Modular power adapters and methods of implementing modular power adapters
A switching module configured to apply power to a device is described. The switching module may comprise a first plurality of contact elements adapted to receive power and apply to power to the device in response to a control signal; a recess adapted to receive a control module; a second plurality of contact elements positioned within the recess and adapted to be coupled to corresponding contact elements of the control module; and a switching element that controls the application of the power to the device in response to a control signal; wherein the switching module is adapted to receive data from the control module to determine whether the control module is authorized to operate with the switching module.
1. A plug-in power adapter configured to be plugged into an outlet, the plug-in power adapter comprising:
a first plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact element of a plug adapted to receive power;
a transformer coupled to receive the power from the first contact element, wherein the transformer is adapted to generate a power signal;
a control circuit coupled to receive the power signal;
a second plurality of contact elements positioned on a surface and adapted to receive a control signal by way of a second contact element of the second plurality of contact elements; and
a wireless communication circuit coupled to the control circuit;
wherein the wireless communication circuit is adapted to receive signals axccording to a wireless communication protocol.
2. The plug-in power adapter of claim 1 wherein the wireless communication circuit is adapted to provide a wireless connection using a short range wireless communication protocol.
3. The plug-in power adapter of claim 2 further comprising a second wireless communication circuit adapted to provide a wireless connection using a local wireless communication protocol.
4. The plug-in power adapter of claim 1 further comprising a control module coupled to the second plurality of contact elements and having a motion detector, wherein the control signal received by way of the second contact element of the second plurality of contact elements is received in response to a detection by the motion detector.
5. The plug-in power adapter of claim 1 further comprising a control module coupled to the second plurality of contact elements and having an ambient light detector, wherein the control signal received by way of the second contact element of the second plurality of contact elements is received in response to a detection by the ambient light detector.
6. The plug-in power adapter of claim 1 further comprising a control module coupled to the second plurality of contact elements and having a display for displaying a time.
7. The plug-in power adapter of claim 1 wherein the control circuit is adapted to receive control signals by way of an input portion comprising a control button, wherein the control button enables communication with the plug-in power adapter using the wireless communication circuit.
8. A plug-in power adapter configured to be plugged into an outlet, the plug-in power adapter comprising:
a first plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact element of a plug adapted to receive power;
a surface adapted to receive a control module;
a control button associated with the plug-in power adapter, wherein the control button is accessible by a user of the plug-in power adapter and enables communication with the plug-in power adapter; and
a second plurality of contact elements positioned on the surface and adapted to be coupled to corresponding contact elements of the control module;
wherein the plug-in power adapter is adapted to receive a control signal by way of the second plurality of contact elements.
9. The plug-in power adapter of claim 8 further comprising a wireless communication circuit, wherein the wireless communication circuit is adapted to receive a second control signal according to a wireless communication protocol.
10. The plug-in power adapter of claim 9 wherein the wireless communication circuit is adapted to provide a wireless connection using a short range wireless communication protocol.
11. The plug-in power adapter of claim 10 further comprising a second wireless communication circuit adapted to provide a wireless connection using a local wireless communication protocol.
12. The plug-in power adapter of claim 8 further comprising a control module having a sensor, wherein the control signal comprises a signal generated in response to a detection by the sensor.
13. The plug-in power adapter of claim 12 wherein the sensor comprises at least one of a motion detector or an ambient light detector.
14. A method of controlling an application of power by a plug-in power adapter configured to be plugged into an outlet, the method comprising:
providing a first plurality of contact elements comprising a first contact element of a plug adapted to receive power;
providing a transformer in the plug-in power adapter, wherein the transformer is coupled to receive the power from the first contact element and adapted to generate a power signal;
coupling a control circuit of the plug-in power adapter to receive the power signal;
providing a second plurality of contact elements on a surface of the plug-in power adapter, wherein the second plurality of contact elements is adapted to receive a control signal by way of a second contact element of the second plurality of contact elements; and
receiving signals by way of a wireless communication circuit;
wherein the wireless communication circuit is adapted to receive the signals according to a wireless communication protocol.
15. The method of claim 14 wherein the wireless communication circuit is adapted to receive the signals using a short range wireless communication protocol.
16. The method of claim 15 further comprising receiving second signals by way of a second wireless communication circuit, wherein the second signals are received using a local wireless communication protocol.
17. The method of claim 14 further comprising coupling a control module to the second plurality of contact elements, wherein the control module comprises a motion detector, and the control signal received by way of the second contact element of the second plurality of contact elements is received in response to a detection by the motion detector.
18. The method of claim 14 further comprising coupling a control module to the second plurality of contact elements, wherein the control module comprises an ambient light detector and the second control signal received by way of the contact element of the second plurality of contact elements is received in response to a detection by the ambient light detector.
19. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving a control module, wherein the second plurality of contact elements receives identification data indicating at least one of the type of control module or information related to a functionality of the control module.
20. The method of claim 14 further comprising receiving a control module having a display for displaying a time.