TWI475922B - Apparatus, method and system for providing ac line power to lighting devices - Google Patents

Description

Apparatus, method and system for providing AC line power to a lighting device [Reciprocal Reference of Related Applications]

The present application is a contiguous application and priority of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12/478,293, filed on Jun. 4, 2009, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The apparatus, method, and system of the device are generally referred to herein, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety in their entireties in Priority is claimed for all of the generally disclosed inventions.

The present invention relates generally to power conversion, and more particularly to systems, devices, and methods for providing AC line power to a light emitting device such as a light emitting diode.

The widespread increase in solid state lighting systems (semiconductors, LED-based sources of illumination) has created a need for high efficiency power converters, such as LED drivers, which have a high conversion ratio of input to output voltage to provide corresponding energy storage. Extensive changes to offline LED drivers are known, but are not suitable for direct replacement in typical 〝Edison(R) sockets. An incandescent light bulb or a small fluorescent light bulb, such as a light or household lighting device, that can be coupled to an alternating current (〝AC〞) input voltage, such as a typical (single-phase) AC line (or AC-AC main line) used in a home or business. ).

Early attempts have resulted in prior art LED drivers that are non-isolated, have low efficiency, deliver relatively low power, are tied and are not temperature compensated, have no dimming arrangements with existing prior art dimmer switches or Suitability and no voltage or current protection for the LEDs, at most a fixed current is delivered to the LED. In order to reduce the total number of components, these converters can be constructed without an isolation transformer, by using a two-stage converter, and the second phase is operated on a very low duty cycle (equivalently as a duty cycle) , thereby limiting the maximum operating cycle, resulting in an increase in the size of the converter (due to the relatively low operating frequency) and finally failing to move the coupling transformer. In other examples, LED drivers use high brightness LEDs that require relatively large currents to produce a desired light output to result in reduced system efficiency and increased energy costs.

Other prior art LED drivers are overly complex. Some require complex control methods, some are difficult to design and implement, others require many electronic devices. A very large number of components will result in increased costs and reduced reliability. Many drivers are used in current mode regulators with ramp compensation in pulse width modulation (〝PWM〞) circuits. This current mode regulator requires a significant amount of functional circuitry, but can continue to exhibit stability issues in continuous current modes with duty cycles or ratios greater than 50%. Many prior art attempts to solve these problems by applying a fixed off time boost converter or a hysteretic pulse train booster. When these prior art methods address the problem of instability, these hysteretic pulse trainers present other difficulties (such as increased electromagnetic interference, instability) to meet other electromagnetic compatibility requirements and relative inefficiencies. Other attempts have provided methods outside the original power converter, adding additional feedback and other circuitry to make the LED driver even larger and more complex.

The proposed method provides a reconfigurable circuit to provide a better number of LEDs in each circuit depending on the sense voltage, but is also overly complex, with individual current regulators for each current path, the efficiency of which is Will be affected by the specifications of a large number of groundbreaking diodes. Such complex LED driver circuits can result in increased cost, making them unsuitable for use by consumers as an alternative to typical incandescent or compact fluorescent bulbs.

Other prior art LED bulb alternatives are unable to respond to different input voltage levels. Instead, multiple different products are necessary and each is used for different input voltage levels (110 volts, 220 volts, 230 volts).

This is an obvious problem in many parts of the world, but it is due to the high AC input voltage level with a high variation (root mean square), such as from 85 volts to 135 volts, assuming 110 volts. As a result, in such prior art devices, the output brightness can vary significantly, with a variation of 85 volts to 135 volts, which causes a 3-fold change in the output light flux. These changes in output brightness are not welcomed by typical consumers.

Other significant problems with prior art devices that use standard AC input voltages are clearly underutilized: LEDs are not implemented throughout the AC cycle due to variable AC applied voltage. More specifically, when the input voltage during the AC cycle is low, there is no LED current and no light is emitted. For example, there is only LED current in the middle third of the rectified AC cycle, and there is no LED current in the first and last 60 degrees of the 180 degree rectified AC cycle. In these cases, LED applications can be as low as 20%, which is quite low and especially involves considerable cost.

As far as consumer applications are concerned, there are countless other controversies in prior art attempts at LED drivers. For example, some require the use of large, expensive resistors to limit the drift of the current, resulting in a corresponding power loss, which is very noticeable and can fail some of the purposes of switching to solid state lighting.

Thus, there is still a need for an apparatus, method and system for supplying AC line power to one or more LEDs, including LEDs for high brightness applications, while providing an overall reduction in LED driver size and cost, and increasing LED efficiency and application. . The apparatus, method and system should be capable of operating properly over a relatively wide range of AC input voltages while providing a desired output voltage or current that does not create excessive internal voltage or placement of components under high or excessive voltage stresses. . In addition, such an apparatus, method and system should provide significant power factor calibration when connected to an AC line for input power. As such, it would be desirable to provide such an apparatus, method and system for controlling the brightness, color temperature and color of the illumination device.

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention provide various advantages for supplying power to a non-linear load, such as an LED. Various exemplary embodiments can supply AC line power to one or more LEDs, including LEDs for high brightness applications, while providing a comprehensive reduction in LED driver size and cost and increasing the efficiency and application of the LED. Exemplary devices, methods, and systems can be suitably rewritten and operated over a relatively wide range of AC input voltages while providing a desired output voltage or current without excessive internal voltage or high or excessive voltage stresses. Place the component. In addition, various exemplary apparatus, methods, and system embodiments provide significant power factor correction when connected to an AC line for inputting power. The exemplary embodiment also substantially reduces the capacitance at the LED output point, thereby significantly improving reliability. Finally, various exemplary apparatus, methods, and system embodiments provide the ability to control the brightness, color temperature, and color of the illumination device.

Of course, many of the obvious advantages of the exemplary embodiments should be emphasized. First, an exemplary embodiment is capable of implementing power factor correction that results in substantially increased output brightness and brightness Explicit energy storage both. Second, the utilization of LEDs is very high, and at least some of the LEDs are used in most of the AC cycles. Due to this high degree of utilization, the total number of LEDs can be reduced, but light output can be produced compared to other devices with more LEDs.

An exemplary method embodiment can be disclosed to provide power to a plurality of light emitting diodes that are coupled to receive an AC voltage, the plurality of light emitting diodes being coupled in series to form a plurality of segments of light emitting diodes, each segment The at least one light emitting diode is included, and the plurality of light emitting diodes are coupled to the corresponding plurality of switches to switch the selected segment light emitting diodes into or out of a series light emitting diode current path. The exemplary method embodiment includes: monitoring a first parameter; and switching a corresponding segment LED into the series LED current when the first parameter reaches a first predetermined level in the first portion of the AC voltage interval a path; and in the second partial AC voltage interval, when the first parameter is reduced to a second predetermined level, the corresponding segment LED is switched out of the series LED current path.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first parameter is the current level of the series LED current path. In various exemplary embodiments, the method further includes substantially maintaining the current level of the series light-emitting diode current path at a first predetermined level. Also in various exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: switching, in the first partial AC voltage interval, the next corresponding segment of the LED to the series of LEDs when the first parameter reaches a third predetermined level a polar body current path; and in the second partial AC voltage interval, when the first parameter is reduced to a fourth predetermined level, the corresponding segment light emitting diode is switched out of the series light emitting diode current path.

The exemplary method embodiment further includes: in the first partial AC voltage interval, when the LED current continuously reaches a predetermined peak level, the corresponding segment LEDs are successively switched into the series LED current. Path; and in the second part of the AC voltage interval, when the rectified AC voltage level is reduced to the corresponding voltage level, the corresponding segment LED switching The series LED current path is derived. In various exemplary embodiments, switching the corresponding segment light emitting diode out of the series light emitting diode current path system and switching the corresponding segment light emitting diode into the series light emitting diode current path are in reverse order.

In an exemplary method embodiment, a time or time interval can be used as a parameter. For example, the first parameter and the second parameter are time or one or more time intervals, or time-based, or one or more clock cycles. Also for example, the exemplary method embodiment further includes: determining a first plurality of time intervals corresponding to the plurality of segments of the LED for use in the first portion of the AC voltage interval; and determining the second plurality of time intervals, It corresponds to a number of segments of the LED for the second portion of the AC voltage range. In this exemplary embodiment, the method further includes, during the first partial AC voltage interval, switching the next segment of the LED into the series when each of the first plurality of time intervals expires Light-emitting diode current path; and in the second partial AC voltage interval, when each time interval of the second plurality of time intervals expires, the next segment of the light-emitting diode is switched out of the series-emitting diode in reverse order Body current path.

Various exemplary method embodiments may further include determining whether the AC voltage is phase modulated, such as by a dimmer switch. The exemplary method embodiment further includes switching a segment of the light emitting diode into the series LED current path when the AC voltage is phase modulated, which corresponds to a phase modulation AC voltage level; or when the AC voltage is When phase-modulated, a segment of the LED is switched into the series LED current path, which corresponds to the time interval of the phase-modulated AC voltage. In addition, when the AC voltage is phase-modulated, the exemplary method embodiment further includes maintaining a parallel LED current path through the first switch while switching the next segment of the LED into the series via the second switch Light-emitting diode current path.

Various exemplary method embodiments may further include determining whether the AC voltage is phase modulated. The method further includes, when the AC voltage is phase modulated, a portion of the illumination The diode switches into the series LED current path, which corresponds to the phase modulation AC voltage level; when the AC voltage is phase modulated, a section of the LED is switched into the series LED current path, Corresponding to the phase modulation AC current level; when the AC voltage is phase modulated, a segment of the LED is switched into the series LED current path, which corresponds to the time interval of the phase modulation AC voltage; or When the AC voltage is phase-modulated, a parallel light-emitting diode current path is maintained through the first switch, and the next-stage light-emitting diode is switched into the series light-emitting diode current path through the second switch.

