CN105491705A - LED-based illumination module on-board diagnostics - Google Patents

Abstract

Light emitting diode (LED)-based illumination module performs on-board diagnostics. For example, diagnostics may include estimating elapsed lifetime, degradation of phosphor, thermal failure, failure of LEDs, or LED current adjustment based on measured flux or temperature. The elapsed lifetime may be estimated by scaling accumulated elapsed time of operation by an acceleration factor derived from actual operating conditions, such as temperature, current and relative humidity. The degradation of phosphor may be estimated based on a measured response of the phosphor to pulsed light from the LEDs. A thermal failure may be diagnosed using a transient response of the module from a start up condition. The failure of LEDs may be diagnosed based on measured forward voltage. The current for LEDs may be adjusted using measured flux values and current values and a desired ratio of flux values. Additionally, the LED current may be scaled based on a measured temperature.

Description

The plate of LED-based lighting module is diagnosed

Gerard Haber Si

The cross reference of related application

This application claims the provisional application No.61/356 submitted on June 18th, 2010, the U.S. Patent application No.13/161 that on June 15th, 525 and 2011 submits, the priority of 341, is all incorporated in this as a reference by it.

Technical field

Described embodiment relates to the lighting module comprising light-emitting diode (LED).

Background technology

The use of LED in general lighting becomes and more to need and more popular.The lighting module comprising LED typically requires a large amount of heat sink and specific power requirements.Even relative to heat sink partial fault, power requirement or other system fault, the decline of such as phosphor, outside nominal service conditions, operation, LED fault etc., seriously can damage performance.But, once install traditional LED-based lighting module, be just difficult to close, therefore usually cannot have diagnosed or solve the problem be associated with lighting module, caused performance degradation and life-span to reduce.Therefore need to improve.

Summary of the invention

Lighting module based on light-emitting diode (LED) can perform on plate to be diagnosed.Such as, diagnosis can comprise based on the flux measured or temperature estimate to die the life-span, phosphor coating decline, hot stall, LED fault or determine that LED current regulates.

In one implementation, based on the nominal value of operating condition and the actual value of operating condition determine for LED-based lighting module operating time section increase progressively accelerated factor.Accumulation accelerated factor is determined at least in part based on the described accelerated factor that increases progressively.Carry out convergent-divergent based on the operating time of having died with the accumulation of described accumulation accelerated factor to described LED-based lighting module, estimate dying the life-span of described LED-based lighting module.

In another implementation, measure the rate of flow response of the light pulse that LED-based lighting module is launched for the LED from described module, and estimate the decline of the phosphor coating in described module based on described rate of flow response.

In another implementation, measure LED-based lighting module to the transient response illuminating described module from entry condition, and estimated the hot stall of described module based on described transient response before actual hot stall occurs.

In another implementation, measure the forward voltage of multiple LED be connected in series of LED-based lighting module, wherein perform described measurement by described LED-based lighting module.Estimate the fault of at least one in described multiple LED be connected in series based on described forward voltage, wherein perform described estimation by described LED-based lighting module.

In another implementation, for the LED-based lighting module of the first LED illumination utilizing the first current value to drive, measure the first rate of flow value, a wherein said LED launches the light with the first color characteristics.For the LED-based lighting module of the second LED illumination utilizing the second current value to drive, measure the second rate of flow value, wherein said 2nd LED launches the light with the second color characteristics.The 3rd current value is determined based on described first rate of flow value and described first current value, and based on the estimated rate of the rate of flow of described second rate of flow value, described second current value and a LED and the rate of flow of the 2nd LED, determine the 4th current value.

In another realizes, measure the temperature of LED-based lighting module.Based on described temperature determination electric current zoom factor, the first current value being applied to a LED with the first color emission characteristic associates with the second current value being applied to the 2nd LED with the second color emission characteristic by wherein said electric current zoom factor.First object current value is determined based on described electric current zoom factor and the first nominal current value.

Accompanying drawing explanation

Fig. 1-2 describes two the exemplary luminaires comprising lighting apparatus, reflector and modulator tool.

Fig. 3 A shows the enlarged drawing of the parts of explanation LED-based lighting apparatus as shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 3 B shows the perspective cross-sectional view of LED-based lighting apparatus as shown in Figure 1.

Fig. 4 describes the cross section view of luminaire as shown in Figure 2, has the electrical interface module be coupled between LED illumination device and modulator tool

Fig. 5 shows the schematic diagram of electrical interface module.

Fig. 6 is that the LED on electrical interface module selects schematically illustrating of module.

How Fig. 7 can turn on and off LED to change the amount of the flux launched by the LED powered on if showing.

Fig. 8 describes the reflector comprising at least one transducer and at least one electric conductor.

Fig. 9 shows the position that color, flux and occupancy sensors can be positioned on reflector.

Figure 10 shows the schematic diagram of the electrical interface module comprising the time counter module that dies.

Figure 11 describes the schematic diagram of the exemplary time dependent operating temperature distribution of lighting module.

Figure 12 describes the example operation current profile in time of lighting module.

Figure 13 describes the example operation relative humidity profile in time of lighting module.

Figure 14 shows the method in the life-span estimating LED-based lighting module based on practical operation condition.

Figure 15 shows the schematic diagram of the electrical interface module comprising phosphor decline detection module.

Figure 16 shows the cross section view comprising the main hybrid chamber being installed to blue-ray LED on mounting panel and flux sensor.

Figure 17 shows the exemplary rate of flow response to the light pulse of launching from LED that flux sensor is measured.

Figure 18 shows the exemplary method estimating the decline of the phosphor that the cavity of lighting module comprises based on the rate of flow response of module to the light pulse of launching from LED.

Figure 19 shows the schematic diagram of the electrical interface module comprising hot stall earlier detection module.

Figure 20 shows two exemplary measuring tempeature profiles.

Figure 21 shows two exemplary measurement flux profile.

According to the potential possible method analysis of temperature transient being identified before an actual failure to luminaire fault when Figure 22 shows startup.

According to the potential possible method analysis of flux transition being identified before an actual failure to luminaire fault when Figure 23 shows startup.

Figure 24 shows the method identifying the fault of the LED in lighting module according to the forward voltage measurement of LED strip.

Figure 25 shows the schematic diagram of the electrical interface module comprising color tuner module.

Figure 26 A-26B shows has the red-light LED of installation and the mounting panel of blue-ray LED.

Figure 27 shows the multiple flux sensors on mounting panel.

Figure 28 shows fiber waveguide, described fiber waveguide by from mounting panel surface multiple position photoconduction cause flux sensor.

Figure 29 A-29B shows on module life for mating the method for the intensity between Red and blue light LED.

Figure 30 shows the schematic diagram of the electrical interface module comprising temperature compensation module.

The lumen fraction that Figure 31 shows red-light LED (AlInGaP) and blue-ray LED in the scope of package temperature exports.

Figure 32 shows the table comprising electric current zoom factor, and described electric current zoom factor relates to electric current operating temperature range being supplied to red-light LED and blue-ray LED.

Figure 33 shows the tuning electric current of the different LED string of lighting module that is supplied to realize the method for consistent color characteristics on the operating temperature range of module.

Figure 34 shows the method whether accumulation the transmitting LED-based lighting module time of having died has reached threshold value.

Figure 35 shows the exemplary method transmitted the alarm that the estimation residual life of LED-based lighting module is indicated.

Figure 36 shows the one exemplary embodiment of system, described system comprise LED-based lighting module, with the computer of LED-based lighting module coupled in communication and the entity with computer interactive.

Embodiment

There is provided detailed reference to background example and some embodiments of the present invention now, its example illustrates in the accompanying drawings.

Fig. 1-2 describes two exemplary luminaires.Luminaire shown in Fig. 1 comprises the lighting module 100 with the rectangular in form factor.Luminaire shown in Fig. 2 comprises the lighting module 100 with the circular form factor.These examples are in order to illustrative object.Also it is contemplated that the example of the lighting module of General polygon meshes and elliptical shape.Luminaire 150 comprises lighting module 100, reflector 140 and lamp fitting 130.As directed, lamp fitting 130 is heat sink, and is therefore sometimes called heat sink 130.But lamp fitting 130 can comprise other structures and decoration element (not shown).Reflector 140 is installed to lighting module 100 to collimate the light launched from lighting module 100 or deflection.Reflector 140 can be made up of Heat Conduction Material, such as, comprise the material of aluminium or copper, and can couple with lighting module 100 heat.Heat is flowed by the reflector 140 being conducted through lighting module 100 and heat conduction.Heat is also via the thermal convection flowing on reflector 140.Reflector 140 can be compound parabolic face condenser, and wherein said condenser is made up of high reverse--bias material or is coated with high reverse--bias material.The optical element of such as scattering object or reflector 140 and so on can removably be coupled to lighting module 100, such as, by screw thread, fixture, twist lock mechanism or other suitable structures.The luminaire 150 comprising lighting module 100 also can be turn over novel lamp.

Lighting module 100 is installed to lamp fitting 130.As depicted in figs. 1 and 2, lighting module 100 is installed to heat sink 130.Heat sink 130 can be made up of Heat Conduction Material, such as, comprise aluminium and copper and the material that can couple with lighting module 100 heat.Heat by lighting module 100 and heat conduction heat sink 130 conduction and flow.Heat is also via the thermal convection flowing on heat sink 130.Lighting module 100 can be attached to heat sink 130 by screw thread, to be clipped on heat sink 130 by lighting module 100.For the ease of easy dismounting and the replacing of lighting module 100, lighting module 100 removably can be coupled to heat sink 130, such as, by fixture, twist lock mechanism or other suitable structures.Lighting module 100 comprises at least one heat-transfer surface, and described heat-transfer surface such as directly or use hot grease, the torrid zone, hot disc or hot epoxy resin and heat sink 130 heat to couple.In order to the abundant cooling of LED, for the electric energy of each watt in the LED flowed on plate, at least 50 square millimeters, the preferably thermocontact area of 100 square millimeters should be used.Such as, when use 20 LED, the heat sink contact area of 1000 to 2000 square millimeters should be used.Use larger heat sink 130 can allow according to more high power driving LED 102, and also allow different heat sink designs.Such as, some designs can show the cooling capacity less to the dependence of heat sink orientation.In addition, fan or for forcing other schemes cooled to may be used for removing from the heat of device.Bottom is heat sink can comprise hole, makes it possible to achieve the electrical connection with lighting module 100.

