AT17752U1 - Improvements in communication between two control circuits for controlling converter stages of a lamp operating device with an interference voltage on the ground line - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a communication system comprising a first control circuit, in particular a first microcontroller, for controlling a first converter stage of a lamp operating device; a second control circuit, in particular a second microcontroller, for controlling a second converter stage of the lamp operating device; and at least one communication channel for unidirectionally transmitting a signal between the two control circuits, the signal being capable of assuming a first level and a second level higher than the first level. The at least one communication channel comprises: a signal line for unidirectional transmission of the signal between a transmitter-side connection of the communication channel, to which a transmission connection of a control circuit of the two control circuits is connected, and a receiver-side connection of the communication channel, to which a reception connection of the other control circuit of the two control circuits is connected is; and a first controllable voltage source that is set up to be controlled by the signal, wherein the transmitter-side connection of the communication channel is electrically connected to the signal line via the first controllable voltage source. The first controllable voltage source is set up to apply an increased level, which is higher than the second level of the signal, to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection, and a level which is lower than the increased level , to be applied to the signal line when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal. Alternatively, the first controllable voltage source is set up to apply the increased level to the signal line when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection, and to apply a level that is lower than the increased level to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection.

Description

description

IMPROVEMENTS IN COMMUNICATION BETWEEN TWO CONTROL CIRCUITS FOR CONTROLLING CONVERTER STAGE OF A LAMP OPERATING DEVICE WITH AN ERROR VOLTAGE ON THE GROUND LINE

1. FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a communication system comprising two control circuits, each of which is set up to control a converter stage of a lamp operating device, and at least one communication channel for the unidirectional transmission of a signal between the two control circuits; an illuminant operating device for operating an illuminant line with at least one illuminant, wherein the illuminant operating device comprises such a communication system according to the invention; a lamp with such a lamp operating device according to the invention and a method for transmitting a signal in such a communication system according to the invention.

2. BACKGROUND

A lamp operating device for operating a lamp line with at least one lamp, in particular with at least one light-emitting diode, is known from the prior art. In the following, the terms “illuminant control gear” and “control gear” are used synonymously. Such an operating device can have two control circuits, in particular microcontrollers, and two converter stages, the two converter stages being set up to provide electrical energy from an electrical energy source to operate the lighting system. Each of the two control circuits is set up to control a converter stage, with the two control circuits being able to communicate with one another bidirectionally via at least two unidirectional communication channels.

Typically, the two converter stages are actively clocked converter stages, i.e. the two converter stages correspond to or comprise a switching regulator, such as a boost converter or buck converter. A boost converter is also known in the art as a boost converter and a down converter is also known in the art as a buck converter. A switching controller has at least one switch and at least one energy store, preferably in the form of a coil or inductance. In a known manner, an input voltage can be converted into a higher or lower output voltage, depending on the topology of the switching regulator, by clocking the at least one switch. When the switch is on, current flows through the switch and the coil, and when the switch is off, the coil continues to drive the current. Switching regulators are also referred to as actively clocked DC-DC converters.

Typically, a smoothing capacitor or filter capacitor for voltage stabilization is arranged at the output of a switching regulator, which is then arranged in parallel to a connectable to the switching regulator illuminant line. The current driven by the coil when the switch is off flows through the smoothing capacitor. If the two converter stages each have a switching controller or correspond to one, then the switching controller can be clocked in a known manner starting from an electrical energy source, such as the mains supply or a battery, and the electrical energy supplied by the operating device to the lighting system on an average over time can be set .

The charge contained in the smoothing capacitor or filter capacitor can cause an afterglow or glow of the at least one lamp on the control gear after the switching regulator of the control gear has been switched off (end of operation of the control gear for the electrical supply of the lighting system and consequently no activation of the switching regulator). illuminant line connected on the output side cause when the stored charge slowly dissipates via a current flow through the illuminant. Such a glow current can disrupt communication between the two control circuits

of the control gear via the interface circuit.

[0006] Two communication channels for communication between two control circuits of a lamp operating device are shown in FIG. Since the communication between the two control circuits, each of which is set up to control a converter stage of a lamp operating device, is considered in the following, two such control circuits and at least one communication channel for unidirectional communication between the two control circuits are referred to below as a communication system. According to FIG. 1, the communication system 1° includes two communication channels KK1' and KK2', via which signals can be sent in each case. The first communication channel KK1' and the second communication channel KK2' are each formed by a signal line KL1' or KL2'.

The first communication channel KK1' is used for the unidirectional transmission of a signal starting from a transmission connection Tr1 of a first control circuit SS1' to a reception connection Re2 of a second control circuit SS2'. The first communication channel KK1' is therefore used for communication or data transmission from the first control circuit SS1' to the second control circuit SS2'. Consequently, the port A11' of the first communication channel KK1', to which the transmission port Tr1 of the first control circuit SS1' is connected, can be referred to as the transmitter-side port; and the connection A12' of the first communication channel KK1', to which the receiving connection Re2 of the second control circuit SS2' is connected, can be referred to as the receiver-side connection.

The second communication channel KK2' is used for the unidirectional transmission of a signal from a transmission connection Tr2 of the second control circuit SS2' to a reception connection Re1 of the first control circuit SS1'. The second communication channel KK2' is therefore used for communication or data transmission from the second control circuit SS2' to the first control circuit SS1'. Consequently, the port A21' of the second communication channel KK2', to which the transmission port Tr2 of the second control circuit SS2' is connected, can be referred to as the transmitter-side port; and the connection A22' of the second communication channel KK2', to which the receiving connection Re1 of the first control circuit SS1' is connected, can be referred to as the receiver-side connection.

For communication or data transmission, for example from the first control circuit SS1' to the second control circuit SS2', the first control circuit SS1' sends bits one after the other (serially) in a known manner via the first communication channel KK1' to the second control circuit SS2'. The level of the signal transmitted via the signal line KL1' of the first communication channel KK1' can then assume a first level (low level) and a second level (high level), the second level being higher than the first level.

In a known manner, for example, a bit representing a logical zero (“0”) can then be transmitted through the first level and a bit representing a logical one (“1”) can be transmitted through the second level. This assignment can also be reversed, i.e. a logical zero ("O0") is transmitted through the second level and a logical one ("1") is transmitted through the first level. Furthermore, the transitions or edges between the first level and the second level can correspond to a logical zero (“0”) and a logical one (“1”) in a known manner, for example. For example, an edge (rising edge) from the first level to the second level can be a logical zero ("O0") and an edge (falling edge) from the second level to the first level can be a logical one ("1"). correspond or this assignment can be done exactly the opposite. That is, an edge from the first level to the second level can correspond to a logical one ("1") and an edge from the second level to the first level can correspond to a logical zero ("O0").

On the ground line ML 'of the communication system 1', a transistor, such as a FET transistor T ', in particular a MOSFET transistor, with a body diode BD

be provided, with the transistor T' being switched off in the standby mode (no activation of converter stages by the control circuits SS1' and SS2') in order to interrupt the ground line ML' and consequently to prevent a flow of glow currents via the ground line ML' . In normal operation (actuation of converter stages by the control circuits SS1' and SS2'), the transistor T' is switched on accordingly, so that the ground line ML' is closed again.

A problem here is that even when the transistor T' is in the on state, it has a certain internal resistance of 1, for example. If, for example, high-frequency currents now flow via the ground line ML', a voltage drop of, for example, 1 volt occurs at the switched-on transistor T', which then occurs in the communication via the communication channels KK1' and KK2' of the communication system 1' between the control circuits SS1' and SS2' is mapped and accordingly can disrupt the communication.

In other words, if there is an interference voltage on the ground line ML' in the communication system 1', which is both in the voltage range of the first level (low level) and second level (high level) used in the communication system 1' for signal transmission level) as well as in their frequency and pulse width range, there may be interference in the communication via the signal lines KL1' and KL2' between the two control circuits SS1' and SS2'.

In light of this problem in communication in the communication system described above, it is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved communication system; in which interference, in particular an interference voltage, on the ground line has a reduced influence, in particular no influence, on the communication in the communication system.

[0015] These and other objects which may be mentioned or recognized by a person skilled in the art upon reading the following description are solved by the subject-matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims develop the central idea of the present invention in a particularly advantageous manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a communication system; wherein the communication system comprises:

- A first control circuit, in particular a first microcontroller, for controlling a first converter stage of a lamp operating device;

- A second control circuit, in particular a second microcontroller, for controlling a second converter stage of the lamp operating device; and

- at least one communication channel for unidirectional transmission of a signal between the two control circuits, the signal being able to assume a first level and a second level higher than the first level.

The at least one communication channel of the communication system according to the invention comprises:

- a signal line for unidirectional transmission of the signal between a transmitter-side connection of the communication channel, to which a transmission connection of one control circuit of the two control circuits is connected, and a receiver-side connection of the communication channel, to which a reception connection of the other control circuit of the two control circuits is connected, and

- a first controllable voltage source which is set up to be controlled by the signal, the transmitter-side connection of the communication channel being electrically connected to the signal line via the first controllable voltage source.

The first controllable voltage source of the at least one communication channel is

arranged to apply an increased level, which is higher than the second level of the signal, to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal; and applying a level lower than the boosted level to the signal line; when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection.

Alternatively, the first controllable voltage source of the at least one communication channel is set up to apply the increased level to the signal line when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection; and applying a level lower than the boosted level to the signal line when the second level of the signal is applied to the transmitter-side terminal.

In other words, the present invention proposes, in the transmission of the signal from one control circuit via the communication channel to the other control circuits, one of the two possible levels (first and second level) of the signal for transmission via the signal line to an increased level to increase or increase, the increased level being higher than the higher level (second level) of the two possible levels of the signal. According to an alternative, the higher level (second level) of the two possible levels of the signal is raised to the increased level, so that when the higher level (second level) of the two possible levels of the signal is transmitted, the increased level is then transmitted via the signal line . According to a further alternative, the lower level (first level) of the two possible levels is raised to the increased level, so that when the lower level (first level) of the two possible levels of the signal is transmitted, the increased level is then transmitted via the signal line. This then consequently corresponds to an inversion of the original levels of the signal, since the originally lower level (first level) of the two possible levels of the signal raised to the increased level, after being raised to the increased level, is higher than the originally higher level (second level ) is.

