Patent 7535687 was granted and assigned to GE Security on May, 2009 by the United States Patent and Trademark Office.
An alarm system sensor topology to reduce susceptibility to configuration errors and component failures includes a sensor configured to differentiate between system status conditions, including electrical power isolation for power polarity independence and for sustained sensor operation during power interruptions. A topological method for reducing fire sensor susceptibility to configuration errors and component failures includes configuring a sensor with capability to operate using electrical input power independent of power polarity, and providing capability to operate at least a part of the sensor circuitry for at least a specified time interval in the absence of applied electrical power.