CN112272787A - Main line window controller - Google Patents

Abstract

A trunk line for providing a communication path to a network of optically switchable windows is described.

Description

Main line window controller

Cross Reference to Related Applications

This application is a continuation-in-part application and claims priority from U.S. patent application serial No. 14/951,410 entitled "independent EC IGU (SELF-CONTAINED EC IGU)" filed 24.11.2015, a continuation-in-part application from U.S. patent application serial No. 14/468,778 entitled "ONBOARD CONTROLLER FOR multi-state window" (ONBOARD CONTROLLER FOR multi-state window) filed 26.8.26.2014, a continuation-in-part application from U.S. patent application serial No. 13/479,137 (now U.S. patent No. 9,128,346) filed 23.5.2012, entitled "ONBOARD CONTROLLER FOR multi-state window" (now U.S. patent No. 8,213,074), a continuation-in-part application from U.S. patent application serial No. 13/049,750 (now U.S. patent No. 8,213,074) filed 16.3.2011.16, entitled "ONBOARD CONTROLLER FOR multi-state window", and claims priority to its priority All of these applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes. U.S. patent application serial No. 14/951,410 also claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/085,179, filed on 26/11/2014, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes. This application claims the benefit of the following U.S. provisional applications, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes: united states provisional patent application No. 62/660,170 filed on 19/4/2018, united states provisional patent application No. 62/687,187 filed on 19/6/2018, and united states provisional patent application No. 62/696,704 filed on 11/7/2018.

Technical Field

The disclosed embodiments relate generally to optically switchable devices, and more particularly to a network of optically switchable windows and connectors for testing and troubleshooting connections to the network.

Background

During commissioning of a network of electrically connected windows, a test of the correct operation of the network is performed. If incorrect operation or connection of the network is found, troubleshooting is performed. However, testing and troubleshooting have historically been difficult due to the location of connections and components in electrical networks and the distances between them. For example, in a daisy chain of 8 windows connected to a 60 foot long trunk, the connectors used to connect the drop lines to the windows through their corresponding window controls may be separated by up to 60 feet, and such distances between the connectors may make it difficult for a technician to verify the electrical connectivity and continuity and the presence of signals along the trunk at and between the connectors. Testing and troubleshooting becomes more difficult when the trunk is in a hard-to-reach location in the ceiling or wall.

Disclosure of Invention

In one embodiment, a system for communicating with an optically switchable window in a building includes: a trunk line configured to provide a communication path to a plurality of window controllers and a plurality of optically switchable windows, the trunk line comprising: a plurality of electrical conductors; a plurality of trunk line segments; the plurality of window controllers are configured to be coupled to the plurality of windows; and a plurality of electrical connectors, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are connected in series by the plurality of trunk sections. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of electrical connectors includes a respective window controller of the plurality of window controllers. In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical connectors are configured to provide access to the plurality of conductors when connected in series with the plurality of trunk segments. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of electrical connectors is integrally formed with a respective one of the plurality of window controllers. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of electrical connectors is formed around a respective window controller of the plurality of window controllers. In one embodiment, each of the plurality of electrical connectors is directly coupled to a respective one of the plurality of window controllers. In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical connectors are coupled to the trunk by threads. In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical conductors are continuous between their ends. In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical connectors are snapped or clamped onto the trunk. In one embodiment, the stem comprises at least one flat or ribbon-like portion. In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical connectors are defined by a body, and a plurality of test points are disposed in or on the body. In one embodiment, the plurality of electrical connectors are defined by a body from which the plurality of test points extend. In one embodiment, at least one test point of the plurality of test points is embodied as a lead-in. In one embodiment, the plurality of optically switchable windows comprises electrochromic windows.

These and other features and advantages will be described in more detail below with reference to the associated drawings.

Drawings

The following detailed description may be more fully understood when considered in conjunction with the drawings, in which:

fig. 1A depicts conventional fabrication of an IGU containing an EC pane and incorporated into a window assembly.

Fig. 1B depicts a conventional wiring scheme for an EC window controller.

Fig. 2A is a schematic view of a window assembly having an IGU with an onboard controller.

Fig. 2B is a schematic view of an on-board window controller.

Fig. 3 depicts a wiring scheme including an EC window with an on-board window controller.

Fig. 4 depicts a comparison of a distributed network of EC-window controllers with conventional end or leaf controllers and a distributed network of EC-windows with on-board controllers.

Fig. 5A is a schematic view of an on-board window controller.

FIG. 5B depicts a user interface of a local controller described herein.

Fig. 6 depicts a network of connected EC windows.

Fig. 7-10 depict electrical connectors consistent with embodiments described herein.

Fig. 11-12 depict connector blocks consistent with embodiments described herein.

13a, 13b and 14-16 depict a tester consistent with embodiments described herein.

Figure 17 depicts a trunk line containing a connector containing a window controller.

Fig. 18 depicts a connector incorporating a window controller.

Fig. 19 depicts another embodiment of a connector incorporating a window controller.

Detailed Description

As described herein, a "local" controller is a window controller that is associated with and controls one or more optically switchable windows (e.g., electrochromic or "EC" windows). An EC window may contain one, two, three, or more separate EC panes (EC devices on a transparent substrate). The controller may be configured to be in close proximity to, as part of, or at a distance from the EC window. In certain embodiments, this means that when the controller is installed, the controller is within, for example, 1 meter of the EC window, in one embodiment within 0.5 meter, and in yet another embodiment within 0.25 meter. In some embodiments, the window controller is an "in-situ" controller; that is, the controller is part of a window assembly that contains an IGU with one or more EC panes and therefore does not have to be mated with an EC window and installed in the field. The controller may be mounted in a window frame of the window unit or as part of the IGU (e.g., between panes of the IGU).

It should be understood that although the disclosed embodiments focus on electrochromic windows, the concepts may be applied to other types of switchable optical devices, such as liquid crystal devices, suspended particle devices, and the like.

Because the window controllers described herein are matched to insulated glass units ("IGUs") containing one or more EC devices, they have a number of advantages. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated into the IGU and/or window frame prior to installation of the EC window. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated into the IGU and/or window frame prior to exiting the manufacturing facility. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated into the IGU, substantially within the secondary seal. With the controller as part of the IGU and/or window assembly, the IGU can be characterized using the logic and features of the controller that is transported with the IGU or window unit. For example, when the controller is part of an IGU assembly, if the characteristics of one or more EC devices change over time, such characterization functionality may be used, for example, to redirect into which product the IGU will be incorporated. In another example, if already installed in an EC window unit, the logic and features of the controller may be used to calibrate the control parameters to match the expected installation, and for example, if already installed, the control parameters may be recalibrated to match the performance characteristics of one or more EC panes.

In such applications, an "IGU" comprises two substantially transparent substrates (e.g., two glass panes), wherein at least one substrate comprises an EC device disposed thereon, and the panes have a separator disposed therebetween. The IGU is typically hermetically sealed, having an interior region that is isolated from the surrounding environment. A "window assembly" includes an IGU and may include electrical leads for connecting one or more EC devices of the IGU to a voltage source, switches, etc., as well as a frame that supports the IGU and associated wiring.