[0021] To increase the level, the at least one communication channel includes a first controllable voltage source. According to one alternative, the first controllable voltage source is set up to increase the higher level (second level) of the two possible levels of the signal to be transmitted via the signal line to the increased level and then to apply the increased level to the signal line, so that the transmission of the higher level (second level) of the two possible levels of the signal is transmitted via the communication channel, the increased level is transmitted via the signal line. According to the further alternative, the first controllable voltage source is set up to increase the lower level (first level) of the two possible levels of the signal to be transmitted via the signal line to the increased level and then to apply the increased level to the signal line, so that the transmission of the lower level (first level) of the two possible levels of the signal is transmitted via the communication channel, the increased level is transmitted via the signal line.

The communication system according to the invention is therefore advantageous because, due to the increase in the first level or the second level of the signal to the increased level, an interference voltage on the ground line has no influence on the transmission of the signal via the communication channel, in particular via the signal line .

Furthermore, this solution is inexpensive, since only one controllable voltage source is required to increase the level of the signal to be transmitted to the increased level at the transmitter end. Furthermore, the proposed solution can also be easily retrofitted in existing communication systems, since the controllable voltage source can easily be installed between the transmitter-side connection of the communication channel, in particular the transmission connection of a control circuit, and the signal line on the transmitter side.

The two control circuits of the communication system can each be designed as a processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC, "Application Specific Integrated Circuit") or as a combination of the units mentioned. Preferably, the two control circuits are each a microcontroller.

The communication system can have one or more communication channels, in which case each communication channel is configured as the at least one communication channel in accordance with the statements above and below. In particular, the communication system comprises two communication channels, so that bidirectional communication between the two control circuits is possible via the two communication channels.

The at least one communication channel is preferably set up to transmit a digital signal. In particular, the at least one communication channel is set up to transmit a binary-coded signal or a binary signal. The at least one communication channel is preferably set up to transmit individual bits of a binary signal one after the other or serially.

As already stated above, the signal or the level of the signal can assume a first level or a first voltage level and a second level or a second voltage level, the second level being greater than the first level. The first level preferably corresponds to a low level, such as 0 volts, and the second level preferably corresponds to a high level, such as 3.3 volts. The level of a signal can also be referred to as the voltage level. The signal is in particular a square-wave signal that can assume the first level and the second level.

[0028] A level of the signal is understood to mean, in particular, the amplitude of the signal. Consequently, the signal at the first level has a lower or smaller amplitude compared to the amplitude at the second level.

The term “signal level” can also be used as a synonym for the term “level of a signal”.

The signal can be used to transmit bits in succession or serially via the at least one communication channel, with a bit representing a logical zero (“0”) preferably passing through the first level and a bit representing a logical one (“1”) passing through the second level is transmitted. This assignment can also be reversed, i.e. a logical zero ("O0") is transmitted through the second level and a logical one ("1") is transmitted through the first level.

Alternatively, the transitions or edges between the first level and the second level can preferably correspond to a logical zero (“0”) and a logical one (“1”). For example, an edge from the first level to the second level can correspond to a logical zero ("0") and an edge from the second level to the first level can correspond to a logical one ("1") or this assignment can be exactly the opposite . I.e. an edge starting from the first level to the second level can correspond to a logical one ("1") and an edge starting from the second level to the first level can correspond to a logical zero ("O0").

The increased level, which is higher than the second level of the signal, can also be referred to as the third level.

In particular, in the event that the first level of the signal corresponds to a voltage level of 0 volts (where the second level of the signal corresponds to a voltage level not equal to 0 volts), then when the first level is applied to the transmitter-side connection of the at least one Communication channel no voltage (0 volts) at the transmitter-side connection.

The transmitter-side connection of the communication channel is understood in particular as the connection to which the transmitting control circuit is electrically connected; and the receiver-side connection of the communication channel means in particular the connection to which the receiving control circuit is electrically connected. In particular, the transmitter-side connection of the communication channel can correspond to the transmission connection of one control circuit (control circuit that transmits via the communication channel), and the receiver-side connection of the communication channel can in particular correspond to the receiver

catch terminal of the other control circuit (receiving control circuit) correspond.

The first controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the increased level to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection; and applying the first level of the signal to the signal line when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal.

Consequently, if, for example, the first level of the signal corresponds to a voltage value equal to 0 volts and the second level of the signal corresponds to a voltage value not equal to 0 volts, then the first controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the increased level to the signal line, when the second level is present at the transmitter-side terminal; and applying no voltage (0 volts) to the signal line when no voltage (first level) is applied to the transmitter-side terminal.

Alternatively, the first controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the increased level to the signal line when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection; and applying the first level of the signal to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal.

Consequently, if, for example, the first level of the signal corresponds to a voltage value equal to 0 volts and the second level of the signal corresponds to a voltage value not equal to 0 volts, then the first controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the increased level to the signal line, if there is no voltage (0 volts) at the transmitter-side connection; and applying no voltage (0 volts) to the signal line when the second level is present at the transmitter-side terminal. According to this optional alternative, the first controllable voltage source is therefore set up to invert the two levels for the transmission of the two levels of the signal.

The communication system has, in particular, a ground line; and the increased level that can be applied to the signal line by the first controllable voltage source is, in particular, greater than an interference voltage of the ground line.

In particular, the voltage value of the increased level is higher or larger (significantly higher or larger) than the maximum voltage value of the interference voltage of the ground line. The increased level is therefore in particular higher or greater than the maximum interference voltage level.

For example, if the maximum voltage value of the noise voltage of the ground line is 1 volt, the first level of the signal is 0 volts and the second level of the signal is 3.3 volts, then the increased level may be 12 or 13 volts.

The increased level is preferably at least twice, more preferably at least three times, most preferably at least four times greater than the second level of the signal (as the higher level of the two levels of the signal).

For example, if the second level of the signal is 3 volts, then the increased level is preferably greater than or equal to 6 volts, more preferably greater than or equal to 9 volts, most preferably greater than or equal to 12 volts.

In particular, the increased level is twice, more preferably three times, most preferably four times greater than the second level of the signal (as the higher level of the two levels of the signal).

For example, if the second level of the signal is 3 volts, then the increased level is preferably 6 volts, more preferably 9 volts, most preferably 12 volts.

The ground line preferably has at least one transistor, and the interference voltage preferably corresponds to a voltage drop across the transistor, in particular a voltage drop across an internal resistance of the transistor, in the conductive state due to a current flow through the ground line.

The interference voltage preferably corresponds to a voltage drop across the transistor,

in particular a voltage drop at an internal resistance of the transistor in the conducting state due to a power current of at least one converter stage or a glow current flow through the ground line.

Preferably, the first controllable voltage source comprises a first voltage source for providing the increased level and at least one first transistor; wherein the first voltage source and the first transistor are arranged in such a way that when the first transistor is in the non-conductive state, the increased level is applied to the signal line by the first voltage source, and that when the first transistor is in the conductive state, the signal line is connected to ground, in particular to the ground line, is connected.

The first voltage source is in particular a constant voltage source that is set up to provide the increased level.

The at least one first transistor is in particular a bipolar transistor. However, the first transistor is not limited to this type of transistor, but can also be another type of transistor, such as a field effect transistor (FET), in particular a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). In particular, if the first transistor is a bipolar transistor, then the control terminal of the first transistor corresponds to the base terminal, and if the first transistor is a field effect transistor, then the control terminal of the first transistor corresponds to the gate terminal.

The first voltage source and the first transistor of the first controllable voltage source are in particular electrically connected to the signal line in such a way that when the first transistor is non-conductive, the first voltage source applies the increased level to the signal line, and that when the first transistor is conductive, the signal line is connected to ground, in particular the ground line.

Preferably, in the non-conductive state of the first transistor of the first controllable voltage source, the first controllable voltage source, in particular the first voltage source, applies the increased level to the signal line, and in the conductive state of the first transistor, no voltage is applied by the first controllable voltage source the signal line is applied, since the signal line is connected to ground, in particular to the ground line, via the conducting first transistor.

[0053] The connection of the signal line to ground or the ground line in the conductive state of the first switch can be understood in particular as a short-circuiting of the signal line to ground or the ground line.

Furthermore, the first transistor is preferably set up to be in the non-conductive state when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal; and to be in the conductive state when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal.

The first transistor is therefore preferably set up to be controlled by the first level and the second level of the signal in such a way that the first transistor is in the non-conductive state when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection, and that the first transistor is in the conducting state when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection.

Alternatively, the first transistor is preferably set up to be in the non-conductive state when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal; and to be in the conductive state when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal.

The first transistor, in particular the control terminal of the first transistor, is preferably electrically connected to the transmitter-side terminal, so that the first transistor can be controlled by applying the first and second level of the signal to the transmitter-side terminal.

[0058] The first transistor is in particular set up to, by the first level and two

th level of the signal to be operated as a switch; wherein the first transistor represents a closed switch, in particular a short circuit, in the conductive state and an open switch, in particular an open circuit, in the non-conductive state.

In the event that the first controllable voltage source is set up to apply the increased level to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal, and a level that is lower than the increased level to the apply signal line when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal; then the other control circuit of the two control circuits is preferably arranged to evaluate the increased level as the second level and to evaluate a level lower than the increased level as the first level.

