106 of the switch 104 when the toggle actuator 106 is in the on position (e.g., typically pointing upwards) and the switch 104 is closed and conductive. As shown, the remote control device 120 may include a rotating portion 122 and a base portion 124. The base portion 124 may be configured to be mounted over the toggle actuator 106 of the switch 104. The rotating portion 122 may be supported by the base portion 124 and may be rotatable about the base portion 124.

When the remote control device 120 is mounted over the toggle actuator of a switch (e.g., the toggle actuator 106), the base portion 124 may function to secure the toggle actuator 106 from being toggled. For example, the base portion 124 may be configured to maintain the toggle actuator 106 in an on position, such that a user of the remote control device 120 is not able to mistakenly switch the toggle actuator 106 to the off position, which may disconnect the controllable light source 110 from the AC power source 102, such that controllable light source 110 may not be controlled by one or more remote control devices of the load control system 100 (e.g., the remote control devices 120 and/or 130), which may in turn cause user confusion.

As shown, the remote control device 120 is battery-powered, not wired in series electrical connection between the AC power source 102 and the controllable light source 110 (e.g., does not replace the mechanical switch 104), such that the controllable light source 110 receives a full AC voltage waveform from the AC power source 102, and such that the controllable light source 110 does not receive a phase-control voltage that may be created by a standard dimmer switch. Because the controllable light source 110 receives the full AC voltage waveform, multiple controllable light sources (e.g., controllable light sources 110) may be coupled in parallel on a single electrical circuit (e.g., coupled to the mechanical switch 104). The multiple controllable light sources may include light sources of different types (e.g., incandescent lamps, fluorescent lamps, and/or LED light sources). The remote control device 120 may be configured to control one or more of the multiple controllable light sources, for example substantially in unison. In addition, if there are multiple controllable light sources coupled in parallel on a single circuit, each controllable light source may be zoned, for example to provide individual control of each controllable light source. For example, a first controllable light 110 source may be controlled by the remote control device 120, while a second controllable light source 110 may be controlled by the remote control device 130). In prior art systems, a mechanical switch (such as the switch 104, for example) typically controls such multiple light sources in unison (e.g., turns them on and/or off together).

The remote control device 120 may be part of a larger RF load control system than that depicted in FIG. 1. Examples of RF load control systems are described in commonly-assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,905,442, issued on May 18, 1999, entitled “Method And Apparatus For Controlling And Determining The Status Of Electrical Devices From Remote Locations,” and commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2009/0206983, published Aug. 20, 2009, entitled “Communication Protocol For A Radio Frequency Load Control System,” the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

While the load control system 100 is described herein with reference to the single-pole system shown in FIG. 1, one or both of the controllable light source 110 and the remote control device 120 may be implemented in a “three-way” lighting system having two single-pole double-throw (SPDT) mechanical switches, which may be referred to as “three-way” switches, for controlling a single electrical load. To illustrate, an example system may comprise two remote control devices 120, with one remote control device 120 connected to the toggle actuator of each SPDT switch. In such a system, the toggle actuators of each SPDT switch may be positioned such that the SPDT switches form a complete circuit between the AC power source 102 and the electrical load 110 before the remote control devices 120 are installed on the toggle actuators.

The load control system 100 shown in FIG. 1 may provide a simple retrofit solution for an existing switched control system. The load control system 100 may provide energy savings and/or advanced control features, for example without requiring any electrical re-wiring and/or without requiring the replacement of any existing mechanical switches. To install and use the load control system 100 of FIG. 1, a consumer may replace an existing lamp with the controllable light source 110, switch the toggle actuator 106 of the mechanical switch 104 to the on position, install (e.g., mount) the remote control device 120 onto the toggle actuator 106, and associate the remote control device 120 and the controllable light source 110 with each other, for example as described above.

It should be appreciated that the load control system 100 need not include the controllable light source 110. For example, in lieu of the controllable light source 110, the load control system 100 may alternatively include a plug-in load control device for controlling an external lighting load. For example, the plug-in load control device may be configured to be plugged into a receptacle of a standard electrical outlet that is electrically connected to an AC power source. The plug-in load control device may have one or more receptacles to which one or more plug-in electrical loads, such a table lamp or a floor lamp, may be plugged. The plug-in load control device may be configured to control the intensity of the lighting loads plugged into the receptacles of the plug-in load control device. It should further be appreciated that the remote control device 120 is not limited to being associated with, and controlling, a single load control device. For example, the remote control device 120 may be configured to control multiple controllable load control devices, for example substantially in unison.

Examples of remote control devices configured to be mounted over existing light switches are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2014/0117871, published May 4, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0371534, published Dec. 24, 2015, both entitled “Battery-Powered Retrofit Remote Control Device,” the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

FIGS. 2 and 3 depict an example remote control device 200 (e.g., a battery-powered rotary remote control device) that may be deployed, for example, as the remote control device 120 of the load control system 100 shown in FIG. 1. The remote control device 200 may be configured to be mounted over a toggle actuator 204 of a standard light switch 202 (e.g., the toggle actuator 106 of the SPST maintained mechanical switch 104 shown in FIG. 1). The remote control device 200 may be installed over the toggle actuator 204 of an installed light switch 202 without removing a faceplate 206 that is mounted to the light switch 202 (e.g., via faceplate screws 208).

The remote control device 200 may include a mounting assembly 210 and a control module 220 that may be attached to the mounting assembly 210. The mounting assembly 210 may be more generally referred to as a base portion of the remote control device 200. The control module 220 may include a rotating portion that is rotatable with respect to the mounting assembly 210. For example, as shown, the control module 220 includes an annular rotating portion 222 that is configured to rotate about the mounting assembly 210. The remote control device 200 may be configured such that the control module 220 and the mounting assembly 210 are removeably attachable to one another. FIG. 3 depicts the remote control device 200 with the control module 220 detached from the mounting assembly 210.

The mounting assembly 210 may be configured to be fixedly attached to the actuator of a mechanical switch, such as the toggle actuator 204 of the light switch 202, and may be configured to maintain the actuator in the on position. For example, as shown the mounting assembly 210 may include a base 211 that defines a toggle actuator opening 212 that extends there through and that is configured to receive at least a portion of the toggle actuator 204. The mounting assembly 210 may include a bar 212 that may be operably coupled to the base 211, and may be configured to be moveable, for instance translatable, relative to the base 211. The base 211 may be configured to carry a screw 214 that, when driven in a first direction may case the bar 212 to be translated relative to the base 211 such that the bar 212 engages with the toggle actuator 204, thereby fixedly attaching the mounting assembly 210 in position relative to the toggle actuator 204 of the light switch 202 when the toggle actuator 204 is in the up position or the down position. With the mounting assembly 210 so fixed in position, the toggle actuator 204 may be prevented from being switched to the off position. In this regard, a user of the remote control device 200 may be unable to inadvertently switch the light switch 202 off when the remote control device 200 is mounted to the light switch 202.

The remote control device 200 may be configured to enable releasable attachment of the control unit 220 to the mounting assembly 210. The mounting assembly 210 may include one or more engagement features that are configured to engage with complementary engagement features of the control unit 220. For example, the base 211 of the mounting assembly 210 may include resilient snap-fit connectors 216, and the control unit 220 may define corresponding recesses 215 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4A) that are configured to receive the snap-fit connectors 216. The mounting assembly 210 may include a release mechanism that is operable to cause the control unit 220 to be released from an attached position relative to the mounting assembly 210. As shown, the base 211 of the mounting assembly 210 may include a release tab 218 that may be actuated (e.g., pushed up) to release the control unit 220 from the mounting assembly 210. In another example, the release tab 218 may be pulled down to release the control unit 220 from the mounting assembly 210.