For context, a discussion of conventional window controller technology follows. Fig. 1A depicts an EC window manufacturing and control scheme 100. An EC pane 105 with an EC device (not shown, but for example on surface a) and a busbar 110 to power the EC device are mated with another glass plate 115. During fabrication of IGU125, spacer 120 is sandwiched between and in registration with substrate 105 and substrate 115. IGU125 has an associated interior space defined by the face of the substrate in contact with divider 120 and the interior surface of the divider. The partition 110 is typically a sealed partition, i.e., contains the spacer and seals between the spacer and each substrate to which it is adjacent, in order to hermetically seal the interior region and thus protect the interior from moisture and the like. Typically, once the glass sheets are sealed to the spacer, a secondary seal may be applied around the peripheral edge of the IGU to impart further sealing from the surrounding environment and further structural rigidity to the IGU. IGU125 must be wired to the controller by wires 130. The IGU is supported by a frame to create a window assembly 135. The window assembly 135 is connected to a controller 140 by a wire 130. The controller 140 may also be connected to one or more sensors in the frame by a communication line 145.

As depicted in fig. 1A, conventional EC window controllers are not part of the window assembly itself and thus require the controller to be mounted externally to the IGU and/or window assembly. Moreover, conventional window controllers are calibrated to the EC windows they control at the installation site, which places more burden on the installer. As a result, there are more components shipped from the manufacturer to the installation site, and this has associated tracking defects, such as window and associated controller mismatches. Mismatched controls and windows may result in installation delays and damage to the controls and/or IGU. All of these factors contribute to the higher cost of EC windows. Also, since conventional controllers are remotely located, low voltage (e.g., less than 10v DC) wiring is long and of varying lengths and is therefore wired to one or more EC windows as part of their installation. For example, referring to fig. 1B, the controllers 140 each control an EC window 135. Typically, the controller is located near a single location and thus the length of the low voltage wiring 130 is varied. Even if only one controller controls a plurality of windows. The associated current drops and losses occur due to such longer wiring. Moreover, because the controller is remotely located, any control feedback or diagnostic sensors installed in the window assembly require separate wiring to extend to the controller-thereby increasing the cost and complexity of the installation. Moreover, any identification numbers on the IGU are hidden by the framework and may not be readily accessible, making checking IGU information (e.g., checking warranty information or other vendor information) problematic.

In one embodiment, the local controller is installed as part of the wall of the room in which the associated window or IGU is to be installed. That is, the controller is mounted in the frame and/or wall material (according to the distances described herein) in the vicinity of where its associated window unit or IGU is to be mounted. This may be in the material that will ultimately become part of the wall where the separate window frame and IGU (window unit) will be installed, or the controller may be installed in the frame material that will at least partially serve as the frame of the EC window, with the IGU installed into the frame to complete the IGU and controller proximity matching. Accordingly, one embodiment is a method of installing an EC window and associated controller unit into a wall, the method comprising (a) installing the associated controller unit into the wall, and (b) installing the EC window unit or installing an IGU comprising a window frame of the EC window, wherein the wall frame serves as a frame of the EC window.

In one embodiment, the controller described herein is part of a window assembly. One embodiment is a window unit comprising: a substantially transparent substrate having an electrochromic device disposed thereon; and a controller integrated with the substrate in the window unit to provide optical switching control for the electrochromic device. In one embodiment, the window unit further comprises: a second substantially transparent substrate; and a sealed partition between the first substantially transparent substrate and the second substantially transparent substrate, the sealed partition defining, with the first and second substantially transparent substrates, an insulated interior region. In one embodiment, the controller is embedded in the sealed partition. In one embodiment, the controller includes control logic for directing the electrochromic device to switch between three or more optical states. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to prevent the electrochromic device from being connected to an external power source in a reverse polarity mode. In one embodiment, the controller is configured to be powered by a power source delivered between about 2 volts and 10 volts. A power supply line for delivering both power and communication or power only to the controller may be included in the window assembly, with the controller including wireless communication capability.

In one embodiment, a window assembly includes an IGU having at least one EC pane; and a window controller configured to control at least one EC pane of an IGU of the window assembly. Preferably, but not necessarily, the window controller is not positioned within the visible area of the IGU. In one embodiment, the window controller is positioned outside of the primary seal of the IGU. The controls may be in the window frame and/or between the panes of the IGU. In one embodiment, the window controller is contained within the IGU. That is, an IGU that contains a "window unit" containing two (or more) panes and a divider also contains a window controller. In one embodiment, the window controller is positioned at least partially between the individual panes of the IGU, external to the main seal. In one embodiment, for example, the window controller may span a distance from a point between two panes of the IGU and a point outside of the panes, such that the portion extending beyond the panes resides at least partially in the frame of the window assembly.

In one embodiment, the window controller is between and does not extend beyond the individual panes of the IGU. This configuration is desirable because the window controller may be wired, for example, to one or more EC devices of the EC pane of the IGU and contained in the secondary seal of the IGU. This incorporates the window controller into the secondary seal; although it may be partially exposed to the ambient environment for routing purposes. In one embodiment, because the controller otherwise communicates over wireless technology and/or over a power cord (e.g., such as ethernet over a power cord), the controller may only require an exposed power outlet and thus be "plugged in" to a low voltage power source (e.g., a 24v power source). Since the controller is near the EC device, wiring from the controller to the EC device (e.g., between 2v and 10 v) is minimized.

Electrochromic windows suitable for use with the controllers described herein include, but are not limited to, EC windows having one, two, or more electrochromic panes. Windows having EC panes with both EC devices and inorganic EC devices in solid state thereon are particularly suitable for use in the controllers described herein due to their excellent switching and transitioning characteristics and low defectivity. Such windows are described in the following U.S. patent applications: filed on 12/22/2009 under the heading "Fabrication of Low-defect Electrochromic Devices" and assigned Mark Kozlowski et al as inventor serial No. 12/645,111; serial No. 12/645,159 entitled "Electrochromic Devices" and assigned Zhongchun Wang et al as inventor, filed on 12/22/2009; serial numbers 12/772,055 and 12/772,075, each filed 30/2010 and U.S. patent application serial numbers 12/814,277 and 12/814,279, each filed 11/2010, each entitled "electrochromic device," each of the latter four applications, each assigned Zhongchun Wang et al as the inventor; serial No. 12/851,514 entitled "multi-pane Electrochromic window" filed on 5.8.2010, each of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. As mentioned, the controller disclosed herein may be used for switchable optical devices that are not electrochromic devices. Such alternative devices include liquid crystal devices and suspended particle devices.

In certain embodiments, one or more EC devices of an EC window face the interior region of the IGU to protect them from the surrounding environment. In one embodiment, the EC window includes a two-state EC device. In one embodiment, the EC window has only one EC pane, which may have a two-state (optical) EC device (dyed or bleached state) or a device with variable transitions. In one embodiment, the window contains two EC panes, each of which contains a two-state device thereon and the IGU has two optical states, and in another embodiment, the IGU has four optical states. In one embodiment, the four optical states are: i) an overall transmittance of between about 60% and about 90%; ii) an overall transmittance of between about 15% and about 30%; iii) an overall transmission of between about 5% and about 10%; and iv) an overall transmission of between about 0.1% and about 5%. In one embodiment, the EC window has: one pane with EC devices having two states and another pane with EC devices having variable optical state capabilities. In one embodiment, the EC window has two EC panes, each pane having an EC device with variable optical state capability. In one embodiment, the EC window contains three or more EC panes.