Various exemplary embodiments may also be provided for power factor correction. The exemplary method embodiment further includes determining whether there is sufficient time to remain in the first portion of the AC voltage range for the light emitting diode if the light emitting diode is switched into the series light emitting diode current path. The body current reaches a predetermined peak level, and when there is sufficient time to remain in the first portion of the AC voltage range for the light emitting diode current to reach a predetermined peak level, switching the next segment of the light emitting diode into the series light emitting diode Current path. Also, when there is insufficient time to remain in the first portion of the AC voltage interval for the LED current to reach a predetermined peak level, the exemplary method embodiment further includes not switching the next segment of the LED into the series dipole Body current path.

Also in various exemplary embodiments, the method further includes: switching the plurality of light emitting diodes to form a first series light emitting diode current path; and switching the plurality of light emitting diodes to form the second series light emitting diode A bulk current path is coupled in parallel with the first series-connected LED current path.

In an exemplary embodiment, each of the selected segments of the plurality of LEDs includes a light emitting diode having a different color spectrum of the color or wavelength. In this exemplary embodiment, the method further includes selectively switching the selected segment of the LED to the series LED current path to provide a corresponding illumination effect, and/or to transmit the selected segment The photodiode is selectively switched into the series LED current path to provide a corresponding color temperature.

In an exemplary embodiment, there is disclosed an apparatus coupled to receive an AC voltage, the apparatus comprising: a rectifier providing an integrated AC voltage; a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled in series to form a plurality of segments of illumination a plurality of switches, which are correspondingly coupled to the plurality of light-emitting diodes to switch a selected segment of the light-emitting diode into or out of a series-connected LED current path; a sense of current a sensor that senses a light-emitting diode current level; and a controller coupled to the plurality of switches and to the current sensor, within the first portion of the rectified AC voltage range and when the light-emitting diode When the current level is increased to a first predetermined current level, the controller switches the corresponding segment LED into the series LED current path; and in the second portion of the rectified AC voltage interval and when the LED is illuminated When the body current level is reduced to a second predetermined current level, the controller can switch the LED of the corresponding segment out of the series LED current path.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller further maintains the level of the LED current substantially at a first predetermined level. In the first partial AC voltage interval, when the LED current level reaches a third predetermined level, the controller further switches the next corresponding segment LED into the series LED current path; During the second partial AC voltage interval, when the LED current level is reduced to a fourth predetermined level, the controller further switches the corresponding segment LEDs out of the series LED current path.

In this exemplary device embodiment, the apparatus further includes a plurality of resistors, each of the plurality of resistors being coupled in series to a corresponding switch of the plurality of switches. Each resistor will be coupled to a high voltage side of the corresponding switch, or each resistor will be coupled to a low voltage side of the corresponding switch. The exemplary apparatus further includes a switch and a resistor coupled in series to the plurality of LEDs A light-emitting diode.

In an exemplary embodiment, the final segment of the plurality of LEDs is always coupled in the series LED current path. The controller is further coupled to the plurality of segments of the LED to receive the voltage level of the corresponding node. In another exemplary embodiment, at least one switch of the plurality of switches is coupled to the rectifier to receive the rectified AC voltage.

In another exemplary apparatus embodiment, the controller further determines and stores a corresponding rectified AC voltage level value when the LED current level reaches a predetermined peak level within the first portion of the rectified AC voltage interval. And sequentially switching the corresponding segment LEDs into the series LED current path; and in the second portion of the rectified AC voltage interval, when the rectified AC voltage level is reduced to a corresponding value, the controller further The corresponding segment LEDs are switched out of the series LED current path, and the opposite order of the corresponding segment LEDs can be switched into the series LED current path.

In various exemplary embodiments, the controller may further determine whether to modulate the rectified AC voltage phase. In this exemplary embodiment, when the rectified AC voltage is phase-modulated, the controller further switches a section of the light-emitting diode into the series-connected LED current path, which is to rectify the AC voltage level. Or switching a segment of the LED into the series LED current path, which is the time interval in which the AC voltage level should be rectified. In another exemplary device embodiment, when the rectified AC voltage is phase-modulated, the controller further maintains a parallel LED current path via the first switch while the next segment of the second light is transmitted via the second switch The pole body switches into the series LED current path.

In various exemplary embodiments, the controller can also implement a type of power factor correction. In this exemplary device embodiment, if a segment of the LED is switched into the series LED current path, the controller can further determine whether there is sufficient time to remain in the A portion of the rectified AC voltage range is used for the illuminating diode current level to reach a predetermined peak level. In this exemplary embodiment, the controller further switches the next segment of the LED into the series when there is sufficient time to remain in the first portion of the rectified AC voltage range for the LED current level to reach a predetermined peak level. a light-emitting diode current path; and when there is insufficient time remaining in the first portion of the rectified AC voltage range for the light-emitting diode current level to reach a predetermined peak level, the controller does not further switch the next-stage light-emitting diode Into the series LED current path.

In another exemplary embodiment, the controller further switches the plurality of LEDs to form a first series LED current path, and switches the plurality of LEDs to connect the first series LEDs in parallel A second series-connected LED current path of the bulk current path is formed.

In various exemplary embodiments, the device operates at a rectified AC voltage frequency substantially at about 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 300 Hz, 360 Hz, or 400 Hz. Additionally, the apparatus further includes a plurality of phosphor coatings or layers, each phosphor coating or layer being coupled to a corresponding light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes, and each phosphor coating or The layer then has a bright or luminescent decay time constant between about 2 and 3 milliseconds.

Another exemplary device can also be coupled to receive an AC voltage, the device comprising: a first plurality of light emitting diodes coupled in series to form a first plurality of light emitting diodes; a first plurality of switches And is coupled to the first plurality of segments of the LED to switch a selected segment of the LED into or out of the first series of LED current paths; a current sensing Determining a light-emitting diode current level; and a controller coupled to the plurality of switches and to the current sensor, in the first portion of a rectified AC voltage interval and corresponding to the light a polarity current level, the controller generates a first control signal to switch a corresponding segment of the first plurality of LEDs into the first series LED current path; and in a second Part of the AC voltage range and corresponding to the LED current level, A corresponding segment of the first plurality of LEDs can be switched out of the first series LED current path.

In an exemplary device embodiment, the apparatus may further include: a second plurality of light emitting diodes coupled in series to form a second plurality of light emitting diodes; and a second plurality of switches Coupled to the second plurality of light emitting diodes to switch a selected segment of the second plurality of light emitting diodes into or out of a second series light emitting diode current path; wherein the controller is further coupled to a second plurality of switches, and further generating a corresponding control signal to switch the plurality of segments of the second plurality of LEDs to form a second series LED current path in parallel with the first series LED current path . The polarity of the second series-connected LED current path is opposite to the first series-connected LED current path, or the first current flowing through the first series-connected LED current path is opposite to the second series-connected LED The second current of the current path.

In still another of the various exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further includes a current limiting circuit; a dimming interface circuit; a direct current (DC) power supply circuit coupled to the controller, and/or a temperature protection circuit.

Another exemplary method embodiment can be disclosed to provide power to a plurality of light emitting diodes that are coupleable to receive an AC voltage, the plurality of light emitting diodes being coupled in series to form a plurality of segments of light emitting diodes, each Each of the segments includes at least one light emitting diode that is coupled to a corresponding plurality of switches to switch the selected segment of the LED into or out of a series LED current path. The exemplary method embodiment includes: determining and storing a second parameter value in a first parameter within a first portion of the AC voltage interval, and switching a corresponding segment LED to the series LED current And wherein in the second partial AC voltage interval, the second parameter is monitored and when the current value of the second parameter is substantially equal to the stored value, the corresponding segment LED is switched out of the series LED current path.

In an exemplary embodiment, the AC voltage includes a rectified AC voltage, and the exemplary method further includes determining when the rectified AC voltage is substantially near zero and generating a synchronization signal. The exemplary method also further includes determining the AC voltage interval from at least one determination of when the rectified AC voltage is substantially near zero.

In various exemplary embodiments, the method further includes rectifying the AC voltage to provide a rectified AC voltage. For example, in this exemplary embodiment, the first parameter is the LED current level and the second parameter is the rectified AC input voltage level. Other combinations of parameters are likewise within the scope of the present patent application, which include, for example, LED current levels, peak LED current levels, voltage levels, optical brightness levels. In this exemplary embodiment, the method further includes determining, during the first partial rectified AC voltage interval, a first value of the rectified AC input voltage level when the LED current level reaches a predetermined peak value and Switching the first LED to the series LED current path; monitoring the LED current level; and in the first portion of the AC voltage interval, when the LED current reaches a predetermined peak Determining and storing a second value of the rectified AC input voltage level and switching the second length of light emitting diodes into the series LED current path. (This predetermined value can be determined in a number of different ways, such as explicitly stated beforehand offline or explicitly stated or calculated before the time the circuit is operational, such as during the previous AC cycle). The exemplary method also further includes: monitoring the rectified AC voltage level; and switching the second-stage light-emitting diode out of the series-emitting light when the rectified AC voltage level reaches a second value in the second partial AC voltage interval a diode current path; and in the second portion of the AC voltage interval, when the rectified AC voltage level reaches a first value, the first segment of the LED is switched out of the series LED current path.

Also in various exemplary embodiments, the method further includes determining and storing a correspondence of the rectified AC voltage level when the illuminating diode current successively reaches a predetermined peak level in the first portion of the AC voltage interval And successively switching a corresponding segment of the LED into the series LED current path; and in the second portion of the AC voltage interval, When the rectified AC voltage level is reduced to a corresponding voltage level, the corresponding segment of the light emitting diode is switched out of the series LED current path. In this exemplary method embodiment, the corresponding segment LED is switched out of the series LED current path, and the corresponding segment LED is switched into the series LED current path. In the reverse order.

In another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes: determining, in the first portion of the AC voltage interval, a first level of the rectified AC input voltage level when the LED current reaches a predetermined peak level a value; and when the first value of the rectified AC voltage is substantially equal to or greater than a predetermined voltage threshold, the corresponding segment of the light emitting diode is switched into the series LED current path.

