EP1185147A1 - Voltage supply for Leds in lighting applications - Google Patents

Voltage supply for Leds in lighting applications Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1185147A1
EP1185147A1 EP01106716A EP01106716A EP1185147A1 EP 1185147 A1 EP1185147 A1 EP 1185147A1 EP 01106716 A EP01106716 A EP 01106716A EP 01106716 A EP01106716 A EP 01106716A EP 1185147 A1 EP1185147 A1 EP 1185147A1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
transistor
voltage
light
output
emitting diode
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EP01106716A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1185147B1 (en
Inventor
Reinhard BÖCKLE
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Tridonicatco GmbH and Co KG
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Tridonic Bauelemente GmbH
Tridonicatco GmbH and Co KG
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/20—Controlling the colour of the light
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/30—Driver circuits
    • H05B45/37—Converter circuits

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a control circuit for at least one Light-emitting diode or for a light-emitting diode arrangement, on a light-emitting diode arrangement and a method for supplying a constant current source with a Supply voltage.
  • FIG. 4 shows a control circuit as it is present in products manufactured by the company Color Kinetics are sold and essentially the US patent mentioned correspond.
  • the transistor Q1 can only keep the output current constant as long as it is not oversaturated, ie as long as the voltage U CE between its collector and its emitter is greater than the saturation voltage U CESAT .
  • the saturation voltage is usually between about 0.7 and 1.2 volts.
  • the supply voltage U cc is therefore applied, which is clearly above the sum of the flux voltage at the light-emitting diode LED and the saturation voltage U CESAT .
  • a safety margin is thus created in order to be able to reliably compensate for production-related or thermal tolerances or fluctuations in the flow voltage of the diode.
  • a sufficiently large safety margin is thus added to the usual saturation voltage U CESAT .
  • a control circuit is therefore provided for at least one light-emitting diode or light-emitting diode arrangement.
  • the drive circuit has a constant current source, to which a supply voltage is applied and which has a transistor with a control connection and two output-side connections, the light-emitting diode or light-emitting diode arrangement being connected in series with one of the output-side connections of the transistor.
  • a control loop is provided which detects the voltage drop between the two output-side connections of the transistor (U CE ) and / or between the output-side connection to which the light-emitting diode is connected in series and the control connection (U CB ).
  • the supply voltage of the constant current source is then set in such a way that the voltage drop U CE between the two output-side connections of the transistor corresponds to a desired value which is above the saturation voltage U CESAT of the transistor.
  • the transistor can be a bipolar transistor in which the voltage difference between the collector and the emitter is detected.
  • the control loop can be a function for signal processing of the detected Have voltage drop.
  • a light-emitting diode arrangement which has at least two groups of light-emitting diodes of different colors, wherein again each group has at least one light emitting diode.
  • each group of light emitting diodes has a control circuit as described above intended.
  • a method for regulating the supply voltage of a constant current source for at least one light-emitting diode has a transistor with a control connection and two output-side connections and the light-emitting diode is connected in series to one of the output-side connections of the transistor.
  • the method has the step of detecting the voltage drop between the two output-side connections of the transistor U CE and / or between the output-side connection to which the light-emitting diode is connected in series and the control connection (U CB ).
  • the supply voltage of the constant current source is set in such a way that the voltage drop between the two output-side connections of the transistor corresponds to a desired value which is above the saturation voltage U CESAT of the transistor.
  • the detected voltage drop can be processed as a signal in the feedback loop.
  • FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a control circuit for an LED array 5, that several groups 10, 11, 12 each consisting of several red, green or has blue LEDs.
  • entire LED array 5 supplied with constant current sources 2.
  • Constant current sources 2 is a common feedback or control loop 6 provided that - as will be explained later - as the actual value Voltage drop at the output terminals of the transistor is detected and closed a power section 1 with regulated (adjustable) DC output voltage.
  • the power section 1 supplies the constant current sources 2 with a regulated DC supply voltage.
  • a sequence controller (controller) 9 is provided, which Target current by changing the voltage signals at the control connections of the Can set transistors of constant current sources 2.
  • the structure of the constant current source 2 is shown in detail in FIG.
  • essential Component of constant current source 2 is a transistor, here an npn bipolar transistor 3, the collector side with the light-emitting diode or a light-emitting diode arrangement 5 is connected and its emitter is connected to a measuring resistor (ohmic resistor) 4 connected is. Since the current through the measuring resistor 4 essentially the current through the LED 5 (the base current can be neglected), is the Voltage drop across the ohmic measuring resistor 4 is a direct function of the Diode current and can therefore be used to regulate the diode current by changing the Voltage at the control terminal (base) of transistor 3 can be used.
  • the voltage difference between the collector and the emitter of the transistor 3 U CE must be greater than the saturation voltage U CESAT of the transistor 3 if it is to be able to withstand the current through the light-emitting diode even with a slightly fluctuating supply voltage U cc to keep constant.
  • the voltage drop of the light-emitting diode 5 forward voltage
  • the supply voltage U cc in the prior art would correspond exactly to the sum of the forward voltage of the light-emitting diodes 5 and the saturation voltage U CESAT of the transistor 3, there is the problem that the collector-emitter voltage U CE to the transistor 3 is below the saturation voltage U CESAT of the transistor 3 can drop if the forward voltage 5 of the LED is unexpectedly large due to its tolerance, for example, or rises over time. In this case of saturation, the transistor Q1 could no longer keep the diode current constant.
  • the collector-emitter voltage and / or the collector base voltage as the actual value of the control loop 6 detected. It should be noted that the collector-emitter voltage differs from the collector base voltage only by the relatively constant amount (e.g. 0.6 volts) of the base-emitter voltage, since the base-emitter path is diode-like Has properties.
  • the detected voltage signal is processed as an actual variable and fed to a comparator 8, to which the setpoint for the collector-emitter voltage and / or collector base voltage is also fed at an input 7.
  • the comparator 8 then sends a control signal to the power unit 1, which has an AC / DC converter with a regulated output.
  • the supply voltage U cc is changed such that the detected actual value corresponds to the target value.
  • the setpoint U CE is selected somewhat above the saturation voltage U CESAT (generally between about 0.7 and 1.2 volts) transistor.
  • the target value for the collector base voltage U CB is the value of the collector-emitter voltage U CE minus the voltage that drops across the base-emitter path of the transistor 3.
  • the voltage drop across transistor 3 can be selected just above the saturation voltage U CESAT of transistor 3, so that the power loss and the heat development associated with transistor 3 is reduced can be.
  • Figure 3 shows a modification of the principle of Figure 1 in that for each Group 10, 11, 12 of the red, blue and green light-emitting diodes of the LED array 5 one Constant current source 2 is provided, each of which has a feedback loop 6 for itself and has a power unit 1 for the supply voltage.
  • the other Groups of light-emitting diodes of the LED array 5 are provided by their own constant current sources 2 'supplied, which have their own control loop and their own power section.
  • sequence control 9 for everyone Constant current sources provided by appropriate lighting control of the various groups 10, 11, 12 of the light-emitting diodes of the LED array 5 various lighting effects, such as color transitions and the like can achieve.
  • the Sequence control 9 can be controlled, for example, by a bus.

