Switch input termination array

An electrical distribution system for controlling a plurality of electrical switching devices, each electrical switching device operating in response to a remotely generated signal so as to provide at least open-circuit and closed-circuit positions, the system comprising:

• signal generation means for generating the remotely generated signals;
• a loadcenter-type enclosure which receives loadcenter power to source the current paths and contains the electrical switching means, and includes:
• an array of termination points which are used in sets such that each set includes a plurality of termination points, wherein each said set receives an associated remotely generated control signal from the signal generation means designated for controlling at least one o the plurality of electrical switching means;
• and
• a control circuit including control processing means, coupled to the array of termination points and responsive to said remotely generated control signals, for controlling said plurality of electrical switching means between said at least open and closed circuit positions, wherein said termination points couple said remotely generated control signal to the enclosure,
• wherein said array of termination points includes an X by Y grid, X and Y being integers greater than one,
• said control circuit further includes a microcomputer which reads the array of termination points and informs said control processing means of the remotely generated control signals, and
• said microcomputer reads the remotely generated control signals at the array of termination points by sending a plurality of pole signals and reading a plurality of associated status signals.

An electrical distribution system for controlling a plurality of electrical switching devices, each electrical switching device operating in response to a remotely generated signal so as to provide at least open-circuit and closed-circuit positions, the system comprising:

• signal generation means for generating the remotely generated signals;
• an enclosure which contains the electrical switching means and contains:
• an array of termination points which are used in sets, such that each set includes a plurality of termination points, wherein each said set receives an associated remotely generated control signal from the signal generation means for commanding at least one of the plurality of electrical switching means;
• and
• a programmable control circuit including control processing means, coupled to the array of termination points and responsive to said remotely generated control signals, for controlling said plurality of electrical switching means between said at least open and closed circuit positions, said control circuit being removable from said enclosure;
• wherein said array includes an X by Y grid, wherein X and Y are both integers greater than 1 and said control circuit further includes a microcomputer which reads the array of termination points and informs said control processing means of the remotely generated control signals, wherein the microcomputer reads the remotely generated control signals at the array of termination points by sending a plurality of poll signals form said microcomputer and reading a plurality of associated status signals, and wherein the control circuit includes means for programming a prescribed map which correlates said sets to said plurality of electrical switching means.