Fig. 3 A shows the enlarged drawing of the parts of explanation LED-based lighting module 100 as shown in Figure 1.It should be understood that as herein defined, LED-based lighting module is not LED, but LED light source or utensil or its parts.LED-based lighting module 100 comprises the LED of one or more LED die or encapsulation and attached to the mounting panel of LED of LED die or encapsulation.Fig. 3 B describes the perspective cross-sectional view of LED-based lighting module 100 as shown in Figure 1.LED-based lighting module 100 comprises the one or more solid-state light emitting elements be arranged on mounting panel 104, such as light-emitting diode (LED) 102.Mounting panel 104 to be attached in mounting seat 101 by mounting panel retaining ring 103 and to be fixed to appropriate location.The mounting panel 104 assembling LED102 and mounting panel retaining ring 103 comprises light source subassemblies 115.Light source subassemblies 115 is operating as and uses LED102 to convert electrical energy into light.The photoconduction launched from light source subassemblies 115 is caused light converting sub-assemblies 116, for blend of colors and color conversion.Light converting sub-assemblies 116 comprises cavity 105 and output window 108, and any one or both that comprise alternatively in bottom reflector insert 106 and sidewall insert 107.Output window 108 is fixed to the top of cavity 105.Cavity 105 comprises madial wall, makes the described madial wall when being installed on light source subassemblies 115 by cavity 105 that the photoconduction from LED102 is caused output window 108.Bottom reflector insert 106 can be positioned on mounting panel 104 alternatively.Bottom reflector insert 106 comprises hole, makes the luminous component of each LED102 not by the stop of bottom reflector insert 106.It is inner that sidewall insert 107 can be positioned over cavity 105 alternatively, makes the inner surface of the sidewall insert 107 when being arranged on light source subassemblies 115 by cavity 105 that the photoconduction from LED102 is caused output window.Although as shown, when watching from lighting module 100 top, the shape of the madial wall of cavity 105 is rectangles, it is contemplated that other shapes (such as clover shape or polygon).In addition, the madial wall of cavity 105 outwards can be tapered from mounting panel 104 towards output window, instead of as directed vertical with output window 108.

In this embodiment, the sidewall insert 107 that mounting panel 104 is placed, output window 108 and bottom reflector insert 106 define the light mixing chamber 109 in described LED-based lighting module 100, a part of light from LED102 in light mixing chamber 109 is reflected, until light is by output window 108 outgoing.Before output window 108 outgoing, in cavity 109 reflects light, there is following effect: light is mixed, and provide the light launched from LED-based lighting module 100 evenly distribution.The some parts of sidewall insert 107 can be coated with material for transformation of wave length.In addition, the some parts of output window 108 can be coated with identical or different material for transformation of wave length.In addition, the some parts of bottom reflector insert 106 can be coated with identical or different material for transformation of wave length.The mixed phase of light conversion properties matter light in cavity 109 of these materials is combined, and obtains the light of color through changing exported by output window 108.By the geometric properties (such as layer thickness, phosphor particles size, phosphor blends and grain density) of coating in the chemical property of tuning wavelength transition material and the inner surface of cavity 109, can specify the particular color character of the light exported by output window 108, such as color dot, colour temperature and color present index (CRI).

For the object of this patent document, material for transformation of wave length performs any single chemical compound of color conversion function or the mixture of different chemical compound, and color conversion function is such as the light of an absorption peak wavelength and launches the light of another peak wavelength.

Can, with the non-solid material filled chamber 109 of such as air or inert gas and so on, light be transmitted in non-solid material by LED102.Exemplarily, can seal chamber airtightly, and argon gas is used for filled chamber.Alternatively, nitrogen can be used.In other embodiments, solid sealing material filled chamber 109 can be used.Exemplarily, silicones may be used for filled chamber.

LED102 can launch different colors or identical color, by directly to launch or by phosphor converted, such as, when phosphor layer is coated to the part as LED on LED.Therefore, lighting module 100 can use the combination in any of color LED 102, such as red, green, blueness, brown color or blue-green, or LED102 can produce the light of same color or can produce white light.Such as, LED102 can launch blue light or ultraviolet light.When using in combination with phosphor (or other wavelength convert means) (such as, phosphor can in output window 108 or on output window 108, be coated to the sidewall of cavity 105, or be coated to the miscellaneous part (not shown) placed in inside cavity), the output light of lighting module 100 can be made to have required color.

Mounting panel 104 provides the electrical connection with power supply (not shown) to accompanying LED102.In one embodiment, LED102 is packaged LED, the LuxeonRebel such as manufactured by PhilipsLumiledsLighting.Also the packaged LED of other types can be used, the packaged LED such as manufactured by OSRAM (Ostarpackage), LuminusDevice (USA), Cree (USA), Nichia (Japan) or Tridonic (Austria).As herein defined, packaged LED is the assembly of one or more LED die, comprises the such as electrical connection such as wire-bonded connection or screw bolt-type raised pad, and comprises optical element, Yi Jire, machinery and electrical interface possibly.LED102 can comprise the lens on LED chip.Alternatively, lensless LED can be used.Lensless LED can comprise protective layer, and described protective layer can comprise phosphor.Described phosphor can be applied as the dispersion in adhesive, or apply as the layer be separated.Each LED102 comprises can be installed at least one LED chip on sub-base or tube core.LED chip typically has the size of about 1mm*1mm*0.5mm, but these sizes can change.In certain embodiments, LED102 can comprise multiple chip.Multiple chip can launch light that is similar or different colours, such as red, green and blue.LED102 can polarized light-emitting or non-polarized light, and LED-based lighting module 100 can use the combination in any of polarization LED or non-polarized light LED.In certain embodiments, LED102 launches blue light or ultraviolet light, and this is the efficiency because LED launches in these wave-length coverages.In addition, different phosphor layers can be coated on the different chips on identical sub-base.Sub-base can be pottery or other suitable materials.Sub-base typically comprises that couple with the contact on mounting panel 104, in lower surface electrical contact pads.Alternatively, electric bonding wire may be used for chip to be electrically connected with mounting panel.Together with electrical contact pads, LED102 can comprise the thermo-contact region in the lower surface of sub-base, the heat that can be produced by LED chip by thermo-contact extracted region.Thermal diffusion layer on thermo-contact region and mounting panel 104 couples.Thermal diffusion layer can be arranged on the top of mounting panel 104, bottom or intermediate layer any one on.Thermal diffusion layer can be connected by through hole, and described through hole connects any layer in top, bottom and intermediate heat diffusion layer.

In certain embodiments, mounting panel 104 is by the side of heat transfer to plate 104 that produced by LED102 and the bottom of plate 104.In one example, the bottom of mounting panel 104 can be coupled to heat sink 130 (illustrating in fig. 1 and 2) via mounting seat 101 heat.In other examples, mounting panel 104 directly can be coupled to heat sink, ligthing paraphernalia and/or other mechanisms (such as fan) to dispel the heat.In certain embodiments, mounting panel 104 conducts heat to couple with the top of this plate 104 heat heat sink.Such as, the top surface of heat from mounting panel 104 can conduct by mounting panel retaining ring 103 and cavity 105.Mounting panel 104 can be the FR4 plate (such as 0.5mm is thick) with relatively thick layers of copper (such as, 30 μm to 100 μm) on the top being used as thermo-contact region and lower surface.In other examples, plate 104 can be have the metal inner core printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB) of appropriate electrical connection or ceramic sub-base.The plate of other types can be used, the plate be such as made up of alumina (aluminium oxide of ceramic formula) or aluminium nitride (being ceramic formula equally).

Mounting panel 104 comprises the electrical bonding pads be connected with the electrical bonding pads on LED102.Electrical bonding pads is electrically connected with contact by metal (such as copper) trace, and lead-in wire, bridgeware or other external electrical sources are connected with described contact.In certain embodiments, electrical bonding pads can be the through hole by described plate 104, and realizes electrical connection on the opposite side (such as bottom) of described plate.As directed mounting panel 104 is rectangle in dimension.The LED102 be installed on mounting panel 104 can be arranged to different configuration on rectangular mounting plate 104.In one example, the LED102 row that can extend according to the length dimension along mounting panel 104 and aliging along the row that the width dimensions of mounting panel 104 extends.In another example, LED102 is arranged in hexagon contracted structure.In such an embodiment, each of its immediate neighbours of each LED is equidistant.Expect for the uniformity of the light that this arrangement is launched from light source subassemblies 115 for raising and efficiency.

Fig. 4 describes the cross section view of luminaire 150 as shown in Figure 2.Reflector 140 is removably coupled to lighting module 100.Reflector 140 is coupled by twist lock mechanism and lighting module 100.By the opening in reflector retaining ring 110, reflector 140 is contacted with lighting module 100, reflector 140 is alignd with lighting module 100.By reflector 140 being rotated to the position of engagement around optical axis (OA), reflector 140 and lighting module 100 are coupled.In the position of engagement, reflector 140 is captured between mounting panel retaining ring 103 and reflector retaining ring 110.In the position of engagement, can matched with hot interface surface 140 between reflector 140 and mounting panel retaining ring 103 _surfacebetween produce interfacial pressure.In this manner, the heat produced by LED102 can via mounting panel 104, by mounting panel retaining ring 103, by interface 140 _surfaceconduction enters reflector 140.In addition, multiple electrical connection can be formed between reflector 140 and retaining ring 103.

Lighting module 100 comprises electrical interface module (ELM) 120.As shown, EIM120 can removably be attached to lighting module 100 by geometrical clamp 137.In other embodiments, EIM120 by EIM120 being coupled to the electric connector of mounting panel 104, can removably be attached to lighting module 100.EIM120 also can be coupled to lighting module 100 by other fastener meanses, such as screw fastener, rivet or have contact with matching connector.As shown, EIM120 is positioned in the cavity of lighting module 100.In this manner, it is inner that EIM102 is comprised in lighting module 100, and can access from the bottom side of lighting module 100.In other embodiments, EIM120 can be positioned in lamp fitting 130 at least in part.The signal of telecommunication is sent to lighting module 100 from lamp fitting 130 by EIM120.Electric conductor 132 couples with lamp fitting 130 mutually at electric connector 133 place.Exemplarily, electric connector 133 can be Registered Jack (RJ) connector conventional in network communication applications.In other examples, electric conductor 132 can be coupled to lamp fitting 130 by screw or fixture.In other examples, electric conductor 132 can be coupled to lamp fitting 130 by dismountable electric connector that is slidably matched.Connector 133 is coupled to conductor 134.Conductor 134 is removably coupled to the electric connector 121 being installed to EIM120.Similarly, electric connector 121 can be the detachable electric connector of rj connector or any appropriate.Connector 121 is coupled to EIM120 regularly.The signal of telecommunication is sent to EIM120 by electric connector 133 on conductor 132, on conductor 134, by electric connector 121.The signal of telecommunication 135 can comprise power signal and data-signal.The signal of telecommunication 135 is routed to the suitable electrical contact pads EIM120 by EIM120 from electric connector 121.Such as, connector 121 can be coupled to the electrical contact pads 170 on the top surface of EIM120 by the conductor 139 in EIM120.Alternatively, connector 121 can be installed to EIM120 with on electrical contact pads 170 phase the same side, and therefore connector 121 can be coupled to electrical contact pads 170 by surface conductor.As shown, electrical contact pads 170 is removably coupled to mounting panel 104 by the hole 138 in mounting seat 101 by spring catch 122.The contact weld pad that the top surface of EIM120 is placed is coupled to the contact weld pad of mounting panel 104 by spring catch.In this manner, the signal of telecommunication is sent to mounting panel 104 from EIM120.Mounting panel 104 comprises conductor suitably LED102 to be coupled to the contact weld pad of mounting panel 104.In this manner, the signal of telecommunication is sent to suitable LED102 to produce light from mounting panel 104.EIM102 can be built by printed circuit board (PCB) (PCB), metal inner core PCB, ceramic substrate or Semiconductor substrate.The plate of other types can be used, the plate be such as made up of aluminium oxide (aluminium oxide of ceramic formula) or aluminium nitride (being also ceramic formula).EIM120 can be configured to the plastic components comprising multiple inserted mode system metallic conductor.