The control module 220 may be attached to the mounting assembly 210 without requiring the release tab 218 to be operated to the release position. Stated differently, the control module 220 may be attached to the mounting assembly when the release tab 218 is in the locking position. For example, the clips of the control module 220 may be configured to resiliently deflect around the locking members of the release tab 218 and to snap into place behind rear edges of the locking members, thereby securing the control module 220 to the mounting assembly 210 in an attached position. The control module 220 may be detached from the mounting assembly 210 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 3), for instance to access one or more batteries 230 (FIG. 4A) that may be used to power the control module 220.

When the control module 220 is attached to the mounting assembly 210 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2), the rotating portion 222 may be rotatable in opposed directions about the mounting assembly 210, for example in the clockwise or counter-clockwise directions. The mounting assembly 210 may be configured to be mounted over the toggle actuator 204 of the light switch 202 such that the application of rotational movement to the rotating portion 222 does not actuate the toggle actuator 204. The remote control device 200 may be configured to be mounted to the toggle actuator 204 both when a “switched up” position of the toggle actuator 204 corresponds to an on position of the light switch 202, and when a “switched down” position of the toggle actuator 204 corresponds to the on position of the light switch 202, while maintaining functionality of the remote control device 200.

The control module 220 may include an actuation portion 224, which may be operated separately from or in concert with the rotating portion 222. As shown, the actuation portion 224 may include a circular surface within an opening defined by the rotating portion 222. In an example implementation, the actuation portion 224 may be configured to move inward towards the light switch 202 to actuate a mechanical switch (not shown) inside the control module 220, for instance as described herein. The actuation portion 224 may be configured to return to an idle or rest position (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) after being actuated. In this regard, the actuation portion 224 may be configured to operate as a toggle control of the control module 220.

The remote control device 200 may be configured to transmit one or more wireless communication signals (e.g., RF signals 108) to one or more control devices (e.g., the control devices of the load control system 100, such as the controllable light source 110). The remote control device 200 may include a wireless communication circuit, e.g., an RF transceiver or transmitter (not shown), via which one or more wireless communication signals may be sent and/or received. The control module 220 may be configured to transmit digital messages (e.g., including commands) in response to operation of the rotating portion 222 and/or the actuation portion 224. The digital messages may be transmitted to one or more devices associated with the remote control device 200, such as the controllable light source 110. For example, the control module 220 may be configured to transmit a command via one or more RF signals 108 to raise the intensity of the controllable light source 110 in response to a clockwise rotation of the rotating portion 222, and a command to lower the intensity of the controllable light source in response to a counterclockwise rotation of the rotating portion 222. The control module 220 may be configured to transmit a command to toggle the controllable light source 110 (e.g., from off to on or vice versa) in response to an actuation of the actuation portion 224. In addition, the control module 220 may be configured to transmit a command to turn the controllable light source 110 on in response to an actuation of the actuation portion 224 (e.g., if the control module 220 knows that the controllable light source 110 is presently off). The control module 220 may be configured to transmit a command to turn the controllable light source 110 off in response to an actuation of the actuation portion 224 (e.g., if the control module 220 knows that the controllable light source 110 is presently on).

The control module 220 may include a visual indicator, e.g., a light bar 226 located between the rotating portion 222 and the actuation portion 224. For example, the light bar 226 may be define a full circle as shown in FIG. 2. The light bar 226 may be attached to or embedded within a periphery of the actuation portion 224, and may move with the actuation portion 224 when the actuation portion 224 is actuated. The remote control device 200 may provide feedback via the light bar 226, for instance while the rotating portion 222 is being rotated and/or after the remote control device 200 is actuated (e.g., the rotating portion 222 is rotated and/or the actuation portion 224 is actuated). The feedback may indicate, for example, that the remote control device 200 is transmitting one or more RF signals 108. To illustrate, the light bar 226 may be illuminated for a few seconds (e.g., 1-2 seconds) after the remote control device 200 is actuated, and then may be turned off (e.g., to conserve battery life). The light bar 226 may be illuminated to different intensities, for example depending on whether the rotating portion 222 is being rotated to raise or lower the intensity of the lighting load. The light bar 226 may be illuminated to provide feedback of the actual intensity of a lighting load being controlled by the remote control device 200 (e.g., the controllable light source 110).

As described herein, the remote control device 200 may comprise a battery (e.g., such as the battery 230) for powering at least the remote control device 200. The remote control device 200 may be configured to detect a low battery condition and provide an indication of the condition such that a user may be alerted to replace the battery.

Multiple levels of low battery indications may be provided, for example, depending on the amount of power remaining in the battery. For instance, the remote control device 200 may be configured to provide two levels of low battery indications. A first level of indication may be provided when remaining battery power falls below a first threshold (e.g., reaching 20% of full capacity or 80% of battery life). The first level of indication may be provided, for example, by illuminating and/or flashing a portion of the light bar 226 (e.g., a bottom portion of the light bar 226). To distinguish from the illumination used as user feedback and/or to attract a user's attention, the portion of the light bar 226 used to provide the first level of low battery indication may be illuminated in a different color (e.g., red) and/or in a specific pattern (e.g., flashing). The low battery indication may be provided via the light bar 226 regardless of whether the light bar 226 is being used to provide user feedback as described herein. For example, the low battery indication may be provided via the light bar 226 when the light bar 226 is not being used to provide user feedback (e.g., when the actuation portion 224 is not actuated and/or when the rotating portion 222 is not being rotated). The low battery indication may be provided when the light bar 226 is being used to provide user feedback. In such a case, the low battery indication may be distinguished from the user feedback because, for example, the low battery indication is illuminated in a different color (e.g., red) and/or in a specific pattern (e.g., flashing).

Additionally or alternatively, the first level of indication may be provided, for example, by illuminating and/or flashing the bottom portion of the light bar 226, as well as the control module release tab 218. The control module release tab 218, which may be used to remove the control module 220 and obtain access to the battery, may be illuminated. The illumination may be generated by backlighting the control module release tab 218. For example, the control module release tab 218 may comprise a translucent (e.g., transparent, clear, and/or diffusive) material and may be illuminated by one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs) located above and/or to the side of the control module release tab 218 (e.g., inside the control module 220). The illumination may be steady or flashed (e.g., in a blinking manner) such that the low battery condition may be called to a user's attention. Further, by illuminating the control module release tab 218, the mechanism for replacing the battery may be highlighted for the user. The user may actuate the control module release tab 218 (e.g., by pushing up towards the base portion 210 or pulling down away from the base portion 210) to remove the control module 220 from the base portion 210. The user may then remove and replace the battery.

A second level of low battery indication may be provided when the remaining battery power falls below a second threshold. The second threshold may be set to represent a more urgent situation. For example, the threshold may be set at 5% of full capacity or 95% of the battery life. The second level of indication may be provided, for example, by illuminating and/or flashing one or both of the bottom portion of the light bar 226 and the control module release tab 218. Since the battery may be critically low when the second level of low battery indication is generated, the remote control device 200 may be configured to not only provide the low battery indication but also take other measures to conserve battery power. For instance, the remote control device 200 may be configured to stop providing user feedback via the light bar 226 (e.g., to not illuminate the light bar).