In various exemplary embodiments, the method further includes monitoring a light-emitting diode current level; and determining, during the second partial AC voltage interval, when the light-emitting diode current level is greater than a predetermined peak level by a predetermined amplitude And storing a new second parameter value and switching the corresponding segment LED to the series LED current path.

In another exemplary method embodiment, the method further includes: switching a plurality of segments of the LED to form a first series LED current path; and switching the plurality of LEDs to form a parallel first series A second series LED current path of the LED current path.

Various exemplary embodiments may also provide for a second series-connected LED current path having a direction or polarity opposite the first series-connected LED current path, such as for use in the negative portion of the AC cycle The current is conducted when the first series-connected LED current conducts current in the positive portion of the AC cycle. In this exemplary embodiment, in a third portion of the AC voltage interval, the method further includes switching the second plurality of light emitting diodes to form a second series light emitting diode current path, the The opposite polarity of the series LED current path in the first partial AC voltage interval, and in the fourth partial AC voltage interval, Switching the second plurality of light emitting diodes out of the second series LED current path.

Another exemplary embodiment is a device that is coupled to receive an AC voltage. An exemplary apparatus includes: a rectifier that provides a rectified AC voltage; a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled in series to form a plurality of segments of light emitting diodes; and a plurality of switches coupled to the plurality of segments of light a polar body for switching a selected segment of the LED into or out of a series LED current path; a current sensor for sensing a level of the LED current; a voltage sensor, sensing a rectified AC voltage level; a memory storing a plurality of parameters; and a controller coupled to the plurality of switches, to the memory, to the current sensor, and to the voltage sensor, at the first During a partially rectified AC voltage range and when the LED current level reaches a predetermined peak LED current level, the controller may determine and store the corresponding value of the rectified AC voltage level in the memory, and may correspond The segment LED is switched into the series LED current path; and in the second portion of the rectified AC voltage interval, the controller can monitor the rectified AC voltage level and when rectifying the AC voltage level current value When the corresponding value is equal to the level of the rectified AC voltage stored in the corresponding segment of light-emitting diodes of the series switches the light-emitting diode current path.

In this exemplary device embodiment, the controller further generates a corresponding synchronization signal when the rectified AC voltage level is substantially near zero. In various exemplary embodiments, the controller further determines the rectified AC voltage interval from at least one decision that the rectified AC voltage level is substantially near zero.

In an exemplary embodiment, the controller further determines and stores the rectified AC voltage when the LED current level reaches the predetermined peak LED current level in the first portion of the rectified AC voltage interval. The first value of the level is in the memory, and the first stage LED is switched into the series LED current path to monitor the LED current level and the first in the rectified AC voltage range Part of the LED current level When the predetermined peak light-emitting diode current level is subsequently reached, the controller further determines and stores the second value of the rectified AC voltage level in the memory, and switches the second-stage light-emitting diode into the series-connected light-emitting diode Polar body current path.

In this exemplary apparatus embodiment, the controller further monitors the rectified AC voltage level and, when in the second portion of the rectified AC voltage interval, the rectified AC voltage level reaches a stored second value, The second stage light emitting diode switches the current path of the series LED, and when the rectified AC voltage level reaches the stored first value in the second part of the rectified AC voltage range, the first stage emits light The diode switches out the series LED current path.

In another exemplary apparatus embodiment, the controller further monitors the LED current level, and when in the first portion of the rectified AC voltage interval, the LED current level reaches the predetermined peak level again The controller further determines and stores a corresponding next value of the rectified AC voltage level in the memory, and switches the next segment of the LED to the series LED current path. In this exemplary apparatus embodiment, the controller further monitors the rectified AC voltage level and, within a second portion of the rectified AC voltage interval, when the rectified AC voltage level reaches a next rectified AC voltage level, The corresponding one segment of the light emitting diode switches the current path of the series LED.

In various exemplary embodiments, the controller further monitors a light-emitting diode current level; and in the second partial rectified AC voltage interval, when the light-emitting diode current level is greater than a predetermined peak level by a predetermined amplitude The controller further determines and stores another corresponding value of the rectified AC voltage level and switches the corresponding segment LED to the series LED current path.

Also in various exemplary embodiments, the controller further switches the plurality of light emitting diodes to form a first series LED current path, and switches the plurality of segments to emit light a diode to form a second series-connected LED current path in parallel with the first series-connected LED current path.

As mentioned above, in various exemplary embodiments, each of the selected segments of the plurality of light-emitting diodes includes a light-emitting diode having an emission spectrum of a different color or wavelength. In this exemplary device embodiment, the controller further selectively switches the selected segment LEDs into the series LED current path to provide a corresponding illumination effect, and/or The selected light emitting diode is selectively switched into the series light emitting diode current path to provide a corresponding color temperature.

Another exemplary device embodiment can also be coupled to receive an AC voltage, the exemplary device comprising: a first plurality of light emitting diodes coupled in series to form a first plurality of light emitting diodes; a first plurality a switch, coupled to the first plurality of segments of the LED, in response to a control signal to switch a selected segment of the LED into or out of a first series of LED current paths; a memory; And a controller coupled to the plurality of switches and the memory, responsive to a first parameter and within a first portion of one of the AC voltage intervals, the controller determines a second parameter value and stores it in a first control signal is generated in the memory to switch a corresponding segment of the first plurality of LEDs into the first series LED current path; and in one of the alternating current voltage ranges In a second part, when a current value of the second parameter is substantially equal to the stored value, a second control signal may be generated to switch a corresponding segment of the first plurality of LEDs out of the first series Light-emitting diode Flow path.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first parameter and the second parameter comprise at least one of: a time parameter, or one or more time intervals, or a time-based parameter, or one or more clock cycle numbers. In this exemplary device embodiment, the controller further determines a first plurality of time intervals corresponding to the plurality of segments of the first plurality of LEDs for use in the first portion of the AC voltage interval And decided to correspond to the second of many segments of the light-emitting diode A plurality of time intervals for the second part of the alternating current voltage range.

In another exemplary device embodiment, the controller further obtains, from the memory, a first plurality of time intervals corresponding to the plurality of segments of the first plurality of LEDs for the AC voltage interval. The first portion and the second plurality of time intervals corresponding to the plurality of segments of the LED are used for the second portion of the alternating current voltage range.

In this exemplary embodiment, during the first portion of the first plurality of time intervals, the controller further generates a corresponding control signal to illuminate the next segment in the first portion of the alternating current voltage interval. The diode switches into the series LED current path; and in the second portion of the alternating current voltage interval, a corresponding control signal is generated in reverse order when each of the second plurality of time intervals expires And switching the next segment of the light emitting diode out of the series LED current path.

In various exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further includes a rectifier to provide a rectified AC voltage. For such exemplary embodiments, the controller can generate a corresponding synchronization signal when the rectified AC voltage is substantially near zero. Also for such exemplary embodiments, the controller further determines the rectified AC voltage interval from at least one decision that the rectified AC voltage level is substantially near zero.

Also in various exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further includes a current sensor coupled to the controller; and a voltage sensor coupled to the controller. For example, the first parameter is the LED current level and the second parameter is the voltage level.

For the exemplary embodiments, when a light-emitting diode current reaches a predetermined peak level in the first portion of the alternating current voltage interval, the controller further determines and stores the first value of the alternating current voltage level at In the memory, a first control signal is generated to switch a first segment of the first plurality of LEDs into the first series LED current path; and when in the first portion of the AC voltage range The LED current is subsequently reached At the predetermined peak level, the controller further determines and stores the next value of the AC voltage level in the memory, and generates a control signal to switch the next segment of the first plurality of LEDs into the first series. Light-emitting diode current path. When the AC voltage level reaches the next value in the second portion of the rectified AC voltage range, the controller further generates another control signal to switch the next segment out of the first series LED current path; In the second portion of the rectified AC voltage range, the second control signal is generated when the AC voltage level reaches the first value to switch the first segment out of the first series LED current path.

In various exemplary embodiments, the controller further determines and stores a corresponding value of the alternating current voltage level and successively generates the light emitting diode currents in a first portion of the alternating current voltage interval. a corresponding control signal for switching a corresponding segment of the first plurality of LEDs into the first series LED current path; and in the second portion of the AC voltage interval, when the AC voltage level is reduced to When corresponding to the voltage level, the controller further generates a corresponding control signal to switch the corresponding segment of the first plurality of LEDs out of the first series LED current path. For example, the controller may further generate a corresponding control signal to switch the corresponding segment out of the first series LED current path, and switch the corresponding segment into the first series LED current path. In the reverse order.

In various exemplary embodiments, the controller further determines whether the AC voltage is phase modulated. For the exemplary embodiments, when the alternating current voltage is phase-modulated, the controller further generates a corresponding control signal to switch a section of the first plurality of light-emitting diodes into the first series-connected LED current. The path corresponds to a phase modulated alternating current voltage level and/or a phase interval of the phase modulated AC voltage level. For the exemplary embodiments, when the alternating current voltage is phase-modulated, the controller further generates a corresponding control signal to maintain a parallel second light-emitting diode current path via the first switch, and simultaneously Switching the second segment of the plurality of LEDs into the first series of LEDs via the second switch Current path.

In another of the various exemplary embodiments, if the next segment of the first plurality of LEDs is switched into the first series LED current path, the controller can further determine whether there is sufficient time to maintain a first portion of the alternating current voltage interval for a light emitting diode current to reach a predetermined peak level, and if so, further generating a corresponding control signal to switch the next segment of the first plurality of light emitting diodes into The first series-connected LED current path.

In still another of the various exemplary embodiments, the controller further determines and stores the second portion of the alternating current voltage range and when the level of the light emitting diode is greater than a predetermined peak level by a predetermined amplitude. A new value of the second parameter generates a corresponding control signal to switch the corresponding segment of the first plurality of segments of the LED into the first series LED current path.