Mounting seat 101 is removably coupled to lamp fitting 130.In the example shown, lamp fitting 130 is used as heat sink.Together with mounting seat 101 and lamp fitting 130 are coupled at hot interface 136 place.At hot interface 136 place, when lighting module 100 is coupled to lighting tool 130, a part for mounting seat 101 contacts with a part for lamp fitting 130.In this manner, the heat produced by LED102 can via mounting panel 104, by mounting seat 104, conduct in lamp fitting 130 by interface 136.

In order to dismantle and change lighting module 100, lighting module 100 is separated with lamp fitting 130, and disconnects electric connector 121.In one example, conductor 134 comprises enough length to allow enough to be separated between lighting module 100 and lamp fitting 130, allows operator to arrive between utensil 130 and lighting module 100 with disconnect connector 121.In another example, connector 121 can be arranged so that the displacement between lighting module 100 and lamp fitting 130 to be used for disconnect connector 121.In another example, conductor 134 is wound on spring load spool.In this manner, by launching to extend conductor 134 from spool, to allow connection or the disconnection of connector 121, then by the action of spring load spool conductor 134 can be wound on spool and regain conductor 134.

Fig. 5 is the schematic view illustrating of more detailed EIM120.In the embodiment shown, EIM120 comprises bus 21, is powered device interface controller (PDIC) 34, processor 22, die time counter module (ETCM) 27, nonvolatile memory 26 (such as EPROM), nonvolatile memory 23 (such as flash memory), infrared transceiver 25, RF transceiver 24, sensor interface 28, power converter interface 29, power converter 30 and LED select module 40.LED mounting panel 104 is coupled to EIM120.LED mounting panel 104 comprises flux sensor 36, comprises the LED circuit 33 of LED102 and temperature sensor 31, current sensor 81 and humidity sensor 82.EIM120 is also coupled to flux sensor 32 and is coupled to the occupancy sensors 35 be installed on lamp fitting 130.In certain embodiments, flux sensor 32 and occupancy sensors 35 can be installed on optics, such as, relative to the reflector 140 that Fig. 8 discusses.In certain embodiments, also occupancy sensors can be installed on mounting panel 104.In certain embodiments, any one in degree of will speed up meter, pressure sensor and humidity sensor mounting panel 104 can be installed to.Such as, accelerometer can be added to detect the orientation of lighting module 100 relative to gravitational field.In another example, accelerometer can provide measuring of the vibration existed in the operating environment to lighting module 100.In another example, humidity sensor can be added to provide measuring of the moisture of the operating environment to lighting module 100.Such as, if seal reliably operate in humid conditions to lighting module 100, it is malfunctioning and pollute that humidity sensor may be used for detecting the sealing of lighting module.In another example, pressure sensor may be used for providing measuring of the pressure of the operating environment to lighting module 100.Such as, if seal lighting module 100 and vacuumize, or alternatively seal and pressurize, it is malfunctioning that pressure sensor may be used for detecting sealing.

PDIC34 is coupled to connector 121 and receives the signal of telecommunication 135 by conductor 134.In one example, PDIC34 is the device in accordance with IEEE802.3 agreement, for through-put power and data-signal on many conductor cables (such as 5e class cable).Input signal is separated into the data-signal 41 being sent to bus 21 and the power signal 42 being sent to power converter 30 according to IEEE802.3 agreement by PDIC34.In certain embodiments, the power source of module 100 can be the battery for standby application or Application of Solar Energy.Power converter 30 operates to perform power transfer, produces the signal of telecommunication with one or more LED circuits of drive circuit system 33.In certain embodiments, power converter 30 according to current control mode operation with in predetermined voltage range to LED circuit supply controlled variable electric current.In certain embodiments, power converter 30 is DC-to-DC (DC-DC) power converters.In these embodiments, power signal 42 can have the rated voltage of 48 volts according to IEEE802.3 standard.Power signal 42 is reduced on voltage the voltage level of the voltage request meeting each LED circuit coupled with dc-dc 30 by DC-DC power converter 30.

In some other embodiments, power converter 30 is AC-DC (AC-DC) power converters.In further embodiments, power converter 30 is AC-AC (AC-AC) power converters.In the embodiment adopting AC-AC power converter 30, the LED102 being installed to mounting panel 104 produces light according to the AC signal of telecommunication.Power converter 30 can be single channel or multichannel.Each passage of power converter 30 is to the LED circuit supply electric energy of in the LED be connected in series.In one embodiment, power converter 30 operates according to constant current mode.This is particularly useful when the electrical connection of LED strip connection.In some other embodiments, power converter 30 can operate as constant pressure source.This is particularly useful when LED parallel connection electrical connection.

As shown, power converter 30 is coupled to power converter interface 29.In this embodiment, power converter interface 29 comprises digital-to-analog (D/A) ability.Digital command can be produced by the operation of processor 22, and be sent to power converter interface 29 by bus 21.Digital command signal is converted to analog signal by power converter interface 29, and obtained analog signal is sent to power converter 30.Power converter 30 regulates the electric current being sent to the LED circuit coupled in response to the analog signal received.In some instances, power converter 30 can be closed in response to the signal received.In other examples, power converter 30 can carry out the electric current that chopping or modulation are sent to the LED circuit coupled in response to the analog signal received.In certain embodiments, power converter 30 operates and is used for directly receiving digital command signal.In these embodiments, power converter interface 29 is not implemented.In certain embodiments, power converter 30 operates for sending signal.Such as, power converter 30 can be sent to bus 21 by power converter interface 29 and not meet to power failure situation or power the signal that regularization condition indicated.

EIM120 comprises for receiving data from the device with lighting module 100 communication linkage or sending some mechanism of data to it.EIM120 can be received by PDIC34, RF transceiver 24 and IR transceiver 25 and be sent data.In addition, EIM120 can carry out broadcast data by the light controlling to export from lighting module 100.Such as, processor 22 can order the electric current supplied by power converter 30 periodically to be glimmered by the light output of LED circuit 33 light output of (flash) or frequency or amplitude modulation(PAM) LED circuit 33.Pulse is human perceivable, and the light such as exported by lighting module 100 according to the sequence pair of 31 pulse per second (PPS)s per minute glimmers.But pulse also can be the mankind, and not discernable passing flux detector is detectable, such as, according to 1kHz, chopping is carried out to the light that lighting module 100 exports.In these embodiments, can modulate to indicate code to the light output of lighting module 100.The accumulation being comprised lighting module 100 by any one Examples of information sent by EIM120 of above-mentioned means is died the time, LED fault, sequence number, the occupancy sensed by occupancy sensors 35, the flux sensed by flux sensor on plate 36, the flux sensed by flux sensor 32, the temperature sensed by temperature sensor 31, the life expectancy of module 100, life-span alarm, phosphor response measurement data, phosphor decline alarm, the hot stall of luminaire 150 and power failure situation.In addition, the modulation of the signal of telecommunication that can be powered by subtend lighting module 100 of EIM120 or loop cycle be carried out sensing and carried out receipt message.Such as, power lines voltage can be made to require that lighting module 100 transmits the request of its sequence number with instruction three times circulation in a minute.

Fig. 6 is that more detailed LED selects schematically showing of module 40.As shown, LED circuit 33 comprises being connected in series and being coupled to LED and selects the LED55-59 of module 140.Although LED circuit 33 comprises 5 LED be connected in series, but it is contemplated that more or less LED.In addition, LED board 104 can comprise and more than one is connected in series LED circuit.As directed, LED selects module 40 to comprise 5 switch element 44-48 be connected in series.Each wire of switch element is coupled to the respective wire of the LED of LED circuit 33.Such as, the first wire of switch element 44 is coupled to the anode of LED55 at voltage node 49 place.In addition, the second wire of switch element 44 is coupled to the negative electrode of LED55 at voltage node 50 place.In a comparable manner, switch element 45-48 is coupled to LED55-58 respectively.In addition, the output channel of power converter 30 is coupled between voltage node 49 and 54, defines the current circuit 61 of conduction current 60.In certain embodiments, switch element 44-48 can be transistor (such as, bipolar junction transistor or field-effect transistor).

The LED of the LED circuit 33 that LED selects module 40 optionally to couple to the passage with power converter 30 powers.Such as, in scram position, switch element 44 non-conducting electric current in fact between voltage node 49 and 50.In this manner, the electric current 60 flowing to voltage node 50 from voltage node 49 passes through LED55.In this case, LED55 provides conducting path more low-resistance in fact than switch element 44, thus electric current produces light by LED55.In this manner, switch element 44 is for " connection " LED55.Exemplarily, at on-position, switch element 47 is in fact conducting.Electric current 60 flows to node 53 from voltage node 52 by switch element 47.In this case, switch element 47 provides conducting path more low-resistance in fact than LED57, thus electric current 60 is by switch element 47 instead of LED57, and LED57 does not produce light.In this manner, switch element 47 is for " shutoff " LED58.According to described mode, switch element 44-48 can optionally power to LED55-59.

Select module 40 receives binary control signal SEL [5: 1] at LED.The state of each of control signal SEL [5: 1] control switch element 44-48, thus determine LED55-59 each " connection " or " shutoff ".In one embodiment, the condition (flux such as sensed by flux sensor 36 reduces) that processor 22 detects in response to EIM120 produces control signal SEL.In other embodiments, processor 22 produces control signal SEL in response to the command signal received on EIM120 (communication such as, received by RF transceiver 24, IR transceiver 25 or PDIC34).In another embodiment, from controller transfer control signal SEL the plate of LED-based lighting module.