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  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
  • Led Devices (AREA)
  • Luminescent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

The voltage supply has a constant current source with a transistor with control and output connections. A LED or LED arrangement is connected in series with an output connection. A control loop detects the voltage drop between the transistor output connections and/or between the output connection connected to the LED and the control connection and sets the supply voltage so the voltage drop corresponds to a value above the saturation voltage. The voltage supply has a constant current source (2) to which a supply voltage is applied and that contains a transistor (3) with a control connection and two output connections, whereby the light emitting diode (5) or LED arrangement is connected in series with a transistor output connection. A control loop (6) detects the voltage drop between the transistor output connections and/or between the output connection connected to the LED and the control connection and sets the supply voltage so that the voltage drop corresponds to a value above the transistor saturation voltage. Independent claims are also included for the following: an arrangement of light emitting diodes and a method of supplying voltage to a constant current source for at least one light emitting diode.

Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf eine Ansteuerschaltung für wenigstens eine Leuchtdiode bzw. für eine Leuchtdioden-Anordnung, auf eine Leuchtdioden-Anordnung sowie auf ein Verfahren zur Versorgung einer Konstantstromquelle mit einer Versorgungsspannung.The present invention relates to a control circuit for at least one Light-emitting diode or for a light-emitting diode arrangement, on a light-emitting diode arrangement and a method for supplying a constant current source with a Supply voltage.

Die Erfindung bezieht sich allgemein auf das Gebiet von Leuchtdioden (LED's) und - genauer gesagt - auf das Gebiet der Verwendung von derartigen LED's zu Beleuchtungszwecken. Obwohl die Verwendung von LED's für Anzeige (Display)-Anwendungen seit langem bekannt ist, hat sich die Verwendung dieser Leuchtdioden für Beleuchungszwecke erst in letzter Zeit entwickelt. Der Grund dafür ist u.a., daß die Ausbeute (Lichtleistung pro Watt) erst in letzter Zeit derartige Werte erreicht hat, daß der Wirkungsgrad von LED-Beleuchtungseinrichtungen zufriedenstellend ist. Insbesondere die für die Erzeugung von weissem Licht notwendigen blauen LED's haben erst in letzter Zeit einen befriedigenden Wirkungsgrad erreicht.The invention relates generally to the field of light emitting diodes (LEDs) and more specifically - in the field of the use of such LEDs Illumination purposes. Although the use of LEDs for display applications It has long been known to use these light emitting diodes Only recently developed for lighting purposes. One of the reasons for this is that the Yield (light output per watt) has only recently reached such values that the efficiency of LED lighting devices is satisfactory. In particular the blue LEDs necessary for the generation of white light have recently achieved a satisfactory level of efficiency.