FIG. 4A is a front exploded view and FIG. 4B is a rear exploded view of the control module 220 of the remote control device 200 shown in FIG. 2. The light bar 226 may be attached to the actuation portion 224 around a periphery of the actuation portion 224. When the actuation portion 224 is received within an opening 229 of the rotating portion 222, the light bar 226 may be located between the actuation portion 224 and the rotating portion 222.

The control module 220 may comprise a printed circuit board (PCB) assembly 240 having a PCB 242. The PCB assembly 240 may comprise a control circuit (not shown) mounted to the PCB 242. The PCB assembly 240 may comprise a plurality of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) 244 (e.g., twelve white LEDs) arranged around the perimeter of the PCB 242 to illuminate the light bar 226. The PCB assembly 240 may include a mechanical tactile switch 246 mounted to a center of the PCB 242. The control module 220 may further comprise a carrier 250 to which the PCB 242 is connected. The PCB 242 may be attached to the carrier 250 via snap-fit connectors 252. The carrier 250 may include a plurality of tabs 254 arranged around a circumference of the carrier 250. The tabs 254 may be configured to be received within corresponding channels 256 defined by the rotating portion 222, to thereby couple the rotating portion 222 to the carrier 250 and allow for rotation of the rotating portion 222 around the carrier 250. As shown, the carrier 250 may define the recesses 215. When the control unit 220 is connected to the mounting assembly, the snap-fit connectors 216 of the mounting assembly 210 may be received in the recesses 215 of the carrier 250.

The carrier 250 and the PCB 242 may remain fixed in position relative to the mounting assembly as the rotating portion 222 is rotated around the carrier 250. The PCB 242 and the carrier 250 may further comprise respective openings 248, 258 that may be configured to receive at least a portion of the toggle actuator 204 of the light switch 202 when the control module 220 is mounted to the mounting assembly 210, such that the rotating portion 322 rotates about the toggle actuator 304 when operated.

The control unit 320 may include a battery retention strap 232 that may be configured to hold the battery 230 in place between the battery retention strap 232 and the PCB 242 of the control unit 220. The control unit 220 may be configured such that the battery 230 is located in space within the control unit 220 that is not occupied by a toggle actuator. When the PCB 242 is connected to the carrier 250, the battery 230 may be located between the PCB 242 and the carrier 350 and may be electrically connected to the control circuit on the PCB 242. The battery retention strap 352 may be configured to operate as a first electrical contact for the battery 230. A second electrical contact may be located on a rear-facing surface of the PCB 242. When the control module 220 is removed from the mounting assembly 210, the battery 230 may be removed from the control module through the opening 258 in the carrier 250.

When the actuation portion 224 is pressed, the actuation portion 224 may move along the z-direction (e.g., towards the mounting assembly 210) until an inner surface of the actuation portion 224 actuates the mechanical tactile switch 248. The control unit 220 may include a resilient return spring 260 that may be located between the actuation portion 224 and the PCB 242. The return spring 260 may be configured to be attached to the PCB 242. The actuation portion 224 may define a projection 262 that extends rearward from an inner surface of the actuation portion 224. When a force is applied to the actuation portion 224 (e.g., when the actuation portion 224 is pressed by a user of the remote control device), the actuation portion 224, and thus the light bar 226, may move in the z-direction until the projection 262 actuates the mechanical tactile switch 246. The return spring 260 may compress under application of the force. When application of the force is ceased (e.g., the user no longer presses the actuation portion 224), the return spring 260 may decompress, thereby to biasing the actuation portion 224 forward such that the actuation portion 224 abuts a rim 274 of the rotating portion 222. In this regard, the return spring 260 may operate to return the actuation portion 224 from an activated (e.g., pressed) position to a rest position.

The control module 220 may further comprise a rotational sensing system, e.g., a magnetic sensing system, such as a Hall-effect sensor system, for determining the rotational speed and direction of rotation of the rotating portion 222. The Hall-effect sensor system may comprise one or more magnetic elements, e.g., a circular magnetic element, such as a magnetic strip. One example of the magnetic strip is a magnetic ring 270, for example, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B. The magnetic ring 270 may be located along (e.g., connected to) an inner surface 271 of the rotating portion 222. The magnetic ring 270 may extend around the circumference of the rotating portion 222. The magnetic ring 270 may include a plurality of alternating positive north-pole sections 272 (e.g., labeled with “N” in FIG. 4) and negative south-pole sections 274 (e.g., labeled with “S” in FIG. 4). Alternatively, the control module 220 may comprise a plurality of magnetic elements of alternating position and negative charge arranged on the inner surface 271 of the rotating portion 222.

The rotational sensing system of the control unit 220 may include one or more magnetic sensing circuits, such as Hall-effect sensing circuits. Each Hall-effect sensing circuit may comprise a Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit 280A, 280B that may be mounted on the PCB 242 (e.g., to a rear side of the PCB as shown in FIG. 4B). The magnetic strip 270 may be configured to generate a magnetic field in a first direction (e.g., perpendicular to the z-direction, along the x-y plane), while the Hall-effect sensor integrated circuits 280A, 280B may be responsive to magnetic fields in a second direction (e.g., the z-direction) that is angularly offset from the first direction (e.g., offset by 90 degrees). For example, the Hall-effect sensor integrated circuits 280A, 280B of each Hall-effect sensing circuit may be responsive to magnetic fields directed in the z-direction (e.g., perpendicular to the plane of the PCB 242). The Hall-effect sensor integrated circuits 284A, 284B may be operable to detect passing of the positive and negative sections of the magnetic strip 280 as the rotating portion 222 is rotated about the attachment portion 262. The control circuit of the control unit 220 may be configured to determine a rotational speed and/or direction of rotation of the rotating portion 222 in response to the Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit 284A, 284B.

The magnetic strip 270 may generate magnetic fields in directions perpendicular to the z-direction, e.g., in the x-y plane. Thus, each Hall-effect sensing circuit may further comprise one or more magnetic flux pipe structures 282A, 284A, 282B, 284B for conducting and directing the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic strip 270 to direct the magnetic fields in the z-direction at the Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit 280A, 280B. Each Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit 280A, 280B may be located adjacent to one or more magnetic flux pipe structures 282A, 282B, 284A, 284B. Each magnetic flux pipe structure 282A, 282B, 284A, 284B may be configured to conduct and direct respective magnetic fields generated by the magnetic strip 270 toward corresponding Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit 280A, 280B. For example, the magnetic flux pipe structure 282A and 284A may be configured to conduct and direct respective magnetic fields generated by the magnetic strip 270 toward the Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit 280A, while the magnetic flux pipe structure 282B and 284B may be configured to conduct and direct respective magnetic fields generated by the magnetic strip 270 toward Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit 280B.

As shown, the magnetic flux pipe structures 282A, 282B may be connected to the carrier 250, and the magnetic flux pipe structures 284A, 284B may be mounted to the PCB 242. However, any of the magnetic flux pipe structures 282A, 282B, 284A, 284B may be mounted to any other component of the control unit 220. For example, the magnetic flux pipe structures 282A, 282B may be mounted to (e.g., integral with) the battery retention strap 232. In such instances, the locations of the magnetic flux pipe structures 284A, 284B and the Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit 280A, 280B may move accordingly.