In various exemplary embodiments, the controller further generates a corresponding control signal to switch the plurality of segments of the first plurality of LEDs to form a second series LED of the parallel series current LED current path. Current path.

In various exemplary embodiments, the apparatus further includes a second plurality of light emitting diodes coupled in series to form a second plurality of light emitting diodes; and a second plurality of switches coupled to a second plurality of light emitting diodes for switching a selected segment of the second plurality of light emitting diodes into or out of a second series light emitting diode current path; wherein the controller is further coupled to the second plurality of Switching, and further generating a corresponding control signal to switch the plurality of segments of the second plurality of light emitting diodes to form a second series LED current path in parallel with the first series LED current path. For example, the second series-connected LED current path has a polarity opposite to that of the first series-connected LED current path. Similarly, for example, the direction of the first current flowing through the current path of the first series LED is flowing through the second The second current of the series LED current path is reversed. Similarly, for example, the controller further generates a corresponding control signal to switch the plurality of segments of the first plurality of segments of the LED to form a first series LED current path within the positive polarity of the AC voltage, and further generate a corresponding The control signal switches the plurality of segments of the second plurality of light-emitting diodes to form a second series-connected LED current path within a negative polarity of the alternating current voltage.

In various exemplary device embodiments, the first plurality of switches includes a plurality of bipolar junction transistors or a plurality of field effect transistors. Also in various exemplary device embodiments, the device further includes a plurality of tristate switches including: a plurality of operational amplifiers coupled correspondingly to the first plurality of switches; and a second plurality of switches corresponding to The first plurality of switches are coupled to the first plurality of switches, and the third plurality of switches are coupled to the first plurality of switches.

Various exemplary embodiments may also be provided for various switching configurations or configurations. In various exemplary embodiments, each switch of the first plurality of switches is coupled to a first end of a corresponding one of the first plurality of light emitting diodes and coupled to the first plurality of light emitting diodes The second end of the last segment of the body. In another of the various exemplary embodiments, each switch of the first plurality of switches is coupled to a first end of a corresponding segment of the first plurality of light emitting diodes and coupled to the first plurality of segments The second end of the corresponding segment of the diode.

In still another of the various exemplary embodiments, the apparatus can further include a second plurality of switches. In this exemplary embodiment, each switch of the first plurality of switches is coupled to the first end of the first segment of the first plurality of segments and coupled to the first plurality of segments One of the pole bodies corresponds to the second end of the segment; and wherein each switch of the second plurality of switches is coupled to the second end of the corresponding segment of one of the first plurality of light emitting diodes and coupled to the first plurality The second end of the last segment of the segmented LED.

In still another exemplary embodiment, the selected segment of the plurality of light emitting diodes Each of the light emitting diodes includes a light emitting diode having a different color light emitting spectrum. For the exemplary embodiments, the controller further generates a corresponding control signal to selectively switch the selected segment LED into the first series LED current path to provide a corresponding illumination effect. And/or provide a corresponding color temperature.

In various exemplary embodiments, the controller further includes: a first analog to digital converter coupled to a first sensor; a second analog to digital converter coupled to a second sensing a digital logic circuit; and a plurality of switching drivers coupled correspondingly to the first plurality of switches. In another exemplary embodiment, the controller includes a plurality of analog comparators.

In various exemplary embodiments, the first parameter and the second parameter include at least one of the following parameters: a time period, a peak current level, an average current level, a moving average current level, an instantaneous current level, and a peak voltage level. An average voltage level, a moving average voltage level, an instantaneous voltage level, an average output optical brightness level, a moving average output optical brightness level, a peak output optical brightness level, or an immediate output optical brightness level. Moreover, in another exemplary embodiment, the first parameter and the second parameter are the same parameter, such as a voltage level or a current level.

Another exemplary apparatus embodiment can be coupled to receive an alternating current voltage, the apparatus comprising: a first plurality of light emitting diodes coupled in series to form a first plurality of light emitting diodes; a first plurality of switches, Coupled to the first plurality of light emitting diodes to switch a selected segment of the LEDs into or out of a first series LED current path in response to a control signal; at least one sensor; a control circuit coupled to the plurality of switches and the at least one sensor, responsive to a first parameter and within a first portion of one of the alternating current voltage ranges, the controller determines a second parameter value and generates a a control signal for switching a corresponding segment of the first plurality of LEDs into the first series LED current path; And in a second part of the alternating current voltage interval, when a current value of the second parameter is substantially equal to a corresponding determined value, a second control signal may be generated to connect a corresponding segment of the first plurality of segments of the light emitting diode The light emitting diode switches out the first series light emitting diode current path.

In an exemplary embodiment, the control circuit further calculates or obtains from the memory a first plurality of time intervals corresponding to the plurality of segments of the first plurality of segments of the LEDs for use in the AC voltage range. The first part, and calculating or obtaining a second plurality of time intervals corresponding to the plurality of segments of the light-emitting diode from a memory for the second portion of the alternating current voltage range. In this exemplary embodiment, in a first portion of the alternating current voltage interval, the control circuit further generates a corresponding control signal to complete the next segment when each of the first plurality of time intervals expires. The LED is switched into the series LED current path, and in a second portion of the AC voltage interval, a corresponding control is generated in reverse order when each of the second plurality of time intervals expires a signal to switch the next segment of the light emitting diode out of the series LED current path.

In another exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a memory to store a plurality of decision values. In various exemplary embodiments, the first parameter is a light-emitting diode current level and the second parameter is a voltage level, and wherein a light-emitting diode current is in the first portion of the alternating current voltage interval When successively reaching a predetermined level, the control circuit further determines to store a corresponding value of the alternating current voltage level in the memory, and successively generate a corresponding control signal to correspond to the first plurality of segments of the light emitting diode. The segment switches into the first series LED current path; and in the second portion of the AC voltage range, when the AC voltage level is reduced to a corresponding voltage level, the controller further generates a corresponding control signal in succession to The corresponding segment of the first plurality of segments of the LED is switched out of the first series LED current path. In another exemplary embodiment, the first parameter and the second parameter are the same parameter, which includes a voltage or a current level, and wherein the voltage or current level is successive in the first portion of the alternating current voltage interval When a predetermined level is reached, the control circuit further generates a corresponding one after another Control signal to switch a corresponding segment of the first plurality of LEDs into the first series LED current path; and in the second portion of the AC voltage range, when the voltage or current level is reduced to one Corresponding to the level, the controller further generates a corresponding control signal in succession to switch the corresponding segment of the first plurality of segments of the LEDs out of the first series LED current path.

Another exemplary apparatus embodiment is an apparatus coupled to receive an alternating current voltage, the apparatus comprising: a rectifier providing an integrated alternating current voltage; and a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled in series to form a plurality of segments of light a plurality of switches, each of the plurality of switches being coupled to a first end of a corresponding segment of the first plurality of light emitting diodes and coupled to the last of the first plurality of light emitting diodes a second end of the segment; a current sensor for sensing a current level of the LED; a voltage sensor for sensing a rectified AC voltage level; a memory for storing a plurality of parameters; and a controller Coupling to the plurality of switches, to the memory, to the current sensor, and to the voltage sensor, in a first portion of the rectified alternating current voltage interval and when the current level of the light emitting diode reaches one When the peak light emitting diode current level is predetermined, the controller determines and stores a corresponding value of the rectified alternating current voltage level in the memory and generates a corresponding control signal to generate a corresponding segment. The photodiode is switched into the series LED current path; and in a second portion of the rectified AC voltage range, and when the current value of the rectified AC voltage level is substantially equal to the stored corresponding value of the rectified AC voltage level The controller may generate a corresponding control signal to switch the corresponding segment LEDs out of the series LED current path.

Other advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the appended claims.

50‧‧‧First exemplary system

100‧‧‧First exemplary equipment

102‧‧‧Communication (〝AC〞) line

105‧‧‧Rectifier

110‧‧‧Switcher

110 ₁ to 110 _n ‧‧‧Switch

111 ₁ to 111 _n ‧‧‧Switch

112 ₁ to 112 _n ‧‧‧Switch

115‧‧‧ Current Sensor

116‧‧‧Switcher

117‧‧‧node/ground potential

118‧‧‧First switcher

119‧‧‧Second switcher

120, 120A-120I‧‧‧ controller

125, 125A, 125B, 125C‧‧‧ DC power supply circuit

130, 135‧‧‧ resistors

131 to 134‧‧‧ nodes

140‧‧‧Lighting diode

140 ₁ to 140 _n ‧‧‧Lighting diode

140 _P1 to 140 _Pn ‧‧‧Light Emitting Diodes

140 _v1 to 140 _vz ‧‧‧Lighting diode

141‧‧‧ peak

142‧‧‧Input voltage

143‧‧‧ phase

144‧‧‧zero

145 ₁ to 145 _n ‧‧ ‧ time interval

146, 147‧‧ ‧ time quadrant

148 ₁ to 148 _n ‧‧‧ time interval

149‧‧‧Input voltage level

150 ₁ to 150 _n-1 ‧‧‧ output

155‧‧‧Enter

160‧‧‧Enter

161‧‧‧Enter

162‧‧‧ Input

165‧‧‧current sensing resistor

170 ₁ to 170 _n ‧‧‧ output

171 ₁ to 171 _n ‧‧‧ output

172 ₁ to 172 _n ‧‧‧ output

175 ₁ to 175 _n ‧‧‧Lighting diode segments

180 ₁ to 180 _n ‧‧‧ Current Regulator

181, 183‧‧‧ error amplifier

185‧‧‧ memory

190‧‧‧User Interface

195, 195A‧‧‧ voltage sensor

200‧‧‧Second exemplary equipment

205 ₁ to 205 ₃ ‧‧‧Isolated diode

210 ₁ to 210 _n ‧‧‧Switch

220 ₁ to 220 ₃ ‧‧‧ Output

225‧‧‧Second sensor

230‧‧‧Controller input

240‧‧‧ interface circuit

240A to 240E‧‧‧ interface circuit

250‧‧‧Second exemplary system

260, 270, 280‧‧‧ current limiting circuit

260A‧‧‧current limiting circuit

265‧‧‧ output

270A, 270B‧‧‧ current limiting circuit

271‧‧‧First resistor

272‧‧‧second resistor

273‧‧‧Zina diode

274‧‧‧NPN transistor

275‧‧‧ output

280A‧‧‧current limiting circuit

281-283‧‧‧First resistor

285‧‧‧ dimming switch

287‧‧‧Zina diode

288‧‧‧ nodes

289‧‧‧Zina diode

290‧‧‧ Temperature protection circuit

290A‧‧‧temperature protection circuit

291, 292‧‧‧Transistor (FET)

