Communication and AC power system

A network power controller in a system for bidirectional data and power transmission, the network power controller comprising:

• a power input for receiving power from an AC power source, wherein the power input is coupled to a hot AC line and a neutral AC line;
• a step-down circuit for providing DC power to circuitry within the network power controller, wherein the step-down circuit is coupled to the power input;
• a communications reflector for transmitting DC power and data to a node in the system, wherein the communications reflector is coupled to the step-down circuit;
• a short control circuit for detecting overcurrent conditions on the hot AC line and for distributing AC power to the node;
• and
• a microcontroller for processing signals sent and received by the network power controller, wherein the microcontroller controls the operation of the communications reflector and the short control circuit.

A node in a system for bidirectional data and power transmission, wherein the node comprises:

• a power and communications switch for receiving DC power from a network power controller and for exchanging communications with the network power controller;
• a node power and short control circuit coupled to the power and communications switch, wherein the node power and short control circuit receives AC power via an AC power line and monitors the AC power line for an AC short;
• and
• a microcontroller that controls the flow of AC power on the AC power line in the node power and short control circuit and receives an AC short signal from the node power and short control circuit.

A system for bidirectional data and power transmission, the system comprising:

• an AC power source;
• a network power controller coupled to the AC power source, wherein the network power controller includes a short control circuit for detecting overcurrent conditions in the system;
• at least one node, wherein the node receives power from the network power controller and exchanges data with the network power controller;
• and
• a conduit through which the node receives power from the network power controller and exchanges data with the network power controller, the conduit comprising a first and second wire, wherein the first wire carries AC power and communications, and the second wire is the neutral/ground line.

A system for bidirectional data and power transmission, the system comprising:

• an AC power source;
• a network power controller coupled to the AC power source;
• at least one node, wherein the node contains circuitry for detecting an AC short, and the node receives power from the network power controller and exchanges data with the network power controller;
• and
• a conduit through which the node receives power from the network power controller and exchanges data with the network power controller, the conduit comprising a first and second wire, wherein the first wire carries AC power and communications, and the second wire is the neutral/ground line.

A system for bidirectional data and power transmission, the system comprising:

• an AC power source;
• a network power controller coupled to the AC power source, wherein the network power controller includes a step-down circuit for providing DC power to the network power controller;
• at least one node, wherein the node receives power from the network power controller and exchanges data with the network power controller, and the node includes a step-down circuit for providing DC power to the node;
• and
• a conduit through which the node receives power from the network power controller and exchanges data with the network power controller, the conduit comprising a first and second wire, wherein the first wire carries AC power and communications, and the second wire is the neutral/ground line.