Systems and methods for controlling multistage electronic controlled gas valves

An electronic control unit for controlling an electronic controlled multistage gas valve (MGV) for adjusting gas flow to a gas fired appliance, the electronic control unit comprising:

• an integrated furnace control (IFC) unit;
• a multistage gas valve control (MGVC) unit electronically coupled to the IFC unit;
• and
• a coil electronically coupled to the MGVC unit;
• wherein the IFC unit is operable for providing at least one power supply signal over a first communication line and at least one pulse width modulated (PWM) duty cycle signal over a second communication line to the MGVC unit for controlling at least one of energizing and de-energizing of the coil;
• and
• wherein the electronic controlled MGV is adapted to move in response to a magnetic field generated by the coil.

A system comprising:

• a gas valve for adjusting gas flow to a gas fired appliance;
• and
• an electronic control unit for controlling opening and closing of the gas valve, the electronic control unit including:
• an integrated furnace control (IFC) unit including a single gas valve relay;
• a multistage gas valve control (MGVC) unit electronically coupled to the IFC unit;
• wherein the IFC unit is operable for providing at least one power supply signal and at least one pulse width modulated (PWM) duty cycle signal to the MGVC unit;
• and
• wherein the electronic control unit is configured to be operable such that a position or functioning of the gas valve is not changeable unless the MGVC unit receives both the power supply signal and the PWM duty cycle signal from the IFC unit.