Die Verwendung von LED's zu Beleuchtungszwecken, insbesondere in einer Matrixanordnung, um somit einen Art Strahler zu bilden, ist beispielsweise aus dem US-Patent US-A-6 016 038 bekannt.The use of LEDs for lighting purposes, especially in a Matrix arrangement in order to form a type of radiator is, for example, from the U.S. Patent 6,016,038 is known.

Figur 4 zeigt eine Ansteuerschaltung, wie sie in Produkten vorliegt, die von der Firma Colour Kinetics vertrieben werden und die im wesentlichen dem genannten US-Patent entsprechen.FIG. 4 shows a control circuit as it is present in products manufactured by the company Color Kinetics are sold and essentially the US patent mentioned correspond.

Die Leuchtdiode LED wird dabei mit einer Konstantstromquelle KSQ angesteuert. Die Konstantstromquelle weist einen Bipolartransistor auf, wobei die Leuchtdiode LED mit dem Kollektor eines npn-Transistors verbunden ist. Der Emitter des Transistors Q1 der Konstantstromquelle KSQ ist mittels eines Ohm'schen Widerstands R2 mit Masse verbunden und über die PWM-Schaltung zur Regelung des Stroms zum Steueranschluss des Transistors Q1 zurückgekoppelt. Der npn-Transistor stellt einen schaltbaren Stromabfluß (auch als Stromsenke oder auf Englisch "current sink" bezeichnet) dar. Mittels des Ohm'schen Widerstandes R2 wird der Diodenstrom erfaßt und mittels Änderung der Basisspannung auf einen Sollwert geregelt.The LED LED is controlled with a constant current source KSQ. The Constant current source has a bipolar transistor, with the light emitting diode LED the collector of an NPN transistor is connected. The emitter of transistor Q1 Constant current source KSQ is grounded by means of an ohmic resistor R2 connected and via the PWM circuit for regulating the current to the control connection of transistor Q1 fed back. The NPN transistor provides a switchable Current drain (also known as current sink or in English "current sink"). The diode current is detected by means of the ohmic resistor R2 and by means of Change in base voltage regulated to a setpoint.

Der Transistor Q1 kann den Ausgangsstrom nur konstant halten, solange er nicht übersättigt ist, d.h. solange die Spannung UCE zwischen seinem Kollektor und seinem Emitter größer als die Sättigungsspannung UCESAT ist. Die Sättigungsspannung liegt in der Regel zwischen etwa 0,7 und 1,2 Volt. Gemäß dem Stand der Technik wird daher als Versorgungsspannung Ucc angelegt, die deutlich über der Summe der Flusspannung an der Leuchtdiode LED und der Sättigungsspannung UCESAT liegt. Somit wird eine Sicherheitsmarge geschaffen, um fertigungsbedingte oder thermische Toleranzen bzw. Schwankungen der Flusspannung der Diode sicher kompensieren zu können. Es wird somit eine ausreichend große Sicherheitsmarge zu der üblichen Sättigungsspannung UCESAT hinzugefügt.The transistor Q1 can only keep the output current constant as long as it is not oversaturated, ie as long as the voltage U CE between its collector and its emitter is greater than the saturation voltage U CESAT . The saturation voltage is usually between about 0.7 and 1.2 volts. According to the prior art, the supply voltage U cc is therefore applied, which is clearly above the sum of the flux voltage at the light-emitting diode LED and the saturation voltage U CESAT . A safety margin is thus created in order to be able to reliably compensate for production-related or thermal tolerances or fluctuations in the flow voltage of the diode. A sufficiently large safety margin is thus added to the usual saturation voltage U CESAT .

Wenn Leuchtdioden für Beleuchtungszwecke verwendet werden und daher entsprechende dick matrixartig gepackt werden, ist die Wärmeentwicklung bzw. Wärmeabfuhr ein sehr großes Problem. Wenn nunmehr aus den oben genannten Gründen eine Versorgungsspannung Ucc = (Sättigungsspannung des Transistors + Sicherheitsmarge + Spannungsabfall an der Leuchtdiode) gewählt wird, fällt die als Sicherheitsmarge gewählte Spannung in der Regel als Verlustleistung an der Kollektor-Basisstrecke des Transistors Q1 ab, was eine weitere Wärmeerzeugung bedeutet.If light-emitting diodes are used for lighting purposes and are accordingly packed in a thick matrix-like manner, the heat development or heat dissipation is a very big problem. If now a supply voltage for the reasons mentioned above U cc = (Saturation voltage of the transistor + safety margin + voltage drop at the LED) is selected, the voltage selected as the safety margin generally drops as a power loss at the collector base section of the transistor Q1, which means further heat generation.

