Abstract: A driving circuit includes a relay driver for selectively connecting a relay coil with (a) a first current path between the relay driver and a relay voltage input or (b) a second current path between the relay driver and a ground connection. Another relay driver selectively connects the coil with (a) a third current path between the other relay driver and the relay voltage input or (b) a fourth current path between the other relay driver and the ground connection. The relay drivers may connect the coil between the second and third current paths for latching the relay, and between the first and fourth current paths for unlatching the relay. The driving circuit applies signals of opposite polarity and different magnitudes through the coil to latch and unlatch the relay. The signal for unlatching can be of lower voltage than the signal for latching the relay.

Abstract: A controller for use in a climate control system. The controller, which may be a wireless-enabled thermostat, includes a power stealing circuit configured to steal power from a first load that is in an “on” mode and from a second load that is in an “off” mode. The stealing is performed from the first and second loads at the same time. Sufficient power can be stolen to support substantially constant operation of a transceiver of the controller.

Abstract: A driving circuit includes a relay driver for selectively connecting a relay coil with (a) a first current path between the relay driver and a relay voltage input or (b) a second current path between the relay driver and a ground connection. Another relay driver selectively connects the coil with (a) a third current path between the other relay driver and the relay voltage input or (b) a fourth current path between the other relay driver and the ground connection. The relay drivers may connect the coil between the second and third current paths for latching the relay, and between the first and fourth current paths for unlatching the relay. The driving circuit applies signals of opposite polarity and different magnitudes through the coil to latch and unlatch the relay. The signal for unlatching can be of lower voltage than the signal for latching the relay.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for determining a power stealing capability of a climate control system controller. In an exemplary embodiment, a controller for use in a climate control system generally includes a capacitor chargeable by current flowing through an off-mode load of the climate control system. A voltage detect circuit detects a voltage across the capacitor. The controller includes a timer for determining a charge time of the capacitor from a first specific voltage to a second specific voltage based on input from the voltage detect circuit. The controller determines a resistance of the off-mode load based on the charge time and, based on the determined resistance, determines a level of current for power stealing through the off-mode load.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of devices for measuring voltage of a power supply. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of detection devices and temperature controllers comprising such devices for measuring voltage of a power supply. In exemplary embodiments, a device for measuring the voltage of a power supply generally includes a resistor, a capacitor, and a control unit. One end of the capacitor is connected with the resistor, while the other end of the capacitor is connected to ground. The control unit is connected with the power supply. The control unit includes a comparator connected with the capacitor, a reference power supply connected with the comparator, a timer, and a computing unit.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of devices for measuring voltage of a power supply. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of detection devices and temperature controllers comprising such devices for measuring voltage of a power supply. In exemplary embodiments, a device for measuring the voltage of a power supply generally includes a resistor, a capacitor, and a control unit. One end of the capacitor is connected with the resistor, while the other end of the capacitor is connected to ground. The control unit is connected with the power supply. The control unit includes a comparator connected with the capacitor, a reference power supply connected with the comparator, a timer, and a computing unit.

Abstract: A DC voltage-limiting circuit generally includes first, second, and third transistors. The first transistor is connected between a voltage input terminal and a voltage output terminal. The first transistor has a collector connected to the voltage input terminal, an emitter connected to the voltage output terminal, and a base connected to the voltage input terminal via a first resistor. The second transistor has a base connected to the voltage input terminal via a first voltage regulator and a second resistor, a collector connected to the base of the first transistor, and an emitter connected to the voltage output terminal. The third transistor has a collector connected to the base of the first transistor via a third resistor, an emitter grounded, and a base connected to the voltage output terminal via a second voltage regulator and a fourth resistor.

Abstract: A DC voltage-limiting circuit generally includes first, second, and third transistors. The first transistor is connected between a voltage input terminal and a voltage output terminal. The first transistor has a collector connected to the voltage input terminal, an emitter connected to the voltage output terminal, and a base connected to the voltage input terminal via a first resistor. The second transistor has a base connected to the voltage input terminal via a first voltage regulator and a second resistor, a collector connected to the base of the first transistor, and an emitter connected to the voltage output terminal. The third transistor has a collector connected to the base of the first transistor via a third resistor, an emitter grounded, and a base connected to the voltage output terminal via a second voltage regulator and a fourth resistor.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of systems and methods for determining a power stealing capability of a climate control system controller. In an exemplary embodiment, a controller for use in a climate control system generally includes a capacitor chargeable by current flowing through an off-mode load of the climate control system. A voltage detect circuit detects a voltage across the capacitor. The controller includes a timer for determining a charge time of the capacitor from a first specific voltage to a second specific voltage based on input from the voltage detect circuit. The controller determines a resistance of the off-mode load based on the charge time and, based on the determined resistance, determines a level of current for power stealing through the off-mode load.

Abstract: A controller for use in a climate control system. The controller, which may be a wireless-enabled thermostat, includes a power stealing circuit configured to steal power from a first load that is in an “on” mode and from a second load that is in an “off” mode. The stealing is performed from the first and second loads at the same time. Sufficient power can be stolen to support substantially constant operation of a transceiver of the controller.

Abstract: Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of devices for measuring voltage of a power supply. Also disclosed are exemplary embodiments of detection devices and temperature controllers comprising such devices for measuring voltage of a power supply. In exemplary embodiments, a device for measuring the voltage of a power supply generally includes a resistor, a capacitor, and a control unit. One end of the capacitor is connected with the resistor, while the other end of the capacitor is connected to ground. The control unit is connected with the power supply. The control unit includes a comparator connected with the capacitor, a reference power supply connected with the comparator, a timer, and a computing unit.