The ring coupling portions of the magnetic flux pipe structures 282A, 282B, 284A, 284B of each of the Hall-effect sensing circuits may be spaced apart by a distance θ_N-S. When the ring coupling portions of the magnetic flux pipe structures 282A, 282B, 284A, 284B of one of the Hall-effect sensing circuits are lined up with the centers of two adjacent positive and negative sections of the magnetic strip 270, the ring coupling portions of the magnetic flux pipe structures 282A, 282B, 284A, 284B of the other Hall-effect sensing circuit may be offset from the centers of two other adjacent positive and negative sections of the magnetic strip 270. For example, the ring coupling portions of the other Hall-effect sensing circuit may be offset by an offset distance θ_OS(e.g., one-half of the distance θ_N-S) from the centers of the two other adjacent positive and negative sections of the magnetic strip 270. For example, the offset distance θ_OSmay be such that when the ring coupling portions of the magnetic flux pipe structures 282A, 282B, 284A, 284B of one of the Hall-effect sensing circuits are lined up with the centers of two adjacent positive and negative sections of the magnetic strip 270, the ring coupling portions of the magnetic flux pipe structures 282A, 282B, 284A, 284B of the other Hall-effect sensing circuit may be lined up with a transition between a positive section and a negative section of the magnetic strip 270.

While the magnetic sensing circuits are shown and described herein as the Hall-effect sensing circuits, the magnetic sensing circuits could be implemented as any type of magnetic sensing circuit, such as, for example, a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, a reed switch, or other mechanical magnetic sensor. The output signals of the magnetic sensing circuits may be analog or digital signals. Examples of remote control devices including rotational sensing systems having magnetic flux pipe structures are described in greater detail in commonly-assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/631,459, filed Jun. 23, 2017, entitled “Magnetic Sensing System for a Rotary Control Device,” the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram of an example remote control device 300 that may be implemented as, for example, the remote control device 120 shown in FIG. 1 and/or the remote control device 200 shown in FIG. 2. As shown, the remote control device 300 includes a control circuit 310. The control circuit 310 may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing device. The control circuit 310 may comprise an internal power supply, e.g., a switching power supply (not shown), for generating a regulated DC supply voltage V_CC(e.g., approximately 1.8V) for powering the control circuit and other low-voltage circuitry of the remote control device 300. The supply voltage V_CCmay be generated across a capacitor C311, which may be coupled between outputs V_CC-OUTand V_CC-REFof the control circuit 310 as shown in FIG. 12.

The remote control device 300 may comprise a tactile switch 312 that may be coupled to the control circuit 310. The tactile switch 312 may be actuated in response to actuations of the actuation portion 224 of the control module 220. The tactile switch 312 may generate a toggle control signal V_TOGthat may be representative of instances when the actuation portion 224 of the control module 220 is pushed towards the mounting assembly 210, so as to toggle a controlled electrical load on and/or off.

The remote control device 300 may further comprise a rotational sensing circuit 314 including one or more magnetic sensing circuits, for example, a first Hall-effect sensing (HES) circuit 316 and a second Hall-effect sensing (HES) circuit 318 as shown in FIG. 5. The first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 may represent the Hall-effect sensing circuits 280 described above. For example, each of the first and second Hall-effect sensing circuit 316, 318 may comprises a Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit 282 and two magnetic flux pipe structures 286, 288. The Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 may be configured to detect the magnetic fields generated by a circular magnetic element (e.g., the magnetic ring 270) coupled to a rotary knob (e.g., the rotating portion 222 of the control module 220). The first Hall-effect sensing circuit 316 may generate a first HES output signal V_HES1and the second Hall-effect sensing circuit 318 may generate a second HES output signal V_HES2. The first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2may, in combination, be representative of an angular velocity ω at which the rotating portion 222 is rotated and/or an angular direction (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise) in which the rotating portion 222 is rotated. The control circuit 310 may be configured to determine the angular velocity ω and/or the angular direction of the rotating portion 222 in response to the first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2. If the remote control device 300 comprises a single magnetic sensing circuit (e.g., just the first Hall-effect sensing circuit 316), the control circuit 310 may be configured to determine the angular velocity ω of the rotating portion 222 in response to the first HES output signal V_HES1.

Alternatively or additionally, the remote control device 300 may include a single integrated circuit having two internal Hall-effect sensing circuits. In addition, while the magnetic sensing circuits are shown as the first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 in FIG. 5, the magnetic sensing circuits could be implemented as any type of magnetic sensing circuit, such as, for example, a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, a reed switch, or other mechanical magnetic sensor. Further, while the remote control device 300 is illustrated as including magnetic sensing circuits, the remote control device 300 may include non-magnetic sensing circuits, such as a capacitive touch sensing circuit, a resistive touch sensing circuit, an accelerometer, etc., additionally or alternatively to the magnetic sensing circuits. The output signals of the magnetic sensing circuits (e.g., the first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2) may be analog or digital signals.

The first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 (e.g., the Hall-effect sensor integrated circuits of each of the first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits) may be configured to operate in a high-speed mode during which the Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 may sample the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic ring 270 at a first sampling rate that causes the Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 to be very responsive to changes in the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic ring 270. When the Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 are operating in the high-speed mode, the control circuit 310 may be configured to determine the angular velocity ω and/or the angular direction of the rotating portion 222. The first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 may also be configured to operate in a low-speed mode during which the Hall-effect sensing circuits may sample the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic ring 270 at a second sampling rate that is less than the first sampling rate during the high-speed mode, which causes the Hall-effect sensing circuits to be less responsive to changes in the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic ring 270 and the Hall-effect sensing circuits consume less power than in the high-speed mode. During the low-speed mode, the control circuit 310 may, for example, be able to determine whether the rotating portion 222 is being rotated.

The remote control device 300 may also include a wireless communication circuit 320, for example an RF transmitter coupled to an antenna, for transmitting wireless signals, such as the RF signals 108, in response to the control circuit 310 receiving the first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2(e.g., based on rotations of the rotating portion 222) and receiving the toggle control signal V_TOG(e.g., based on actuations of the actuation portion 224). The control circuit 310 may cause the wireless communication circuit 320 to transmit digital messages via one or more wireless signals to an associated load control device, for example the controllable light source 110 shown in FIG. 1. Alternatively or additionally, the wireless communication circuit 320 may include an RF receiver for receiving RF signals, an RF transceiver for transmitting and receiving RF signals, or an infrared (IR) receiver for receiving IR signals. The control circuit 310 may, responsive to receiving one or more of the toggle control signal V_TOGand the first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2, cause the wireless communication circuit 320 to transmit one or more signals, for example RF signals 108, to a controllable light source associated with the rotary remote control device 300, for example the lighting load of the controllable light source 110 shown in FIG. 1.

The remote control device 300 may also include a battery 324 for producing a battery voltage V_BATTthat may be used to power one or more of the control circuit 310, the rotational sensing circuit 314, the wireless communication circuit 320, and other low-voltage circuitry of the remote control device 300. The remote control device 300 may also include a memory 322 communicatively coupled to the control circuit 310. The memory 322 may be implemented as an external integrated circuit (IC) or as an internal circuit of the control circuit 310. The control circuit 310 may be configured to use the memory 322 for the storage and/or retrieval of, for example, a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number) of the remote control device 300 that may be included in the transmitted RF signals.