Angesichts des obigen Problems ist es Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung, die Wärmeentwicklung bei Ansteuerschaltungen für Leuchtdioden für Beleuchtungszwecke zu verringern. Selbstverständlich soll dabei das Prinzip beibehalten werden, dass der Transistor der Konstantstromquelle nicht in die Sättigung gelangen darf.In view of the above problem, it is an object of the present invention that Heat development in control circuits for light-emitting diodes for lighting purposes to reduce. Of course, the principle that the Transistor of the constant current source must not saturate.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch die Merkmale der unabhängigen Ansprüche gelöst.This object is solved by the features of the independent claims.

Erfindungsgemäß ist also eine Ansteuerschaltung für wenigstens eine Leuchtdiode bzw. Leuchtdiodenanordnung vorgesehen. Die Ansteuerschaltung weist eine Konstantstromquelle auf, an die eine Versorgungsspannung angelegt ist und die einen Transistor mit einem Steueranschluß und zwei ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen aufweist, wobei die Leuchtdiode bzw. Leuchtdioden-Anordnung in Serie zu einem der ausgangsseitigen Anschlüsse des Transistors geschaltet ist. Erfindungsgemäß ist eine Regelschleife vorgesehen, die den Spannungsabfall zwischen den beiden ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen des Transistors (UCE) und/oder zwischen dem ausgangsseitigen Anschluß, zu dem die Leuchtdiode in Serie geschaltet ist, und dem Steueranschluß (UCB) erfaßt. Die Versorgungsspannung der Konstantstromquelle wird dann derart eingestellt, daß der Spannungsabfall UCE zwischen den beiden ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen des Transistors einem Sollwert entspricht, der oberhalb der Sättigungsspannung UCESAT des Transistors liegt.According to the invention, a control circuit is therefore provided for at least one light-emitting diode or light-emitting diode arrangement. The drive circuit has a constant current source, to which a supply voltage is applied and which has a transistor with a control connection and two output-side connections, the light-emitting diode or light-emitting diode arrangement being connected in series with one of the output-side connections of the transistor. According to the invention, a control loop is provided which detects the voltage drop between the two output-side connections of the transistor (U CE ) and / or between the output-side connection to which the light-emitting diode is connected in series and the control connection (U CB ). The supply voltage of the constant current source is then set in such a way that the voltage drop U CE between the two output-side connections of the transistor corresponds to a desired value which is above the saturation voltage U CESAT of the transistor.

Der Transistor kann ein Bipolartransistor sein, bei dem die Spannungsdifferenz zwischen dem Kollektor und dem Emitter erfaßt wird.The transistor can be a bipolar transistor in which the voltage difference between the collector and the emitter is detected.

Die Regelschleife kann eine Funktion zur Signalaufbereitung des erfaßten Spannungsabfalls aufweisen.The control loop can be a function for signal processing of the detected Have voltage drop.

Erfindungsgemäß ist weiterhin eine Leuchtdioden-Anordnung vorgesehen, die wenigstens zwei Gruppen an Leuchtdioden unterschiedlicher Farbe aufweist, wobei wiederum jede Gruppe wenigstens eine Leuchtdiode aufweist. Erfindungsgemäß ist für eine jede Gruppe an Leuchtdioden eine Ansteuerschaltung wie oben ausgeführt vorgesehen.According to the invention, a light-emitting diode arrangement is also provided, which has at least two groups of light-emitting diodes of different colors, wherein again each group has at least one light emitting diode. According to the invention is for each group of light emitting diodes has a control circuit as described above intended.

Gemäß einem weiteren Aspekt der Erfindung ist ein Verfahren zur Regelung der Versorgungsspannung einer Konstantstromquelle für wenigstens eine Leuchtdiode vorgesehen. Die Konstantstromquelle weist einen Transistor mit einem Steueranschluß und zwei ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen auf und die Leuchtdiode ist in Serie zu einem der ausgangsseitigen Anschlüsse des Transistors geschaltet. Das Verfahren weist den Schritt der Erfassung des Spannungsabfalls zwischen den beiden ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen des Transistors UCE und/oder zwischen dem ausgangsseitigen Anschluß, zu dem die Leuchtdiode in Serie geschaltet ist, und dem Steueranschluß (UCB) auf. In einem weiteren Schritt wird die Versorgungsspannung der Konstantstromquelle derart eingestellt, daß der Spannungsabfall zwischen den beiden ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen des Transistors einem Sollwert entspricht, der oberhalb der Sätttigungsspannung UCESAT des Transistors liegt.According to a further aspect of the invention, a method for regulating the supply voltage of a constant current source for at least one light-emitting diode is provided. The constant current source has a transistor with a control connection and two output-side connections and the light-emitting diode is connected in series to one of the output-side connections of the transistor. The method has the step of detecting the voltage drop between the two output-side connections of the transistor U CE and / or between the output-side connection to which the light-emitting diode is connected in series and the control connection (U CB ). In a further step, the supply voltage of the constant current source is set in such a way that the voltage drop between the two output-side connections of the transistor corresponds to a desired value which is above the saturation voltage U CESAT of the transistor.