In certain embodiments, the EC window is a low defect window. In one embodiment, the total number of visible defects, pinholes, and short-related pinholes resulting from visible short-related defects in an EC device isolating an EC window is less than about 0.1 defects per square centimeter, and in another embodiment, less than about 0.045 defects per square centimeter.

Fig. 2A depicts a window assembly 200 including a window frame 205. The viewable area of the window unit is indicated on the figure within the perimeter of the frame 205. As indicated by the dashed lines, within the frame 205 is an IGU 210 comprising two glass plates separated by a sealed spacer 215, indicated with grey shading. The window controller 220 is interposed between the glass sheets of the IGU 210 and, in this example, does not extend beyond the perimeter of the glass sheets of the IGU. The window controller need not be incorporated into a single housing as depicted and need not be along a single edge of the IGU. For example, in one embodiment, the controller resides along two, three, or four edges of the IGU, and in some cases, all within the secondary sealing zone. In some embodiments, the window controller may extend beyond the perimeter of the IGU and into the frame of the window assembly.

Having the window controller positioned in the frame of the window assembly (specifically, in the secondary sealing area of the IGU) has advantages, some of which include: 1) the wiring from the controller to one or more EC devices of the IGU pane is very short and consistent from one window to another for a given installation; 2) any custom pairing and commissioning of the controller and IGU can be done at the factory without the opportunity to mismatch the controller and window in the field; 3) even without a mismatch, fewer components are shipped, tracked, and installed; 4) because the components of the controller may be incorporated into the secondary seal of the IGU, the controller does not require a separate housing and installation; 5) the wiring to the window may be higher voltage wiring (e.g., 24V or 48V) and thus avoid line losses seen in lower voltage lines (e.g., below 10V DC); 6) this configuration allows in-situ connection to control feedback and diagnostic sensors, avoiding the need for long wiring to a remote controller; and 7) the controller may store relevant information about the IGU, for example using an RFID tag and/or a memory such as a solid state serial memory (e.g., I2C or SPI), which may optionally be programmable. The stored information may include similar information such as the date of manufacture, lot ID, window size, warranty information, EC device cycle count, current detected window conditions (e.g., applied voltage, temperature, Tvis%), window drive configuration parameters, controller zone membership, and the like, as will be further described below. These benefits save time, money, and installation down time, and provide greater design flexibility for control and feedback sensing. More details of the window controller are described below.

One embodiment is a window assembly (or IGU) having at least one EC pane, wherein the window assembly (or IGU) includes a window controller. In one embodiment, a window controller comprises: a power converter configured to convert a low voltage (e.g., 24V) to a power requirement of the at least one EC pane (e.g., between 2V and 10V); a communication circuit for receiving and sending commands to and from a remote controller, and receiving and sending inputs to and from the remote controller; a microcontroller containing logic for controlling the at least one EC pane based at least in part on input received from one or more sensors; and a driver circuit for powering the at least one EC device.

Fig. 2B depicts an example window controller 220 in more detail. The controller 220 includes a power converter configured to convert the low voltage to the power requirements of the EC device of the EC pane of the IGU. This power is typically fed to the EC device through a driver circuit (power driver). In one embodiment, the controller 220 has redundant power drives such that in the event of a failure of one power drive, there is a backup and the controller does not need to be replaced or repaired.

The controller 220 also includes communication circuitry (labeled "communication" in fig. 2B) for receiving and sending commands to and from a remote controller (depicted as "master controller" in fig. 2B). The communication circuit is also used to receive and transmit inputs to and from the microcontroller. In one embodiment, the power cord is also used to send and receive communications, for example, over a protocol such as ethernet. The microcontroller contains logic for controlling the at least one EC pane based at least in part on input received from the one or more sensors. In this example, the sensors 1-3 are, for example, external to the controller 220, such as in or near a window frame. In one embodiment, the controller has at least one or more internal sensors. For example, the controller 220 may also or alternatively have "on-board" sensors 4 and 5. In one embodiment, the controller uses the EC device as a sensor, for example, by using current-voltage (I/V) data obtained from sending one or more electrical pulses through the EC device and analyzing the feedback. This type of sensing capability is described in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/049,756, filed on even date herewith, entitled "Multipurpose Controller for Multistate Windows" by Brown et al, and assigned to the inventor, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

In one embodiment, the controller comprises a chip, card or board containing programmed and/or hard-coded appropriate logic for performing one or more control functions. The power and communication functions of the controller 220 may be combined in a single chip, such as a Programmable Logic Device (PLD) chip, a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), or the like. Such integrated circuits may combine logic, control, and power functions in a single programmable chip. In one embodiment, where an EC window (or IGU) has two EC panes, the logic is configured to independently control each of the two EC panes. In one embodiment, the functionality of each of the two EC panes is controlled in a coordinated manner, i.e., such that each device is controlled to complement the other device. For example, the desired level of light transmission, thermal insulation effect, and/or other properties is controlled by a combination of the state of each of the individual devices. For example, one EC device may have a dyed state while another EC device is used for resistive heating, e.g., through a transparent electrode of the device. In another example, the dye states of the two EC devices are controlled such that the combined transmittance is the desired result.

The controller 220 may also have wireless capabilities, such as control functions and power supply functions. For example, wireless controls such as RF and/or IR and wireless communications such as bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, EnOcean, etc. may be used to send instructions to the microcontroller and for the microcontroller to send data to, for example, other window controllers and/or Building Management Systems (BMS). The wireless communication may be used in the window controller for at least one of: programming and/or operating the EC window, collecting data from the EC window from the sensors, and using the EC window as a relay point for wireless communication. The data collected from the EC window may also include count data such as the number of times the EC device has been activated (cycled), the efficiency of the EC device over time, and the like. Each of these wireless communication features is described in U.S. patent application serial No. 13/049,756, filed on even date herewith, and assigned to Brown et al as the inventor, entitled "multipurpose controller for a multi-state window," which is incorporated by reference above.

Also, the controller 220 may have a wireless power function. That is, the controller 220 may have one or more wireless power receivers that receive transmissions from one or more wireless power transmitters and thus the controller 220 may power the EC window through wireless power transmission. Wireless power transfer includes, for example, but is not limited to, induction, resonant induction, radio frequency power transfer, microwave power transfer, and laser power transfer. In one embodiment, power is transmitted to the receiver through radio frequencies, and the receiver converts the power into current using polarized waves such as circularly polarized waves, elliptically polarized waves, and/or dual polarized waves, and/or various frequencies and vectors. In another embodiment, power is transmitted wirelessly through inductive coupling of magnetic fields. An exemplary Wireless power functionality for an Electrochromic window is described in U.S. patent application serial No. 12/971,576, filed on 17.12.2010, entitled "Wireless Powered Electrochromic window," and assigned to Robert Rozbicki as the inventor, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The controller 220 may also contain an RFID tag and/or memory such as solid state serial memory (e.g., I2C or SPI), which may optionally be programmable memory. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) refers to interrogators (or readers) and tags (or labels). RFID tags use communication by electromagnetic waves to exchange data between a terminal and an object, for example, for the purpose of identifying and tracking the object. Some RFID tags may be read from a line of sight that is several meters away and beyond the reader.

