AC or DC POWER SUPPLY EMPLOYING SAMPLING POWER CIRCUIT

A method for power conversion, comprising:

• detecting by a threshold voltage detector when an input voltage source crosses a threshold voltage, thereby generating a threshold detect signal;
• activating a first switch, by a control circuit, in response to receiving the threshold detect signal, the first switch being capable of withstanding a high voltage input;
• and
• transferring electrical energy from the input voltage source to a first capacitor coupled to the first switch.

A system, comprising:

• a sampling power supply, including:
• a threshold detector receiving an input voltage source for generating a threshold signal when the input voltage source substantially crosses a threshold voltage;
• a first switch for receiving the input voltage source and capable of withstanding a high voltage input;
• responsive to the output signal received from the threshold detector, a control circuit, coupled to the threshold detector and the first switch, for sending a control signal to activate the first switch for a predetermined period of time relative to receipt of the threshold signal;
• and
• when the first switch is activated, a first capacitor, coupled to the first switch, for storing electrical energy from the input voltage source;
• one or more sensors, coupled to the sampling power supply, for sensing one or more environmental parameters;
• a microcontroller, coupled to the sampling power supply, the one or more sensors, and an electrical appliance, for controlling operations of the sampling power supply and electrical appliance as part of a smart plug.