293‧‧‧NPN bipolar junction transistor

300‧‧‧ Third exemplary equipment

301‧‧‧Resistor/Current Sensor

302‧‧‧second resistor

306‧‧‧Zina diode

307‧‧‧ nodes

308‧‧‧Optoelectronics (P-type FET)

309‧‧‧Optoelectronics (PNP BJT)

310 ₁ to 310 _n ‧‧‧Switch

311‧‧ ‧ Zener diode

314‧‧‧Optoelectronics (NPN BJT)

316‧‧‧second resistor

317‧‧‧ Third resistor

318‧‧‧ nodes

319‧‧‧Optoelectronics

320 ₁ to 320 _n ‧‧‧ Input

321‧‧‧First resistor

322‧‧‧second resistor

323‧‧‧third resistor

324‧‧‧Zina diode

325‧‧‧Operational Amplifier

326‧‧‧Blocking the diode

327‧‧‧ nodes

328‧‧‧N type transistor

329‧‧‧NPN BJT

330‧‧‧ Input

330 ₁ to 330 _n ‧‧‧ Input

333‧‧‧Additional resistors

336‧‧‧Blocking the diode

340 ₁ to 340 _n ‧‧‧Resistors

341‧‧‧Additional resistors

345 ₁ to 345 _n ‧‧‧Resistors

350‧‧‧ Third exemplary system

351‧‧‧Switcher

361 to 363, 373‧‧ ‧ diode

364, 365, 376, 385‧ ‧ capacitors

366, 378, 388‧‧‧ nodes

367, 377‧‧‧ optional switcher

371, 383, 384‧‧‧ resistors

372, 387‧‧ ‧ Zener diode

374, 381‧‧‧Switcher/Crystal

382‧‧‧ comparator

386‧‧‧Isolated diode

400‧‧‧Fourth exemplary equipment

405 ₁ to 405 _n ‧‧‧Switching the drive

410, 415‧‧‧ analog to digital (〝A/D〞) converter

420‧‧‧ dimming control circuit

425‧‧‧ comparator

430‧‧‧Synchronous signal generator

435‧‧‧Vcc generator

440‧‧‧ clock

445‧‧‧Start reset circuit

450‧‧‧Over-voltage detector/fourth exemplary system

455‧‧‧Overvoltage detector

460‧‧‧Digital logic circuit

465‧‧‧ memory circuit

500‧‧‧ fifth exemplary equipment

550‧‧‧ fifth exemplary system

600‧‧‧ Sixth exemplary equipment

650‧‧‧ Sixth exemplary system

700‧‧‧ seventh exemplary equipment

750‧‧‧ seventh exemplary system

800‧‧‧ Eighth exemplary equipment

850‧‧‧ Eighth exemplary system

900‧‧‧Ninth exemplary equipment

950‧‧‧Ninth exemplary system

1000‧‧‧10th exemplary equipment

1050‧‧‧ Tenth exemplary system

1100‧‧‧Eleventh exemplary equipment

1150‧‧‧ eleventh exemplary system

1200‧‧‧ twelfth exemplary equipment

1250‧‧‧ twelfth exemplary system

1300‧‧‧13th exemplary equipment

1350‧‧‧Thirteenth exemplary system

I _P ‧‧‧peak current

I _S ‧‧‧ Current

I _TH ‧‧‧critical current

Q1, Q2‧‧ ‧ time quadrant

V _CC ‧‧‧ output voltage

V _IN ‧‧‧Input voltage level

V _REF ‧‧‧reference voltage

The objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood by reference to the appended claims. The reference numerals of the elements can be applied to identify additional types, installations, or variations of selected component embodiments in various schemas, where:

1 is a circuit and block diagram of a first exemplary system and a first exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

2 is a graph showing a first exemplary load current waveform and input voltage level designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

3 is a graph showing a second exemplary load current waveform and input voltage level designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

4 is a block and circuit diagram showing a second exemplary system and a second exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

5 is a block and circuit diagram showing a third exemplary system and a third exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

6 is a block and circuit diagram showing a fourth exemplary system and a fourth exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

7 is a block and circuit diagram showing a fifth exemplary system and a fifth exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

8 is a block and circuit diagram showing a sixth exemplary system and a sixth exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

9 is a block and circuit diagram showing a first exemplary current limiter designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

10 is a circuit diagram showing a second exemplary current limiter designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

11 is a circuit diagram showing a third exemplary current limiter and temperature protection circuit designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

12 is a circuit diagram showing a fourth exemplary current limiter designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

13 is a block and circuit diagram showing a first exemplary interface circuit designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

14 is a block and circuit diagram showing a second exemplary interface circuit designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

15 is a block and circuit diagram showing a third exemplary interface circuit designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

16 is a block and circuit diagram showing a fourth exemplary interface circuit designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

17 is a block and circuit diagram showing a fifth exemplary interface circuit designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

18 is a circuit diagram showing a first exemplary DC power supply circuit designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

19 is a circuit diagram showing a second exemplary DC power supply circuit designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

20 is a circuit diagram showing a third exemplary DC power supply circuit designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

21 is a block diagram showing an exemplary controller designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

22 is a flow chart showing a first exemplary method designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

23 is divided into FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C, which are flowcharts showing a second exemplary method designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Figure 24 is a block and circuit diagram showing a seventh exemplary system and a seventh exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Figure 25 is a block and circuit diagram showing an eighth exemplary system and an eighth exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

26 is a block and circuit diagram showing a ninth exemplary system and a ninth exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

Figure 27 is a block and circuit diagram showing a tenth exemplary system and a tenth exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

28 is a block and circuit diagram showing an eleventh exemplary system and an eleventh exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

29 is a block and circuit diagram showing a twelfth exemplary system and a twelfth exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

30 is a block and circuit diagram showing a thirteenth exemplary system and a thirteenth exemplary device designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

31 is divided into FIGS. 31A and 31B, which are flowcharts showing a third exemplary method designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.

While the present invention is susceptible to various embodiments of the invention, these are shown in the drawings and are described in detail in the particular exemplary embodiments. The invention is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments shown. In this aspect, before explaining at least one embodiment consistent with the present invention in detail, it is understood that the invention is not limited by the application, the The details of the structure and the arrangement of the components. The method and apparatus consistent with the present invention are capable of other embodiments and are capable of various embodiments and embodiments. In the same manner, the words and phrases used herein, as well as the abstracts included herein, are intended to be illustrative, and should not be considered as limiting.

1 is a circuit and block diagram of a first exemplary system 50 and a first exemplary device 100 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The first exemplary system 50 includes a first exemplary device 100 (also equivalent to being considered an off-line ACLED driver) that is coupled to an alternating current (〝AC〞) line 102, here again equivalent to being considered an AC power line or an AC power source. For example, household AC lines or other AC main power supplies provided by electrical appliances. Although the exemplary embodiments are described with reference to this AC voltage or current, it should be understood that the present invention is applicable to any voltage or current that varies over time, which is defined in more detail below. The first exemplary device 100 includes a plurality of LEDs 140, a plurality of switches 110 (eg, displayed in a MOS field effect transistor), a controller 120, a (first) current sensor 115, a rectifier 105, and optionally The voltage sensor 195 is coupled to DC power (〝Vcc〞) for providing power to the controller 120 and other selected components. The exemplary DC power circuit 125 can be implemented in a number of different configurations and provided within a variety of exemplary devices (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) Many different locations, many exemplary DC power circuits 125 are shown with reference to Figures 18-20 discuss. Also for example, the exemplary DC power source 125 can be coupled into an exemplary device in many different ways, such as, for example and without limitation, between nodes 131 and 117 or between nodes 131 and 134. The exemplary voltage sensor 195 can also be implemented in a number of different configurations and can be provided in a variety of exemplary devices (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, The exemplary voltage sensor 195A is implemented as a voltage divider circuit in many different locations of 1300), which is shown and discussed with reference to Figures 4 and 5. Also for example, the exemplary voltage sensor 195 can be coupled into an exemplary device in many different ways, such as, for example and without limitation, between nodes 131 and 117 or in other locations. Also optionally, memory 185 can be included, such as to store various time periods, currents, or voltage levels; in various exemplary embodiments, controller 120 already includes various types of memory 185 (eg, temporary storage) So that the memory 185 cannot be a separate component. User interface 190 (e.g., user input for various selections, such as light output) may also optionally be included in various exemplary embodiments, such as for illumination effects input for a desired or selected. Not necessarily shown in the drawings, equivalent implementations may also include isolation, such as via the use of an isolated converter, which is within the scope of the present invention.

It should be noted that any switch 110 of the plurality of switchers 110 is any type or type of switch or transistor, except for the illustrated n-channel MOS field effect transistor, including but not limited to bipolar Junction transistor (〝BJT〞), p-channel MOS field effect transistor, various enhancement or depletion module FETs, etc., and any other power switch of any type or type can also be used In the circuit, it depends on the chosen embodiment.