Thus, the other control circuit (receiving control circuit) of the two control circuits is preferably set up to evaluate the levels transmitted via the signal line according to the transmitter-side processing of the first and second levels of the signal by the first controllable voltage source. Consequently, the other control circuit of the two control circuits is preferably set up to evaluate the increased level as the second level; if the first controllable voltage source applies the increased level to the signal line (transmitter end) when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter end connection. Furthermore, the other control circuit of the two control circuits is then preferably set up to evaluate a level that is lower than the increased level as the first level; if the first controllable voltage source applies a level that is lower than the increased level to the signal line (transmitter side) when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection.

In particular, the other control circuit of the two control circuits is preferably set up to evaluate the first level as the first level; if the first controllable voltage source applies the first level to the signal line (transmitter end) when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter end connection.

The other control circuit is therefore set up in particular to reverse an increase in the second level made by the first controllable voltage source.

Alternatively, in the event that the first controllable voltage source is set up to apply the increased level to the signal line when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection and a level that is lower than the increased level, to be applied to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal; then the other control circuit of the two control circuits is preferably arranged to evaluate the increased level as the first level and to evaluate a level lower than the increased level as the second level.

Thus, the other control circuit (receiving control circuit) of the two control circuits is preferably set up to evaluate the levels transmitted via the signal line according to the transmitter-side processing of the first and second levels of the signal by the first controllable voltage source. Consequently, the other control circuit of the two control circuits is preferably set up to evaluate the increased level as the first level; if the first controllable voltage source applies the increased level to the signal line (transmitter end) when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter end connection. Furthermore, the other control circuit of the two control circuits is then preferably set up to evaluate a level that is lower than the increased level as the second level; if the first controllable voltage source applies a level that is lower than the increased level to the signal line (transmitter side) when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection.

The other control circuit is therefore preferably set up to undo an inversion of the first and second levels carried out by the first controllable voltage source and an increase in the then inverted first level.

In particular, the other control circuit of the two control circuits is preferably set up to evaluate the first level as the second level; if the first controllable voltage source applies the first level to the signal line (transmitter end) when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter end connection.

Consequently, the present invention proposes in particular to increase the first level or second level of the signal at the transmitter end, in order then to transmit a corresponding increased level via the signal line, which is not disturbed by an interference voltage of the measuring line; the transmitted increased level then being converted back to the first level or second level at the receiver end.

This is advantageous because, despite the level increase to avoid disturbances caused by an interference voltage when the signal is transmitted via the communication channel, in particular via the signal line, the original levels of the signal, namely the first and second levels, are restored after the transmission of the other control circuit. Consequently, the transmitted signal can be processed at the receiver end in the same way as a signal that was transmitted via the signal line of the communication channel without a level increase.

The at least one communication channel preferably comprises a second controllable voltage source which is set up to be controlled by the signal, the receiver-side connection of the communication channel being electrically connected to the signal line via the second controllable voltage source.

In the event that the first controllable voltage source is set up to apply the increased level to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal, and a level that is lower than the increased level to the apply signal line when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal; then the second controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the second level to the receiver-side connection when the increased level is present on the signal line, and to apply the first level to the receiver-side connection when the signal line has a level lower than the increased Level is present.

Alternatively, in the event that the first controllable voltage source is set up to apply the increased level to the signal line when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection and a level that is lower than the increased level, to be applied to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal; then the second controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the first level to the receiver-side connection when the increased level is present on the signal line, and to apply the second level to the receiver-side connection when the signal line has a level lower than the increased Level is present.

In other words, the present invention preferably proposes increasing the first level or second level of the signal at the transmitter end, in order then to transmit a corresponding increased level via the signal line, which is not disturbed by an interference voltage of the measuring line; the transmitted increased level then being reduced back to the first level or second level at the receiver end by a second controllable voltage source.

The second controllable voltage source is preferably set up to convert the levels transmitted via the signal line back into the first and second levels in accordance with the transmitter-side processing of the first and second levels of the signal by the first controllable voltage source. Consequently, the second controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the second level to the receiver-side connection when the increased level is present on the signal line; if the first controllable voltage source applies the increased level to the signal line (transmitter end) when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter end connection. Furthermore, the second controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the first level to the receiver-side connection when a level that is lower than the increased level is present on the signal line; if the first

controllable voltage source applies a level lower than the increased level to the signal line (transmitter end) when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter end terminal.

In particular, the second controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the first level to the receiver-side connection when the first level is present on the signal line; if the first controllable voltage source applies the first level to the signal line (transmitter end) when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter end connection.

Alternatively, the second controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the first level to the receiver-side connection when the increased level is present on the signal line; if the first controllable voltage source applies the increased level to the signal line (transmitter end) when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter end connection. Furthermore, the second controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the second level to the receiver-side connection when a level that is lower than the increased level is present on the signal line; if the first controllable voltage source applies a level that is lower than the increased level to the signal line (transmitter side) when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection.

The second controllable voltage source is therefore preferably set up to reverse an inversion of the first and second levels carried out by the first controllable voltage source and an increase in the then inverted first level.

In particular, the second controllable voltage source is preferably set up to apply the second level to the receiver-side connection when the first level is present on the signal line; if the first controllable voltage source applies the first level to the signal line (transmitter end) when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter end connection.

The second controllable voltage source preferably comprises a second voltage source for providing the second level and at least one second transistor; wherein the second voltage source and the second transistor are arranged in such a way that when the second transistor is non-conductive, the second level is applied to the receiver-side connection by the second voltage source, and that when the second transistor is conductive, the receiver-side connection is connected to ground, in particular to the Ground line is connected.

The second voltage source is in particular a constant voltage source that is set up to provide the second level.

The at least one second transistor is in particular a bipolar transistor. However, the second transistor is not limited to this type of transistor, but can also be another type of transistor, such as a field effect transistor (FET), in particular a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). In particular, if the second transistor is a bipolar transistor, then the control terminal of the second transistor corresponds to the base terminal, and if the second transistor is a field effect transistor, then the control terminal of the second transistor corresponds to the gate terminal.

The second voltage source and the second transistor of the second controllable voltage source are electrically connected in particular to the receiver-side connection of the at least one communication channel in such a way that when the second transistor is non-conductive, the second voltage source applies the second level to the receiver-side connection, and that in conductive state of the first transistor, the receiver-side terminal is connected to ground, in particular the ground line.

Preferably, in the non-conducting state of the second transistor of the second controllable voltage source, the second controllable voltage source, in particular the second voltage source, applies the second level to the receiver-side connection, and in the main

In the current state of the second transistor, no voltage is applied to the receiver-side connection by the second controllable voltage source, since the receiver-side connection is connected to ground, in particular to the ground line, via the conducting second transistor.

The connection of the receiver-side connection to ground or the ground line in the conductive state of the second switch can be understood in particular as a short-circuiting of the receiver-side connection to ground or the ground line.

Further preferably, the second transistor is configured to be in the non-conductive state when a level lower than the boosted level is applied to the signal line and to be in the conductive state when a level is higher than or equal to the boosted level on the signal line applied.

The second transistor is thus preferably set up to be controlled by the increased level in such a way that the second transistor is in the non-conductive state when a level lower than the increased level is present on the signal line, and that the second transistor is in the conductive state The state is when a level higher than or equal to the increased level is present on the signal line.

Alternatively, the second transistor is preferably configured to be in the non-conductive state when a level higher than or equal to the boosted level is applied to the signal line and to be in the conductive state when a level is lower than the boosted level on the signal line applied.

The second transistor, in particular the control connection of the second transistor, is preferably electrically connected to the signal line in such a way that the second transistor can be controlled by applying the increased level to the signal line.

The second transistor is set up in particular to be operated as a switch by the increased level; wherein the second transistor represents a closed switch, in particular a short circuit, in the conductive state and an open switch, in particular an open circuit, in the non-conductive state.

The at least one communication channel preferably includes a zener diode which is set up to only let through a level present on the signal line at the transmitter end which is greater than the interference voltage of the ground line. In particular, the at least one communication channel includes a zener diode which is set up to only let through a level present on the signal line at the transmitter end which is greater than or equal to the increased level.

The zener diode ensures that interference signals smaller than the breakdown voltage of the zener diode cannot interfere with the useful signal of the communication or generate an incorrect communication signal in the at least one communication channel.

The zener diode is in particular dimensioned in such a way that the voltage level of the interference voltage of the ground line cannot be let through and consequently cannot interfere with the transmission of the signal via the communication channel.

In particular, the zener diode is set up not to let through or to block interference voltages of up to, for example, 6 volts.

The zener diode is preferably dimensioned in such a way that it lets through a voltage value greater than or equal to the voltage value of the increased level that can be provided by the first controllable voltage source. In this case, the zener diode is preferably dimensioned in such a way that it does not let through the voltage level of the interference voltage of the ground line.

[0094] Consequently, the interference voltage of the ground line has no influence on the transmission of the signal with the increased level via the at least one communication channel. The interference voltage of the ground line thus has no influence on the communication or data transmission in the communication system.

The zener diode is arranged in particular in the signal line of the at least one communication channel in such a way that levels which are greater than or equal to the increased level are transmitted via the signal line to the receiver-side connection or to the second controllable voltage source, in particular to the control connection of the second transistor of the second controllable voltage source, can be transferred; and that levels that are lower than the increased level are blocked by the zener diode and are consequently not let through via the signal line to the receiver-side connection or to the second controllable voltage source, in particular to the control connection of the second transistor of the second controllable voltage source.

Furthermore, the anode of the zener diode is preferably electrically connected to the control terminal of the second transistor of the second controlled voltage source, and the zener diode is preferably set up in such a way that the second transistor is only increased by a level present on the signal line which is higher than or equal to the Level is controlled, in particular is turned on.

The zener diode can be arranged on the signal line at the receiver end or can be a component of the second controllable voltage source. In this case, the Zener diode is preferably set up to only allow through levels, starting from the signal line to the control terminal of the second transistor of the second controllable voltage source, which are higher than or equal to the increased level that can be provided by the first controllable voltage source.