Most RFID tags contain at least two parts. One part is an integrated circuit for storing and processing information, modulating and demodulating Radio Frequency (RF) signals, and other specialized functions. The other part is an antenna for receiving and transmitting signals.

There are three types of RFID tags: a passive RFID tag that has no power source and requires an external electromagnetic field to initiate signal transmission; an active RFID tag that contains a battery and can transmit a signal once the reader has successfully identified; and Battery Assisted Passive (BAP) RFID tags that require an external power source to wake up but have significantly higher forward link capability that provides a larger range. RFID has many applications; for example, it is used in enterprise supply chain management to improve the efficiency of inventory tracking and management.

In one embodiment, the RFID tag or other memory is programmed with at least one of the following types of data: warranty information, installation information, supplier information, lot/inventory information, EC device/IGU characteristics, EC device cycle information, and customer information. Examples of EC device characteristics and IGU characteristics includeSuch as window voltage (V)_W) Window current (I)_W) EC coating temperature (T)_EC) Glass visible transmission (T)_vis%),% shading command (external analog input from BMS), digital input status, and controller status. Each of these characteristics represents upstream information that may be provided from the controller to a BMS or window management system or other building device. The window voltage, window current, window temperature and/or visible transmission level may be detected directly from sensors on the window. The% tint command may be provided to the BMS or other building device indicating that the controller has actually taken action to implement the tint change, which may have been requested by the building device. This may be important because other building systems, such as HVAC systems, may not recognize that a tint action is being taken because it may take several minutes (e.g., 10 minutes) for the window to change state after the tint action is initiated. Thus, the HVAC action may be deferred for an appropriate period of time to ensure that the coloring action has sufficient time to affect the building environment. The digital input status information may inform the BMS or other system that manual action has been taken in connection with the smart window. See block 504 in fig. 5A. Finally, the controller status may inform the BMS or other system whether the controller in question is operational or has some other status related to its overall functionality.

Examples of downstream data from a BMS or other building system that may be provided to a controller include window drive configuration parameters, zone membership (e.g., which zone within a building is part of this controller),% tint value, digital output status, and digital control (tint, bleach, auto, restart, etc.). The window drive parameters may define a control sequence (actually an algorithm) for changing the state of the window. Examples of window drive configuration parameters include a bleach-to-color transition ramp rate, a bleach-to-color transition voltage, an initial dye ramp rate, an initial dye voltage, an initial dye current limit, a dye hold voltage, a dye hold current limit, a color-to-bleach transition ramp rate, a color-to-bleach transition voltage, an initial bleach ramp rate, an initial bleach voltage, an initial bleach current limit, a bleach hold voltage, a bleach hold current limit. An example of the application of such window drive parameters is presented In U.S. patent application serial No. 13/049,623, filed on even date herewith, entitled "Controlling Transitions In Optically Switchable Devices" by Pradhan, Mehtani and Jack as inventor, which is incorporated herein by reference In its entirety.

The% tint value can be an analog or digital signal sent from the BMS or other management device, indicating that the onboard controller is placing its window in a state corresponding to the% tint value. The digital output state is a signal in which the controller indicates that it has taken action to begin coloring. The digital control signal indicates that the controller has received a manual command (as received from the interface 504 as shown in fig. 5B). The BMS may use this information to, for example, record manual operations on a per window basis.

In one embodiment, a programmable memory is used in the controller described herein. Such programmable memory may be used in place of or in conjunction with RFID technology. The programmable memory has the advantage of increased flexibility for storing data associated with the IGU to which the controller is mated.

The advantages of the "local" controller described herein (specifically, the "in-situ" or "on-board" controller) are further described with respect to fig. 3 and 4. Fig. 3 depicts an arrangement 300 containing EC windows 305, each having an associated local or on-board window controller (not shown). Fig. 3 shows that with an on-board controller, the wiring, e.g., for powering and controlling windows, is very simplified compared to conventional wiring, e.g., as depicted in fig. 1B. In this example, a single power source (e.g., 24V low voltage) may be routed throughout the building containing the window 305. There is no need to calibrate the various controllers to compensate for the variable wiring length and associated lower voltage (e.g., less than 10V DC) to each of many remote windows. Because there is no longer distance, lower voltage wiring, losses due to wiring length can be reduced or avoided, and installation can be easier and modular. If the window controller has wireless communication and control functions or uses a power line for communication functions (e.g., ethernet), only a single voltage power supply wiring is required to run through the building. If the controller also has wireless power transmission capability, no wiring is required, as each window has its own controller.

Fig. 4 depicts a comparison of a distributed network 400 of EC-window controllers with conventional end or leaf controllers and a distributed network 420 of EC-windows with on-board controllers. Such networks are typical in large commercial buildings that may contain smart windows.

In the network 400, a master controller controls a plurality of intermediate controllers 405a and 405 b. Each of the intermediate controllers in turn controls a plurality of end or leaf controllers 410. Each of the controllers 410 controls an EC window. The network 400 contains long spans of lower DC voltage (e.g., a few volts), wiring and communication cables from each of the leaf controllers 410 to each of the windows 430. In contrast, by using on-board controllers as described herein, the network 420 eliminates a significant amount of lower DC voltage wiring between each end controller and its respective window. Moreover, this saves a significant amount of space that would otherwise house the leaf controller 410. A single low voltage (e.g., from a 24v power supply) is provided to all windows in a building and no additional lower voltage wiring or calibration of many windows using their respective controllers is required. Furthermore, if the onboard controllers have wireless communication capabilities or the ability to use power cords, such as in ethernet technology, no additional communication lines are required between the intermediate controllers 405a and 405b and the windows.

Fig. 5A is a schematic diagram of an onboard window controller configuration 500 that includes an interface for integrating an EC window into, for example, a residential system or a building management system. The voltage regulator receives power from a standard 24v AC/DC power source. Voltage regulators are used to power microprocessors (. mu.p) and Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) amplifiers that can generate current at high and low output levels, for example, to power associated smart windows. The communication interface allows for wireless communication, for example, with a microprocessor of the controller. In one embodiment, the communication interface is based on an established interface standard, for example, in one embodiment, the communication interface of the controller uses a serial communication bus which may be the CAN 2.0 physical layer standard introduced by Bosch, incorporated today for automotive and industrial applications. "CAN" is a linear bus topology that allows 64 nodes (window controllers) per network with data rates of 10kbps to 1Mbps and distances up to 2500 m. Other hard-wired embodiments include MODBUS, LonWorks. The bus may also employ wireless technology (e.g., Zigbee, bluetooth, etc.).