A rectifier 105, shown as a bridge rectifier, is coupled to the AC line 102 to provide a full (or half) wave rectified input voltage (〝V _IN 〞) and current to a plurality of LEDs 140 ₁ , 140 ₂ , 140 ₃ to 140 _n A first light-emitting diode 140 ₁ coupled in series with a light-emitting diode (140) is arranged or constructed as a plurality of series-coupled segments (or strings) 175 (with LED segments 175 ₁ , 175 ₂ , 175 ₃ to 175 _n display). (Rectifier 105 is a full-wave rectifier, full-wave bridge, half-wave rectifier, electromechanical rectifier or other type of bridge.) Although each LED segment 175 is shown in Figure 1, for a simplified display there is only one corresponding LED 140, but It should be understood that each such LED segment 175 substantially includes a plurality of series coupled LEDs 140, one to each of the LED segments 175 being coupled in series in succession. It should also be understood that the various LED segments 175 include the same (equal) number of LEDs 140 or different (unequal) numbers of LEDs 140, and all such variations are considered equal and within the scope of the present invention. For example and without limitation in the exemplary embodiment, up to 5 to 7 LEDs 140 will be included in each of the 9 LED segments 175. The various LED segments 175 and corresponding LEDs 140 containing them are coupled in series with each other in series, the first LED segment 175 ₁ is coupled in series to the second LED segment 175 ₂ , then coupled in series to the third LED segment 175 _{3 ,} etc., the second to last LED section 175 _n-1 then the last or final coupled in series to an LED segment 175 _n.

As illustrated, the rectifier 105 will be directly coupled to the anode of the first LED 140 ₁ , although other coupling arrangements are also within the scope of the invention, such as coupling through a resistor or other component, such as to the current limiting circuit 280, or the interface circuit 240, Or DC power source 125, which is shown and discussed in more detail below. The equivalent implementation process is equally useful without the use of rectifier 105 and is discussed below. Current sensor 115 is shown and implemented with current sense resistor 165 as an exemplary form of current sensor, and all current sensor variations are considered equivalent and within the scope of the present invention Inside. Such a current sensor 115 can likewise be provided in other locations within the device 100, all such architectural variations can be considered equivalent and within the scope of the claimed invention. When current sensor 115 is coupled to ground potential 117 for display, feedback of current levels through LED segment 175 and/or switcher 110 (〝I _s 〞) may be provided using only one input 160 of controller 120. In other embodiments, additional inputs may be equally applied, such as, but not limited to, inputs such as for two or more voltage levels that are applied to current sensing. Other types of sensors may also be employed, such as, but not limited to, optical brightness sensors (such as second sensor 225 in FIG. 7) instead of or in addition to current sensor 115 and/or voltage. Outside the sensor 195. In addition, current sense resistor 165 can also operate as a current limit sensor. A variety of DC power supplies 125 for the controller 120 can be implemented, and all such variations can be considered equivalent and within the scope of the present invention.

Controller 120 (and other controllers 120A-120I discussed below) may be known to be implemented or become known in the art, using any type of circuit, as discussed in more detail below, and more Generally, it can also be regarded as a control circuit. For example and without limitation, controller 120 (and other controllers 120A-120I) or equivalent control circuitry may use digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a combination of digital and analog circuitry with or without a memory circuitry. To implement. Mainly, the controller 120 can be applied to provide switching control, monitoring, and responding to parameter changes (eg, LED 140 current levels, voltage levels, optical brightness levels, etc.), and can equally be utilized to implement any of a variety of lighting effects, Such as dimming or color temperature control.

The switch 110 shown by the switches 110 ₁ , 110 ₂ , 110 ₃ , 110 _n-1 is any type of switch, such as the MOSFET as shown in the exemplary type of switcher, Other equivalent types of switches 110 are discussed in more detail below, and all such variations are considered equivalent to the scope of the present invention. Switch 110 can be correspondingly coupled to one end of LED segment 175. As shown, the corresponding switch 110 is coupled to a one to one correspondence to the cathode of each LED on one end of the segment 175 of the LED140, LED segment 175 except for the last _n-outer. More particularly in the present exemplary embodiment, the first end of each switch 110 (eg, the 汲 extreme) will be coupled to the corresponding end of the corresponding LED 140 of each LED segment 175 (the cathode in this figure), And the second end of each switch 110 (eg, the source terminal) may be coupled to current sensor 115 (or to, for example, to ground potential 117, or to another sensor, current limiter (discussed below), or Go to another node (for example: 132)). The gate of each switch 110 will be coupled to (and under its control) a corresponding output 150 of controller 120, which is shown with outputs 150 ₁ , 150 ₂ , 150 ₃ to 150 _n-1 . In this first exemplary device 100, each switch 110 performs a current bypass function, such as when the switch 110 is turned on and implemented, current flows through the corresponding switch and bypasses to the rest (or corresponding) One or more LED segments 175. For example, when the opening ₁₁₀₁ and the rest of the switch embodiment switch 110 is closed, current will flow through the LED segment ₁₇₅₁ and to bypass the LED segment ₁₇₅₂ to 175 _n; and when the embodiment ₂ is turned on 110 and the remaining switching switch When the device 110 is turned off, current will flow through the LED segments 175 ₁ and 175 ₂ and bypass to the LED segments 175 ₃ to 175 _n ; when the switch 1 _{3 is} turned on and implemented and the remaining switches 110 are turned off, current flows through LED segments 175 ₁ , 175 ₂ and 175 ₃ and bypassed to the remaining LED segments (via 175 _n ); and when no switch 110 is turned on and implemented (all switches 110 are off), current flows through all LED segments 175 ₁ , 175 ₂ , 175 ₃ to 175 _n .

Thus, a plurality of LED segments 175 ₁ , 175 ₂ , 175 ₃ through 175 _n are coupled in series and are correspondingly coupled to a plurality of switches 110 (110 ₁ to 110 _n-1 ). Depending on the various switcher states, the selected LED segments 175 can be coupled to form a series LED 140 current path, which is also considered equivalent to a series LED 140 path such that current can flow through the selected LED segment 175 and bypass to the rest ( The unselected LED segments 175 (technically, can still be physically coupled in series to the selected LED segment 175 when current flowing to them is bypassed or turned, but are no longer electrically coupled in series to the selected LED segment 175). Depending on the circuit architecture, if all of the switches 110 are turned off, then all of the LED segments 175 of the plurality of LED segments 175 are coupled to form the series LED current path, i.e., no current to the LED segment 175 is bypassed. Or turn. For the illustrated circuit architecture and depending on the circuit architecture (eg, the location of the various switches 110), at least one LED segment 175 of the plurality of LED segments 175 will be coupled to form the series LED 140 current path, ie, when current is flowing The system always passes through at least one LED segment 175 for this architecture.

Under the control of the controller 120, the plurality of switches 110 can then be viewed from the point of view of current flow to switch the selected LED segment 175 into or out of the series LED 140 current path, ie, the LED segment 175 would not be switched. The switch 110 is switched into the series LED 140 current path when bypassed, and the LED segment 175 is switched out of the series LED 140 current path when bypassed or passed through the switch 110. Stated another way, the LED segment 175 will be switched into The series LED 140 current path is when the received current is not bypassed by the switch 110 or routed elsewhere, and the LED segment 175 is switched out of the series LED 140 current path, which is due to the current When the switch 110 is routed elsewhere and no current is received.

As can be appreciated, the controller will generate corresponding control signals to the plurality of switches 110 to selectively switch the corresponding LED segments 175 of the plurality of LED segments 175 into or out of the series LED 140 current path, such as to FET or BJT implementation. a relatively high voltage signal (binary logic 1) of the corresponding gate or base of the switch 110, and, for example, a relatively low voltage signal to the corresponding gate or base of the switch 110 when implemented as a FET or BJT ( Binary logic 0). Thus, the controller 110 switches the LED segment 175 〞 into or out of the reference frame of the series LED 140 current path. It can be understood to implicitly mean generating a corresponding control signal to the plurality of switches 110 and/or including the controller and/or To either of the interference drivers or buffer circuits (shown as switch driver 405 in FIG. 21) to switch LED segments 175 into or out of the series LED 140 current path.

An advantage of the switching architecture is that during an open switching failure event due to default, the LED segment 175 can be electrically coupled into the series LED 140 current path without current flowing through the switch to cause the LED segment 175 to be in the series LED 140 current path. In order for the illumination device to continue to operate and provide output light.

However, various other exemplary embodiments of apparatus 400 as discussed below with respect to FIG. 6 also provide for switching LED segments 175 into and out of parallel and series LED 140 current paths, such as one or more LED segments 175 being switched into A series LED 140 current path, one or more LED segments 175 are switched into the second series LED 140 current path, for example and without limitation, can then be switched into parallel with each other. Thus, to accommodate the various circuit configurations and switching combinations of the exemplary embodiments, the 140LED 140 current path 〞 will mean and include either or both of a series LED 140 current path or a parallel LED 140 current path and/or any combination thereof. . Species The circuit structure, those skilled in the art will recognize which LED 140 current path is the series LED 140 current path, and which is the parallel LED 140 current path, or a combination of the two.

Assuming this switching architecture, various switching schemes are possible with corresponding currents being provided to one or more of the LED segments 175 in any number of corresponding modes, numbers, durations and times, while current is provided to any The number of LED segments 175 ranges from one LED segment 175 to several LED segments 175 to all of the LED segments 175. For example, for a time period t ₁ (eg, selected start time and duration), switch 110 ₁ will be turned on and implemented and the remaining switch 110 will be turned off, and current will flow through LED segment 175 ₁ and Bypass to the LED segments 175 ₂ to 175 _n ; for a time period t ₂ , the switch 1 ₂ will be turned on and implemented and the remaining switch 110 will be turned off, and current will flow through the LED segments 175 ₁ and 175 ₂ and Leading to the LED segments 175 ₃ to 175 _n ; for a time period t ₃ , the switch 1 ₃ will be turned on and implemented and the remaining switch 110 will be turned off, and current will flow through the LED segments 175 ₁ , 175 ₂ and 175 ₃ And bypassing to the remaining LED segments (via 175 _n ); and for a time period t _n , no switch 110 is turned on and implemented (all switches are off) and current flows through all of the LED segments 175 ₁ , 175 ₂ and 175 ₃ to 175 _n .

