24 Hour Programmable Timer Custom Integrated Circuits

Abstract

This patent outlines the design of a family of Applications Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) for specific use in stand-alone end products and other devices needing 24 hour timer functions. These ASICs have a built-in real-time clock as well as a memory storage function remembering On and Off switch activity with the ability to repeat it. The ASICs have LED drivers indicating the function being performed. The power-on indicator also doubles as night light feature.

These ASICs can store two minute or one minute intervals of power switch changes per day depending upon the amount of shift register memory placed in the ASICs. The memory function doubles as a static shift register for storage as well as providing a large portion of the real time 24 hour clock. These ASICs fully integrate most of the electronics required for stand-alone memory timers. Only a few additional components are required to fully create products using these ASICs.

Claims

1. A Family of Applications Specific Custom Integrated Circuits (ASICs) that are optimized to very efficiently provide power switch control, remember usage for the previous 24 hours or a portion thereof and upon request repeat that activity indefinitely. They use a Shift Register to provide the needed clocking functions as well as memory storage. Alternative circuitry emulating these ASICs internal clock/shift register are also included.

2. The integration of daylight tracking into various versions of these ASICs to allow them to vary on and off times to track available daylight throughout the year. (This is very useful for security lighting applications.)

3. The use of these ASICs in the end products depicted in End Product Consumer Uses of These ASICs and End Product Industrial Uses of These ASICs,

Description

INTERNAL BLOCK INTERACTION OF THE ASICS INVENTION

[0097] These ASICs are designed to be a fully integrated solution to provide the necessary electronic functions needed for the function desired. [0098] Block 1, the 720 or 1440 bit Shift Register (shift register) is the main block of the ASICs and provides the equivalent of a 24 hour clock with the ability of remembering the previous 24 hours activity. [0099] Block 2, Power Supply that also provides power to all the other blocks as well as providing external power for any desired additional external circuitry. [0100] Block 3, Control Logic provides the electronic signals needed to control data storage or recirculation of Block 1, Shift Register as well as providing control inputs to the LED drivers. [0101] Block 4, Clock Generation that is controlled by an external crystal or resonator. It can also operate from zero crossing pulses from the AC line. Its outputs go to Block 1, the Shift Register and Block 3, Control Logic providing clocking inputs. [0102] Block 5, LED (light emitting diode) drivers provide a constant current for turning on and off the LEDs indicating the mode of operation. [0103] Block 6 Mgmt. (Battery Management) provides the ability to draw power from the battery and providing it to Block 2, Power Supply or conversely taking power from Block 2, Power Supply to recharge the battery. It provides optimized battery charging as well as efficient battery power use.

[0104] Diagram 2. Basic Application of these ASICs: [0105] Drawing 2. Depicts details of the basic application of these ASICs into an end product.

[0106] Diagram 3, Clock Generation Circuits: [0107] Drawing 3. depicts two different variations of the Clock Generation that are designed into different versions of these ASICs. Certain embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to these methods of Clock Generation.

[0108] As shown in these drawings, different variations of Clock Generation will be used in these ASIC Inventions. The top diagram shows how simple down counters will be used to get the desired Shift Register clocking speeds. The bottom diagram shows the use of a Real-Time Clock as well as optional Daylight Tracking Logic.

[0109] The table (next page) shows the typical Clock and Shift Register values that can be used with the down counters. Certain embodiments of the present Invention include, but are not limited to these.

TABLE-US-00001 Number Shift of Down AC Line Resolution Register Clocks Counter Frequency Desired Size Per Day Resolution Length* 60 Hz 2 Minutes 720 720 Every 2 1800 (N. America) Minutes 60 Hz 1 Minute 1440 1440 Every 1 Minute 3600 (N. America) 50 Hz 2 Minutes 720 720 Every 2 1500 (International.) Minutes 50 Hz 1 Minute 1440 1440 Every 1 Minute 3000 (International)

[0110] End Product Consumer Uses of these ASICs: [0111] A. The functional Block Diagrams indicate how these ASICs can be integrated into consumer end products to address specific switching applications. Certain embodiments of these present ASICs include, but are not limited to these listed applications. [0112] Diagram 4 Shows a functional block diagram of an In Wall Mounted version of an End Product incorporating these ASICs Invention. [0113] Diagram 5 Shows a front view of what an In Wall Mounted version of an end product may possibly look like. [0114] This shows only one possible way the unit may be configured. Many other configurations are also possible. [0115] Diagram 6 Shows a functional block diagram of a Plug Into The Wall version of an End Product incorporating these ASICs Invention. [0116] Diagram 7 Shows a front view of what a Plug Into The Wall version of an end product may possibly look like. This shows only one possible way the unit may be configured. Many other configurations are also possible [0117] Diagram 8 Shows a functional block diagram of a Table Top or Floor version of an End Product incorporating these ASICs Invention. [0118] Diagram 9 Shows a front view of what a Table Top or Floor version of an end product may possibly look like. This shows only one possible way the unit may be configured. Many other configurations are also possible.

[0119] End Product Industrial Uses of these ASICs:

[0120] These ASICs can easily be integrated into industrial products used to switch 110, 220 or 440 volt loads. The ASICs provide the fully integrated timing functions. The external power switching device used with the ASICs only need to be chosen to support the voltage and current that needs to be switched. These ASICs have a fully integrated solution for all the other functionality needed. Certain embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to those shown herein. [0121] Diagram 10 Shows a functional block diagram of an Inductive 110 volt Switching Unit version of an end product incorporating these ASICs Invention that would control 110V AC large inductive loads. With the correct driver circuits these ASICs Inventions can operate both Mechanical Coil/Contact Relays as well as Solid State Relays. [0122] Diagram 11 Shows a front view of what an Inductive 110V Switching Unit version of an end product may possibly look like. This shows only one possible way the unit may be configured. Many other configurations are also possible and shows a unit designed to control 110V AC large inductive loads. With the correct driver circuits these ASICs Invention can operate both Mechanical Coil/Contact Relays as well as Solid State Relays. [0123] Diagram 12 Shows a functional block diagram of a High Voltage 220 volt or 440 volt Inductive Load Switching Unit incorporating these ASICs Invention. [0124] Diagram 13 Shows a front view of what a Inductive Load unit of an end product may possibly look like. This shows only one possible way the unit may be configured. Many other configurations are also possible.