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US 8,274,171 B2Granted
Two-wire power and communications for irrigation systems
AssigneeThe Toro Company
InventorsAlex Korol, Eduardo Fregoso
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A two-wire power and communication system is provided, having a decoder that draws a constant amount of current for communication signals despite changes in the voltage on the power and communication wires. In one example, decoders have a constant current sink circuit that includes a shunt regulator that controls a field effect transistor.
Claims20
An irrigation system comprising:
- an irrigation controller for executing irrigation schedules;
- an irrigation interface in communication with said irrigation controller;
- said irrigation interface connected to a wire pair and configured to provide a potential across said wire pair;
- said irrigation interface further configured to manipulate said potential to transmit communication data;
- and,
- a decoder connected to said wire pair to receive power and communication signals from said irrigation interface;
- said decoder being connectable to control operation of an irrigation valve;
- and said decoder having a communication circuit for drawing a predetermined current on said wire pair independently of a voltage on said wire pair.
5 more elements
An irrigation system comprising:
- first and second electrical communication paths;
- an irrigation controller arranged to determine and execute an irrigation schedule;
- an irrigation gateway in communication with said irrigation controller and connected to said first and second electrical communication paths;
- said irrigation gateway creating a potential on said first and second electrical communication paths for supplying power and communication data;
- a decoder connected to said first and second electrical communication paths and connectable to an electrically activate sprinkler valve;
- said decoder further comprising a feedback circuit for selectively drawing a predetermined current on said first and second electrical communication paths.
3 more elements
An irrigation system comprising:
- first and second electrical communication paths;
- an irrigation controller arranged to determine and execute an irrigation schedule;
- an irrigation gateway in communication with said irrigation controller and connected to said first and second electrical communication paths;
- said irrigation gateway creating a potential on said first and second electrical communication paths for supplying power and communication data;
- a decoder connected to said first and second electrical communication paths and connectable to an electrically activated sprinkler valve;
- said decoder further comprising a decoder circuit;
- and first and second surge circuits that provide an electrical path for high voltage current around said decoder circuit.
4 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.