Der erfaßte Spannungsabfall kann in der Rückfuhrschleife als Signal aufbereitet werden.The detected voltage drop can be processed as a signal in the feedback loop.

Weitere Merkmale, Vorteile und Eigenschaften der vorliegenden Erfindung werden aus der folgenden Beschreibung und Ausführungsbeispielen und Bezug nehmend auf die Figuren der begleitenden Zeichnungen näher ersichtlich.

Fig. 1
zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Ansteuerschaltung für LED's (genauer gesagt LED-Arrays), bei der die Konstant-Versorgungsspannung der Konstantstromquelle geregelt wird.
Fig. 2
zeigt eine detaillierte Ansicht der Schaltung von Figur 1,
Fig. 3
zeigt die Anwendung jeweils einer Konstantstromquelle, Versorgungsspannung und Regelschleife für je eine Gruppe an farbigen Leuchtdioden in einem LED-Array, und
Fig. 4
zeigt eine bekannte Ansteuerschaltung für Leuchtdioden für Beleuchtungszwecke.
Further features, advantages and properties of the present invention will become apparent from the following description and exemplary embodiments and with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawings.
Fig. 1
shows a schematic view of a control circuit for LEDs (more precisely LED arrays), in which the constant supply voltage of the constant current source is regulated.
Fig. 2
shows a detailed view of the circuit of Figure 1,
Fig. 3
shows the application of a constant current source, supply voltage and control loop for each a group of colored LEDs in an LED array, and
Fig. 4
shows a known control circuit for light emitting diodes for lighting purposes.

Vorab sei angemerkt, dass in den Ausführungsbeispielen der Transistor der Konstanstromquelle ein als Stromsenke geschalteter npn-Bipolartransistor ist. Selbstverständlich kann dieser durch einen pnp-Transistor als schaltbare Stromquelle ersetzt werden. Darüber hinaus sind beide Fälle auch in einer FET-Technologie, z.B. mit IGBT's, realisierbar.It should be noted in advance that in the exemplary embodiments, the transistor Constant current source is an npn bipolar transistor connected as a current sink. Of course, this can be done using a pnp transistor as a switchable current source be replaced. In addition, both cases are also in FET technology, e.g. with IGBTs, realizable.

Figur 1 zeigt eine schematische Ansicht einer Ansteuerschaltung für ein LED-Array 5, das mehrere Gruppen 10, 11, 12 jeweils bestehend aus mehreren roten, grünen bzw. blauen Leuchtdioden aufweist. In dem Ausführungsbeispiel von Fig. 1 wird das gesamte LED-Array 5 mit Konstantstromquellen 2 versorgt. Für sämtliche Konstantstromquellen 2 ist eine gemeinsame Rückführ- bzw. Regelschleife 6 vorgesehen, die - wie noch später erläutert werden wird - als Istwert den Spannungsabfall an den ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen des Transistors erfaßt und zu einem Leistungsteil 1 mit geregelter (einstellbarer) DC-Ausgangsspannung zurückführt. Das Leistungsteil 1 versorgt die Konstantstromquellen 2 mit einer geregelten DC-Versorgungsspannung.FIG. 1 shows a schematic view of a control circuit for an LED array 5, that several groups 10, 11, 12 each consisting of several red, green or has blue LEDs. In the embodiment of Fig. 1 that entire LED array 5 supplied with constant current sources 2. For everyone Constant current sources 2 is a common feedback or control loop 6 provided that - as will be explained later - as the actual value Voltage drop at the output terminals of the transistor is detected and closed a power section 1 with regulated (adjustable) DC output voltage. The power section 1 supplies the constant current sources 2 with a regulated DC supply voltage.

Um verschiedene lichttechnische Effekte beispielsweise durch Änderung der Beleuchtungsstärke (Dimmen) verschiedener Gruppen 10, 11, 12 der Leuchtdioden des LED-Arrays 5 zu erreichen, ist eine Ablaufsteuerung (Controller) 9 vorgesehen, die den Sollstrom durch Veränderung der Spannungssignale an den Steueranschlüssen der Transistoren der Konstantstromquellen 2 einstellen kann. Somit können Helligkeits- und Farbmischungsänderungen erzeugt werden.To different lighting effects, for example by changing the Illuminance (dimming) of different groups 10, 11, 12 of the LEDs of the To achieve LED arrays 5, a sequence controller (controller) 9 is provided, which Target current by changing the voltage signals at the control connections of the Can set transistors of constant current sources 2. Thus, brightness and Color mixing changes are generated.