The remote control device 300 may include one or more visual indicators, for example, one or more LEDs 326 (e.g., the LEDs 246 of the control module 220 shown in FIG. 4), which are configured to provide feedback to a user of the remote control device 300. For example, the LEDs 326 may be configured to illuminate the light bar 226. The LEDs 326 may be operatively coupled to the control circuit 310. The control circuit 310 may be configured to pulse-width modulate the LEDs 326 and may be configured to only illuminate a subset of the LEDs at a single time to reduce the peak current conducted through the battery 324. For example, the control circuit 310 may be configured to illuminate three LEDs at a time. The control circuit 310 may control the LEDs 326 to provide feedback indicating a status of the controllable light source 110, for example if the controllable light source 110 is on, off, or a present intensity of the controllable light source 110. The control circuit 310 may be configured to illuminate the LEDs 326 to provide feedback while the rotating portion 222 is being rotated. After detecting the end of a rotation of the rotating portion 222, the control circuit 310 may be configured to keep the LEDs 326 illuminated for a first predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 1 second) and then fade (e.g., dim) the LEDs to off over a second predetermined period of time (e.g., approximately 1.5 seconds).

The remote control device 300 may comprise a converter circuit, e.g., a boost power supply 328, which may receive the supply voltage V_CCand generate a boosted DC voltage V_BOOST. The boosted DC voltage V_BOOSTmay have a magnitude greater than the magnitude of the supply voltage V_CCfor driving the LEDs 326 (e.g., approximately 2.6-2.8 volts). The boost power supply 328 may be configured to be enabled and disabled such that the boost power supply 328 only generates the boosted voltage V_BOOSTwhen the LEDs 326 need to be illuminated (e.g., when the rotating portion 222 is being rotated or when the actuation portion 224 is actuated). Additionally or alternatively, the converter circuit of the remote control device 300 may comprise an inverter circuit for generating a negative DC voltage V_CC-NEG(e.g., −1.8 volts) from the supply voltage V_CC, and the LEDs may be coupled between the supply voltage V_CCand the negative DC voltage V_CC-NEG.

FIG. 6A is a simplified diagram showing example waveforms of the first HES output signal V_HES1and the second HES output signal V_HES2when the rotating portion 222 is being rotated in the clockwise direction. The first HES output signal V_HES1may lag the second HES output signal V_HES2by an offset distance d_OS(e.g., one-half of the distance d_N-S) when the rotating portion 222 is rotated clockwise. FIG. 6B is a simplified diagram showing example waveforms of the first HES output signal V_HES1and the second HES output signal V_HES2when the rotating portion 222 is being rotated in the counter-clockwise direction. The second HES output signal V_HES2may lag the first HES output signal V_HES1by the offset distance d_OSwhen the rotating portion 222 is rotated counter-clockwise. The control circuit 310 may be configured to determine whether the second HES output signal V_HES2is low (e.g., at approximately circuit common) or high (e.g., at approximately the battery voltage V_BATT) at the times of the falling edges of the first HES output signal V_HES1(e.g., when the first HES output signal V_HES1transitions from high to low), in order to determine whether the rotating portion 222 is being rotated clockwise or counter-clockwise, respectively.

The lag between the first HES output signal V_HES1and the second HES output signal V_HES2may be based on the offset of the ring coupling portion of the Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 from the centers of the two other adjacent positive and negative sections of the magnetic strip. For example, the distance d_OS(e.g., one-half of the distance d_N-S) may be such that when the ring coupling portions 290 of the magnetic flux pipe structures 286, 288 of one of the Hall-effect sensing circuits 280 are lined up with the centers of two adjacent positive and negative sections 272, 274 of the magnetic strip 270, the ring coupling portions 290 of the other Hall-effect sensing circuit 280 may be lined up with a transition between a positive section 272 and a negative section 274 of the magnetic strip 270.

In FIGS. 6A and 6B, the down arrow may indicate a transition from a positive section 272 to a negative section 274 of the magnetic strip 270. Further, an entire period as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B is from one pole to the same pole, for example, from a positive section 272 of the magnetic strip 270 to a subsequent positive section 272 of the magnetic strip 270. The distance d_N-Smay be a half period, from a positive pole to a negative pole, and the offset distance d_OSmay be one-fourth of the period (e.g., 90 degrees).

The control circuit 310 may be configured to operate the remote control device 300 in a normal mode (e.g., an active mode) in response to rotations of the rotating portion 222 and/or in response to actuations of the actuation portion 224. In the normal mode, the control circuit 310 may be configured to monitor the Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 to determine the angular velocity ω and the angular direction of the rotating portion 222. In addition, the control circuit 310 may be configured to transmit digital messages via the wireless communication circuit 320 in the normal mode (e.g., while the rotating portion 222 is being rotated and/or in response to actuations of the actuation portion 224). Further, the control circuit 310 may be configured to enable the boost power supply 328 and illuminate the LEDs 326 in the normal mode.

The control circuit 310 may be configured to operate the remote control device 300 in a reduced-power mode (e.g., an idle mode) when the when the rotating portion 222 and the actuation portion 224 are not being actuated. When operating in the reduced-power mode, the remote control device 300 may consume less power than when operating in the normal mode to conserve battery life. For example, when in the reduced-power mode, the control circuit 310 may be configured to turn off the LEDs 326, disable the boost power supply 328, and/or change a processing unit (e.g., a CPU) of the control circuit 310 from an active state to a sleep state. Further, the control circuit 310 may change the Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 to the low-speed mode and/or disable one of the Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 when operating the remote control device 300 in the reduced-power mode. Moreover, it should be appreciated that, in some examples, the processing unit of the control circuit 310 is in the active state when the remote control device 300 is operating in the normal mode, but may be in the active state or in the sleep state when the remote control device 300 is operating in the reduced-power mode.

The lifetime of the battery 324 may be dependent upon the amount of time that the control circuit 310 operates in the reduced-power mode rather than the normal mode. Since the rotating portion 222 and/or the actuation portion 224 may only be actuated a few times a day, the lifetime of the battery 724 may be significantly lengthened by having the control circuit 310 operate in the reduced-power mode when the rotating portion 222 is idle. However, frequent actuations of the rotating portion 222 and/or the actuation portion 224, particularly, persistent actuations within a short period of time, may reduce the lifetime of the battery 324. For example, persistent actuations may comprise a continuous rotation (or a number of rotations within a short period of time) of the rotating portion and/or a continuous or repetitive actuation of the actuation portion 224 that cause the control circuit 310 to operate in the normal mode for long periods of time.

The control circuit 310 may generate a reduced power control signal V_RPfor controlling the remote control device 300 between the normal mode and the reduced-power mode. For example, the control circuit 310 may be configured to enter the normal mode by driving the reduced power control signal V_RPhigh (e.g., towards the supply voltage V_CC) and to enter the reduced-power mode by driving the reduced power control signal V_RPlow (e.g., towards circuit common). As shown in FIG. 12, the second Hall-effect sensing circuit 318 may be powered by the reduced power control signal V_RP(e.g., through a pin on a processing device of the control circuit 310). The control circuit 310 may be configured to enable the second Hall-effect sensing circuit 318 by driving the reduced power control signal V_RPhigh towards the supply voltage V_CC, and disable the second Hall-effect sensing circuit by driving the reduced power control signal V_RPlow towards circuit common. The reduced power control signal V_RPmay also be received at enable pins of the Hall-effect sensor integrated circuits of one or each of the first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318. The control circuit 310 may change the Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 between the low-speed and high-speed modes using the reduced power control signal V_RP. The control circuit 310 may also enable and disable the boost power supply 328 using the reduced power control signal V_RP. Accordingly, the control circuit 310 (e.g., the processing device of the control circuit) only needs to use one output pin to enable and disable the second Hall-effect sensing circuit 318, change the Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 between the low-speed and high-speed modes, and/or enable and disable the boost power supply 328, in any combination.