How Fig. 7 can connect or turn off LED to change by the amount being powered the flux that LED launches of LED circuit 33 if showing.Relative to LED circuit 33 be powered LED launch luminous flux to draw electric current 60.Due to the physical restriction of LED55-59, electric current 60 is limited to lowest high-current value I _max, will become very limited in the lowest high-current value above life-span.In one example, I _maxit can be 0.7 ampere.Usually, LED55-59 shows the linear relationship between luminous flux and drive current.The luminous flux that Fig. 7 launches according to drive current under describing four kinds of situations: as " connection " LED, as " connection " two LED, as " connection " three LED, and as " connection " four LED.In one example, can by connection three LED and according to I _maxdrive them to realize luminous flux and export L ₃.Alternatively, can by connect four LED and utilize less current drives they realize luminous flux export L ₃.When requiring to reduce light quantity over a time period (such as, restaurant's illumination dims), light selects module 40 to may be used for optionally " shutoff " LED, instead of reduces electric current simply.By the LED in inoperation lamp fitting on the selected period, increase the life-span of these " shutoffs " LED, this makes us expecting.Can dispatch selecting the LED of " shutoff ", make the time quantum of each LED " shutoff " be similar to identical with the time quantum of " shutoff " of other LED.In this manner, the life-span of lighting module 100 can be extended by the time life of each LED being similar to identical amount.

LED55-59 optionally can be turned on and off response is made to LED fault.In one embodiment, lighting module 100 comprises " shutoff " extra LED.But, when there is LED fault, by one or more " connections " in extra LED to compensate the LED broken down.In another example, extra LED " can be connected " to provide additional light output.This is needs for following situation: when not knowing required lighting module 100 illumination before the mounting and exporting, or when lighting requirement changes after mounting.

Fig. 8 shows reflector 140, comprises at least one transducer and at least one electric conductor.Fig. 8 shows the flux sensor 32 installed on the inner surface of reflector 140.Transducer 32 is located to there is direct sight line between the light sensing surface and the output window 108 of lighting module 100 of transducer 32.In one embodiment, transducer 32 is silicon diode transducers.Transducer 32 is coupled to electric conductor 62.Conductor 62 is molded into the conductive trace in reflector 140.In other embodiments, conductive trace can be printed onto on reflector 140.When reflector 140 is installed to lighting module 100, conductor 62 through reflector 140 base and be coupled to the conductive through hole 65 of mounting panel retaining ring 103.Conductive through hole 65 is coupled to the conductor 64 of mounting panel 104.Conductor 64 is coupled to EIM120 via spring catch 66.In this manner, flux sensor 32 is electrically coupled to EIM120.In other embodiments, conductor 62 is directly coupled to the conductor 64 of mounting panel 104.Similarly, occupancy detector 35 can be electrically coupled to EIM120.In certain embodiments, transducer 32 and 35 can removably be coupled to reflector 140 by connector.In other embodiments, transducer 32 and 35 can be coupled to reflector 140 regularly.

Fig. 8 also shows flux sensor 36 and the temperature sensor 31 of the mounting panel 104 being attached to lighting module 100.Transducer 31 and 36 provides information relevant with the operating condition of lighting module 100 in plate rank.Any one in transducer 31,32,35,36,81 and 82 can be one of these transducers multiple of placing of the multiple positions on mounting panel 104, reflector 140, lamp fitting 130 and lighting module 100.In addition, color sensor can be adopted.Fig. 9 is in order to color, flux and occupancy sensors can be positioned the expression of the position on reflector 140 by exemplary object.In one example, transducer can be positioned at position A, B and C.Outside position A-C faces, make the transducer arranged at position A-C can sense the color of the scene of being irradiated by lighting module 100, flux or occupancy.Similarly, outside the transducer at F, G and H place, position also can face, and the color of the scene that lighting module 100 irradiates, flux or occupancy can be sensed.Also can by sensor setting at position D and E place.In position D and E faces, and flux or the color of the illumination of lighting module 100 can be detected.Sensing station D and E there are differences in its angle sensitivity for lighting module 100 light output, and this difference may be used for being characterized the character of the light output of lighting module 100.By analyzing the difference between the measurement position in plate level position and reflector 140 carried out, influencing each other of reflector performance and plate rank performance can be eliminated.Exterior face can be utilized to carry out sense ambient light to flux sensor, such as, be positioned at the transducer of position A-C and F-H.The sensor type that can adopt comprises ambient light sensor, proximity transducer, temperature sensor, current sensor, sound transducer, flux sensor, CO2 transducer, CO transducer and particle sensor.These transducers also can interact via EIM120 and security system interface.For outdoor utility, transducer can monitor transportation condition, weather condition and light level.

As shown in Figure 10, EIM120 comprises the time counter module (ETCM) 27 that dies.When lighting module 100 powers on, the accumulation stored in memory 23 died the time (AET) is sent to ETCM27, and ETCM27 starts time counting and by the time of dying increases progressively.Periodically, the copy transmission of time of dying is stored in memory 23, makes all the time current AET to be stored in the nonvolatile memory.In this manner, also current AET can not be lost when lighting module 100 power down suddenly.In certain embodiments, processor 22 can comprise ETCM function on sheet.In certain embodiments, EIM120 stores target life objective value (TLV), identifies the life expectancy of lighting module 100.Target life objective value can be stored in the nonvolatile memory 26 of EIM120.During manufacture the target life objective value be associated with concrete lighting module 100 is programmed in EPROM26.In some instances, target life objective value can be chosen as be the luminous flux of expection lighting module 100 export to there is 30% decline before expection hours worked of lighting module 100.In one example, target life objective value can be 50,000 hour.

Figure 34 describes the method 270 whether AET transmitting LED-based lighting module 100 reaches threshold value.In step 271, measure the AET of LED-based lighting module 100.In certain embodiments, ETCM27 measures described AET.In step 272, deduct described AET to determine whether the difference between AET and TLV reaches threshold value from described TLV value.Such as, the threshold value of 500 hours can be kept at memory 26.If the difference between AET and TLV value does not reach threshold value, repeat step 271 and 272.But, if described difference reaches threshold value, transmit alarm (step 273).Such as, if utilize the threshold value of 500 hours and determine that AET is in 500 hours of the TLV be associated with LED-based lighting module 100, transmit alarm.In certain embodiments, described alarm represents the potential reduction (such as, module is closed, being less than can the performance degradation etc. of acceptance limit) of illumination performance.Described in some other embodiments, alarm represents the fault or closedown that take action and avoid module.Such as, the communication that described alarm can trigger to user authorized the additional life-span before entering fault mode or " shut " mode" in module 100.In certain embodiments, by the element manner of execution 270 of EIM120.In some other embodiments, can by a part for the remote control equipment manner of execution 270 with LED-based lighting module 100 communicative couplings.In these embodiments, the information performed required for each step is sent to described remote control equipment from LED-based lighting module 100.

In certain embodiments, processor 22 determines that described AET has reached or exceeded described TLV, and transmits alarm code by RF transceiver, IR transceiver 25 or PDIC34.In other embodiments, EIM120 can broadcast described alarm by the light controlling to export from lighting module 100.Such as, processor 22 can order the current cycle earth pulsation supplied by power converter 30 to represent alert consitions.Pulse is human perceivable, and the light such as exported by lighting apparatus 100 according to the sequence pair of 31 pulse per second (PPS)s per minute glimmers.But pulse also can be the mankind, and not discernable passing flux detector is detectable, such as, according to 1kHz, chopping is carried out to the light that lighting apparatus 100 exports.In these embodiments, can modulate to indicate alarm code to the light output of lighting apparatus 100.In other embodiments, when AET reaches TLV, EIM120 closes the electric current supply to LED circuit 33.In other embodiments, EIM120 launches the request of AET in response to receiving, transmit described AET.As shown in Figure 10, EIM120 also can comprise life estimator module (LEM) 80.In certain embodiments, LEM80 is the application specific hardware modules comprising memory and disposal ability.In some other embodiments, processor 22 can comprise LEM function on sheet.In other embodiments, can perform by processor 22 software instruction stored in memory (such as memory 23) and realize LEM80 function.LEM80 dies the time (AET) based on the accumulation of the operation of described module and total accumulation accelerated factor (CAF _overall), estimate dying the life-span of lighting module 100.Can by LEM80 by CAF _overallbe calculated as the function of multiple operation factors, comprise practical operation temperature, electric current and humidity.Exemplarily, by CAF _overallcalculating be described as comprising temperature, electric current and humidity factor.But, the random subset of these factors or additional factor can be comprised in the calculation.Total accumulation accelerated factor may be used for the accumulation of module 100 that the time of dying carries out convergent-divergent to draw the estimation in the life-span of dying of module 10.Based on this result and target life objective value, can the estimation of residual life of computing module 100.

Figure 11 describes the example operation temperature profile 83 in time of lighting module 100.Describe rated temperature value T equally _n.In one example, described rated temperature is 90 degrees Celsius.Described rated temperature is the operating temperature value to the module 100 that the life expectancy of module is characterized.Such as, if lighting module 100 operates under the constant operating temperature of 90 degrees Celsius, the operation lifetime expection of lighting module 100 is 50,000 hour.Expection operates 50 under the operating temperature of 90 degrees Celsius, and after 000 hour, the performance degradation of module 100 is to unacceptable level.As shown in figure 11, exist when lighting module 100 is more than T _ntemperature under time period of operating, and to exist when lighting module 100 is being less than T _ntemperature under time period of operating.Because the life-span of lighting module 100 depends on operating temperature, be contemplated that when practical operation temperature is less than T _ntime can extend the operation lifetime of lighting module 100.Similarly, when practical operation temperature is greater than T _ntime, can operation lifetime be reduced.

Can according to Arrhenius equation (Arrheniusequation) by the estimation of LEM80 calculating based on the accelerated factor of practical operation temperature.

${\mathrm{AF}}_{temp}=e^{\frac{E_a}{k}(\frac{1}{T_N}-\frac{1}{T_A})}---\left(1\right)$

E _afor can the activation energy of application and trouble mechanism.K is the Boltzmann constant equaling 8.617e-5eV/K.T _nbe the rated temperature in units of Kelvin, it was characterized the life-span.These constants can be stored in the memory 23 of EIM120.T _ait is the practical operation temperature in units of Kelvin.Based on described practical operation temperature, can calculate accelerated factor by LEM80, described accelerated factor can be used for carrying out convergent-divergent to the AET of module.The AET of lighting module 100 can be subdivided into multiple time slice, each has duration Δ T.Time slice can be the time of any convenient length.In one example, the duration of described time slice can be 1 hour.For each time slice, the typical value of practical operation temperature can be calculated.As directed, can on described time slice i the typical value T of calculating operation temperature _ai.In one example, can by T _aibe calculated as the average temperature value on described time slice.In another example, can accounting temperature intermediate value.In another example, can by the minimum temperature value on time slice or alternatively maximum temperature values be used as the typical value of the operating temperature on described time slice.In Still another example, can by the beginning of described time slice or alternatively at the end of temperature value be used as described typical value.Temperature value at the end of Figure 11 describes described time slice is used as typical value.Based on typical value, LEM80 calculates as follows and increases progressively accelerated factor for time slice i:

${\left({\mathrm{AF}}_{temp}\right)}_i=e^{\frac{E_a}{k}(\frac{1}{T_N}-\frac{1}{T_{A_i}})}---\left(2\right)$

The accelerated factor that increases progressively caused due to the temperature on time slice i can be used for carrying out convergent-divergent to obtain the estimation to the module 100 life-span knots modification that the temperature conditions due to time slice i causes to time of the dying Δ T of time slice i.

