamping circuit K, is absorbed.

(136) In the third time window, the energy absorber E1 is activated by the response of the fine protection F. This means that the remaining pulse energy from the energy absorber E1 is shorted. At the next zero crossing of the mains voltage, the short circuit is automatically canceled.

(137) The invention is not limited to the illustrated and described embodiments, but also includes all the same equivalent versions in the context of the invention.