In Figur 2 ist der Aufbau der Konstantstromquelle 2 detailliert dargestellt. Wesentliches Bauteil der Konstantstromquelle 2 ist ein Transistor, hier ein npn-Bipolartransistor 3, der kollektorseitig mit der Leuchtdiode bzw. einer Leuchtdioden-Anordnung 5 verbunden ist und dessen Emitter mit einem Meßwiderstand (Ohm'scher Widerstand) 4 verbunden ist. Da der Strom durch den Meßwiderstand 4 im wesentlichen dem Strom durch die Leuchtdiode 5 entspricht (der Basisstrom kann vernachlässigt werden), ist der Spannungsabfall an dem Ohm'schen Meßwiderstand 4 eine direkte Funktion des Diodenstroms und kann daher zur Regelung des Diodenstroms durch Veränderung der Spannung an dem Steueranschluß (Basis) des Transistors 3 verwendet werden.The structure of the constant current source 2 is shown in detail in FIG. essential Component of constant current source 2 is a transistor, here an npn bipolar transistor 3, the collector side with the light-emitting diode or a light-emitting diode arrangement 5 is connected and its emitter is connected to a measuring resistor (ohmic resistor) 4 connected is. Since the current through the measuring resistor 4 essentially the current through the LED 5 (the base current can be neglected), is the Voltage drop across the ohmic measuring resistor 4 is a direct function of the Diode current and can therefore be used to regulate the diode current by changing the Voltage at the control terminal (base) of transistor 3 can be used.

Wie bereits eingangs gesagt, muß die Spannungsdifferenz zwischen dem Kollektor und dem Emitter des Transistors 3 UCE größer als die Sättigungsspannung UCESAT des Transistors 3 sein, wenn dieser in der Lage sein soll, den Strom durch die Leuchtdiode auch bei leicht schwankender Versorgungsspannung Ucc konstant zu halten. Indessen besteht ,wie bereits ausgeführt, das Problem, daß der Spannungsabfall der Leuchtdiode 5 (Flußspannung) fertigungsbedingt oder auch durch thermische Änderungen schwanken kann. Falls die Versorgungsspannung Ucc beim Stand der Technik exakt der Summe der Flußspannung der Leuchtdioden 5 und der Sättigungsspannung UCESAT des Transistors 3 entsprechen würde, besteht das Problem, daß die Kollektor-Emitterspannung UCE an den Transistor 3 unter die Sättigungsspannung UCESAT des Transistors 3 absinken kann, wenn die Flußspannung 5 der LED beispielsweise bedingt durch deren Toleranzlage unerwartet groß ist bzw. im zeitlichen Verlauf ansteigt. In diesem Sättigungsfall könnte der Transistor Q1 den Diodenstrom nicht mehr konstant halten.As already said at the beginning, the voltage difference between the collector and the emitter of the transistor 3 U CE must be greater than the saturation voltage U CESAT of the transistor 3 if it is to be able to withstand the current through the light-emitting diode even with a slightly fluctuating supply voltage U cc to keep constant. However, as already stated, there is the problem that the voltage drop of the light-emitting diode 5 (forward voltage) can fluctuate due to production or also due to thermal changes. If the supply voltage U cc in the prior art would correspond exactly to the sum of the forward voltage of the light-emitting diodes 5 and the saturation voltage U CESAT of the transistor 3, there is the problem that the collector-emitter voltage U CE to the transistor 3 is below the saturation voltage U CESAT of the transistor 3 can drop if the forward voltage 5 of the LED is unexpectedly large due to its tolerance, for example, or rises over time. In this case of saturation, the transistor Q1 could no longer keep the diode current constant.

Wie in Figur 2 ersichtlich, wird bei der vorliegenden Erfindung die Kollektor-Emitterspannung und/oder die Kollektor-Basisspannung als Istwert der Regelschleife 6 erfaßt. Es ist anzumerken, daß sich die Kollektor-Emitterspannung von der Kollektor-Basisspannung nur um den verhältnismäßig konstanten Betrag (beispielsweise 0,6 Volt) der Basis-Emitterspannung unterscheidet, da die Basis-Emitterstrecke diodenähnliche Eigenschaften hat.As can be seen in Figure 2, in the present invention, the collector-emitter voltage and / or the collector base voltage as the actual value of the control loop 6 detected. It should be noted that the collector-emitter voltage differs from the collector base voltage only by the relatively constant amount (e.g. 0.6 volts) of the base-emitter voltage, since the base-emitter path is diode-like Has properties.