In the depicted embodiment, the controller includes discrete input/output (DIO) functionality, where multiple digital and/or analog inputs are received, such as degree of shading, temperature of one or more EC devices,% transmittance, device temperature (e.g., from a thermistor), light intensity (e.g., from a LUX sensor), and so forth. The output includes a degree of shading for the one or more EC devices. The configuration depicted in fig. 5A is particularly useful for automated systems, for example, where an advanced BMS is used in conjunction with an EC window having an EC controller as described herein. For example, a bus may be used to communicate between the BMS gateway and the EC window controller communication interface. The BMS gateway also communicates with a BMS server.

Some of the functionality of the discrete I/O will now be described.

DI-coloring degree bit 0 and DI-coloring degree bit 1: these two inputs together constitute a binary input (2-bit or 2.sup.2 ═ 4 combination; 00, 01, 10, and 11) to allow an external device (switch or relay contact) to select one of four discrete tint states for each EC window pane of the IGU. In other words, this embodiment assumes that the EC device on the window pane has four separate tint states that can be set. For an IGU with two window panes, each with its own four-state shading level, the combination of binary inputs may be as many as eight. See U.S. patent application serial No. 12/851,514, filed on 5/8/2010 and previously incorporated by reference. In some embodiments, these inputs allow the user to override the BMS controls (e.g., decolour the window to get more light even if the BMS wishes to tint it to reduce the thermal gain).

AI-EC temperature: this analog input allows the sensor (thermocouple, thermistor, RTD) to be directly connected to the controller for the purpose of determining the temperature of the EC coating. Thus, the temperature may be determined directly without measuring the current and/or voltage at the window. This allows the controller to set the voltage and current parameters of the controller output appropriately for temperature.

AI-transmittance: this analog input allows the controller to directly measure the percent transmission of the EC coating. This may be used for the purpose of matching a plurality of windows, which may be adjacent to each other, to ensure a consistent visual appearance, or may be used to determine the actual state of a window when a control algorithm requires a correction or a change of state. Using such analog inputs, transmittance can be measured directly without inferring transmittance using voltage and current feedback.

AI temperature/light intensity: this analog input is connected to an indoor or outdoor (to the building) light level or temperature sensor. Such inputs can be used to control the desired state of the EC coating by several means including: coloring the window with an external light level (e.g., exterior bright, coloring the window or vice versa); the window is colored using an external temperature sensor (e.g., cold outdoor weather in minneapolis, decoloring the window to induce thermal gain into the room or vice versa; warm weather in phoenix, coloring the window to reduce thermal gain and reduce air conditioning load).

AI% coloring: such analog inputs can be used to interface with a conventional BMS or other device using 0-10 volt signaling to inform the window controller which level of tint should be employed. The controller may choose to attempt to tint the window continuously (tint of tint proportional to signal from 0-10 volts, full tint at zero volts, full tint at 10 volts) or to quantify the signal (0-0.99 volts means to tint the window, 1-2.99 volts means to tint the window at 5%, 3-4.99 volts equal to 40% tint, and above 5 volts is full tint). When a signal is present on this interface, it can still be overwritten by a command on the serial communication bus indicating a different value.

DO tint level bit 0 and bit 1: such digital inputs are analogous to DI tint level bit 0 and DI tint level bit 1. These are digital outputs indicating which of the four tint states the window is in or commanded to enter. For example, if the window is fully tinted and the user walks into the room and wishes to clear it, the user may press one of the mentioned switches and cause the controller to begin de-coloring the window. Since this transition is not instantaneous, these digital outputs will alternately open and close to change in signal transmission and then remain in a fixed state when the window reaches its commanded value.

Fig. 5B depicts an on-board controller configuration 502 with a user interface. For example, without the need for automation, an EC window controller such as depicted in fig. 5A may be populated without PWM components and may act as an I/O controller for the end user, where, for example, a keypad 504 or other user controlled interface is available for use by the end user to control EC window functions. The EC window controllers and optionally the I/O controllers may be daisy-chained together to create a network of EC windows for automated and non-automated EC window applications.

Fig. 6 depicts a network of EC windows and EC window controllers. In the network 600, the bus can set and monitor parameters of individual windows 601 and relay the information to the network controller 606. In one embodiment, the bus comprises a trunk 608 and an electrical connector 604. In one embodiment, the trunk line comprises a 5-core cable having two electrical conductors providing the power signal, two electrical conductors providing the communication signal, and one conductor providing ground. In other embodiments, cables having fewer or more electrical conductors may be used, if desired or not. In one embodiment, connectors 604 physically and electrically connect trunk segments 603 together to form trunk 608. In one embodiment, signals carried by trunk 608 are distributed to respective window controllers 602 through respective connectors 604 and respective drop lines 605 connected to the connectors. Although fig. 6 shows the controller 602 as being spatially separated from the respective window 601, it should be understood that in other embodiments one or more of the window controllers may be integrated in or be part of the respective window. In one embodiment, during or after initial installation of the trunk, one or more additional connectors 607 connect to form the trunk 608. After installation, the further connector 607 may remain unconnected until needed for use with, for example, a drop wire, a window controller, a power supply, or a tester. Proper operation and connection of EC windows, controllers, connectors, and installed networks of trunks and drop lines may be verified during a process called commissioning. Some embodiments of debugging are described in the following U.S. provisional patent applications: U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/305,892, entitled "METHOD OF debugging ELECTROCHROMIC window" (filed on 9/3/2016); and U.S. provisional patent application No. 62/370,174, entitled "method of debugging an electrochromic window," filed on 8/2/2016, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of a connector 704 comprising a body (see 603 in fig. 6) having two ends 711/712 configured to conductively and mechanically couple two trunk line segments together, the body further having a third end 713 (see 605 in fig. 6) configured to conductively and mechanically couple to a drop line. In one embodiment, one or more of ends 711/712/713 are threaded. In one embodiment, end 711/712/713 includes a conductive structure that provides a conductive path to an electrical conductor (depicted by a dashed line) extending within connector 704 between ends 711/712/713. In one embodiment, the conductive structure comprises a conductive female pin or a conductive male pin. In one embodiment, end 711 of connector 704 is configured with a male pin and ends 712 and 713 are configured with female pins. In one embodiment, the connector 704 further includes a plurality of externally accessible electrical test points 714, each of which is conductively connected to a respective one of the individual electrical conductors. In one embodiment, test point 714 comprises a female pin. In one embodiment, test point 714 is protected from debris by a displaceable or removable cover. In one embodiment, the connector 704 includes indicia disposed on an outer surface of the connector. In one embodiment, the indicia contains a color and/or number located near or near the test point 714. In one embodiment, when a user desires to conductively access a particular conductor through a test point, the user may identify which test point to use by color and/or number in proximity to the test point. During network testing and/or troubleshooting, test points 714 enable a technician to quickly and easily verify the presence of signals on any conductor and at any point in the trunk, which the technician can easily verify by connecting the leads of a multimeter or other test device to the test points corresponding to the particular dyed conductor desired to be tested. The connector 704 facilitates a quick and easy method by which the continuity between different electrical conductors in the mains and the point of electrical conduction of interest can be tested without the time consuming process of having to individually disconnect the electrical connectors in the mains to access the electrical conductors and/or having to wire test devices to the electrical conductors spatially separated by a distance. For example, two test points of a connector at or near a first point of interest in the trunk may be shorted together by a jumper, and continuity at two test points of the connector at or near a second point of interest corresponding to the electrical conductor at the test points may be measured to verify whether continuity along the electrical conductor exists. When a connector that is not connected to a drop line (see connector 607 in fig. 6) is used in the trunk, the conductive structure at the exposed, unconnected end of the connector may also be used as a test point. In one embodiment, when connector 607 is used, it may be provided without test point 714, if desired.