In order to how the operation lifetime of estimation module 100 changes due to the temperature conditions at cumulative operation life period, calculate accumulation accelerated factor by LEM80.Accumulation accelerated factor can be calculated as is the rolling average of accelerated factor calculated on the time slice of accumulation.Such as, the accumulation accelerated factor after time in the past fragment i is calculated as:

${\left({\mathrm{CAF}}_{temp}\right)}_i=\frac{(i-1){\left({\mathrm{CAF}}_{temp}\right)}_{i-1}+{\mathrm{AF}}_{{\mathrm{temp}}_i}}{i}---\left(3\right)$

The accumulation accelerated factor caused due to temperature that time slice i assesses can be used for estimating knots modification, and this knots modification is to the amount that the cumulative operation life-span of the module 100 that life period causes due to temperature conditions has changed on time slice i.

Figure 12 describes the time dependent example operation current profile 84 of lighting module 100.Also illustrate that load current value I _n.In one example, described rated current is 0.7 ampere.Described rated current is the operating current value characterized the life expectancy of module.Such as, if lighting module 100 operates under the constant current of 0.7 ampere, the operation lifetime expection of lighting module 100 is 50,000 hour.After expection operates 50,000 hour under 0.7 ampere, the performance degradation of module 100 is to unacceptable level.As shown in figure 12, exist when lighting module 100 is more than I _nelectric current under time period of operating and existing when lighting module 100 is being less than I _nelectric current under time period of operating.Because the life-span of lighting module 100 depends on operating current, be contemplated that the operation lifetime that can extend lighting module 100 when practical operation electric current is less than IN.Similarly, when practical operation electric current is greater than I _ntime can reduce described operation lifetime.Accelerated factor may be used for carrying out convergent-divergent to show that module has died the estimation in life-span to the operation lifetime of lighting module.

The estimation of the accelerated factor based on practical operation temperature can be calculated as follows:

${\mathrm{AF}}_{current}=e^{\mathrm{\β}(I_A-I_N)}---\left(4\right)$

β tests the constant parameter drawn.I _nbeing the nominal operating current in units of ampere, is known for the life-span described in described nominal operating current.These constants can be stored in the memory 23 of EIM120.I _ait is the practical operation electric current in units of ampere.Based on described practical operation electric current, LEM80 calculates accelerated factor, and described accelerated factor can be used for carrying out convergent-divergent to the AET of module 100.The AET of lighting module 100 can be subdivided into multiple time slice, each has duration Δ T.For each time slice i, the typical value for practical operation electric current can be calculated.In one example, can by I _aibe calculated as the average current value on time slice i.In another example, can calculating current intermediate value.In another example, can by the minimum current value on time slice or alternatively lowest high-current value be used as the typical value of the operating current on described time slice.In Still another example, can by the beginning of time slice or alternatively at the end of current value be used as described typical value.Current value at the end of Figure 12 describes described time slice is used as described typical value.Based on described typical value, LEM80 calculates as follows and increases progressively accelerated factor for described time slice i:

${\left({\mathrm{AF}}_{current}\right)}_i=e^{\mathrm{\β}(I_{A_i}-I_N)}---\left(5\right)$

The accelerated factor that increases progressively caused due to the electric current on described time slice i can be used for carrying out convergent-divergent to obtain the estimation to the life-span knots modification of the module 100 that the current condition due to time slice i causes to time of the dying Δ T of time slice i.

In order to how the operation lifetime of estimation module 100 changes due to the practical operation electric current on the cumulative operation life-span, LEM80 calculates accumulation accelerated factor.Accumulation accelerated factor can be calculated as is the rolling average of the accelerated factor calculated in accumulated time fragment.Such as, the accumulation accelerated factor after time in the past fragment i is calculated as:

${\left({\mathrm{CAF}}_{current}\right)}_i=\frac{(i-1){\left({\mathrm{CAF}}_{current}\right)}_{i-1}+{\left({\mathrm{AF}}_{current}\right)}_i}{i}---\left(6\right)$

The accumulation accelerated factor caused due to electric current that time slice i assesses can be used for estimating knots modification, and this knots modification is to the amount that the cumulative operation life-span of the module 100 caused due to current condition at life period has changed on time slice i.

Figure 13 describes the example operation relative humidity profile 85 in time of lighting module 100.Also illustrate that specified rh value RH _n.In one example, described specified relative humidity is 0.5.Described specified relative humidity is the operation rh value characterized the life expectancy of module.Such as, if lighting module 100 operates under the constant relative humidity of 0.5, the operation lifetime expection of lighting module 100 is 50,000 hour.After expection operates 50,000 hour under the relative humidity index of 0.5, the performance degradation of module 100 is to unacceptable level.As shown in figure 13, exist when lighting module 100 is more than RH _nrelative humidity under time period of operating and existing when lighting module 100 is being less than RH _nrelative humidity under time period of operating.Because the life-span of lighting module 100 depends on operation relative humidity, be contemplated that when actual relative humidity is less than RH _ntime can extend the operation lifetime of lighting module 100.Similarly, when actual relative humidity is greater than RH _ntime can reduce described operation lifetime.Accelerated factor may be used for carrying out convergent-divergent to show that module has died the estimation in life-span to the operation lifetime of lighting module.

The estimation of the accelerated factor based on actual relative humidity can be calculated as follows:

${\mathrm{AF}}_{humidity}={\left(\frac{{\mathrm{RH}}_A}{{\mathrm{RH}}_N}\right)}^3---\left(7\right)$

RH _aactual relative humidity.RH _nbeing specified relative humidity, is known for the life-span described in described specified relative humidity.Can by RH _nbe stored in the memory 23 of EIM120.Based on actual relative humidity, LEM80 calculates the accelerated factor for relative humidity.According to relative to temperature and electric current similar fashion as above, LEM80 uses actual relative humidity to calculate accelerated factor for time slice i:

${\left({\mathrm{AF}}_{humidity}\right)}_i={\left(\frac{{\mathrm{RH}}_{A_i}}{{\mathrm{RH}}_N}\right)}^3---\left(8\right)$

Described above similarly, accumulation accelerated factor can be calculated as by LEM80:

${\left({\mathrm{CAF}}_{humidity}\right)}_i=\frac{(i-1){\left({\mathrm{CAF}}_{humidity}\right)}_{i-1}+{\left({\mathrm{AF}}_{humidity}\right)}_i}{i}---\left(9\right)$

The accumulation accelerated factor caused due to relative humidity that time slice i assesses can be used for estimating knots modification, and this knots modification is to the amount that the cumulative operation life-span of the module 100 caused due to relative humidities at life period has changed on time period i.

Total accelerated factor can be calculated as the product of the calculated accelerated factor be associated with each performance variable.Such as, by incremental time Δ T _ion consider that total accelerated factor of practical operation temperature, electric current and relative humidity is expressed as:

(AF _overall) _i＝(AF _temp) _i*(AF _current) _i*(AF _humidity) _i(10)

Similarly, LEM80 can by incremental time Δ T _ion total accumulation accelerated factor be calculated as

(CAF _overall) _i＝(CAF _temp) _i*(CAF _current) _i*(CAF _humidity) _i(11)

Dying the life-span of lighting module can be estimated by the accumulation of total accumulation accelerated factor and the described module time of dying being multiplied.

L _E＝(CAF _overall) _i*AET(12)

Therefore, if accelerated factor is less than unit 1, the accumulation of the module time of dying is reduced.If accelerated factor is greater than unit 1, died the accumulation of described module time-reversal mirror.If accelerated factor is unit 1, die life-span and the accumulation of described module of estimation time of having died is identical.

The difference died between the life-span of the target life objective value (TLV) of described module and estimation can be adopted to carry out the estimation of the residual life of computing module 100.

L _R＝TLV-L _E(13)

The accumulation that LEM80 calculates died time and residual life is stored in the memory 23 of EIM120.In one embodiment, described value is sent to the equipment with EIM120 communication linkage by the request that can receive in response to EIM120.In another embodiment, if described residual life is estimated to fall below threshold value, EIM120 transmits alarm.

Figure 14 is the explanation of the method 70 estimating the life-span of LED-based lighting module based on practical operation condition.In first step (step 71), incremental time is measured one or more operating condition (such as, temperature, electric current and relative humidity).In second step (step 72), based on the operating condition measured, what calculating was associated with each operating condition increases progressively accelerated factor.In third step (step 73), increase progressively accelerated factor based on described, calculate the accumulation accelerated factor be associated with each condition.In the 4th step (step 74), based on dying the life-span of described accumulation accelerated factor estimation module 100.In the 5th step (step 75), the estimation residual life of module 100 and the threshold value that is associated with module 100 are compared.If the residual life estimated falls below threshold value, transmit alarm (step 76) from module 100.

Figure 35 is the explanation of the exemplary method 280 transmitting alarm, and described alarm indicates the estimation residual life of LED-based lighting apparatus 100.According to described method 280, determine the AET (step 271) of LED-based lighting module 100, and deduct AET to determine whether the difference between AET and TLV reaches threshold value from TLV value.Concurrently, determine whether the residual life estimated falls below threshold value, as (the step 71-75) that discuss relative to method 70.If the residual life that the difference between AET and TLV has reached threshold value or estimation reaches threshold value, the residual life (step 281) of alarm and estimation can be transmitted from module 100.In this manner, the entity receiving this information is known the following illumination performance in order to solve LED-based lighting module 100 and needs to take action, and also knows the estimation to can obtain how many additional life-span from module 100.

As shown in figure 15, EIM120 also can comprise phosphor decline detection module (PDDM) 90.In certain embodiments, PDDM90 is the application specific hardware modules comprising memory and disposal ability.In some other embodiments, processor 22 can comprise PDDM function on sheet.In other embodiments, can perform by processor 22 software instruction stored in memory (such as memory 23) and realize PDDM function.PDDM90 responds according to the rate of flow of module 100 for the light pulse of launching from LED102, estimates the decline of the phosphor comprised at the cavity 109 of lighting module 100.

