Control network with data and power distribution

Abstract

A control network comprises a plurality of network nodes arranged in a plurality of tiers, with first-tier nodes and lower tier nodes. A master control bus interconnects the first-tier nodes, which are also connected to a power source. Lower-tier buses interconnect groups of the lower tier nodes. The lower-tier buses include both data lines and a power source line derived from the power source, allowing the lower tier nodes to selectively distribute power to local loads. A first-tier node may be embodied as a hub controller configured to be connected to one or more of said lower-tier buses. The hub controller may comprise a plurality of internal hub nodes (including a hub master node and hub slave nodes) integrated within the same physical unit.

1 . A hierarchical control network, comprising:
 a plurality of network nodes arranged in a plurality of tiers, said network nodes comprising a plurality of first-tier nodes and a plurality of lower tier nodes;   a master control bus interconnecting said first-tier nodes;   an input power line electronically coupled to said first-tier nodes, said input power line providing a power signal derived from a high voltage power source; and   one or more lower-tier buses interconnecting said first-tier nodes to groups of said lower tier nodes, said lower-tier buses including both data lines and a power source line, said power source line derived from said input power line for providing high power to said lower tier nodes for local distribution;   wherein each lower-tier bus interconnects one of said first-tier nodes with one or more of said lower tier nodes, at least one of said lower-tier buses interconnecting one of said first-tier nodes with more than one of said lower tier nodes;   wherein data signals and high voltage are communicated over the data lines and power source line, respectively, from the first-tier node to the respective lower tier nodes with which it is connected over the first-tier node's respective lower-tier bus; and   wherein said lower tier nodes selectively distribute power from the power source line to local loads.