FIG. 8 is an illustration of another embodiment of a connector for coupling segments of a trunk together. In one embodiment, connector 804 provides a similar function to that provided by the embodiment of fig. 7, but differs structurally in that the electrical conductors to connector 804 and the electrical conduction and routing test points of the trunk segments connected to connector ends 811 and 812 are provided in the form of an electrical conductive structure disposed at the fourth end 815 of the connector. In one embodiment, the conductive structure includes a male pin or a female pin. In one embodiment, the fourth end 815 is provided with a cover that can be removed when access to its test points is desired.

FIG. 9 is an illustration of another embodiment of a connector for coupling segments of a trunk together. In one embodiment, the connector 904 provides a similar function to that provided by the embodiment of fig. 8, but differs in that access to the test point at the fourth end 915 is provided by a flexible insulated electrical conductor 918 of the test lead assembly 916. In one embodiment, the electrical conductor 918 extends between the end 914 and the end 919 of the assembly 916. In one embodiment, the test lead assembly 916 is mechanically or electrically coupled to the fourth end 915 by threads or other structures capable of maintaining the conductive and physical coupling of the ends 914 and 915. In one embodiment, the ends 919 facilitate connection to test leads of a test device. In one embodiment, the end comprises a female banana-type coupler. In one embodiment, the test lead assembly 916 is configured to serve as a conductor that is connected to the controller of the window or can be an unconnected pull-down cable and used to electrically access the mains through the tester, if desired. In one embodiment, the test lead assembly is formed as a unitary unit, such as molding ends 914 and 919 onto conductor 918. In one embodiment, conductor 918 is sized to have a length L that is sufficient to provide a technician with an easy pull-down path to a hard-to-reach trunk or electrical connector, such as may be encountered during testing or troubleshooting of a trunk located in a high ceiling. In one embodiment, the length L is about 100 cm. In other embodiments, the length may be greater or less than 100 cm.

FIG. 10 is an illustration of an embodiment of a connector configured to be snapped or clamped onto a trunk and provide conductive and electrical paths to conductors of the trunk. In an embodiment, the trunk 1030 comprises a flat or ribbon cable or a round cable having one or more flat or ribbon portions along its length. A connector for snapping or clamping onto a trunk line is described in U.S. patent application publication No. 15/268,204 entitled "Power Distribution Networks for Electrochromic Devices" filed on 2016, 9, 16, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. In one embodiment, the connector 1004 includes electrical test points 1014 that facilitate trunk testing and troubleshooting in a manner similar to that described above with reference to fig. 7 and 8. When a flat or ribbon cable or section forms the trunk, the use of the connector 1004 enables the trunk to be formed from a continuous cable. The use of continuous cables avoids a priori calculation of the length of the trunk sections and avoids the time consuming steps required to perform the joining of the trunk sections together to form the trunk. When using a continuous trunk 1030, the trunk can be easily and quickly mounted over the network of windows, and then the connector 1004 can be quickly snapped or clamped over the flat portion of the trunk in position over the windows, as needed or desired.

FIG. 11 is an illustration of an embodiment of a connector block for coupling segments of a trunk together. In one embodiment, the connector block 1104 includes two connector ends 1111/1112 configured to couple to ends of trunk segments 1103 of the trunk. In one embodiment, the connector block 1104 is configured to snap or clamp over a flat portion of the trunk cable. In one embodiment, the connector block 1104 is configured to contain a plurality of insulated electrical conductors or lead-ins 1105. In one embodiment, conductors or lead-ins 1105 are integrated as part of connector block 1104, such as by molding, or connected to connector block 1104 by connectors and lead-ins on the connector block. The use of the connector block 1104 enables the functionality of multiple individual connectors to be aggregated at one location, which reduces the number of trunk segments and connectors required to form the trunk, which in turn enables the trunk to be assembled more quickly. For example, as depicted in fig. 11, one connector block 1104 provides the functionality of 8 separate electrical connectors. In other embodiments, the functionality of fewer or more than 8 individual connectors may be provided by using a connector block with fewer or more than 8 lead-ins 1105.

FIG. 12 is an illustration of another embodiment of a connector block for coupling segments of a trunk together. In one embodiment, the connector block 1204 is similar to the block 1104 of the embodiment of fig. 11, except that the electrical test points 1240 are disposed on a surface of the connector block. In one embodiment, the connector block 1204 contains 5 electrical test points, however fewer or more test points may be provided as needed or desired. In one embodiment, access to test point 1240 may be provided by implementing an extended test lead assembly (see 916 in fig. 9). In addition to the benefits described above, the connector block containing test points 1240 provides additional benefits to the technician: the trunk test and troubleshooting time is reduced because the number of locations where testing and troubleshooting may need to be performed is reduced.

Fig. 13a-b are diagrammatic views of a mains tester. In one embodiment, test instrument 1399 includes one or more connectors 1399a configured to conductively couple to conductors of trunk 608 (see FIG. 6). In certain embodiments, connector 1399a includes male or female pins configured to couple to conductors of trunk 608 directly or through one or more conductive cables.

In one embodiment, tester 1399 is configured to test trunk 608 to determine: the presence or absence of a short circuit between any two conductors, the presence of an open circuit condition in any conductor, and the location of a short circuit or open circuit condition in any conductor. In some embodiments, the test provided by the test meter 1399 is performed when a user interacts with the input 1399c of the test meter and/or under the control of a processor, optionally disposed within the chassis of the test meter 1399. In one embodiment, the tester 1399 provides testing functionality through interaction with one or more inputs 1399c configured as rotary switches, toggle switches, buttons, and the like. In one embodiment, the test results are provided by the test meter 1399a through output indicators 1399b, 1399f, and/or 1399g in the form of one or more lights or displays on or coupled to the test meter. In one embodiment, by activating both inputs 1399c simultaneously, the tester 1399 measures continuity between conductors corresponding to the incoming mains. In one embodiment, lights 1399b on the tester work with their associated switches 1399c, where each light displays a different color indicating a particular test condition, e.g., green indicates a short between any two conductors, no cable damage, good conductors; red indicates that a short circuit between two conductors is being tested; and yellow indicates an open reading on the conductor. In one embodiment, the tester 1399 contains one or more inputs 1399d that activate a "TDR" (time domain reflectometer) that can be used to locate and display a position along a particular conductor where an open or short exists. In one embodiment, activation of the input 1399e causes tests for short circuit and open circuit conditions to be automatically performed and displayed.

FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of a trunk tester used to test trunks. In one embodiment where one or more of windows 601 are found to be inoperative, trunk tester 1399 may be coupled to the conductor of connector 607 through a test point to troubleshoot the presence and location of a fault in trunk 608. In one embodiment of use, the initial step of troubleshooting is to determine whether the fault is on the left or right side of the connector 607 by first disconnecting the right side end of the connector from the trunk and then performing a test on the conductors of the trunk on the left side of the connector. Assuming there is no fault in the rail on the left side of the connector 607, then the left side end of the connector is disconnected, the right side end of the connector is connected to the rail on the right side of the connector, and the test is then performed by the tester 1399. Assuming the test indicates a short circuit or open circuit condition, the TDR function of the tester 1399 may then be used to determine the position of the condition in the trunk relative to the position of the tester.

FIG. 15 is another illustration of a trunk tester for testing the trunk. In one embodiment where one or more of windows 601 are found to be inoperative, trunk tester 1399 may be coupled to the conductor of connector 604 through a test point to troubleshoot the presence and location of a fault in trunk 608. In one embodiment of use, the initial step of troubleshooting is to determine whether the fault is on the left or right side of the connector 604 by first disconnecting the right side end of the connector from the trunk and then performing a test on the conductors of the trunk on the left side of the connector. Assuming there is no fault in the trunk on the left side of the connector 604, then the left side end of the connector is disconnected, the right side end of the connector is connected to the trunk on the right side of the connector, and the test is then performed by the tester 1399. Assuming the test indicates a short circuit or open circuit condition, the TDR function of the tester 1399 may then be used to determine the position of the condition in the trunk relative to the position of the tester. The above illustration is not meant to be limiting, as it should be understood that trunk tester 1399 may be coupled to the trunk at other locations and in other combinations of steps to troubleshoot the trunk.

FIG. 16 is an illustration of an embodiment of a mains tester connected to conductors of the mains. In one embodiment, one or more inputs 1399C of rail tester 1399 are implemented in the form of rotary switches A, B and C. In the illustration of fig. 16, with tester 1399 connected to the rail 608, switches B and C are positioned to enable coupling of terminals D and E to the respective "shielded" and "white" conductors of the rail, so that a resistance or impedance measurement function that is part of the tester can be used to determine whether a short or open circuit exists between or in the conductors. When testing for an open circuit, a short circuit terminator 1699 may be inserted across the shield conductor and the white conductor at a particular upstream point in the trunk line. Other positioning of switches B and C in combination with termination of other conductors by the short circuit terminator may be used to test the trunk 608 as desired or needed. Although trunk 608 is shown as containing 5 conductors, the use of a trunk with fewer or more conductors is within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. Accordingly, a trunk tester having fewer or more inputs is also within the scope of the disclosed embodiments. FIG. 16 also represents an input 1399d configured to test trunk 608 using Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) as known to those skilled in the art, wherein when the location of the input is selected to correspond to a particular conductor in the trunk, the signal emitted by the TDR can be used to determine and display the location of a short or open circuit in the particular conductor selected. The trunk tester 608 described herein has been described in the context of certain embodiments, however, the tester should not be limited thereto, as in other embodiments it is contemplated that the testing may be implemented in digital form, where after coupling a tester containing a processor under the control of software, the processor may control one or more circuits or components to automatically perform one or more tests on the conductors of the trunk.

FIG. 17 is another illustration of a trunk line. In the above embodiments, the trunk line comprises trunk line segments connected by an electrical connector coupled to the window controller by a lead-in. In another embodiment, the trunk 1708 includes trunk segments 1703 coupled in series by electrical connectors 1704 that include or are directly coupled to window controllers (described elsewhere herein), each of which is in turn connected to a window 1701. Because the use of the electrical connector 1704 eliminates the time required to connect the controller to a drop line as shown in fig. 6, it may facilitate faster installation and commissioning of windows in a building.

Fig. 18 is an illustration of an electrical connector incorporating a window controller. In one embodiment, the electrical connector 1804 includes a body having two ends 1811/1812 configured to electrically and mechanically couple together two trunk segments, the body further having a third end 1813 configured to be directly coupled to a window by a drop wire. In one embodiment, the electrical connector 1804 includes a window controller 1802 configured to provide window controller functionality as described herein. In one embodiment, the window controller 1802 is formed within the third end 1813. In one embodiment, the body of the electrical connector is molded or formed around the window controller 1802. In one embodiment, one or more of ends 1811/1812/1813 are threaded. In one embodiment, end 1811/1812/1813 includes conductive structures that provide a conductive path to electrical conductors within connector 1804 and/or controller 1802. In one embodiment, the conductive structure includes a conductive female pin or a conductive male pin.

Fig. 19 is another example of an electrical connector incorporating a window controller. In one embodiment, the electrical connector 1904 includes a main body 1904a having two ends 1911/1912 configured to conductively and mechanically couple two trunk segments together. In one embodiment, the electrical connector 1904 additionally includes a secondary body 1913b that is configured to be coupled to a window (not shown) at one end and to the primary body 1904a at the other end. In one embodiment, auxiliary body 1913b houses window controller 1902. In one embodiment, the auxiliary body 1913b includes one end 1913c configured to be directly electrically and mechanically coupled to the main body 1904a and another end 1913d configured to be electrically coupled to a window. In one embodiment, the auxiliary body 1913b is threadably coupled to the main body 1904 a. In one embodiment, the secondary body 1913b snaps into, or onto the primary body 1904 a. In an embodiment, the auxiliary body 1913b is coupled to the main body by one or more electrical coupling mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. In one embodiment, the ends 1911/1912/1913c/1913d include conductive structures that provide a conductive path to electrical conductors within the connector 1904 and/or the controller 1902. In one embodiment, the conductive structure includes a conductive female pin or a conductive male pin. In one embodiment, the electrical connector 1904 is capable of testing or replacing the auxiliary body 1913b without affecting continuity between other electrical connectors connected in the trunk. In one embodiment, the connector 1904 includes a test point according to the embodiments described above.

While the foregoing invention has been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (63)

1. A system for communicating with an optically switchable window in a building, the system comprising:

a trunk line configured to provide a communication path to a plurality of window controllers and a plurality of optically switchable windows, the trunk line comprising:

a plurality of electrical conductors;

a plurality of trunk line segments;

the plurality of window controllers configured to be coupled to the plurality of windows; and

a plurality of electrical connectors, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are connected in series by the plurality of trunk sections.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of electrical connectors comprises a respective window controller of the plurality of window controllers.

3. The system of claims 1-2, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are configured to provide access to the plurality of conductors when connected in series with the plurality of trunk segments.

4. The system of claims 1-3, wherein each electrical connector of the plurality of electrical connectors is integrally formed with a respective window controller of the plurality of window controllers.

5. The system of claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of electrical connectors is formed around a respective window controller of the plurality of window controllers.

6. The system of claims 1-3, wherein each electrical connector of the plurality of electrical connectors is directly coupled to a respective window controller of the plurality of window controllers.

7. The system of claims 1-6, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are coupled to the trunk by threads.

8. The system of claims 1-6, wherein the plurality of electrical conductors are continuous between their ends.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are snapped or clamped onto the trunk.

10. The system of claims 1 to 9, wherein the trunk line comprises at least one flat or ribbon-like portion.

11. The system of claims 1-10, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are defined by a body, a plurality of test points being disposed in or on the body.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are defined by a body from which the plurality of test points extend.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein at least one test point of the plurality of test points is embodied as a drop line.