When the rotating portion 222 and the actuation portion 224 are not being actuated, the control circuit 310 may operate the remote control device 300 in the reduced-power mode. In the reduced-power mode, the control circuit 310 may disable the second Hall-effect sensing circuit 318, put at least the first Hall-effect sensing circuit 316 in the low-speed mode, and/or disable the boost power supply 328 by driving the reduced power control signal V_RPlow towards circuit common. During the reduced-power mode, the control circuit 310 may be configured to detect a first new movement (e.g., rotation) of the rotating portion 222 in response to the first HES output signal V_HES1while the first Hall-effect sensing circuit 316 is in the low-speed mode. After detecting a first new movement of the rotating portion 222, the control circuit 310 may drive the reduced power control signal V_RPhigh towards the supply voltage V_CCto enable the second Hall-effect sensing circuit 318 and put both of the first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits 316, 318 in the high-speed mode, such that the control circuit 310 is able to determine the angular velocity ω and the angular direction of the rotating portion 222 in response to the first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2. The control circuit 310 may also enable the boost power supply 328 by driving the reduced power control signal V_RPhigh towards the supply voltage V_CCand illuminate the LEDs 328 while the rotating portion 222 is being rotated. Actuation of the actuation portion may actuate the mechanical tactile switch 312, which may cause the control circuit 310 to control the reduced power control signal V_RPto enable the converter circuit (e.g., a boost power supply 328).

FIG. 7 is a simplified flowchart of an example wake-up procedure 400 that may be executed by a control circuit of a remote control device (e.g., the control circuit 310 of the remote control device 300 shown in FIG. 5) in order to detect the movement of an actuator (e.g., the rotating portion 222). For example, the control circuit may be configured to operate in a reduced-power mode when the rotating portion 222 is not being rotated. The wake-up procedure 400 may be executed periodically at 410 in the reduced-power mode. At 412, the control circuit may be configured to sample the first HES output signal V_HES1, which may be generated by the first Hall-effect sensing circuit 318 while operating in the low-speed mode. As previously mentioned, the control circuit may be configured to detect rotation of the rotating portion by detecting the positive and negative sections 272, 274 of the magnetic strip 270 passing the first Hall-effect sensing circuit 318. The control circuit may be configured to detect a change in the position of the rotating portion 222 if the sample of the first HES output signal V_HES1has changed (e.g., from high to low, or vice versa). If the control circuit does not detect a change in the position of the rotating portion 222 at 414, the wake-up procedure 400 simply exits. If the control circuit detects a change in the position of the rotating portion 222 at 414, the control circuit may drive the reduced power control signal V_RPhigh to control the remote control device 300 to enter the normal mode at 416, illuminate the LEDs 328 at 418, and begin transmitting wireless signals for controlling the associated load control devices via the wireless communication circuit 320 at 420, before the wake-up procedure 400 exits.

The control circuit 310 may be configured to turn off the LEDs 328 in response to the detection of a persistent actuation of an actuator of the remote control device 300, for example, to save battery life. Referring back to FIG. 5, the control circuit 310 may be configured to turn off the LEDs 328 in response to the detection of persistent actuations of the rotating portion 222 and/or the actuation portion 224 during a period of time (e.g., a short period of time). For example, the control circuit 310 may be configured to keep track of the amount of time that the rotating portion 222 has been rotated during a persistent or continuous rotation (e.g., a nearly continuous rotations) and may turn off the LEDs 328 after a usage timer exceeds a maximum usage period T_MAX-USAGE. The maximum usage period T_MAX-USAGEmay be sized to be slightly longer than a typical rotation of the rotating portion 222 when the rotating portion 222 is rotated to adjust the intensity of the associated load control devices between the minimum intensity and the maximum intensity (e.g., approximately ten seconds). The control circuit 310 may be configured to accumulate the time of a continuous rotations and/or various rotations until the maximum usage period T_MAX-USAGEis exceeded. The control circuit 310 may be configured to reset the usage timer when a timeout timer exceeds a maximum timeout period T_MAX-TIMEOUT(e.g., approximately thirty seconds).

FIG. 8 is a simplified flowchart of an example usage detection procedure 500 that may be executed by a control circuit of a remote control device (e.g., the control circuit 310 of the remote control device 300 shown in FIG. 5). The control circuit may execute the usage detection procedure 500 periodically at 510 to detect persistent rotations (e.g., continuous rotations) of the rotating portion 222 and turn off the LEDs 328. If rotation is detected at 512, the control circuit may run the usage timer at 514 and reset the timeout timer at step 516. If the usage timer does not exceed the maximum usage period T_MAX-USAGEat 518, then the control circuit may keep maintain the LEDs in an on state at 520 and the usage detection procedure 500 exits. The control circuit may turn the LEDs on upon detecting rotation, for example, in accordance with another procedure (e.g., a rotation or actuation detection procedure). If the usage timer exceeds the maximum usage period T_MAX-USAGEat 518, the control circuit may turn off the LEDs at 522 (e.g., maintain the LEDs in an off state) and the usage detection procedure 500 exits. After the usage detection procedure 500 exits, if rotation is again detected at 512 the next time the control circuit executes the usage detection procedure 500 (e.g., if a user is persistently rotating the rotating portion 222), the control circuit will again determine if the usage timer exceeds the maximum usage period T_MAX-USAGEat 518, and if so, the control circuit will ensure the LEDs are off at 522, for example, to conserve battery life.

If rotation of the rotating portion 222 is not detected at 512, the control circuit may stop the usage timer at 524 and run the timeout timer at 526. If the timeout timer does not exceed the maximum timeout period T_MAX-TIMEOUTat 528, the usage detection procedure 500 exits. It should be noted that in such instances, the usage timer is stopped at 524, but not reset. As such, if rotation is detected the next time the usage detection procedure 500 is executed, the control circuit will run (e.g., restart) the usage timer at 514, reset the timeout timer at 516, and determine whether the usage timer exceeds the maximum usage period T_MAX-USAGEat 518. If the timeout timer exceeds the maximum timeout period T_MAX-TIMEOUTat 528, the control circuit may reset the usage timer at 530 and reset the timeout timer at 532, before the usage detection procedure 500 exits. For example, resetting the usage timer at 530 may ensure that the usage detection procedure 500 does not instruct the control circuit to turn off the LEDs at 522 during subsequent executions of the usage detection procedure 500 (e.g., during instances where the LEDs should, in fact, be kept on, for example, in accordance with another procedure, such as a rotation or actuation detection procedure). Finally, it should be appreciated that the usage detection procedure 500 may be configured to detect any number and/or type of actuations at 512, and is not limited to the detection of rotations of a rotating portion 222.