Figure 16 describes the profile comprising and be installed to the blue-ray LED 102B of mounting panel 104 and the main hybrid chamber 109 of flux sensor 36.In one embodiment, flux sensor 36 is silicon diodes.In other embodiments, flux sensor 36 can be installed to the optional position (such as, on the wall of cavity 109, on output window 108 and above output window 108) being applicable to catch the light launched from cavity 109.LED102B can be pulsed along with the time period.Such as, the pulse of 50 milliseconds can be realized.

Figure 17 describes the exemplary rate of flow response for the light pulse of launching from LED102B that flux sensor 36 is measured.Describe three time periods.First time period is the duration of the light pulse from LED102B transmitting.During this time period, when described cavity is full of light, described rate of flow reaches peak value.PDDM90 operation is for the peak value of the rate of flow during catching first time period.The value caught is measuring of the rate of flow of LED102 during operation, and useful for the condition of Diagnostic LEDs 102.Such as, if the value of catching is less than desired value, the deterioration of LED102 can be detected.

After the light pulse from LED102B completes, the second time period started.Described second time period is the approximate of response time section when to launch through conversion light in response to the light launched before LED102B to yellow and red-emitting phosphor.Usually, phosphor is not instantaneous for the response of input light.Therefore, on the time period after removing incident light, phosphor material continues to launch the light through conversion.Different phosphor material continues fluorescigenic degree and changes along with material after removing incident light source.PDDM90 uses this characteristic to diagnose the different phosphate body of light of cavity 109 inside discretely.In the example shown, the time period that the yellow of cavity 109 and red-emitting phosphor all carry out launching is comprised from the time period after the light pulse that LED102B launches.Therefore, after removing the excitation from LED102B, PDDM90 measures the rate of flow of the remaining emission of redness and yellow phosphor material.Because remove driving source, decline the rate of flow horizontal stable launched during this time period.Until at the end of the second time period, the transmitting from yellow phosphor has been failed to insignificant level, and measured rate of flow is mainly due to the transmitting from red phosphor material.In this moment, PDDM90 measures the rate of flow from the remaining emission of red phosphor material.After the second period of time, through the 3rd time period.3rd time period was the approximate of response time section when to launch through conversion light in response to the light of LED102B previous transmission to red-emitting phosphor.Exemplarily, the second time period was less than 10 milliseconds.

Figure 17 describes time point when PDDM90 measures peaking flux intensity to be characterized LED102B, the rate of flow produced by the transmitting of yellow and red-emitting phosphor and the rate of flow produced mainly through the transmitting of red-emitting phosphor.Such as, at T _measBthe rate of flow that place carries out LED102B is measured.T _measBtiming can fix relative to the pulse of LED102.Such as, T can be measured during after the pulse of LED102 starts 25 milliseconds _measB.In another example, T can be measured in the middle in pulse duration _measB.The random time point of the impulse duration of LED102 can be suitable for the measurement of the rate of flow of LED102.In another example, T can be selected _measBwith reach actuation duration section when flux response during peak value time time corresponding.In this example, PDDM90 performs peak detection algorithm during actuation duration section, and the peak value of rate of flow during identifying actuation duration section.At T _measYRplace, the rate of flow of carrying out the response of yellow and red-emitting phosphor is measured.T _measYRtiming can be fixing relative to the pulse of LED102.Such as, PDDM90 can measure the rate of flow of the response of yellow and red-emitting phosphor during 1 microsecond after the end-of-pulsing of LED102B.This can be desired value, and whether permission flux sensor 36 if having time in response to the unexpected elimination of LED102B excitation, but grows to the so long time period of the substantial portions losing yellow and red-emitting phosphor transmitting.

At T _measRplace, the rate of flow of carrying out red-emitting phosphor response is measured.T _measRtiming can be pulse relative to LED102 and fixing.Such as, PDDM90 can measure the rate of flow of response of red-emitting phosphors 10 in 10 microsecond places after the end-of-pulsing of LED102B.This can be desired value, allows the substantial portions of yellow phosphor emission to occur if having time, but whether grows to the so long time period of losing the substantial portions that red-emitting phosphor is launched.Can by T _measB, T _measYRand T _measRthe rate of flow value that place PDDM90 measures is stored in the memory 23 of EIM120.In one embodiment, in response to the request received by EIM120, described value can be sent to the equipment with EIM120 communication linkage.In another embodiment, if any one of measured value drops to below corresponding threshold value, EIM120 transmits alarm.In addition, can repeatedly measure rate of flow value in time, and result is stored in memory 23.The value obtained may be used for the benchmark of the performance as the life period judge module 100 in module, and sets up the trend that can be used for the residual life of estimation module 100.

Figure 18 describes and responds for the rate of flow of the light pulse of launching from LED102 the exemplary method 160 estimated the decline of the phosphor that the cavity 109 of lighting module 100 comprises based on module 100.In first step (step 161), a time period of pulsed drive is carried out to the blue-ray LED of module 100.In second step (step 162), detect at blue-ray LED impulse duration and measure peaking flux intensity.In third step (step 165), the very first time point measurement peaking flux intensity after blue-ray LED pulse completes.In the 4th step (step 168), the second point in time measurement peaking flux intensity after blue light pulse completes.For each of second step (step 162), third step (step 165) and the 4th step (step 168), the peaking flux value of measurement and desired value are compared (being step 163,166 and 169 respectively).If the peak value measured in any one situation drops to below desired value (being step 164,167 and 170 respectively), module 100 transmits alarm (step 171).

As shown in figure 19, EIM120 also can comprise hot stall earlier detection module (TFED) 172.In certain embodiments, TFED172 is the specialized hardware comprising memory and disposal ability.In some other embodiments, processor 22 can comprise TFED function on sheet.In other embodiments, can perform by processor 22 software instruction stored in memory (such as memory 23) and realize TFED function.In one embodiment, the temperature transient that TFED172 measures between the starting period of module 100 based on module estimates that the potential of the hot stall of luminaire 150 may.Based on measured transition, whether TFED172 estimation module 100 will reach more than the steady state operating temperature of nominal operating temperature.Described module is actual reach excess temperature condition before carry out described estimation, thus reduce the risk of the permanent damages for module.In another embodiment, based on the flux transition of measuring between the starting period of module 100, TFED172 estimates that the potential of the hot stall of luminaire 150 may.Based on the transition of measuring, whether TFED172 estimation module 100 will reach more than the steady state operating temperature of nominal operating temperature.Described module is actual reach excess temperature condition before carry out described estimation, thus to reduce for the risk of the permanent damages of module.

Figure 20 describes two temperature profiles measured.Temperature profile 174 is at mounting seat 101 place to the measurement of the temperature of module 100, for utilizing heat-conducting cream, module 100 is closely coupled to the situation of heat sink 130.Module 100 at room temperature starts to start, and temperature rises to approximate 70 degrees Celsius.This is less than 90 degrees Celsius, the rated temperature boundary of module 100.Temperature profile 173 be at mounting seat 101 place to the temperature survey of module 100, for not utilizing heat-conducting cream, module 100 loosely is coupled to the situation of heat sink 130.Module 100 starts at room temperature to start, and temperature promptly rises to approximate 120 degrees Celsius.This is considerably beyond the rated temperature boundary of module 100.In addition, module 100 risk that is being greater than the operation under 90 degrees Celsius and causes module permanent damages.TFED172 operation be used for when do not need module 100 exceed described boundary and practical operation, whether estimation module 100 will reach more than the steady temperature of described specified boundary.

As shown in figure 20, exemplarily, temperature when TFED172 measurement module 100 starts at ambient temperature and after start-up after 200 seconds.Although using 200 seconds time points as temperature evaluation, other times section can be considered.Such as, can within 10 seconds of module 100 luminescence evaluate temperature.This time period goes for the environment of plant, and wherein minimizing the testing time is needs, and needs identification apparatus fault before loading and transporting to consumer by product.In another example, can measure when installing luminaire 150 to test the performance of luminaire in installation environment.In a first scenario, the temperature of TFED172 computing module 100 when starting and the temperature difference Δ TEMP of module 100 between the temperature after experience 200 seconds _n.This temperature difference is approximate 21 degrees Celsius.TFED172 calculates described temperature difference Δ TEMP _nwhether be less than predetermined threshold delta T _tHRS.Such as, Δ T _tHRSit can be 25 degrees Celsius.In this case, Δ TEMP _ndo not exceed Δ T _tHRS, and TFED172 concludes that module 100 does not have hot stall risk under the condition of this situation.In the latter case, the temperature difference Δ TEMP between the temperature of TFED172 computing module 100 when starting and the temperature having experienced module 10 after 200 seconds _f.This temperature difference is approximate 55 degrees Celsius.TFED172 calculates described temperature difference Δ TEMP _fwhether be less than predetermined threshold delta T _tHRS.In this case, Δ TEMP _fexceed Δ T _tHRS, and TFED172 concludes that module 100 exists the risk of hot stall under the condition of this situation.The value (such as Δ TEMP) that TFED172 measures can be stored in the memory 23 of EIM120.In one embodiment, described value is sent to the equipment with EIM120 communicative couplings by the request that can receive in response to EIM120.In another embodiment, if measured value exceedes described predetermined threshold arbitrarily, EIM120 transmits alarm.

Because the flux that the temperature of module 100 also affects module 100 exports, TFED172 also can measuring based on the flux transition of measuring between the starting period, and whether estimation module 100 will reach more than the steady state operating temperature of specified boundary.

Figure 21 describes two flux profile measured.Flux profile 176 is at mounting seat 101 place to the measurement of the flux of module 100, for utilizing heat-conducting cream, module 100 is closely coupled to the situation of heat sink 130.Module 100 at room temperature starts to start according to normalized flux level 1, and flux fails to the normalization flux being similar to 0.93 200 seconds time.Flux profile 175 be at mounting seat 101 place to the flux measurement of module 100, for not utilizing heat-conducting cream, module 100 loosely is coupled to the situation of heat sink 130.Module 100 at room temperature starts to start according to normalized flux level 1, and flux promptly drops to the normalization flux of 0.88 200 seconds time.TFED172 operation be used for when do not need module 100 exceed described rated temperature boundary and practical operation, use flux transition to carry out estimation module 100 as instruction and whether will exceed steady state operation under described rated temperature boundary.