14. The system of claims 1-13, wherein the plurality of optically switchable windows comprises electrochromic windows.

15. A system for communicating with an optically switchable window in a building, the system comprising:

a trunk, the trunk comprising:

a plurality of trunk sections, each trunk section including a plurality of electrical conductors;

a plurality of electrical connectors connected in series by the plurality of trunk sections; and

a plurality of window controllers connected to the plurality of electrical connectors; and

a plurality of drop lines configured to transmit data and/or power between the trunk line and the optically switchable window.

16. A system according to claim 15, comprising any one or more of the features of claims 3 to 14.

17. A trunk line for providing data and/or power to optically switchable windows in a building, the trunk line comprising:

a plurality of trunk sections, each trunk section including a plurality of electrical conductors;

a plurality of electrical connectors connected in series by the plurality of trunk sections, wherein

At least some of the electrical connectors are configured to connect with a drop line to provide data and/or power between the trunk line and the optically switchable window; and

a plurality of window controllers connected to the plurality of electrical connectors.

18. The trunk line according to claim 17, comprising any one or more of the features of claims 3 to 14.

19. A system for communicating with an optically switchable window in a building, the system comprising:

a communication network configured to provide a communication path from a controller to a plurality of optically switchable windows disposed at a plurality of locations in or on the building, the data communication path comprising:

a trunk line containing a plurality of electrical conductors;

a plurality of drop lines configured to transmit data between the trunk line and the plurality of optically switchable windows;

a plurality of electrical connectors coupled to the trunk line, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors comprise a plurality of test points conductively coupled to the plurality of electrical conductors; and

a tester, wherein the tester is configured to test the trunk through the plurality of test points.

20. The system of claim 19, wherein the trunk line comprises trunk line segments coupled by the plurality of electrical connectors.

21. The system of claim 20, wherein at least some of the plurality of electrical connectors are threadably coupled to the trunk line.

22. The system of claim 19, wherein the plurality of electrical conductors are continuous between their ends.

23. The system of claim 22, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are snapped or clamped onto the trunk line.

24. The system of claims 19 to 23, wherein the trunk line comprises at least one flat or ribbon-like portion.

25. The system of claims 19-24, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are defined by a body, the plurality of test points being disposed within or on the body.

26. The system of claims 19-24, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are defined by a body from which the plurality of test points extend.

27. The system of claim 26, wherein at least one test point of the plurality of test points is embodied as a drop line.

28. The system of claims 19-27, wherein the plurality of optically switchable windows comprises electrochromic windows.

29. The system of claims 19-28, wherein the tester is configured to test and/or display a condition of the plurality of conductors.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the conditions comprise short circuits and open circuits in the plurality of conductors.

31. The system of claims 29-30, wherein the condition comprises a location of the short circuit or open circuit.

32. The system of claims 29 to 31, wherein the condition is displayed by one or more indicators or displays.

33. The system of claims 19 to 32, wherein the tester comprises a time domain reflectometer.

34. The system of claims 19-33, wherein the tester is coupled to the test point directly or wirelessly through one or more conductive cables.

35. The system of claims 19 to 34, wherein the tester is configured to perform testing under control of a processor and software.

36. The system of claims 19-33, wherein the tester is configured to test electrical continuity and electrical shorts between the plurality of conductors.

37. A system for communicating with an optically switchable window in a building, the system comprising:

a trunk line containing a plurality of electrical conductors;

a plurality of drop lines configured to transmit data and/or power between the trunk line and the optically switchable window;

an electrical connector coupled to the trunk line, wherein the electrical connector comprises a plurality of test points conductively coupled to the plurality of electrical conductors; and

a tester, wherein the tester is configured to test the trunk through the plurality of test points.

38. A system according to claim 37, comprising any one or more of the features of claims 20 to 36.

39. A tester configured to test a trunk line through a plurality of test points in the trunk line, the trunk line containing a plurality of electrical conductors for providing power and/or data communication to optically switchable windows, the tester comprising:

one or more connectors configured to conductively couple to the plurality of electrical conductors of the trunk line;

a processor configured to apply a test signal to one or more of the plurality of electrical conductors and determine whether the trunk line contains a short circuit or an open circuit based on a response to the test signal.

40. The test meter of claim 39, further comprising an output configured to indicate whether the trunk contains the short circuit or open circuit.

41. The test meter of claim 40 wherein the output includes one or more lights.

42. The test meter of claims 39-41 further comprising a user input.

43. The test meter of claim 41 wherein the user input is selected from the group consisting of a rotary switch, a toggle switch, and a push button.

44. The meter of claims 39-43, in which the processor is further configured to perform time domain reflectometry.

45. A system for communicating with an optically switchable window in a building, the system comprising:

a communication network configured to provide a communication path from a controller to a plurality of optically switchable windows disposed at a plurality of locations in or on the building, the data communication path comprising:

a trunk line containing a plurality of electrical conductors;

a plurality of drop lines configured to transmit data between the trunk line and the plurality of optically switchable windows; and

a plurality of electrical connectors coupled to the trunk, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors comprise a plurality of test points conductively coupled to the plurality of electrical conductors and configured to be accessed by a tester.

46. The system of claim 45, wherein the trunk line comprises trunk line segments coupled by the plurality of electrical connectors.

47. The system of claim 46, wherein at least some of the plurality of electrical connectors are coupled to the trunk by threads.

48. The system of claim 45, wherein the plurality of electrical conductors are continuous between their ends.

49. The system of claim 48, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are snapped or clamped onto the trunk line.

50. A system according to claims 45 to 49, wherein the trunk line comprises at least one flat or ribbon-like portion.

51. The system of claims 45-50, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are defined by a body, the plurality of test points being disposed within or on the body.

52. The system of claims 45-50, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are defined by a body from which the plurality of test points extend.

53. The system of claim 52, wherein at least one test point of the plurality of test points is embodied as a drop line.

54. The system of claims 45-53, wherein the plurality of optically switchable windows comprises electrochromic windows.

55. A system for communicating with an optically switchable window in a building, the system comprising:

a communication network configured to provide a data communication path from a controller to a plurality of optically switchable windows disposed at a plurality of locations on or in the building, the data communication path comprising:

a trunk line containing a plurality of electrical conductors;

a plurality of electrical connectors conductively coupled to the trunk line; and

a plurality of lead-in wires coupled to each of the plurality of electrical connectors, wherein each of the plurality of optically switchable windows is connected to the trunk line through one of the plurality of lead-in wires.

56. The system of claim 55, wherein the trunk line comprises trunk line segments coupled by the plurality of electrical connectors.

57. The system of claims 55-56, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are coupled to the trunk by threads.

58. The system of claim 55, wherein the plurality of electrical conductors are continuous end-to-end.

59. The system of claim 58, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors are snapped or clamped onto the trunk line.

60. The system of claims 55 to 59, wherein the trunk line comprises at least one flat or ribbon-like portion.

61. The system of claims 55-60, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors comprises a body, test points being disposed in or on the body.

62. The system of claims 55-60, wherein the plurality of electrical connectors includes a body from which test points extend.

63. The system of claims 55-62, wherein the plurality of optically switchable windows comprises electrochromic windows.

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