In der Rückführschleife 6 wird das erfaßte Spannungssignal als Istgröße aufbereitet und einem Komparator 8 zugeführt, dem darüber hinaus der Sollwert für die Kollektor-Emitterspannung und/oder Kollektor-Basisspannung an einem Eingang 7 zugeführt wird. Abhängig von der erfaßten Abweichung Istwert/Sollwert gibt der Komaparator 8 dann ein Steuersignal an das Leistungsteil 1, das einen AC/DC-Konverter mit geregeltem Ausgang aufweist. Somit wird abhängig von der erfaßten Differenz die Versorgungssspannung Ucc derart verändert, daß der erfaßte Istwert dem Sollwert entspricht.In the feedback loop 6, the detected voltage signal is processed as an actual variable and fed to a comparator 8, to which the setpoint for the collector-emitter voltage and / or collector base voltage is also fed at an input 7. Depending on the detected actual value / setpoint deviation, the comparator 8 then sends a control signal to the power unit 1, which has an AC / DC converter with a regulated output. Thus, depending on the difference detected, the supply voltage U cc is changed such that the detected actual value corresponds to the target value.

Der Sollwert UCE wird dabei etwas oberhalb der Sättigungsspannung UCESAT (allgemein zwischen ca. 0,7 und 1,2 Volt) Transistors gewählt. Entsprechend beträgt der Sollwert für die Kollektor-Basisspannung UCB dem Wert der Kollektor-Emitterspannung UCE abzüglich der Spannung, die über die Basis-Emitterstrecke des Transistors 3 abfällt. The setpoint U CE is selected somewhat above the saturation voltage U CESAT (generally between about 0.7 and 1.2 volts) transistor. Correspondingly, the target value for the collector base voltage U CB is the value of the collector-emitter voltage U CE minus the voltage that drops across the base-emitter path of the transistor 3.

Aufgrund der Regelung der Versorgungsspannung Ucc abhängig von dem erfaßten Spannungsabfall am Transistor 3 kann die an dem Transistor 3 abfallende Spannung entsprechend knapp über der Sättigungsspannung UCESAT des Transistors 3 gewählt werden, so daß die Verlustleistung und damit einhergehend die Wärmeentwicklung an den Transistor 3 verringert werden kann.Due to the regulation of the supply voltage U cc as a function of the detected voltage drop across transistor 3, the voltage drop across transistor 3 can be selected just above the saturation voltage U CESAT of transistor 3, so that the power loss and the heat development associated with transistor 3 is reduced can be.

Figur 3 zeigt eine Abwandlung des Prinzips von Figur 1 dahingehend, daß für jede Gruppe 10, 11, 12 der roten, blauen bzw. grünen Leuchtdioden des LED-Arrays 5 eine Konstantstromquelle 2 vorgesehen ist, die jeweils für sich selbst eine Rückführschleife 6 und ein Leistungsteil 1 für die Versorgungsspannung aufweist. Die jeweils anderen Gruppen an Leuchtdioden des LED-Arrays 5 werden von eigenen Konstantstromquellen 2' versorgt, die ihre eigene Regelschleife und ihr eigenes Leistungsteil aufweisen. Selbstverständlich ist weiterhin eine gemeinsame Ablaufsteuerung 9 für sämtliche Konstantstromquellen vorgesehen, die durch entsprechende Beleuchtungssteuerung der verschiedenen Gruppen 10, 11, 12 der Leuchtdioden des LED-Arrays 5 verschiedenartige Beleuchtungseffekte, wie Farbübergänge und dgl. erzielen kann. Die Ablaufsteuerung 9 kann beispielsweise durch einen Bus angesteuert werden.Figure 3 shows a modification of the principle of Figure 1 in that for each Group 10, 11, 12 of the red, blue and green light-emitting diodes of the LED array 5 one Constant current source 2 is provided, each of which has a feedback loop 6 for itself and has a power unit 1 for the supply voltage. The other Groups of light-emitting diodes of the LED array 5 are provided by their own constant current sources 2 'supplied, which have their own control loop and their own power section. Of course, there is still a common sequence control 9 for everyone Constant current sources provided by appropriate lighting control of the various groups 10, 11, 12 of the light-emitting diodes of the LED array 5 various lighting effects, such as color transitions and the like can achieve. The Sequence control 9 can be controlled, for example, by a bus.

