Device and method for encoding a signal on alternating current lines

A smart dimming network encoder, connected to an alternating current power source having a substantially regular period, the encoder comprising:

• a bipolar switch connecting the alternating current power source to a modified alternating current line, the bipolar switch having an on state permitting the modified alternating current line to conduct alternating current from the alternating current power source and an off state preventing conduction on the modified alternating current line;
• wherein the bipolar switch comprises a first transistor having a first control terminal such that when the first control terminal has a positive voltage in excess of a threshold amount, the first transistor is on, and a second transistor having a second control terminal such that when the second control terminal has a positive voltage in excess of the threshold amount, the second transistor is on;
• a processor coupled to the bipolar switch, the processor configured to receive a control signal at a control signal input and to switch the bipolar switch to the off state for an off time having a duration corresponding to the control signal;
• and
• a gate driver, the gate driver configured to send a negative voltage pulse of at least the threshold amount to each of the first control terminal and second control terminal at the beginning of the off time, and to send a positive voltage pulse equal to at least the threshold amount to each of the first control terminal and the second control terminal at the end of the off time;
• wherein the gate driver further comprises a transformer configured to issue a negative voltage pulse in response to a negative square wave input generated by the processor and to issue a positive voltage pulse in response to a positive square wave input generated by the processor.