Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Leslie K Norford

Steven B Leeb

John Jacob Cooley

Al-Thaddeus Avestruz

Erik K Saathoff

Adedayo O Aderibole

Kevin Kircher

Described are power line communication (PLC) systems, devices and techniques which are reliable and suitable for use in control applications which can operate with relatively low data rates while complying with governing regulatory rules. Such systems, devices and techniques enable demand-side management of electrical loads in a building or facility or other environment.

Power line communication for low-bandwidth control and sensing

A fluorescent lamp sensor system is provided. The fluorescent lamp sensor system includes a plurality of bulbs and a plurality of electrodes coupled to the bulbs. A balanced differential circuit measures changes in electric fields produced by the bulbs in front of the electrodes. The balanced differential circuit includes a symmetric current source associated with alternating the surface potential of the bulbs. A current mode detection circuit detects the current associated with the capacitive effects of the balanced differential circuit. A synchronous detection circuit isolates the capacitive effects of the symmetrical current source from stray signals that differ in either frequency or phase.

Flourescent lamp with integral proximity sensor for building energy management

Growing community of inventors

Lexington, MA, United States of America

Leslie K Norford