Preferably, the at least one communication channel includes a diode configured to prevent an AC glow current across the signal line.

The diode is preferably arranged in the at least one communication channel in such a way that the anode of the diode is arranged on the side of the transmitter-side connection and the cathode of the diode is arranged on the side of the receiver-side connection, the first controllable voltage source preferably being set up to to apply the boosted level on the anode side of the diode to the signal line.

Such an arrangement of the diode is shown by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 3 by the diode D1b.

Alternatively, the diode is preferably arranged in the at least one communication channel in such a way that the cathode of the diode is arranged on the side of the transmitter-side connection and the anode of the diode is arranged on the side of the receiver-side connection, the first controllable voltage source preferably being set up for this purpose to apply the boosted level on the anode side of the diode to the signal line.

Such an arrangement of the diode is shown by way of example in FIGS. 2 and 3 by the diode D2b.

The communication system is preferably an internal circuit of a lamp operating device for internal communication within the lamp operating device. In this case, the lamp operating device has in particular at least two preferably actively clocked converter stages and each of the two control circuits of the communication system is set up to control a converter stage.

In particular, the at least one communication channel forms an internal interface circuit of the lamp operating device, via which the two control circuits can communicate with one another.

The two control circuits can each be designed as a processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC, "Application Specific Integrated Circuit") or as a combination of the units mentioned. The two control circuits are preferably each a microcontroller.

The two converter stages can each be an actively clocked converter stage. In particular, the two converter stages can each have a switching regulator or actively clocked DC-DC converter or correspond to one.

The two converter stages are preferably set up to provide electrical energy to the lighting system starting from an electrical energy source, such as the mains power supply or a battery.

The activation of the two converter stages by the two control circuits in the operating device for the operation of an illuminant line can take place in any manner known to the person skilled in the art.

The at least one communication channel preferably provides a serial interface circuit for communication between the two control circuits. In particular, a UART or SPI interface circuit is preferably provided by the at least one communication channel. UART stands for "Universal Asynchronous Receiver Transmitter" and SPI stands for "Serial Peripheral Interface". In other words, the communication system, in particular the two control circuits and the at least one communication channel, is preferably designed according to the UART standard or according to the SPI standard.

The communication system according to the invention preferably comprises at least two communication channels according to the invention in accordance with the above statements; wherein a first communication channel of the at least two communication channels is set up for unidirectional communication starting from the first control circuit to the second control circuit, and wherein a second communication channel of the at least two communication channels is set up for unidirectional communication starting from the second control circuit to the first control circuit.

[00111] The two communication channels enable bidirectional communication between the two control circuits.

The first communication channel preferably has a first diode and the second communication channel preferably has a second diode, the first diode and the second diode each being set up to prevent an AC glow current via the respective signal line. The first diode is preferably arranged in the first communication channel such that the anode of the first diode is arranged on the transmitter-side terminal side of the first communication channel and the cathode of the first diode is arranged on the receiver-side terminal side of the first communication channel; wherein the first controllable voltage source of the first communication channel is preferably set up to apply the increased level on the anode side of the first diode to the signal line of the first communication channel. The second diode is preferably arranged in the second communication channel such that the cathode of the second diode is arranged on the transmitter-side terminal side of the second communication channel and the anode of the second diode is arranged on the receiver-side terminal side of the second communication channel; wherein the first controllable voltage source of the second communication channel is preferably set up to apply the increased level on the anode side of the second diode to the signal line of the second communication channel.

The first control circuit is preferably set up to control a first converter stage, in particular a first actively clocked converter stage, of a lamp operating device and the second control circuit is set up to control a second converter stage, in particular a second actively clocked converter stage, of the lamp operating device; wherein the first and second converter stages are arranged in cascade and form a power supply path; and wherein the output voltage of the first converter stage is supplied as input voltage to the second converter stage, which then provides the output voltage of the lamp operating device.

In order to achieve the communication system according to the invention, the above optional features can be combined as desired.

[00115] According to the present invention, an illuminant operating device for operating an illuminant line with at least one illuminant, in particular with at least

at least one light emitting diode; wherein the lamp operating device has: at least two converter stages for providing electrical energy to the lamp line starting from an electrical energy source, and a communication system according to the invention in accordance with the above statements; wherein the two control circuits of the communication system are each set up to control at least one converter stage.

The at least two converter stages are preferably actively clocked converter stages. In particular, the two converter stages have a switching regulator, such as a step-down converter or step-down converter, or correspond to such a switching regulator. A step-up converter is also called a boost converter and a step-down converter is called a buck converter. A switching controller has at least one switch and at least one energy store, preferably in the form of a coil or inductor. In a known manner, an input voltage can be converted into a higher or lower output voltage, depending on the topology of the switching regulator, by clocking the at least one switch. When the switch is on, current flows through the switch and the coil, and when the switch is off, the coil continues to drive the current. Switching regulators are also referred to as actively clocked DC-DC converters.

The two converter stages preferably form an energy supply path of the operating device, which is set up to supply the lighting system with electrical energy, in particular with current, starting from the electrical energy source, when the lighting system is connected to the operating device. The at least two converter stages can in particular be arranged in a cascaded manner.

The source of electrical energy can be, for example, the mains power supply or a preferably rechargeable battery. The electrical energy source can be an internal energy source of the operating device or an external energy source (electrical energy source arranged externally to the operating device). As an external energy source, the electrical energy source can be, for example, the mains power supply or a preferably rechargeable battery, and as an internal energy source, the electrical energy source can be, for example, a preferably rechargeable battery.

The two control circuits can each be designed as a processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC, "Application Specific Integrated Circuit") or as a combination of the units mentioned. Preferably, the two control circuits are microcontrollers.

The activation of the two converter stages by the two control circuits in the operating device for the operation of an illuminant line can take place in any manner known to the person skilled in the art. If the two converter stages are actively clocked converter stages, then in particular each of the two control circuits is set up to control the clocking of the at least one switch of the corresponding actively clocked converter stage.

The communication between the two control circuits of the communication system can take place in accordance with the above statements on the communication system according to the invention.

[00122] The line of illuminants can comprise one or more illuminants. If the line of illuminants has a plurality of illuminants, then these can be electrically connected to one another in parallel and/or in series. The at least one light source is in particular a light-emitting diode (LED), such as an organic light-emitting diode, inorganic light-emitting diode, a light-emitting diode with secondary excitation, a light-emitting diode without secondary excitation, etc.

Preferably, at least one of the at least two converter stages of the lamp operating device according to the invention is an actively clocked converter stage. In particular, at least one of the at least two converter stages of the lamp operating device according to the invention is a step-down converter.

[00124] According to the present invention there is further provided a lamp, wherein

the lamp comprises: an inventive illuminant operating device according to the above statements, and an illuminant line with at least one illuminant, in particular with at least one light-emitting diode; wherein the line of illuminants is connected to the operating device and the operating device is set up to supply the line of illuminants with electrical energy from an electrical energy source.

[00125] The line of illuminants can comprise one or more illuminants. If the line of illuminants has a plurality of illuminants, then these can be electrically connected to one another in parallel and/or in series. The at least one light source is in particular a light-emitting diode (LED), such as an organic light-emitting diode, inorganic light-emitting diode, a light-emitting diode with secondary excitation, a light-emitting diode without secondary excitation, etc.

The source of electrical energy can be, for example, the mains power supply or a preferably rechargeable battery. The electrical energy source can be an internal energy source of the lamp, in particular of the operating device, or an external energy source (electrical energy source arranged externally to the lamp). As an external energy source, the electrical energy source can be, for example, the mains power supply or a preferably rechargeable battery, and as an internal energy source, the electrical energy source can be, for example, a preferably rechargeable battery.

According to the present invention there is further provided a method for transmitting a signal in a communication system according to the invention as set out above; the method comprising the steps of: applying a boosted level, which is higher than the second level of the signal, to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal; and applying a level lower than the increased level to the signal line when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal. Alternatively, the method has the following steps: applying the increased level to the signal line when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection; and applying a level lower than the increased level to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal.

In the case that the boosted level is applied to the signal line when the second level of the signal is applied to the transmitter-side terminal, and a level lower than the boosted level is applied to the signal line when the first level of the signal at the transmitter-side connection; then the method preferably has the following steps: applying the second level to the receiver-side terminal when the signal line has the increased level, and applying the first level to the receiver-side terminal when the signal line has a level lower than the increased Level is present.

Alternatively, in the case that the boosted level is applied to the signal line when the first level of the signal is applied to the transmitter-side terminal, and a level lower than the boosted level is applied to the signal line when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection; then the method preferably has the following steps: applying the first level to the receiver-side connection when the increased level is present on the signal line, and applying the second level to the receiver-side connection when the signal line has a level lower than the increased Level is present.

The above statements on the communication system according to the invention apply accordingly to the method according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

A detailed description of the figures is given below. It shows:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a communication system according to the prior art;

[00133] FIG. 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of a communication system according to the invention;

[00134] FIG. 3 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of a communication system according to the invention; and

FIG. 4 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of a lamp operating device according to the invention for operating a lamp line with at least one lamp.

In the figures, corresponding elements are marked with the same reference numbers.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of a communication system according to the invention.

The communication system 1 of FIG. 2 comprises a first control circuit SS1, a second control circuit SS2 and two unidirectional communication channels KK1 and KK2. The first control circuit SS1 and second control circuit SS2 are each set up to control at least one converter stage, in particular at least one actively clocked converter stage, of a lamp operating device (not shown in FIG. 2). The two communication channels KK1 and KK2 enable bidirectional communication between the first control circuit SS1 and the second control circuit SS2.

The two control circuits SS1 and SS2 can each be designed as a processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC, "Application Specific Integrated Circuit") or as a combination of the units mentioned. The two control circuits SS1 and SS2 are preferably each a microcontroller.