Claims (6)

Ansteuerschaltung für wenigstens eine Leuchtdiode bzw. Leuchtdioden-Anordnung, mit einer Konstantstromquelle (2), an die eine Versorgungsspannung (1) angelegt ist und die einen Transistor (3) mit einem Steueranschluss und zwei ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen aufweist, wobei die Leuchtdiode (5) bzw. Leuchtdioden-Anordnung in Serie zu einem der ausgangsseitigen Anschlüsse des Transistors (3) geschaltet ist, gekennzeichnet durch
eine Regelschleife (6) zur Erfassung des Spannungsabfalls (UCE, UCB) zwischen den beiden ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen des Transistors (3) und/oder zwischen dem ausgangsseitigen Anschluss, zu dem die Leuchtdiode (5) in Serie geschaltet ist, und dem Steueranschluss, und Einstellung der Versorgungsspannung (1) der Konstantstromquelle (2) derart, dass der Spannungsabfall zwischen den beiden ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen des Transistors (3) einem Sollwert entspricht, der oberhalb der Sättigungsspannung des Transistors (3) liegt. Control circuit for at least one light-emitting diode or light-emitting diode arrangement, with a constant current source (2) to which a supply voltage (1) is applied and which has a transistor (3) with a control connection and two output-side connections, the light-emitting diode (5) or Light-emitting diode arrangement is connected in series to one of the output-side connections of the transistor (3), characterized by
a control loop (6) for Detection of the voltage drop (U CE , U CB ) between the two output connections of the transistor (3) and / or between the output connection to which the light-emitting diode (5) is connected in series and the control connection, and Setting the supply voltage (1) of the constant current source (2) in such a way that the voltage drop between the two output-side connections of the transistor (3) corresponds to a target value which is above the saturation voltage of the transistor (3). Ansteuerschaltung nach Anspruch 1,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Transistor ein Bipolartransistor (3) ist und die Spannungsdifferenz zwischen dem Kollektor und dem Emitter erfasst wird.Control circuit according to claim 1,
characterized in that the transistor is a bipolar transistor (3) and the voltage difference between the collector and the emitter is detected. Ansteuerschaltung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die Regelschleife (6) zur Signalaufbereitung des erfassten Spannungsabfalls (UCE, UCB) ausgebildet ist.Control circuit according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized in that the control loop (6) is designed for signal conditioning of the detected voltage drop (U CE , U CB ). Leuchtdioden-Anordnung,
aufweisend wenigstens zwei Gruppen an Leuchtdioden (10, 11, 12) unterschiedlicher Farbe, wobei jede Gruppe wenigstens eine Leuchtdiode aufweist,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass für eine jede Gruppe an Leuchtdioden eine Ansteuerschaltung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche vorgesehen ist.Light emitting diode array,
comprising at least two groups of light-emitting diodes (10, 11, 12) of different colors, each group having at least one light-emitting diode,
characterized in that a drive circuit according to one of the preceding claims is provided for each group of light-emitting diodes. Verfahren Spannungsversorgung einer Konstantstromquelle für wenigstens eine Leuchtdiode,
wobei die Konstantstromquelle (2) einen Transistor (3) mit einem Steueranschluss und zwei ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen aufweist und die Leuchtdiode (5) in Serie zu einem der ausgangsseitigen Anschlüsse des Transistors (3) geschaltet ist,
aufweisend die folgenden Schritte: Erfassung des Spannungsabfalls zwischen den beiden ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen des Transistors (3) und/oder zwischen dem ausgangsseitigen Anschluss, zu dem die Leuchtdiode (5) in Serie geschaltet ist, und dem Steueranschluss, und Einstellung der Versorgungsspannung (1) der Konstantstromquelle (2) derart, dass der Spannungsabfall zwischen den beiden ausgangsseitigen Anschlüssen des Transistors (3) einem Sollwert entspricht, der oberhalb der Sättigungsspannung des Transistors (3) liegt. Method supplying voltage to a constant current source for at least one light-emitting diode,
The constant current source (2) has a transistor (3) with a control connection and two output-side connections and the light-emitting diode (5) is connected in series to one of the output-side connections of the transistor (3),
comprising the following steps: Detection of the voltage drop between the two output-side connections of the transistor (3) and / or between the output-side connection to which the light-emitting diode (5) is connected in series and the control connection, and Setting the supply voltage (1) of the constant current source (2) in such a way that the voltage drop between the two output-side connections of the transistor (3) corresponds to a target value which is above the saturation voltage of the transistor (3). Verfahren nach Anspruch 5,
dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß der erfasste Spannungsabfall (UCE, UCB) in der Rückführschleife (6) signalaufbereitet wird.Method according to claim 5,
characterized in that the detected voltage drop (U CE , U CB ) is processed in the feedback loop (6).
EP01106716A 2000-03-17 2001-03-16 Voltage supply for Leds in lighting applications Expired - Lifetime EP1185147B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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DE10013216A DE10013216A1 (en) 2000-03-17 2000-03-17 Voltage supply for LEDs for illumination purposes has control loop that sets supply voltage so that voltage drop between transistor outputs corresponds to value above saturation voltage
DE10013216 2000-03-17

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ATE256962T1 (en) 2004-01-15
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