As shown in figure 21, exemplarily, flux when TFED172 measurement module 100 starts at ambient temperature and after starting from room temperature condition after 200 seconds.In a first scenario, the flux of TFED172 computing module 100 when starting and the flux difference Δ FLUX of module 100 between the flux after experience 200 seconds _n.This flux difference is approximate 0.07.TFED172 calculates described flux difference Δ FLUX _nwhether be less than predetermined threshold delta F _tHRS.Such as, Δ T _tHRScan 0.09.In this case, Δ FLUX _ndo not exceed Δ F _tHRS, and TFED172 concludes that module 100 does not have hot stall risk under the condition of this situation.In the latter case, the flux difference Δ FLUX between the flux of TFED172 computing module 100 when starting and the flux having experienced module 10 after 200 seconds _f.This flux difference is approximate 0.12.TFED172 calculates described flux difference Δ FLUX _fwhether be less than predetermined threshold delta F _tHRS.In this case, Δ FLUX _fexceed Δ F _tHRS, and TFED172 concludes that module 100 exists the risk of hot stall under the condition of this situation.The value (such as Δ FLUX) that TFED172 measures can be stored in the memory 23 of EIM120.In one embodiment, described value is sent to the equipment with EIM120 communicative couplings by the request that can receive in response to EIM120.In another embodiment, if measured value exceedes described predetermined threshold arbitrarily, EIM120 transmits alarm.

Figure 22 describes based on the analysis to temperature transient when starting, and identifies the potential possible method 180 of luminaire 150 fault before an actual failure.In first step (step 181), make LED-based module luminous.In second step (step 182), module temperature when measuring luminous.In third step (step 183), from the time point of module 100 luminescence after past first time period, the temperature of measurement module.In the 4th step (step 184), the difference between step 182 and 183 temperature measured is adopted to carry out the variations in temperature of computing module 100.In the 5th step (step 185), the variations in temperature calculated in step 184 and threshold value are compared.If described variations in temperature exceedes threshold value, module 10 transmits alarm (step 186).

Figure 23 describes based on the analysis to flux transition when starting, and identifies the potential possible method 190 of luminaire 150 fault before an actual failure.In first step (step 191), make LED-based lighting module luminous.In second step (step 192), model flux when measuring luminous exports.In third step (step 193), from the time point of module 100 luminescence after past first time period, the flux of measurement module exports.In the 4th step (step 194), the difference between step 192 and 193 flux measured is adopted to carry out the variations of flux of computing module 100.In the 5th step (step 195), the variations of flux calculated in step 194 and threshold value are compared.If described variations of flux exceedes threshold value, module 10 transmits alarm (step 196).

Figure 24 describes the method that the forward voltage measurement of going here and there based on LED102 carrys out the fault of the LED102 of identification module 100.In first step (step 201), receive the instruction to forward voltage.In one embodiment, described instruction can be received from power converter 30.In another embodiment, described instruction can be received via sensor interface 28 from the voltage sensor (not shown) of mounting panel 104.In second step (step 202), the instruction of forward voltage and threshold value are compared.In third step (step 203), positive threshold and threshold value are compared.If described forward voltage exceedes threshold value, module 100 transmits alarm (step 204).

As shown in figure 25, EIM120 can comprise color tuner module (CTM) 220.In certain embodiments, CTM220 is the application specific hardware modules comprising memory and disposal ability.In some other embodiments, processor 22 can comprise CTM function on sheet.In other embodiments, can perform by processor 22 software instruction stored in memory (such as memory 23) and realize CTM function.The tuning electric current of different LED string that is supplied to of CTM220 is to realize consistent color characteristics at the life period of module 100.

Figure 26 A-26B describes has the red-light LED 102R of installation and the mounting panel 104 of blue-ray LED 102B, and described LED is referred to as LED102.LED102 is transmitted into light in cavity 109.In the illustrated embodiment, flux sensor 36 is also installed in mounting panel 104.In other embodiments, flux sensor 36 can be installed in cavity 109, on the wall of cavity 109 or on output window 108.In other other embodiments, can as relative to Fig. 9 discuss, flux sensor 36 is installed on reflector 140.

Figure 27 is the explanation of the embodiment adopting multiple flux sensor (such as flux sensor 36A-36D).The mean value obtaining rate of flow in cavity 109 can be averaged to the output of flux sensor 36A-36D.In other embodiments, can consider that the output of each transducer 36A-36D is to obtain the local message relevant with the rate of flow of being caught by each separated sensor in region individually.This local message can be used for assessing the flux uniformity in cavity 109.Because each transducer 36A-36D is the sensitiveest for the LED near each transducer, local message can be used for being characterized independent LED102.

Figure 28 is that wherein the photoconduction in the surperficial multiple position of mounting panel 104 is caused the explanation of the embodiment of flux sensor 36 by fiber waveguide 37.In this embodiment, fiber waveguide 37 is for collecting light from the multiple positions on mounting panel 104 for flux measurement.In this manner, rate of flow value from the multiple positions on mounting panel 104 can be assembled by fiber waveguide 37, and passing flux transducer 36 is measured.In one example, fiber waveguide 37 can be fabricated to injection molding component.In another embodiment, fiber waveguide 37 can be optical fiber.

Figure 29 A-29B describes the method performed by CTM220, mates the intensity between Red and blue light LED for the life period in module 100.In first step (step 231), with the measuring current i by red-light LED 102R _{test_red}make the red-light LED 102R of module 100 luminous.In one example, i _{test_red}can be and 0.700 ampere.For testing time section, the blue-ray LED 102B of module 100 keeps turning off.In second step (step 232), flux sensor 36 measures the rate of flow of the light launched from red-light LED 102R, to produce the red light intensity value I of test _{test_red}.In third step (step 233), the result based on the red light intensity measured in step 232 calculates new ruddiness current value.In one example, suppose in little intensity value range, the luminescence output of red-light LED 102R and drive current linear correlation.On the basis of this assumption, CTM200 calculates new ruddiness current value so that red-light LED 102R is urged to target flux intensity level I _{target_red}.

$i_{t\arg et\_red}=\frac{I_{t\arg et\_red}}{I_{test\_red}}{i}_{test\_red}---\left(14\right)$

In the 4th step (step 234), determine new current value i _{target_red}whether exceed the maximum permission drive current be associated with red-light LED 102R.If new current value does not exceed maximum permission drive current, implement described new current value (step 235).But, if new current value has exceeded maximum permission drive current, then implement maximum permission drive current (step 236).Because new current value can not be implemented in this case, so target flux intensity level is reset to lower value (step 237).

$I_{t\arg et\_red}=\frac{I_{test\_red}}{i_{test\_red}}\·i_{\max \_red}---\left(15\right)$

In addition, because the target flux intensity level for ruddiness is revised downwards, so the target flux intensity level for blue light is also revised (step 238) downwards.Calculate the target flux intensity level of amendment, make the ratio of the rate of flow of launching from red-light LED 102R and blue-ray LED 102B keep constant in the life-span of module 100.

$I_{t\arg et\_blue}={\left(\frac{I_B}{I_R}\right)}_{Lifetime}\·I_{t\arg et\_red}---\left(16\right)$

In step 239, with the measuring current i by blue-ray LED 102B _{test_blue}make the blue-ray LED 102B of module 100 luminous.In one example, i _{test_blue}it can be 0.700 ampere.For testing time section, the red-light LED 102R of module 100 keeps turning off.In next step (step 240), flux sensor 36 measures the rate of flow of the light launched from blue-ray LED 102B, to produce the blue light strength value I of test _{test_blue}.In step 241, the result based on the blue light strength measured in step 240 calculates new blue photocurrent value.In one example, suppose in little intensity value range, the luminescence output of blue-ray LED 102B and drive current linear correlation.On the basis of this assumption, new blue photocurrent value is calculated so that blue-ray LED 102B is urged to target flux value I _{target_blue}.

$i_{t\arg et\_blue}=\frac{I_{t\arg et\_blue}}{I_{test\_blue}}{i}_{test\_blue}---\left(17\right)$

In next step (step 242), determine new current value i _{target_blue}whether exceed the maximum permission drive current be associated with blue-ray LED 102B.If new current value does not exceed maximum permission drive current, implement described new current value (step 243).But, if new current value has exceeded maximum permission drive current, then implement maximum permission drive current (step 244).Because new current value can not be implemented in this case, so reset (step 245) target flux intensity level.

$I_{t\arg et\_blue}=\frac{I_{test\_blue}}{i_{test\_blue}}\·i_{\max \_blue}---\left(18\right)$

In addition, because revised by the target flux intensity level for blue light, the target flux intensity level for ruddiness is also revised (step 246) downwards downwards.Calculate the target flux intensity level of amendment, make the ratio of the rate of flow of launching from red-light LED 102R and blue-ray LED 102B keep constant in the life-span of module 100.

$I_{t\arg et\_red}={\left(\frac{I_B}{I_R}\right)}_{Lifetime}\·I_{t\arg et\_blue}---\left(19\right)$

Based on the target flux intensity level of the amendment for red-light LED 102R, calculate new ruddiness current value (step 247) and implement.

$i_{t\arg et\_red}=\frac{I_{t\arg et\_red}}{I_{test\_red}}{i}_{test\_red}---\left(20\right)$

As shown in figure 30, EIM120 also can comprise temperature compensation module (TCM) 250.The tuning electric current being supplied to the different LED string of lighting module 100 of TCM250, to realize consistent temperature characterisitic on the operating temperature range of module 100.In one example, module 100 can comprise red-light LED string and blue-ray LED string.Along with operating temperature change, the flux exporting change of red-light LED is different from the flux exporting change of blue-ray LED.

Red-light LED (AlInGaP) and the blue-ray LED lumen fraction in package temperature scope that Figure 31 describes to be provided by LumiLED company (SanJose, CA) exports.Decline during decline in the luminous flux output of blue-ray LED 251 and the luminous flux of red-light LED 252 export is all visible.It is clear that the decline that the luminous flux of blue-ray LED and red-light LED exports when a temperature increases can be very different from Figure 31.Figure 32 describes the table comprising electric current zoom factor, and described electric current zoom factor relates to the electric current being supplied to red-light LED and blue-ray LED on operating temperature range.It is linear that the pass supposing between electric current and flux ties up in given temperature and normal operation current scope, according to Figure 31 for multiple temperature, can estimate electric current zoom factor.Electric current zoom factor (i _red/i _blue) may be used for carrying out convergent-divergent to red-light LED drive current or blue-ray LED drive current, with keep on operating temperature range red-light LED and blue-ray LED luminous flux export between fixed relationship.

Figure 33 describes and carries out tuning to the electric current of the different LED string being supplied to lighting module 100, to realize the method for consistent color characteristics at the life period of module 100.In first step (step 253), the temperature of measurement module 100.In second step (step 254), based on the temperature determination electric current zoom factor measured.Electric current zoom factor is read in the look-up table that can store from the nonvolatile memory 23 of EIM120.In one example, from described look-up table, directly described electric current zoom factor can be read.In another example, described electric current zoom factor can carry out interpolation to produce to the value stored look-up table.In another example, described electric current zoom factor can be calculated based on the function stored in the nonvolatile memory 23 of EIM120.In third step (step 255), new ruddiness current value can be calculated based on electric current zoom factor and the nominal current stored in the nonvolatile memory 23 of EIM120.