Referring back to FIG. 5, the control circuit 310 may be configured to selectively power circuits and complete power-consuming tasks in order to reduce the instantaneous power consumed by the battery 324 (e.g., to limit the peak power). The control circuit 310 may be configured to control one or more circuits and/or perform one or more tasks in different segments of time within a repeatable time period. For example, the control circuit 310 may be configured such that the control circuit does not illuminate the LEDs 326 at the same time that the control circuit is transmitting a digital message via the wireless communication circuit 320. Accordingly, the control circuit 310 may be configured to control the wireless communication circuit to transmit the wireless signals and to control the at least one of the LEDs 326 to illuminate the LED in different segments of time within the repeatable time period. The control circuit 310 may be configured to power circuits and/or complete power-consuming tasks during other segments of time within the repeatable time period (e.g., in addition to or in lieu of illuminating the LEDs 326 and/or transmitting the digital messages). For example, other power-consuming tasks may occur when the analog-to-digital converter of the control circuit 310 is sampling input signals and/or when the control circuit 310 is writing to the memory 322.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of an example timing procedure 600 of a control circuit of a remote control device, such as the remote control device 120 shown in FIG. 1, the remote control device 200 shown in FIG. 2, and/or the remote control device 300 of FIG. 5. The control circuit may be configured to power circuits and/or complete power-consuming tasks during different segments of time of a repeatable time period 610. For example, the control circuit may wirelessly transmit signals via the communication circuit, sample inputs of the analog-to-digital converter of the control circuit, illuminate LEDs, and/or write to memory of the control circuit, during different segments of time of the repeatable time period 610. The control circuit may perform a plurality of tasks over the repeated total time period 610. The total time period 610 may, for example, include eight time periods as illustrated in FIG. 9. The control circuit may illuminate a first set of LEDs (e.g., LEDs 1-3) in a first time period, illuminate a second set of LEDs (e.g., LEDs 4-6) in a second time period, illuminate a third set of LEDs (e.g., LEDs 7-9) in a third time period, and illuminate a fourth set of LEDs (e.g., LEDs 10-12) in a fourth time period. The control circuit may wirelessly transmit digital messages during the fifth and sixth time periods, sample input signals from the analog-to-digital converter of the control circuit during the seventh time period, and write to memory of the control circuit in the eighth time period.

The control circuit may drive the LEDs using pulse width modulation. As such, the control circuit may be configured to PWM the LEDs using one eighth of the total PWM duty cycle (e.g., such that the seven eighths of the total time period 610 may be used to drive other sets of LEDs or perform other power-consuming tasks). Accordingly, the control circuit may limit the peak power usage to reduce the instantaneous power consumed by the battery 324 by powering circuits and/or completing power-consuming tasks during different segments of time of a repeatable time period 610 (e.g., by interweaving time periods for power-consuming tasks with the time periods when the control circuit drives the LEDs to be illuminated). Although illustrated as wirelessly transmitting signals via the communication circuit, sampling inputs of the analog-to-digital converter of the control circuit, driving the LEDs, and/or writing to memory of the control circuit, the control circuit may be configured to alter which power-consuming task(s) are performed during the different segments of time of the repeatable time period 610.

FIG. 10 is a simplified block diagram of an example remote control device 700 that may be implemented as, for example, the remote control device 120 shown in FIG. 1, the remote control device 200 shown in FIG. 2, and/or the remote control device 300 shown in FIG. 5. The remote control device 700 may comprise a control circuit 710, which may include one or more of a processor (e.g., a microprocessor), a microcontroller, a programmable logic device (PLD), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any suitable processing device. The control circuit 710 may comprise a central processing unit (CPU) 730 (e.g., a processing circuit), which may be configured to execute operating instructions (e.g., software) stored in a memory 732. The memory 732 may be implemented as an internal circuit of the control circuit 710 as shown in FIG. 10 or an external integrated circuit (IC). The control circuit 710 may also comprise a timer 734 that may generate one or more timing signals from an external crystal (XTAL) 735.

The control circuit 710 may comprise an internal power supply 736, e.g., a switching power supply, for generating a regulated DC supply voltage V_CC(e.g., approximately 1.8V) for powering the control circuit and other low-voltage circuitry of the remote control device 700. The supply voltage V_CCmay be generated across a capacitor C711 as shown in FIG. 10. The internal power supply 736 of the control circuit 710 may receive power from a battery 724, which may produce a battery voltage V_BATT. The CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to store the magnitude of the regulated supply voltage V_CCin the memory 732 (e.g., at the time of manufacture of the remote control device 700) for use when determining the magnitude of the battery voltage V_BATT(e.g., as will be described in greater detail below).

The control circuit 710 may be responsive to a tactile switch 712 that may be actuated in response to actuations of the actuation portion 224 of the control module 220. The tactile switch 712 may generate a toggle control signal V_TOGthat may be representative of instances when the actuation portion 224 of the control module 220 is pushed towards the mounting assembly 210, so as to, for example, toggle a controlled electrical load on and/or off.

The remote control device 700 may further comprise a rotational sensing circuit 714 including one or more magnetic sensing circuits, e.g., a first Hall-effect sensing (HES) circuit 716 and a second Hall-effect sensing (HES) circuit 718 as shown in FIG. 10. The first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits 716, 718 may represent the Hall-effect sensing circuits 280 that each comprise a Hall-effect sensor integrated circuit 282 and two magnetic flux pipe structures 286, 288. The Hall-effect sensing circuits 716, 718 may be configured to detect the magnetic fields generated by a circular magnetic element (e.g., the magnetic ring 270) coupled to a rotary knob (e.g., the rotating portion 222 of the control module 220). The first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits 716, 718 may generate respective first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2(e.g., as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B). The first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2may, in combination, be representative of an angular velocity ω at which the rotating portion 222 is rotated and/or an angular direction (e.g., clockwise or counter-clockwise) in which the rotating portion 222 is rotated. The control circuit 710 may be configured to determine the angular velocity ω and the angular direction of the rotating portion 222 in response to the first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2. If the remote control device 700 comprises a single magnetic sensing circuit (e.g., just the first Hall-effect sensing circuit 716), the control circuit 710 may be configured to determine the angular velocity ω of the rotating portion 222 in response to the first HES output signal V_HES1.

Alternatively or additionally, the remote control device 700 could comprise a single integrated circuit having two internal Hall-effect sensing circuits. In addition, while the magnetic sensing circuits are shown as the first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits 716, 718 in FIG. 10, the magnetic sensing circuits could be implemented as any type of magnetic sensing circuit, such as, for example, a tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR) sensor, an anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) sensor, a giant magnetoresistance (GMR) sensor, a reed switch, or other mechanical magnetic sensor. Further, while the remote control device 700 is illustrated as including magnetic sensing circuits, the remote control device 700 may include non-magnetic sensing circuits, such as a capacitive touch sensing circuit, a resistive touch sensing circuit, an accelerometer, etc., additionally or alternatively to the magnetic sensing circuits. The output signals of the magnetic sensing circuits (e.g., the first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2) may be analog or digital signals.

The first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits 716, 718 may be configured to operate in a high-speed mode during which the Hall-effect sensing circuits are very responsive to changes in the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic ring 270. When the Hall-effect sensing circuits 716, 718 are operating in the high-speed mode, the control circuit 710 may be configured to determine the angular velocity ω and/or the angular direction of the rotating portion 222. The first and second Hall-effect sensing circuits 716, 718 may also be configured to operate in a low-speed mode during which the Hall-effect sensing circuits may sample the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic ring 270 at a second sampling rate that is less than the first sampling rate during the high-speed mode, which causes the Hall-effect sensing circuits to be less responsive to changes in the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic ring 270 and the Hall-effect sensing circuits consume less power than in the high-speed mode. During the low-speed mode, the control circuit 710 may, for example, be able to determine whether the rotating portion 222 is being rotated.

