One time programmable switched-output controller

Abstract

A one time programmable (OTP) electronic switched-output controller apparatus comprises a plurality of switched-output relays which may be power relays, signal voltage relays, dry switching relays or any combination thereof. A power section receives AC line power and provides at least one internal operating DC voltage and provides line AC power to any power relays and to the related power outputs when the relay are actuated. An A-D converter provides DC voltage for internal operation and to any DC voltage relays. A one time programmable microcontroller, which has outputs connected to the relay coils, is programmed before installation in the switched-output controller apparatus to cause actuation of the relay coils in accordance with a preestablished operating protocol. The apparatus is shown connected for receiving RS232 signals and has an internal modem for receiving external signals over a telephone line. A relay enables switching between the RS232 and modem inputs. Provision is also made to receive other external signals, for example, from temperature or pressure sensing devices. A corresponding method of manufacturing the OTP switched-output controller apparatus is disclosed.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.