The first control circuit SS1 has a transmission connection Tr1, a reception connection Re1 and a ground connection M1. For communication with a further control circuit, the first control circuit SS1 is set up to emit a signal via the transmission connection Tr1 and to receive a signal via the reception connection Re1. Correspondingly, the second control circuit SS2 has a transmission connection Tr2, a reception connection Re2 and a ground connection M2. For communication with a further control circuit, the second control circuit SS2 is set up to emit a signal via the transmission connection Tr2 and to receive a signal via the reception connection Re2. The first control circuit SS1 is connected to a ground line ML via the ground connection M1 and the second control circuit SS2 is connected to a ground line ML via the ground connection M2.

According to FIG. 2, the communication system 1 has two communication channels KK1 and KK2. According to the invention, the communication system 1 can also have only one communication channel or more than one communication channel. For the further description of the communication system according to the invention, it is assumed that the communication system 1 has two communication channels.

The first communication channel KK1 is set up for unidirectional communication from the first control circuit SS1 to the second control circuit SS2, and the second communication channel KK2 is set up for unidirectional communication from the second control circuit SS2 to the first control circuit SS1. The first communication channel KK1 has a signal line KL1 for signal transmission or data transmission starting from the first control circuit SS1 to the second control circuit SS2. The second communication channel KK2 has a signal line KL2 for signal transmission or data transmission starting from the second control circuit SS2 to the first control circuit SS1.

The connection of the first communication channel KK1 to which the transmission connection Tr1 of the first control circuit SS1 is connected is referred to as the transmission-side connection A11; and the connection of the first communication channel KK1, on which the receiving

Connection Re2 of the second control circuit SS2 is connected is referred to as the receiver-side connection A12. The connection of the second communication channel KK2 to which the transmission connection Tr2 of the second control circuit SS2 is connected is referred to as the connection A21 on the transmission side; and the connection of the second communication channel KK2 to which the receiving connection Re1 of the first control circuit SS1 is connected is referred to as the receiver-side connection A22.

The signal line KL1 of the first communication channel KK1 connects the transmitter-side connection A11 to the receiver-side connection A12 and consequently the transmission connection Tr1 of the first control circuit SS1 to the reception connection Re?2 of the second control circuit SS2. The signal line KL2 of the second communication channel KK2 connects the transmitter-side connection A21 to the receiver-side connection A22 and consequently the transmission connection Tr2 of the second control circuit SS2 to the reception connection Re1 of the first control circuit SS1.

The first communication channel KK1 includes a first controllable voltage source P1a, which electrically connects the transmitter-side connection A11 of the first communication channel KK1 to the signal line KL1. Correspondingly, the second communication channel KK2 includes a first controllable voltage source P2a, which electrically connects the transmitter-side connection A21 of the second communication channel KK2 to the signal line KL2. The first controllable voltage source P1a of the first communication channel KK1 and the first controllable voltage source P2a of the second communication channel KK2 can each be set up or designed according to the above statements on the first controllable voltage source of the at least one communication channel of the communication system according to the invention.

The functionality of the first controllable voltage source P1a of the first communication channel KK1 is described below when the first control circuit SS1 can accept a signal that has a first level and a second level that is higher than the first level, via the first communication channel KK1 to the second control circuit SS2. These statements apply accordingly to the first controllable voltage source P2a of the second communication channel KK2. With regard to the signal to be transmitted, reference is made to the above statements on the signal, in particular on the first and second level of the signal.

According to a first preferred embodiment, when the first control circuit SS1 applies the second level of the signal to the transmitter-side connection A11 during signal transmission or data transmission, the first controllable voltage source P1a is set up to apply the second level present at the transmitter-side connection A11 of the signal to a boosted level higher than the second level and then apply the boosted level to the signal line KL1. Consequently, in order to transmit the second level via the first communication channel KK1, the increased level is transmitted via the signal line KL1. When the first control circuit SS1 applies the first level of the signal to the connection A11 on the transmitter side during signal transmission or data transmission, the first controllable voltage source P1a is set up to apply a level that is lower than the increased level to the signal line KL1. Consequently, in order to transmit the first level via the first communication channel KK1, a level that is lower than the increased level is transmitted via the signal line KL1.

When the first control circuit SS1 applies the first level of the signal to the transmitter-side connection A11 during signal transmission or data transmission, the first controllable voltage source P1a is set up in particular to apply the first level to the signal line KL1. Consequently, in order to transmit the first level via the first communication channel KK1, in particular the first level is transmitted via the signal line KL1.

According to a second preferred embodiment, when the first control circuit SS1 applies the first level of the signal to the transmitter-side connection A11 during signal transmission or data transmission, then the first controllable voltage source P1a is involved

set up to increase the first level of the signal present at the transmitter-side connection A11 to the increased level, which is higher than the second level, and then to apply the increased level to the signal line KL1. Consequently, in order to transmit the first level via the first communication channel KK1, the increased level is transmitted via the signal line KL1. When the first control circuit SS1 applies the second level of the signal to the connection A11 on the transmitter side during signal transmission or data transmission, the first controllable voltage source P1a is set up to apply a level that is lower than the increased level to the signal line KL1. Consequently, in order to transmit the second level via the first communication channel KK1, a level which is lower than the increased level is transmitted via the signal line KL1.

When the first control circuit SS1 applies the second level of the signal to the transmitter-side connection A11 during signal transmission or data transmission, the first controllable voltage source P1a is set up in particular to apply the first level to the signal line KL1. Consequently, in order to transmit the second level via the first communication channel KK1, in particular the first level is transmitted via the signal line KL1.

Thus, according to the second preferred embodiment, when the signal is transmitted, the first and second levels are inverted since the first level is increased to the increased level and consequently is then higher than the second level.

The communication system according to FIG. 2 is therefore advantageous because, due to the increase in the first level or the second level of the signal to the increased level, an interference voltage on the ground line ML does not affect the transmission of the signal via the first communication channel KK1, in particular via the signal line KL1.

Furthermore, this solution is inexpensive since only the first controllable voltage source P1a is required in order to increase the level of the signal to be transmitted to the increased level at the transmitter end. Furthermore, the proposed solution can also be easily retrofitted in existing communication systems, since the first controllable voltage source P1a can easily be installed between the transmitter-side connection A11 of the communication channel KK1, in particular the transmission connection Tr1 of the control circuit SS1, and the signal line KL1 on the transmitter side.

The first communication channel KK1 also preferably includes a second controllable voltage source P1b, which electrically connects the signal line KL1 to the receiver-side connection A12 of the first communication channel KK1. Correspondingly, the second communication channel KK2 preferably includes a second controllable voltage source P2b, which electrically connects the signal line KL2 to the receiver-side connection A22 of the second communication channel KK2. The second controllable voltage source P1b of the first communication channel KK1 and the second controllable voltage source P2b of the second communication channel KK2 can each be set up or designed according to the above explanations for the second controllable voltage source of the at least one communication channel of the communication system according to the invention.

The functionality of the second controllable voltage source P1b of the first communication channel KK1 is described below. These statements apply correspondingly to the second controllable voltage source P2b of the second communication channel KK2.

The second controllable voltage source P1b is preferably set up to convert the level transmitted via the signal line KL1 back into the first and second level according to the transmitter-side processing of the first and second level of the signal by the first controllable voltage source P1a.

Consequently, in the first preferred embodiment described above, the second controllable voltage source P1b is set up to apply the second level to the receiver-side terminal A12 when the increased level is present on the signal line KL1; and applying the first level to the receiver-side terminal A12 when a level lower than the boosted level is present on the signal line KL1. In particular, the second

controllable voltage source P1b set up to apply the first level to the receiver-side terminal A12 when the first level is present on the signal line KL1.

In the second preferred embodiment described above, the second controllable voltage source P1b is set up to apply the first level to the receiver-side terminal A12 when the increased level is present on the signal line KL1; and to apply the second level to the receiver-side terminal A21 when a level lower than the boosted level is present on the signal line KL1. In particular, the second controllable voltage source P1b is set up to apply the second level to the receiver-side connection A12 when the first level is present on the signal line KL1.

The second controllable voltage source P1b is thus set up in the second preferred embodiment to undo an inversion of the first and second levels carried out by the first controllable voltage source P1a and an increase in the then inverted first level.

Consequently, the communication system 1 according to the invention as shown in FIG. 2 is advantageous because the transmitter-side increase in the first level or second level of the signal transmits a corresponding increased level via the signal line KL1, which is not disturbed by an interference voltage on the ground line ML. In this case, however, the second control circuit SS2, despite the transmission at the increased level, again receives the first level and the second level, which are provided by the second controllable voltage source P1b at the receiver end. It is therefore not necessary to adapt the second control circuit SS2, in particular to adapt a signal processing or data processing in the second control circuit SS2, to the transmission of the signal with the increased level. Consequently, an existing communication system can easily and inexpensively be converted into the communication system according to the invention, since only two controllable voltage sources have to be arranged or implemented in the communication channel between the two control circuits.

As already described above, the first and second communication channels KK1 and KK2 do not each have to include the second controllable voltage source P1b or P2b. Instead, the above-described functionality of the second controllable voltage source P1b or P2b can be implemented in software in the first and second control circuits SS1 and SS2.

The transmitter-side connection A11 of the first communication channel KK1 can preferably correspond to the transmission connection Tr1 of the first control circuit SS1 and the transmitter-side connection A21 of the second communication channel KK2 can correspond to the transmission connection Tr2 of the second control circuit SS2 (not shown in FIG. 2).

Furthermore, the receiver-side connection A12 of the first communication channel KK1 can preferably correspond to the receiving connection Re2 of the second control circuit SS2 and the receiver-side connection A22 of the second communication channel KK2 can correspond to the receiving connection Re1 of the first control circuit SS1 (not shown in Figure 2).

Furthermore, the first controllable voltage source P1a of the first communication channel KK1 and/or the second controllable voltage source P2b of the second communication channel KK2 can preferably be part of the first control circuit SS1. Correspondingly, the first controllable voltage source P2a of the second communication channel KK2 and/or the second controllable voltage source P1b of the first communication channel KK1 can preferably be part of the second control circuit SS2. (Not shown in Figure 2.)

