Control module having a control circuit and adapted to be attached to a power adapter

A control module adapted to be attached to a power adapter, the control module comprising:

• a plurality of contact elements including a first contact element adapted to receive a line voltage and a second contact element adapted to receive a reference voltage;
• a third contact element adapted to provide the line voltage to a power adapter;
• an actuator adapted to engage with a connector of the power adapter;
• a control circuit adapted to generate a control signal;
• a fourth contact element coupled to the control circuit and adapted to receive a first signal from the power adapter;
• and
• a fifth contact element adapted to receive a second signal from a switch of the power adapter.

A method of implementing a control module adapted to be attached to a power adapter, the method comprising:

• providing a plurality of contact elements including a first contact element adapted to receive a line voltage and a second contact element adapted to receive a reference voltage;
• coupling a switch to receive the line voltage;
• coupling a third contact element to the switch, wherein the third contact element is adapted to provide the line voltage to a power adapter;
• coupling a control circuit to the switch, wherein the control circuit is adapted to control a state of the switch;
• coupling a fourth contact element to the control circuit;
• and
• receiving a signal routed from a switch of the power adapter by way of the fourth contact element.