$i_{t\arg et\_red}=\frac{i_{{\mathrm{red}}_T}}{i_{{\mathrm{blue}}_T}}{i}_{nom\_red}---\left(21\right)$

In the 4th step, assess new ruddiness current value and whether exceed maximum permissible current for red-light LED 102R.If do not exceeded, implement described ruddiness current value (step 257).If exceeded, then calculate and implement new blue photocurrent value (step 258).New blue photocurrent value can be calculated as follows:

$i_{t\arg et\_blue}=\frac{i_{{\mathrm{blue}}_T}}{i_{{\mathrm{red}}_T}}{i}_{nom\_blue}---\left(22\right)$

The current ratio relating to Red and blue light current value after manner of execution 230 can be calculated.This current ratio can join with the temperature correlation of module 100 during the described method of execution.Because method 230 causes carrying out current value tuning with the target strength ratio realized between Red and blue light LED, so do not need the further convergent-divergent of electric current at such a temperature.Therefore in method variant 260, can during manner of execution 260, the temperature performed relative to method 230 before use depends on the electric current zoom factor of temperature carrys out normallized current zoom factor.

In certain embodiments, by the componentry ground of EIM120 or fully said method can be performed.But in some other embodiments, can by partially or fully performing said method with the remote equipment of LED-based lighting module 100 communicative couplings.In these embodiments, the some or all of the calculated load be associated with execution said method can be removed from LED-based lighting module 100.In addition, it is desirable to use remote equipment (such as mobile computer, personal computer, dedicated handheld device etc.) that the various aspects of LED-based lighting module 100 performance are sent to entity (such as consumer, attendant, user etc.).In addition, wish that the information of reception from described entity is to determine the future operation order for LED-based lighting module 100.

Figure 36 describes the one exemplary embodiment of system 300, described system comprise LED-based lighting module 100, with the computer 291 of LED-based lighting module 100 communicative couplings and entity 293 interactive with computer 291.In certain embodiments, computer 291 can by Internet 2 92 and LED-based lighting module 100 communicative couplings.But in some other embodiments, computer 291 can by other means of communication (such as LAN, RF, IR etc.) and LED-based lighting module 100 communicative couplings.This wishes, to be avoided the cost in conjunction with Internet Connectivity in each LED-based lighting module 100.In another example, computer 291 can with LED-based lighting module indirect communication.Such as, computer (not shown) can be in local with LED-based lighting module 100 and be coupled communicatedly.This computer also can be configured to pass Internet 2 92 and communicate with computer 291.In this manner, local computer is between computer 291 and LED illumination module 100.Such as, computer can be local centralized illumination supervision server.Computer 291 can by Internet 2 92 and entity 293 reciprocation (such as entity 293 uses interface based on web by internet and computer 291 reciprocation).In some other embodiments, computer 291 can carry out mutual (such as by local application interface) in this locality with entity 293.

Computer 291 can be the special-purpose computer operated by such as illumination supervision Servers Organization.In these embodiments, computer 291 is communicated with LED-based lighting module 100 directly or indirectly by internet, and by internet and consumer communication.In certain embodiments, computer 291 collects data from many LED-based lighting modules 100, and performs the method described in this patent documentation document.Such as, computer 291 can collect the relevant data of the data that to fail with the AET of each module, operating current level, operating temperature level and lumen in time.Based on the data of this gathering, computer 291 can determine the more accurate life estimation of LED-based lighting module 100.

In the embodiment that Figure 36 illustrates, computer 291 performs " life-saving supply " (ELO) instrument 290.As shown in figure 36, ELO instrument 290 is convenient to entity 293 and the interactive application of LED-based lighting module 100.In one example, LED-based lighting module 100 transmits message to computer 291, and described message indicates the difference of AET and TLV of LED-based lighting module and the estimation residual life of LED-based lighting module 100.Life-saving supply 295 is produced based on message 294, the ELO instrument 290 received.When the estimation residual life of LED-based lighting module 100 exceedes the difference of AET and TLV of module, the available action life of LED-based lighting module can be exceeded initial TLV by expection.In one example, can produce supply 295 so that the operation lifetime of LED-based lighting module 100 is extended a time quantum, to exchange payment for, described time quantum estimates that residual life exceedes the amount of the difference of AET and TLV of module.

In another example, LED-based lighting module 100 transmits message 294, and described message indicates the AET of LED-based lighting module 100 and estimates to die the life-span.Life-saving supply 295 is produced based on message 294, the ELO instrument 290 received.When the life-span has been died in the estimation that AET exceedes LED-based lighting module, the useful operation lifetime of LED-based lighting module can extend by expection exceed initial TLV.In one example, can produce supply 295 so that the operation lifetime of LED-based lighting module 100 is extended a time quantum, to exchange payment for, described time quantum is that estimation that AET exceedes LED-based lighting module has been died the amount in life-span.

Computer 291 transmits message 296 to entity 293, and described message 296 comprises life-saving supply 295.Entity 293 can be selected to accept described supply, and sends answer message 294 to computer 291, represents and receives life-saving supply 295.Responsively, computer 291 transmits message 298 to LED-based lighting module 100, and described in authorization by direction, LED-based lighting module 100 operates the life cycle extended.Such as, message 298 can comprise the TLV value of renewal, and the TLV value of described renewal has exceeded the TLV value of initial programming.In another example, message 298 can comprise unlocking code, and described unlocking code makes it possible to utilize the different TLV values exceeding initial TLV value.

As mentioned above, ELO instrument 290 is estimated according to the life-saving be associated with specific LED-based lighting module 100, produces life-saving supply 295.But, ELO instrument 290 also can with many LED-based lighting module communicative couplings (such as, thousands of module).In some instances, ELO instrument 290 can produce life-saving supply based on the operation information collected from number of modules.Such as, based on the operation information collected from number of modules, can determine to have the probable life longer than initial expection the life expectancy of the module of specific products code or family.In some other examples, the combination of the customizing messages of the operation information collected from number of modules and LED-based lighting module 100 can be used as to produce the basis that life-saving supplies 295.

Although in order to illustrative object describes specific embodiment, the instruction of this patent file has general applicability, and is not limited to specific embodiment described herein.In one example, EIM120 is described as comprise bus 21, is powered device interface controller (PDIC) 34, processor 22, die time counter module (ETCM) 27, nonvolatile memory 26 (such as EPROM), nonvolatile memory 23 (such as flash memory), infrared transceiver 25, RF transceiver 24, sensor interface 28, power converter interface 29, power converter 30 and LED select module 40.But in other embodiments, any one of these elements can be got rid of, if do not need its function.In another example, PDIC34 is described as meet IEEE802.3 communication standard.But, different capacity and the data-signal of the any-mode receiving and launch object for data and power can be adopted.In another example, discuss the transmission to alarm as the response for various condition.But, it is expected to other response, comprise the code of closing module 100, request continuation operation, or connect additional LED (such as ordering LED selection module 40 to connect additional LED).In another example, said method can with reference to independent LED or LED group.In another example, describe the method with reference to the LED (such as red-light LED and blue-ray LED) of particular color or the phosphor emission (such as red phosphor and yellow phosphor) of particular color.But said method can be applied to the LED of random color or the phosphor emission of random color.In another example, describe the detector of the measurement capability had on visible-range.But, can adopt for the sensitive detector of particular range of wavelengths.In another example, discuss and reduced output intensity order calibration method when LED deterioration.But, can comprise and additional not use LED as a part for module 100, and use LED to select module 40 optionally to connect the described additional LED that do not use to replace fault LED or to increase the output intensity ability of module 100.

Therefore, when not departing from the scope of the invention set forth in claim, the various improvement of the various features of described embodiment, adaptation and combination can be realized.

Claims (20)

1. a method, comprising:

Measure LED-based lighting module to the transient response of irradiating described module from entry condition; And

Estimated the hot stall of described module based on measured transient response before actual hot stall occurs.

2. method according to claim 1, wherein measured transient response is taken from and is comprised following group: the temperature of described module and the output flow of described module.

3. method according to claim 1, wherein performs described measurement and described estimation by described LED-based lighting module.

4. method according to claim 1, wherein said measurement relates to the temperature sensor installed in the light mixing chamber of described module.

5. method according to claim 1, wherein said measurement relates to the flux sensor installed in the visual field of the output window of described module.

6. method according to claim 1, wherein said estimation relates to the processor of described module.

7. method according to claim 1, wherein said measurement comprises: after illuminating described module, measures the temperature of described module over a period.

8. method according to claim 7, wherein said a period of time is longer than one second.

9. method according to claim 1, wherein said estimation comprises: by measured transient response compared with predetermined threshold.

10. method according to claim 1, also comprises:

If described estimation instruction hot stall, then transmit alarm.

11. methods according to claim 1, also comprise:

If described estimation instruction hot stall, then close described LED-based lighting module.

12. 1 kinds of methods, comprising:

Measure the first rate of flow value of LED-based lighting module, wherein said LED-based lighting module is by the first LED illumination utilizing the first current value to drive, and a described LED launches the light with the first color characteristics;

Measure the second rate of flow value of described LED-based lighting module, wherein said LED-based lighting module is by the second LED illumination utilizing the second current value to drive, and described 2nd LED launches the light with the second color characteristics;

The 3rd current value is determined based on described first rate of flow value and described first current value; And

Based on the estimated rate of the rate of flow of described second rate of flow value, described second current value and a LED and the rate of flow of the 2nd LED, determine the 4th current value.

13. methods according to claim 12, a wherein said LED is driven by described 3rd current value, and described 2nd LED is driven by described 4th current value.

14. methods according to claim 12, a wherein said LED and described 2nd LED is installed on mounting panel, and relates to the measurement of the first and second rate of flow values the flux sensor be installed on mounting panel.

15. methods according to claim 12, wherein the determination of the third and fourth current value relates to the processor of described LED-based lighting module.

16. 1 kinds of methods, comprising:

Measure the temperature of LED-based lighting module;

Based on measured temperature determination electric current zoom factor, the first current value being applied to a LED with the first color emission characteristic associates with the second current value being applied to the 2nd LED with the second color emission characteristic by wherein said electric current zoom factor; And

First object current value is determined based on described electric current zoom factor and the first nominal current value.

17. methods according to claim 16, also comprise:

If first object current value exceedes predetermined value, then determine the second target current value based on described electric current zoom factor and the second nominal current value.

18. methods according to claim 16, also comprise:

If first object current value does not exceed predetermined value, then first object current value is at least applied to a LED.

19. methods according to claim 16, wherein the determination of zoom factor comprises: read the value stored in the memory of described LED-based lighting module.

20. methods according to claim 16, wherein the determination of zoom factor comprises: carry out interpolation between two values stored in the memory of described LED-based lighting module.