Apparatus for and method of placing a node in an unconfigured state

An apparatus for placing a node in an unconfigured state, comprising:

• input means for receiving an arbitrarily input unconfigured-state command from a user;
• and
• processor means, connected to the node and having an input connected to the input means, for responding to the received unconfigured-state command to control the node, the processor means including predetermined application software internal to the processor means, for executing:
• means for waiting a predetermined length of time after said command is received;
• and
• means for generating unconfigured-control signals for output to the node to place said node in the unconfigured state if after said predetermined length of time said command is still present at said input means.

In a node including a Neuron chip, said Neuron chip being part of a LonWorks compatible system, said Neuron chip including a processor and having a service pin electrically coupled to a switch, a method of placing said node in an unconfigured state, said method comprising the steps of:

• detecting when said switch is arbitrarily depressed thus causing the logic level at said service pin to go low, representing an arbitrarily input unconfigured-state command;
• and
• executing predetermined application software, located internal to the processor connected to the node and having an input connected to the switch, to respond to the received unconfigured-state command to perform the steps of:
• waiting a predetermined length of time;
• and
• generating unconfigured-control signals at the processor for output to the node for placing said node in the unconfigured state if after said predetermined length of time the logic level at said service pin is still low.

An apparatus for placing a node in the unconfigured state, said node including a Neuron chip, said Neuron chip being part of a LonWorks compatible system, said Neuron chip having a service pin electrically coupled to a switch, said apparatus comprising:

• detection means for detecting when said switch is arbitrarily depressed thus causing the logic level at said service pin to go low, representing an arbitrarily input unconfigured-state command;
• and
• processor means, connected to the node and having an input connected to the switch, for responding to the received unconfigured-state command to control the node, the processor means being internal to the Neuron chip and including predetermined application software, for executing:
• timer means for counting a predetermined length of time;
• and
• means for generating unconfigured-control signals for output to the node to place said node in the unconfigured state if after said predetermined length of time the logic level at said service pin is still low.

An electrical device connected to a LonWorks compatible communication system, said electrical device including a Neuron chip having a service pin, said electrical device comprising:

• a housing;
• a switch mounted on said housing so as to permit access thereto by a user for arbitrary switching by the user, said switch connected between said service pin and ground potential;
• detection means for detecting when the logic level at said service pin goes low, representing an arbitrarily input unconfigured-state command;
• and
• processor means, connected to the node and having an input connected to the switch, for responding to the received unconfigured-state command to control the node, the processor means being internal to the Neuron chip and including predetermined application software, for executing:
• timer means for counting a predetermined length of time;
• and
• means for generating unconfigured-control signals for output to the node to place said node in the unconfigured state if after said predetermined length of time the logic level at said service pin is still low.