According to FIG. 2, the first communication channel KK1 and the second communication channel KK2 each include an optional zener diode D1a or D2a. In the first communication channel KK1, the cathode of the zener diode D1a is arranged on the side of the connection A11 on the transmitter side. In particular, the cathode of the zener diode D1a is electrically connected to the first controllable voltage source P1a. In the second communication channel KK2, the cathode of the zener diode D2a is connected on the side of the transmitter-side connection A21.

orderly. In particular, the cathode of the zener diode D2a is electrically connected to the first controllable voltage source P2a.

The zener diode D1a of the first communication channel KK1 and the zener diode D2a of the second communication channel KK2 can each be set up or designed in accordance with the above statements on the optional zener diode of the at least one communication channel of the communication system according to the invention.

The zener diodes D1a and D2a are each set up to only let through a level present on the signal line KL1 or KL2 on the transmitter side which is greater than the interference voltage of the ground line ML. In particular, the Zener diodes D1a and D2a are each set up to only let through a level present on the signal line KL1 or KL2 on the transmitter side which is greater than or equal to the increased level.

The zener diode D1a or D2a ensures that interference signals smaller than the breakdown voltage of the zener diode cannot interfere with the useful signal of the communication via the first communication channel KK1 or the second communication channel KK2. The zener diode D1a or D2a ensures in particular that interference signals smaller than the breakdown voltage of the zener diode do not generate an incorrect communication signal in the communication channel KK1 or KK2.

The zener diodes D1a and D2a are in particular each dimensioned in such a way that voltage levels of disturbances that can occur on the ground line ML are not let through and consequently the transmission of the signal via the signal line KL1 of the first communication channel KK1 and the signal line KL2 of the second communication channel KK2 can interfere.

The zener diodes D1a and D2a are preferably each dimensioned in such a way that they only pass levels which are greater than or equal to the increased level provided by the first controllable voltage source Pla or P2a. In this case, the Zener diodes D1a and D2a are in particular each dimensioned in such a way that they do not let through the voltage level of the interference voltage of the ground line ML.

[00171] Consequently, the interference voltage of the ground line ML has no influence on the transmission of a signal with the increased level via the signal line of the first communication channel KK1 or the second communication channel KK2. The interference voltage on the ground line ML thus has no influence on the communication or data transmission between the two control circuits SS1 and SS2.

The following explanations regarding the zener diode D1a of the first communication channel KK1 are correspondingly applicable to the zener diode D2a of the second communication channel KK2. The zener diode D1a is preferably arranged on the signal line KL1 between the first controllable voltage source P1a and the second controllable voltage source P1b, as is shown in FIG. In this case, the zener diode D1a is set up in particular to only allow levels present on the signal line KL1 to pass through to the second controllable voltage source P1b which are higher than or equal to the increased level.

In particular, the zener diode D1a is arranged in the signal line KL1 of the at least one communication channel KK1 that levels that are greater than or equal to the increased level can be transmitted via the signal line KL1 to the second controllable voltage source P1b; and that levels that are lower than the increased level are blocked by the zener diode D1a and consequently are not let through via the signal line KL1 to the second controllable voltage source P1b.

The zener diode D1a can preferably also be a component of the second controllable voltage source P1b, in which case the signal line KL1 is then preferably connected to the cathode of the zener diode D1a (not shown in FIG. 2).

The resistance Ri shown in FIG. 2, which is connected between the ground line ML and is arranged on it, corresponds to the internal resistance of a transistor in the conducting state

State that can be provided on the ground line ML of the interface circuit 2 (the transistor is not shown in Figure 2). This transistor preferably corresponds to a FET transistor, in particular a MOSFET transistor, with a body diode. The transistor can be switched off in the standby mode of a lamp operating device in which the communication system of Figure 2 can be contained (no activation of converter stages of the lamp operating device by the control circuits SS1 and SS2 of the communication system) in order to close the ground line ML interrupt and consequently prevent a current flow, in particular a flow of glow currents, via the ground line ML. In normal operation, the transistor is turned on accordingly, so that the ground line ML is closed again.

According to FIG. 2, the first communication channel KK1 and the second communication channel KK2 also each have an optional diode D1b or D2b. The diode D1b and the diode D2b are each set up to prevent an AC glow current via the respective signal line KL1 or KL2. In particular, the diode D1b and the diode D2b are each preferably configured to block an AC voltage, such as an AC voltage of 230 volts and 50 Hz.

The diode D1b of the first communication channel KK1 and the diode D2b of the second communication channel KK2 can each be set up or designed in accordance with the above statements on the optional diode of the at least one communication channel of the communication system according to the invention.

According to FIG. 2, the diode D1b is arranged on the signal line KL1 of the first communication channel KK1 in such a way that the anode of the diode D1b is on the side of the transmitter-side connection A11 of the first communication channel KK1 and the cathode of the diode D1b is on the side of the receiver-side Connection A12 of the first communication channel KK1 is arranged. The first controllable voltage source P1a of the first communication channel KK1 is set up to apply the increased level on the anode side of the diode D1b to the signal line KL1 of the first communication channel KK1.

The diode D2b is arranged on the signal line KL2 of the second communication channel KK2 in such a way that the cathode of the diode D2b is on the transmitter-side terminal A21 side of the second communication channel KK2 and the anode of the diode D2b is on the receiver-side terminal A22 side of the second Communication channel KK2 is arranged. The first controllable voltage source P2a of the second communication channel KK2 is set up to apply the increased level on the anode side of the diode D2b to the signal line KL2 of the second communication channel KK2.

As shown in Figure 2, due to the different arrangement of the diode D1b in the first communication channel KK1 and the diode 2b in the second communication channel KK2, the connection of the first controllable P1a to the signal line KL1 of the first communication channel KK1 differs from that Connection of the first controllable P2a to the signal line KL2 of the second communication channel KK2,.

The diode D1a is preferably arranged on the signal line KL1 between the first controllable voltage source P1a and the second controllable voltage source P1b; and the diode D2a is preferably arranged on the signal line KL2 between the second controllable voltage source P2b and the first controllable voltage source P2a, as shown in FIG.

The diode D1b can preferably also be a component of the second controllable voltage source P1b, in which case the signal line KL1 is then preferably connected to the anode of the diode D1b (not shown in FIG. 2). Alternatively, the diode D1b can also be a component of the first controllable voltage source P1a, in which case the signal line KL1 is then preferably connected to the cathode of the diode D1a (not shown in FIG. 2).

The diode D2b can preferably also be a component of the first controllable voltage source P2a, in which case the signal line KL2 is then connected to the anode of the diode D2b.

is closed (not shown in Figure 2).

FIG. 3 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of a communication system according to the invention. The communication system in Figure 3 corresponds to the communication system in Figure 2, Figure 3 showing preferred embodiments for the first controllable voltage source P1a and second controllable voltage source P1b of the first communication channel KK1 and for the first controllable voltage source P2a and second controllable voltage source P2b of the second communication channel KK2 to be shown. Consequently, the above statements with regard to FIG. 2 also apply to the communication system shown in FIG.

To avoid repetition, only the design of the first controllable voltage source P1a and second controllable voltage source P1b of the first communication channel KK1 and the design of the first controllable voltage source P2a and second controllable voltage source P2b of the second communication channel KK2 of the communication system of Figure 3 are described below .

The first controllable voltage source P1a of the first communication channel KK1 includes a first voltage source SQ11 for providing the increased level UO and a first transistor T11. The first voltage source SQ11 is in particular a constant voltage source that provides the increased level UO. The increased level is as described above, i.e. the increased level is higher or larger than the second level of the signal to be transmitted via the communication channel KK1.

The first transistor T11 is in particular a bipolar transistor. For the following statements, it is assumed that the first transistor T11 is a bipolar transistor, in particular an npn bipolar transistor. As already explained above, the first transistor T11 is not limited to this type of transistor, but can also be another type of transistor, such as a field effect transistor (FET), in particular a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). Furthermore, the first controllable voltage source can preferably also have more than one transistor.

The first controllable voltage source P1a has the optional resistors R11, R12 and R13 in addition to the first voltage source SQ11 and the first transistor T11. The resistors R12 and R13 are electrically connected in series between the transmitter-side terminal A11 and the ground line ML. The base connection (control connection) of the first transistor T11 is electrically connected to the voltage node K11 between the resistors R12 and R13. The emitter terminal of the first transistor T11 is electrically connected to the ground line ML and the collector terminal of the first transistor T11 is electrically connected to a first terminal of the resistor R11.

The first voltage source SQ11 is electrically connected between the second terminal of the resistor R11 and the ground line ML. The increased voltage Uo provided by the first voltage source SQ11 thus drops across the resistor R11 and the first transistor T11. The voltage node K12 between the resistor R11 and the collector connection of the first transistor T11 is electrically connected to the signal line KL1. In particular, the voltage node K12 is electrically connected to the cathode of the optional zener diode D1a of the first communication channel KK1, which is arranged on the signal line KL1.

The second controllable voltage source P1b of the first communication channel KK1 preferably comprises a second voltage source SQ12 for providing the second level Uhp of the signal to be transmitted via the communication channel KK1 and a second transistor T12.

The second voltage source SQ12 is in particular a constant voltage source that provides the second level Uhp of the signal. The second level of the signal is as described above, i.e. the second level of the signal is higher than the first level of the signal.

The second transistor T12 is in particular a bipolar transistor. For the following statements, it is assumed that the second transistor T12 is a bipolar transistor, in particular an npn bipolar transistor. As already explained above, the second transistor T12 is not limited to this type of transistor, but can also be another type of transistor, such as a field effect transistor (FET), in particular a metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET). Furthermore, the second controllable voltage source P1b can preferably also have more than one transistor.

