A trickle power supply for a light switch module according to the invention enables power to an electronic circuit to be taken directly off the hot line. The power supply operates under what is referred to as the "switched leg theory". All power is taken off the standard switched leg of the light circuit. The power supply bleeds enough current to power its electronic circuitry without turning on the load device, i.e., the light. At the same time, the maximum current to the load is limited to prevent shorting out of the power supply which would effectively disable the switch module.
A trickle power supply for a light switch module according to the invention enables power to an electronic circuit to be taken directly off the hot line. The power supply operates under what is referred to as the "switched leg theory". All power is taken off the standard switched leg of the light circuit. The power supply bleeds enough current to power its electronic circuitry without turning on the load device, i.e., the light. At the same time, the maximum current to the load is limited to prevent shorting out of the power supply which would effectively disable the switch module.
A power supply for operating from a switched leg of an AC power line is described. A switch provides current during the beginning of each AC half cycle to an inductor and charges a capacitor. When the switch is open, the inductor continues to charge the capacitor. During the time that the inductor is coupled to that AC line, the switched leg is open. For instance, the signal used to close the switch also prevents a triac in the switched leg from conducting.