In a first exemplary embodiment, a plurality of time periods t ₁ to t _n and/or corresponding input voltage levels (V _IN ) (V _IN1 , V _IN2 to V _INn ) and/or other parameter levels may be determined Used to switch current (via switch 110) that substantially corresponds to or otherwise tracks (within predetermined variations or other tolerances or desired specifications) rectified AC voltage (provided by AC line 102 via rectifier 105) or more generally AC voltage, Thus, current can be supplied through most or all of the LED segments 175 when the rectified AC voltage is relatively high, and current is supplied through fewer, one or none of the LED segments 175 when the rectified AC voltage is relatively low or near zero. Those skilled in the art will recognize and understand that many different parameter levels can be used equally, such as, but not limited to, time periods, peak current or voltage levels, average current or voltage levels, moving average current or voltage levels, instantaneous current or voltage. Horizontal, output (average, peak or instant) optical brightness levels, and any and all such variations are within the scope of the invention. In a second exemplary embodiment, a plurality of time periods t ₁ to t _n and/or corresponding input voltage levels (V _IN ) (V _IN1 , V _IN2 to V _INn ) and/or other parameter levels (eg, output) The optical brightness level can be determined to switch the current (via switch 110), which corresponds to a desired illumination effect, such as dimming (selected or input into device 100 via coupling to a dimmer switch, or via ( Optionally) user input of the user interface 190 such that current can be supplied through most or all of the LED segments 175 when the rectified AC voltage is relatively high and higher brightness is selected, and when lower brightness is selected The current is supplied through fewer, one or none of the LED segments 175. For example, when a relatively low brightness level is selected, current can be supplied through fewer or none of the LED segments 175 for a known or selected time interval.

In another exemplary embodiment, the plurality of LED segments 175 comprise different types of LEDs 140 having different illumination spectra, such as illumination having a wavelength in the visible range of red, green, blue, amber, and the like. For example, LED segment 175 ₁ includes red LED 140, LED segment 175 ₂ includes green LED 140, LED segment 175 ₃ includes blue LED 140, and another LED segment 175 _n-1 includes amber or white LED 140 and the like. In this exemplary embodiment, a plurality of time periods t ₁ to t _n and/or corresponding input voltage levels (V _IN ) (V _IN1 , V _IN2 to V _INn ) and/or other parameter levels may be determined for use. Switching current (via switch 110), which corresponds to another desired, architectural lighting effect, such as ambient or output color control, such that current can be provided through corresponding LED segments 175 to provide corresponding illumination at corresponding wavelengths, For example, red, green, blue, amber, and corresponding combinations of such wavelengths (for example, yellow is a combination of red and green). Those skilled in the art will recognize LEDs 140 that can be utilized to obtain any of a number of switching modes and patterns that select a lighting effect, any and all of which are within the scope of the present invention.

In the first exemplary embodiment mentioned above, wherein the plurality of time periods t ₁ to t _n and/or the corresponding input voltage levels (V _IN ) (V _IN1 , V _IN2 to V _INn ) and/or other parameters The horizontal system can be determined to switch current (via switch 110) that substantially corresponds to or otherwise tracks (within predetermined variations or other tolerances or desired specifications) rectified AC voltage (provided by AC source 102 via rectifier 105), The controller 120 periodically adjusts the number of series coupled LED segments 175 that provide current such that current can be supplied through most or all of the LED segments 175 when the rectified AC voltage is relatively high, and current is applied when the rectified AC voltage is relatively low or near zero Less, one or none of the LED segments 175 are provided. For example, in selected embodiments, the peak current (〝I _P 〞) through the LED segment 175 is substantially maintained constant such that when the rectified AC voltage level increases and when current flows via one or more LED segments 175 that are now connected in a series path When added to a predetermined or selected peak current level, the additional LED segments 175 can be switched into the series path; conversely, when the rectified AC voltage level is reduced, the LED segments 175 now connected in series are sequentially switched out of the series path. And being bypassed. The current levels through LEDs 140 that are switched into LED segment 175 (into the series LED 140 current path) and then out of LED segment 175 (from the series LED 140 current path) are shown in Figures 2 and 3. More particularly, FIG. 2 is a graph showing a first exemplary load current waveform (eg, full brightness level) and input voltage level designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the design in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. A second exemplary load current waveform (eg, lower or dimming brightness level) versus input voltage level.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the current level via the selected LED segment 175 is displayed during the first half cycle of the rectified 60 Hz AC cycle (input voltage V _IN is shown by dashed line 142), which is further divided into first time Period (referred to as time quadrant 〝Q1〞146) as the first or part of the AC (voltage) interval, where the rectified AC line voltage increases from approximately zero volts to its peak level; and the second time The period (referred to as the time quadrant 〝Q2〞147) is the second or part of the AC (voltage) interval in which the rectified AC line voltage is reduced from its peak level to approximately zero volts. When the AC voltage is rectified, the time quadrant 〞Q1〞146 and the time quadrant 〝Q2〞147 and the corresponding voltage level are repeated during the second half of the rectified 60 Hz AC cycle. (Also note that the rectified AC voltage V _IN is shown as an ideal, textbook example, and will change almost from this plot during real use). See Figure 2 for each time quadrant Q1 and Q2. For example, and without limitation, seven time intervals may be displayed, corresponding to switching seven LED segments 175 into or out of the series LED 140 current path. In the time interval 145 ₁ , when the AC cycle starts, the switch 110 ₁ will be turned on and implemented and the remaining switch 110 will be turned off, and the current (〝I _S 〞) flows through the LED segment 175 ₁ and rises to a predetermined or selected state. Peak current level I _P . Since the current sensor 115 is used, when the current reaches I _P , the controller 120 switches to the next LED segment 175 ₂ by turning on the switch 110 ₂ , turning off the switch 110 _{1 ,} and continuously turning off the remaining switch 110 . Thus the time interval 145 _{2 is} started. The controller 120 can also measure or otherwise determine the duration of the time interval 145 ₁ , or an equivalent parameter, such as a line voltage level, where I _P can be reached for this particular series combination LED segment 175, (in this case Only the first LED segment 175 ₁ ) is used, for example, by using the voltage sensor 195 shown in various exemplary embodiments, and storing corresponding information in the memory 185 or another register or memory. in. This interval information for the combination of selected LED segments 175, whether it is a time parameter, a voltage parameter, or another measurement parameter, can be applied in the second time quadrant 〝Q2〞 147 for the corresponding LED segment 175 switches out the series LED 140 current path (usually in reverse order).

Continuing reference to Figure 2, a little later, a switch section ₁₄₅₂ within the time cycle of the AC line ₁₁₀₂ and the remaining embodiments will open and switch 110 closes, current ( _{"I S")} flows through the LED segment ₁₇₅₁ With 175 ₂ and again rise to the predetermined or selected peak current level I _P . Since the current sensor 175 is used, when the current reaches I _P , the controller 120 switches to the next LED segment 175 ₃ by turning on the switch 110 ₃ , turning off the switch 110 _{2 ,} and continuously turning off the remaining switch 110 . Thus the time interval 145 _{3 is} started. The controller 120 can also measure or otherwise determine the duration of the time interval 145 ₂ or an equivalent parameter, such as a line voltage level, where I _P can be reached for this particular series combination LED segment 175 (in this case, the LED segment) 175 ₁ and 175 ₂ ) and store the corresponding information in the memory 185 or another register or memory. This interval information for the combination of selected LED segments 175, whether it is a time parameter, a voltage parameter, or another measurement parameter, can be applied within the second time quadrant 〝Q2〞 147 for use in the corresponding LED segment 175. The series LED 140 current path is switched out. As the rectified AC voltage level increases, this process continues until all LED segments 175 have been switched into the series LED 140 current path (ie, all switchers 110 will be off and no LED segments 175 are bypassed), time interval 145 _n The corresponding section information is stored in the memory 185.

Thus, as the rectified AC line voltage (V _IN , 142 in Figures 2 and 3) increases, the number of LEDs 140 utilized is correspondingly increased by switching into additional LED segments 175. In this manner, the LED 140 application will substantially track or correspond to the AC line voltage such that the appropriate current can be maintained through the LED 140 (eg, within the LED device specifications) without the complex energy storage device and without the complex power conversion device. Allows full application of rectified AC line voltage. This device 100 architecture and switching approach provides greater efficiency, increases LED 140 utilization, and allows for the use of many, typically smaller, LEDs 140, which can provide higher efficiency light output and better heat dissipation and management. . In addition, due to the switching frequency, the output brightness that is changed in or out of the series LED 140 current path via the LED segment 175 is typically not perceived by a typical human eye observer.

When there is no balancing resistor, the current transition from before switching to after switching in the time quadrant 〝Q1〞146 (the rectified AC voltage increases) (Equation 1): Where 〝V _switches the line voltage when the switching occurs, 〝Rd is the dynamic impedance of one LED 140, and 〝N〞 is the number of LEDs 140 in the series LED 140 current path before switching the other LED segment 175, and ΔN is the number of additional LEDs 140 that are switched into the current path of the series LED 140. A similar equation can be obtained when the voltage is reduced within the time quadrant 〝Q2〞147. (Of course, the current jump never makes the current negative, because in this case the diode current will only jump to zero.) Equation 1 means that ΔN becomes smaller by comparing the number of LEDs 140 implemented, The current jump can be reduced by having the LEDs have a relatively high dynamic impedance, or both.