The second controllable voltage source P1b has the optional resistors R14, R15 and R16 in addition to the second voltage source SQ12 and the second transistor T12. The collector connection of the second transistor T12 is electrically connected to the receiver-side connection A12 of the first communication channel KK1 and the emitter connection of the second transistor T12 is electrically connected to the ground line ML. The resistor R14 is electrically connected at one terminal to the base terminal (control terminal) of the second transistor T12 and at the other terminal to the ground line ML. The voltage node K13 between the resistor R14 and the base connection of the second transistor T12 is electrically connected to the signal line KL1. In particular, the voltage node K13 is electrically connected to the cathode of the optional diode D1b of the first communication channel KK1, which is arranged on the signal line KL1.

The resistor R16 is electrically connected to the collector terminal of the second transistor T12 at one terminal and to the ground line ML at the other terminal. The resistor R15 is electrically connected at one terminal to the collector terminal of the second transistor T12 and at the other terminal to the second voltage source SQ12. The voltage node between the collector connection of the second transistor T12 and the resistors R15 and R16 is marked with K14. The second voltage source SQ12 is electrically connected between the resistor R15 and the ground line ML. The second level Uhp provided by the second voltage source SQ12 thus drops across the resistors R15 and R16.

The implementation of the first controllable voltage source P2a of the second communication channel KK2 according to FIG. 3 essentially corresponds to the implementation of the first controllable voltage source P1a of the first communication channel KK1 shown in FIG. The implementation of the second controllable voltage source P2b of the second communication channel KK2 according to FIG. 3 essentially corresponds to the implementation of the second controllable voltage source P1b of the first communication channel KK1 shown in FIG. Consequently, the above statements on the first controllable voltage source P1a and the second controllable voltage source P1b of the first communication channel KK1 apply accordingly to the first controllable voltage source P2a and the second controllable voltage source P2b of the second communication channel KK2. In detail:

The first controllable voltage source P2a of the second communication channel KK2 has the optional resistors R21, R22 and R23 in addition to the first voltage source SQ21 and the first transistor T21. The resistors R22 and R23 are electrically connected in series between the transmitter-side terminal A21 and the ground line ML. The base connection (control connection) of the first transistor T21 is electrically connected to the voltage node K21 between the resistors R22 and R23. The emitter terminal of the first transistor T21 is electrically connected to the ground line ML and the collector terminal of the first transistor T21 is electrically connected to the cathode of the optional diode D2b. The collector connection of the first transistor T21 is connected to the signal line KL2, in particular via the optional diode D2b. The anode of diode D2b is electrically connected to a first terminal of resistor R21.

The first voltage source SQ21 is electrically connected between the second terminal of the resistor R21 and the ground line ML. The first voltage source SQ21 is connected to the signal line KL2 via the resistor R21. The increased level UO provided by the first voltage source SQ21 thus falls across the resistor R21, the optional diode

D2b and the first transistor T21. The voltage node between resistor R21 and the anode of diode D2b is referred to as voltage node K22. In particular, the voltage node K22 of the signal line KL2 is electrically connected to the cathode of the optional zener diode D2a of the second communication channel KK2, which is arranged on the signal line KL2.

Due to the arrangement of the optional diode D2b in the second communication channel KK2 shown in Figure 2, the increased level is applied (when the first transistor T21 is non-conductive) by the first voltage source SQ21 to the voltage node K22 of the signal line KL2 and thus to the applied to the anode side of diode D2b.

The second controllable voltage source P2b of the second communication channel KK2 has, in addition to the second voltage source SQ22 and the second transistor T22, the optional resistors R24, R25 and R26 and an optional capacitor C21 and an optional diode D2c. The collector connection of the second transistor T22 is electrically connected to the receiver-side connection A22 of the second communication channel KK2 and the emitter connection of the second transistor T22 is electrically connected to the ground line ML. The resistor R24 is electrically connected to the base (control) terminal of the second transistor T22 at one terminal and to the ground line ML at the other terminal. The optional capacitor C21 is electrically connected at one terminal to the base terminal of the second transistor T22 and at the other terminal to the ground line ML. The capacitor C21 is arranged in parallel with the resistor R24. The voltage node K23 between the resistor R24, the capacitor C21 and the base connection of the second transistor T22 is electrically connected to the signal line KL2 via the diode D2c. In particular, the voltage node K23 is electrically connected to the cathode of the diode D2c, with the signal line KL2 being connected to the anode of the diode D2c.

The optional capacitor C21, together with the optional resistor R24, prevents a leakage current through the optional zener diode D2a, particularly at high temperatures, from switching the second transistor T22 into the conductive state. The optional diode D2c is set up to prevent negative voltage peaks that can arise as a result of parasitic effects, in particular parasitic capacitances, of the second transistor T22.

The resistor R26 is electrically connected at one terminal to the collector terminal of the second transistor T22 and at the other terminal to the ground line ML. The resistor R25 is electrically connected at one terminal to the collector terminal of the second transistor T22 and at the other terminal to the second voltage source SQ22. The voltage node between the collector connection of the second transistor T22 and the resistors R25 and R26 is marked with K24. The second voltage source SQ22 is electrically connected between the resistor R25 and the ground line ML. The second level Uhp provided by the second voltage source thus drops across the resistors R25 and R26.

In the following, the first communication channel KK1 is described as an example of how the first level (low level) of e.g. 0 volts and the second level (high level) of e.g. 3 volts of the signal proceeding from the transmitter-side connection A11 to the receiver-side connection A12 are transferred.

The first transistor T11 and the resistors R12 and R13 are dimensioned or set up in such a way that when the first level of e.g Level of e.g. 3 volts at the transmitter-side connection A11, the first transistor T11 conducts.

The first voltage source SQ11 provides the increased level of 13V, for example.

The first voltage source SQ11 and the resistor R11 are dimensioned or set up in such a way that when the first transistor T11 is in the non-conducting state (blocking state), the increased level is applied by the first voltage source SQ11 to the node K12 and thus to the signal line KL1 . In the conductive state of the first transistor T11 is

24/34

Voltage node K12 is short-circuited to the ground line ML and consequently the signal line KL1 is connected to ground, in particular to the ground line ML. Thus, when the first transistor T11 is non-conductive (due to the first level at the transmitter-side connection A11), the increased level UO is present on the signal line KL1; and when the first transistor T11 is conductive (due to the second level at the transmitter-side connection A11), there is no voltage on the signal line KL1, since there is a current path, in particular a short circuit, between the voltage node K12 and the ground line ML via the conductive transistor T11. If the first level is equal to 0 volts, then the first level is present on the signal line KL1 when the first transistor is in the on state.

As already explained above, the optional zener diode D1a is preferably dimensioned in such a way that it only lets through voltages that are greater than or equal to the increased level. Consequently, an interference voltage of the ground line ML, which corresponds in particular to a voltage drop at the internal resistance Ri of a transistor arranged in the ground line, is not let through by the zener diode D1a. The increased level is significantly higher than the interference voltage. The interference voltage of the ground line ML thus has no influence on the communication via the first communication channel KK1.

The second transistor T12 and the resistor R14 are dimensioned or set up such that when the increased level is present at the voltage node K13, the second transistor T12 conducts, and that when the first level is present, in particular when there is no voltage or a voltage of 0 volts, the second transistor T12 blocks (is non-conductive) at the voltage node K13. The second voltage source SQ12 provides the second level. The second voltage source SQ12 and the resistors R15 and R16 are dimensioned or set up in such a way that the second level of e.g. 3 volts is again present at the voltage node K14 and consequently at the receiver-side connection A12 when the second transistor T12 blocks. In the conductive state of the second transistor T12, the voltage node K14 is short-circuited to the ground line ML and consequently the receiver-side connection A12 is connected to ground, in particular to the ground line ML.

Thus, in the non-conducting state of the second transistor T12 (due to the first level, in particular no voltage or a voltage equal to 0 volts, on the signal line KL1), the second level is present at the receiver-side connection A12; and when the first transistor T12 is conductive (due to the increased level on the signal line KL1), there is no voltage at the receiver-side connection A12, since there is a current path via the conductive transistor T12, in particular a short circuit, between the receiver-side connection A12 and the ground line ML . If the first level is equal to 0 volts, then the first level is present at the receiver-side connection A12 when the second transistor T12 is in the on state.

FIG. 4 shows a schematic circuit diagram of a preferred embodiment of a lamp operating device according to the invention for operating a lamp line with at least one lamp.

The above statements on FIGS. 2 and 3 also apply to the lamp operating device 2 and the communication system 1 of FIG.

FIG. 4 shows an illuminant operating device 2 (hereinafter referred to as operating device) for operating an illuminant line 4 with at least one illuminant, in particular with at least one light-emitting diode. The operating device 2 and the illuminant line 4 can together form a lamp 5, the illuminant line 4 being connected to the operating device 2 on the output side. The operating device 2 is set up to supply the illuminant line 4 with electrical energy from an electrical energy source 3 .

The source of electrical energy 3 can be, for example, the mains power supply or a preferably rechargeable battery. The electrical energy source 3 can be an internal energy source of the lamp 5, in particular of the operating device 2 (not shown in FIG. 4) or a

external energy source (electrical energy source arranged externally to the luminaire). As an external energy source, the electrical energy source 3 can be, for example, the mains power supply or a preferably rechargeable battery, and as an internal energy source, the electrical energy source 3 can be, for example, a preferably rechargeable battery.

[00213] The line of illuminants 4 can comprise one or more illuminants. If the line of illuminants has a plurality of illuminants, then these can be electrically connected to one another in parallel and/or in series. The at least one light source is in particular a light-emitting diode (LED), such as an organic light-emitting diode, inorganic light-emitting diode, a light-emitting diode with secondary excitation, a light-emitting diode without secondary excitation, etc.