The remote control device 700 may also include a wireless communication circuit 720, for example an RF transmitter coupled to an antenna, for transmitting wireless signals, such as the RF signals 108, in response to the CPU 730 receiving the first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2(e.g., based on rotations of the rotating portion 222) and receiving the toggle control signal V_TOG(e.g., based on actuations of the actuation portion 224). The CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to cause the wireless communication circuit 720 to transmit digital messages via one or more wireless signals to an associated load control device, for example the controllable light source 110 shown in FIG. 1. The CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to use the memory 732 for the storage and/or retrieval of, for example, a unique identifier (e.g., a serial number) of the remote control device 700 that may be included in the transmitted RF signals. In response one or more of the toggle control signal V_TOGand the first and second HES output signals V_HES1, V_HES2, the CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may cause the wireless communication circuit 720 to transmit one or more signals, for example RF signals 108, to a controllable light source associated with the rotary remote control device 700, for example the lighting load of the controllable light source 110 shown in FIG. 1. The remote control device 700 may include one or more visual indicators, for example, one or more LEDs 726 (e.g., the LEDs 246 of the control module 220 shown in FIG. 4), which are configured to provide feedback to a user of the remote control device 700. For example, the LEDs 726 may be configured to illuminate the light bar 226. The CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be operatively coupled to the LEDs 726. The CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to pulse-width modulate the LEDs 726. In some examples, the CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to only illuminate a subset of the LEDs (e.g., three LEDs) at a single time to reduce the peak current conducted through the battery 724. The CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may control the LEDs 726 to provide feedback indicating a status of the controllable light source 110, for example if the controllable light source 110 is on or off, or a present intensity of the controllable light source 110.

The CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to determine the magnitude of the battery voltage V_BATTof the battery 724, which may change (e.g., decrease) over time as the battery ages. The CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to illuminate the LEDs 726 in order to provide an indication that the battery 724 is low on energy, to provide feedback during programming or association of the remote control device 700, and/or to provide a night light. The control circuit 710 may comprise an internal analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 738 that is referenced to the battery voltage V_BATT(e.g., between the positive and negative terminals of the battery 724). The CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to use the magnitude of the regulated DC supply voltage V_CCto estimate the magnitude of the battery voltage V_BATT. Specifically, the regulated supply voltage V_CCmay be provided to an input ADC_INof the ADC 738, for example, as shown in FIG. 10. The CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to sample the magnitude of the supply voltage V_CCat the input ADC_INusing the ADC 738 to generate a measured voltage value at the output ADC_OUTof the analog-to-digital converter.

Since the ADC 738 is referenced to the battery voltage V_BATT, the measurement of the magnitude of the supply voltage V_CC(e.g., the measured voltage at the output ADC_OUTof the analog-to-digital converter) may be dependent upon the magnitude of the battery voltage V_BATT, e.g.,

ADC_OUT=(V_ADC-IN/V_BATT)−BITS_ADC,

where V_ADC-INis the measured voltage at the input ADC_INof the ADC 738 and BITS_ADCis the resolution of the analog-to-digital converter (e.g., 8-12 bits). Since the supply voltage V_CCis provided to the analog input ADC_IN1of the ADC 738 and the magnitude of the regulated supply voltage V_CCis known (e.g., 1.8 volts), the CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be able to calculate the magnitude of the battery voltage V_BATTusing the output ADC_OUT, the measured voltage V_ADC-N, and the resolution BITS_ADC, e.g.,

V_BATT=(V_ADC-IN/ADC_OUT)−BITS_ADC.

Thus, the CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be able to determine the magnitude of the battery voltage V_BATTwithout the need to scale magnitude of the battery voltage down to a level that the ADC 738 of the control circuit 710 can sample, for example, using a resistive divider, which would consume additional battery power.

The remote control device 700 may comprise a converter circuit, e.g., a boost power supply 728, which may receive the supply voltage V_CCand generate a boosted DC voltage V_BOOST. The boosted DC voltage V_BOOSTmay have a magnitude greater than the magnitude of the supply voltage V_CCfor driving the LEDs 726 (e.g., approximately 2.6-2.8 volts). The boost power supply 728 may be configured to be enabled and disabled such that the boost power supply 728 only generates the boosted voltage V_BOOSTwhen the LEDs 726 need to be illuminated (e.g., when the rotating portion 222 is being rotated or when the actuation portion 224 is actuated). Additionally or alternatively, the converter circuit of the remote control device 700 may comprise an inverter circuit for generating a negative DC voltage V_CC-NEG(e.g., −1.8 volts) from the supply voltage V_CC, and the LEDs may be coupled between the supply voltage V_CCand the negative DC voltage V_CC-NEG.

The control circuit 710 may be configured to operate in a normal mode in response to rotations of the rotating portion 222 and/or in response to actuations of the actuation portion 224. In the normal mode, the CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to monitor the Hall-effect sensing circuits 716, 718 to determine the angular velocity ω and/or the angular direction of the rotating portion 222. In the normal mode, the CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to transmit digital messages via the wireless communication circuit 720, enable the boost power supply 728, and illuminate the LEDs 726 in the normal mode.

The control circuit 710 may be configured to operate in a reduced-power mode (e.g., an idle mode) when the when the rotating portion 222 and the actuation portion 224 are not being actuated. When operating in the reduced-power mode, the CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to turn off the LEDs 726, disable the boost power supply 728, change the Hall-effect sensing circuits 716, 718 to the low-speed mode, and/or disable one of the Hall-effect sensing circuits, such that the remote control device 700 consumes less power.

In addition, the control circuit 710 may be configured to control the first Hall-effect sensing circuit 716 during the reduced-power mode to sample the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic ring 270 at a third sampling rate that is between the first sampling rate of the first Hall-effect sensing circuit during the high-speed mode and the second sampling rate of the first Hall-effect sensing circuit during the low-speed mode. The control circuit 720 may be configured to generate an enable control signal V_ENABLEfor selectively enabling and disabling the first Hall-effect sensing circuit 716 during the reduced-power mode as will be described in greater detail below. In the reduced-power mode, the control circuit 710 may be configured to pulse-width modulate the enable control signal V_ENABLEto periodically enable and disable the first Hall-effect sensing circuit 716 to sample the magnetic fields generated by the magnetic ring 270 at the third sampling rate. The third sampling rate may be adjustable to allow the control circuit 710 to adjust an average power dissipation of the first Hall-effect sensing circuit 716 during the reduced-power mode. The control circuit 710 may be configured to adjust a duty cycle of the enable control signal V_ENABLEto adjust the third sampling rate. Further, remote control device 700 may include other types of sampling circuits that are configured with one or more static sampling rates (e.g., such as a touch responsive circuit), and the control circuit 710 may be configured to control such circuits in a similar manner. In such instances, and for example, the control circuit 710 may be configured to control such sensing circuit(s) at a third sampling rate during the reduced-power mode that is between a first sampling rate performed during a high-speed mode and a second sampling rate performed during a low-speed mode.

The CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may generate a reduced power control signal V_RPfor changing between the normal mode and the reduced-power mode. For example, the CPU 730 of the control circuit 710 may be configured to enter the normal mode by driving the reduced power control signal V_RPhigh and to enter the reduced-power mode by driving the reduced power control signal V