The operating device 2 includes two converter stages WS1 and WS2 and a communication system 1 according to the invention, which includes two control circuits SS1 and SS2 and two unidirectional communication channels KK1 and KK2 for bidirectional communication between the two control circuits SS1 and SS2. As already explained above, the operating device 2 can also have more than two converter stages WS1 and WS2, it being assumed for the following description that the operating device 2 has two converter stages.

As already explained above, the two converter stages WS1 and WS2 are preferably actively clocked converter stages. In particular, the two converter stages WS1 and WS-2 have a switching controller, such as a step-down converter or step-down converter, or correspond to such a switching controller. A step-up converter is also called a boost converter and a step-down converter is called a buck converter. A switching regulator has at least one switch and at least one energy store, preferably in the form of a coil or inductance, wherein an input voltage can be converted in a known manner into a higher or lower output voltage, depending on the topology of the switching regulator, by clocking the at least one switch (not shown in Figure 4). When the switch is on, current flows through the switch and the coil, and when the switch is off, the coil continues to drive the current. Switching regulators are also referred to as actively clocked DC-DC converters.

The two converter stages preferably form an energy supply path of the operating device 2, which is set up to supply the lighting system 4 with electrical energy, in particular with current, starting from the electrical energy source 3, when the lighting system 4 is connected to the operating device 1 . According to FIG. 4, the two converter stages WS1 and WS2 are arranged in cascade.

The two control circuits SS1 and SS2 can each be designed as a processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC, "Application Specific Integrated Circuit") or as a combination of the units mentioned. Preferably, the two control circuits SS1 and SS2 are microcontrollers.

The first control circuit SS1 of the two control circuits is set up to drive the first converter stage WS1 of the two converter stages and the second control circuit SS2 of the two control circuits is set up to drive the second converter stage WS2 of the two converter stages. If the operating device 1 has more than two converter stages, the first control circuit SS1 and the second control circuit SS2 can each be set up to control more than one converter stage.

The activation of the two converter stages WS1 and WS2 by the two control circuits SS1 and SS2 in the operating device 2 for operating the lighting system 4 can take place in any manner known to those skilled in the art. If the two converter stages WS1 and WS2 are actively clocked converter stages, then in particular each of the two control circuits SS1 and SS2 is set up to control the clocking of the at least one switch of the corresponding actively clocked converter stage.

The two control circuits SS1 and SS2 are each connected to the two communication

26 / 34

Channels KK1 and KK2 are electrically connected and can communicate with one another via them. With regard to the design and functionality of the communication system 1, in particular the two control circuits SS1 and SS2 and the two communication channels KK1 and KK2, as well as the communication in the communication system 1, reference is made to the corresponding statements above.

The two communication channels KK1 and KK2 of the communication system 1 enable bidirectional communication between the two control circuits SS1 and SS2, this communication being robust with regard to an interference voltage on the ground line of the operating device 2 or being not disturbed by such an interference voltage. Because, as already explained above, the first level or the second level of a signal fed to the communication channel KK1 or KK2 at the transmitter end is raised to the increased level, and then the first level or the second level with the increased level via the communication channel KK1 or KK2 transferred to.

The arrangement of the converter stages WS1 and WS2 is only exemplary and can also be done differently. For example, the converter stages WS1 and WS2 can also be arranged parallel to one another, with each migration stage then being able to supply electrical energy from the electrical energy source 3 to one or more lamps, in particular a group of lamps, of the lamp line.

The present invention relates in particular to a communication system that is intended to enable trouble-free communication between two control circuits, such as microcontrollers, in an operating device for lighting means, such as light-emitting diodes. Consequently, the two converter stages WS1 and WS2 can be driven by the two control circuits SS1 and SS2 in any manner known to those skilled in the art.

Claims (10)

Expectations 1. Communication system (1) comprising - a first control circuit (SS1), in particular a first microcontroller, for control tion of a first converter stage (WS1) of a lamp operating device (2), - A second control circuit (SS2), in particular a second microcontroller, for controlling a second converter stage (WS2) of the lamp operating device (2), and - at least one communication channel (KK1, KK2) for the unidirectional transmission of a signal between the two control circuits (SS1, SS2), the signal being able to assume a first level and a second level which is higher than the first level; - wherein the at least one communication channel (KK1, KK2) comprises: - A signal line (KL1, KL2) for unidirectional transmission of the signal between a transmitter-side connection (A11, A21) of the communication channel (KK1, KK2) to which a transmission connection (Tr1, Tr2) of a control circuit of the two control circuits (SS1, SS2) is connected and a receiver-side connection (A12, A22) of the communication channel (KK1, KK2) to which a reception connection (Re2, Re1) of the other control circuit of the two control circuits (SS1, SS2) is connected, and - A first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a), which is set up to be controlled by the signal, the transmitter-side connection (A11, A21) of the communication channel (KK1, KK2) having the first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a). the signal line (KL1, KL2) is electrically connected; and - wherein the first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a) is set up to - to apply an increased level, which is higher than the second level of the signal, to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection (A11, A21), and - Apply a level that is lower than the increased level to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection (A11, A21); or - wherein the first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a) is set up to - apply the increased level to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection (A11, A21), and - to apply a level that is lower than the increased level to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection (A11, A21). 2. Communication system (1) according to claim 1, - wherein the first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a) is set up to - apply the increased level to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the second level of the signal at the transmitter-side connection ( A11, A21) is present, and - applying the first level of the signal to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the first level of the signal is present at the connection (A11, A21) on the transmitter side; or - wherein the first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a) is set up to - apply the increased level to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection (A11, A21), and - the apply the first level of the signal to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the second level of the signal is present at the connection (A11, A21) on the transmitter side. 3. Communication system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein - the communication system (1) has a ground line (ML), and - the increased level that can be applied to the signal line (KL1, KL2) by the first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a). is greater than an interference voltage of the ground line (ML). 4. Communication system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the ground line (ML) has at least one transistor, and - the interference voltage a voltage drop at the transistor, in particular at an internal resistance (Ri) of the transistor, in the conductive state due to a current flow , 28 / 34 in particular a power current of a converter stage or a glow current flow through which the ground line (ML) corresponds. 5. Communication system (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a) comprises a first voltage source (SQ11, SQ21) for providing the increased level (UO0) and at least one first transistor (T11, T21). , - wherein the first voltage source (SQ11, SQ21) and the first transistor (T11, T21) are arranged in such a way that - when the first transistor (T11, T21) is non-conductive, the increased level (UO) is generated by the first voltage source (SQ11, SQ21) is applied to the signal line (KL1, KL2), and - when the first transistor (T11, T21) is in the on state, the signal line (KL1, KL2) is connected to ground, in particular to the ground line (ML). 6. Communication system (1) according to claim 5, wherein - the first transistor (T11, T21) is set up to - be in the non-conductive state when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection (A11, A21), and - to be in the conductive state when the second level of the signal is present at the connection (A11, A21) on the transmitter side. 7. Communication system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, - in the event that the first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a) is set up to apply the increased level to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the second level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection (A11, A21), and to apply a level lower than the increased level to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side terminal (A11, A21), the other control circuit of the two control circuits (SS1, SS2) is set up to - evaluating the increased level as the second level, and - evaluating a level lower than the increased level as the first level; or - in the event that the first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a) is set up to apply the increased level to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the first level of the signal is present at the transmitter-side connection (A11, A21), and applying a level lower than the boosted level to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the second level of the signal is applied to the transmitter-side terminal (A11, A21), the other control circuit of the two control circuits (SS1, SS2) is set up to - evaluate the increased level as the first level, and - to evaluate a level that is lower than the increased level as the second level ten. 8. Communication system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, - wherein the at least one communication channel (KK1, KK2) comprises: - A second controllable voltage source (P1b, P2b), which is set up to be controlled by the signal, the receiver-side connection (A12, A22) of the communication channel (KK1, KK2) being connected via the second controllable voltage source (P1b, P2b). the signal line (KL1, KL2) is electrically connected; and - Wherein the case that the first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a) is set up to apply the increased level to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the second level of the signal at the connection (A11, A21) on the transmitter side, and a level which is lower than the increased level to be applied to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the first level of the signal is present at the connection (A11, A21) on the transmitter side, the second controllable voltage source (P1b, P2b) is set up to - apply the second level to the receiver-side connection (A12, A22) when the increased level is present on the signal line (KL1, KL2), and 29 / 34 - to apply the first level to the receiver-side connection (A12, A22) when a level lower than the increased level is present on the signal line (KL1, KL2); or - Wherein the case that the first controllable voltage source (P1a, P2a) is set up to apply the increased level to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the first level of the signal at the connection (A11, A21) on the transmitter side, and a level which is lower than the increased level to be applied to the signal line (KL1, KL2) when the second level of the signal is present at the connection (A11, A21) on the transmitter side, the second controllable voltage source (P1b, P2b) is set up to - apply the first level to the receiver-side connection (A12, A22) when the increased level is present on the signal line (KL1, KL2), and - apply the second level to the receiver-side connection (A12, A22) when a level lower than the increased level is present on the signal line (KL1, KL2). 9. Communication system (1) according to claim 8, wherein - the second controllable voltage source (P1b, P2b) comprises a second voltage source (SQ12, SQ22) for providing the second level (Uhp) and at least one second transistor (T12, T22), - wherein the second voltage source (SQ12, SQ22) and the second transistor (T12, T22) are arranged in such a way that - when the second transistor (T12, T22) is non-conductive, the second level (Uhp) is generated by the second voltage source (SQ12, SQ22) is applied to the receiver-side connection (A12, A22), and - when the second transistor (T12, T22) is in the on state, the receiver-side connection (A12, A22) is connected to ground, in particular to the ground line (ML). 10. Communication system (1) according to claim 9, wherein - the second transistor (T12, T22) is set up to - be in the non-conductive state when a level lower than the increased level (UO) on the signal line (KL1, KL2) is present, and - to be in the conductive state when a level higher than or equal to the increased level (UO) is present on the signal line (KL1, KL2). 4 sheets of drawings 30 / 34