In an exemplary embodiment, in the second time quadrant 〞Q2〞147, when the rectified AC line voltage is reduced, the stored interval, voltage, or other parameter information can be applied in the reverse order (eg, 〝reflection 〞) The corresponding LED segments 175 are successively switched out of the series LED 140 current path by switching all of the LED segments 175 into the series LED 140 current path (at the end of Q1) and switching the corresponding LED segments 175 out of the beginning until only one (LED) Segment 175 ₁ ) remains in the series LED 140 current path. With continued reference to Figure 2, during the time interval 148 _n is the interval after the peak or peak of the AC cycle, all LED segments 175 will be switched into the series LED 140 current path (all switches 110 will be turned off and there are no LED segments 175 will be bypassed) and current (〝Is〞) will flow through all of the LED segments 175 and decrease from its predetermined or selected peak current level Ip. Due to the use of the storage interval, voltage or other parameter information, such as the corresponding time interval or voltage level, when the corresponding amount of time has elapsed or the rectified AC input voltage has decreased to a stored voltage level or other stored parameter level has been reached, control 120 will be turned on by the switch 110 _n-1 and the remaining switch 110 remain closed, thereby starting the time interval 148 _n-1 switches the next LED segment 175 _n. In the next time interval 148 _n-1, except that the LED segment 175 out of all the _n-segment LED 175 is still switched into the current path of the series LED140, the current Is will flow through the LED segment 175 and again from the predetermined peak current level or selected Ip is reduced. Since the stored interval information is used, such as the corresponding time interval or voltage level, when the corresponding amount of time has elapsed, the voltage level has reached or other storage parameter levels have been reached, the controller 120 turns on the switch 110 _n-2 The switch 110 _{n-1 is} turned off and the remaining switch 110 is kept off, thereby starting the time interval 148 _n-2 and switching out of the next LED segment 175 _n-1 . When the rectified AC voltage level decreases, the process continues until only one LED segment 175 ₁ remains in the series LED 140 current path, time interval 148 ₁ and the switching process can begin again, at the next first time quadrant 〝Q1〞146 The additional LED segments 175 are successively switched into the series LED 140 current path.

As mentioned above, a number of different parameters can be applied to provide interval information that is used to switch control in the second time quadrant 〞Q2〞147, such as a time interval (in units of time or in device clock cycles, etc.), Voltage level, current level, etc. In addition, used in time The interval information of the quadrant 〞Q2〞147 is the information determined by the most recent first time quadrant 〝Q1〞146, or may be adjusted or modified according to other exemplary embodiments, as discussed in more detail below with reference to FIG. 23, for example Providing increased power factor correction, changing the threshold when the temperature of the LED 140 increases during use, digital filtering to reduce noise, asymmetry, unwanted voltage increase or decrease in the supplied AC line voltage, Other voltage changes in the usual process and so on. In addition, various calculations can be performed, such as time calculations and estimates, such as for power factor correction purposes, such as whether there is sufficient time to remain in the known interval to bring the LED 140 current level to Ip. Various other processes may also occur, such as limiting the current Ip at the event to or becoming advanced, or other current management, such as various devices for drawing sufficient current to connect, for example, dimming switching.

Moreover, additional switching plans can also be applied to the exemplary embodiment, except for the sequential switching shown in FIG. For example, depending on real time information, such as an increase in the rectified AC voltage level, additional LED segments 175 can be switched in, such as, but not limited to, for example, from two LED segments 175 to five LED segments 175, similar Non-continuous switching can be used for voltage drops, etc., so that any type of switching, continuous, non-continuous, etc., and in terms of any type of lighting effect, such as full brightness, dimming brightness, special effects and color temperature, All of them are within the scope of the invention of the present application.

Another switching change is shown in Figure 3, such as for dimming applications. As shown, the additional LED segments 175 are not continuously switched into the series LED 140 current path in the next first time quadrant 〞Q1 〞 146, and the combinations of the various LED segments 175 are omitted. For this application, the rectified AC input voltage can be phase modulated, for example, in the first part or part (eg, 30-70 degrees), no voltage is supplied in each half cycle AC cycle, and more substantial The voltage jump then occurs on that phase (143 in Figure 3). Alternatively, the time interval 145 _n-1, except that all the LED segments 175 _n-segment LED 175 will be switched out of the series into the current path LED140, and will compare the current Is Ip increases very slowly, thereby changing the average LED140 Current and reduce output brightness levels. Although not shown individually, a similar omission of the LED segments 175 can be performed in Q2, which also causes a reduction in the output brightness level. Those skilled in the art will recognize that numerous different switching combinations can be implemented to achieve this dimming, except as shown, and all such variations are within the scope of the claimed invention, including modifications within each interval. The average current value, or pulse width modulation within each interval, in addition to the switching method shown.

Those skilled in the art will recognize the myriad of different switching interval plans and corresponding switching methods that can be implemented within the scope of the present invention. For example, the known switching interval may be predetermined or otherwise predetermined for each LED segment 175, which is equal or not equal to the other switching intervals; the switching interval may be selected or programmed to be equal for each LED Segment 175; the switching interval can be dynamically determined for each LED segment 175, such as for a desired or selected lighting effect; depending on feedback of the measurement parameters, such as voltage or current levels, the switching interval can be dynamically determined for use In each LED segment 175; the switching interval can be dynamically determined or predetermined to provide equal current for each LED segment 175; the switching interval can be dynamically determined or predetermined to provide unequal current to each LED segment 175, such as for Hope or selected lighting effects, etc.

It should also be noted that various exemplary device embodiments can be shown to include a rectifier 105, which is an option but not necessary. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the exemplary embodiment can be implemented using a non-rectified AC voltage or current. Moreover, the exemplary embodiment may also use one or more LED segments 175 connected in opposite polarities (or opposite directions), or a set of LED segments 175 connected in a first polarity (direction) and in a second polarity ( The other set of LED segments 175 to be connected in opposite or anti-parallel direction is constructed such that, for example, and without limitation, each can receive current in a different half cycle of non-rectifying AC cycles. Continuing with this example, the first set of LED segments 175 can be switched (eg, continuous or in other order) to form a first LED 140 current path within the first half-cycle non-rectified AC cycle, in opposite directions or polarities. The aligned second set of LED segments 175 can be switched (eg, continuous or in other order) to non-rectified AC in the second half cycle A second LED 140 current path is formed within the loop.

Further continuing with this example, the non-rectified AC input voltage, the first half cycle AC cycle system is now divided into Q1 and Q2, during the Q1 period as the first part or part of the AC voltage interval, various implementations An example may be provided for switching the first plurality of segments of the LED to form a first series LED current path, and during the Q2 period of the second or part of the AC voltage interval, the first plurality of segments are illuminated The diode switches out the first series-connected LED current path. Then, in the case of the second half cycle AC cycle, the system can now be correspondingly divided into Q3 parts or parts and Q4 parts or parts (some are equal to Q1 and Q2, but have opposite polarities), in the AC voltage range. In the third part (Q3), various embodiments may be provided for switching the second plurality of light emitting diodes to form a second series LED current path, which is formed in the first partial AC voltage interval The series LED current paths are opposite in polarity, and the second plurality of LEDs are switched out of the second series LED current path in the fourth portion (Q4) AC voltage interval. All such variations are considered equivalent and are within the scope of the invention.

As mentioned above, the exemplary embodiments may also provide substantial or significant power factor correction. Referring again to FIG. 2, an exemplary embodiment provides that the LED 140 current can reach a peak (141) substantially simultaneously with the input voltage level V _IN (149). In various embodiments, before switching into the next period, for example, can cause reduced current _n-LED segment 175, can decide the next LED segment 175 is assumed to perform handover if there is sufficient time to maintain the lower quadrants Q1 of the series current path LED140 Reach Ip. If there is sufficient time to maintain at Q1, the next LED segment 175 will be switched into the series LED 140 current path, and if not, no additional LED segments 175 are switched in. In a later case, the LED 140 current will exceed the peak Ip (not shown separately in Figure 2), which provides the true peak LED 140 current is maintained at a corresponding threshold or other specification level, such as to avoid LED 140 or other circuit components. Potential damage. A variety of current limiting circuits that avoid such excessive current levels are discussed in more detail below.

4 is a block and circuit diagram showing a second exemplary system 250, a second exemplary device 200, and a first exemplary voltage sensor 195A designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The second exemplary system 250 includes a second exemplary device 200 (also referred to as an off-line AC LED driver) that is coupled to an alternating current (〝AC〞) line 102. The second exemplary device 200 also includes a plurality of LEDs 140, a plurality of switches 110 (eg, displayed by a MOSFET), a controller 120A, a current sensor 115, a rectifier 105, and a current regulator 180 (displayed Implemented for an operational amplifier of an exemplary embodiment), complementary switches 111 and 112, and optionally a first exemplary voltage sensor 195A (shown using a voltage divider of resistors 130 and 135) for providing The input voltage level is sensed to controller 120A. Also optionally, memory 185 and/or user interface 190 can also be included as described above. To simplify the description, DC power supply circuit 125 is not individually shown in Figure 4, but is included in any of the circuit locations discussed above and discussed in greater detail below.

The second exemplary system 250 and the second exemplary device 200 will operate similarly to the first system 50 discussed above with the first device 100 until the LED segment 175 switches into or out of the series LED 140 current path, but with different feedback applied different embodiments of switching mechanisms to allow individual control case peak current of each group of LED segment 175 (e.g.,: LED section of the first peak current _1751; LED segment ₁₇₅₁ and a second peak current of _1752; the LED segment 175 ₁ , the third peak current of 175 ₂ and 175 ₃ ; the nth peak current level via all of the LED segments 175 ₁ to 175 _n ). More specifically, feedback from the measured or otherwise determined current level Is of current sensor 115 is provided to the corresponding inverting terminal of current regulator 180, which is tied to current regulators 180 ₁ , 180 ₂ , 180 ₃ It is implemented up to 180 _n to display an operational amplifier that provides current regulation. The desired or selected peak current level for each corresponding set of LED segments 175 is displayed as _Ip1 , _Ip2 , _Ip3 through _Ipn , which is provided by controller 120A (via outputs 170 ₁ , 170 ₂ , 170 ₃ to 170 _n ) to the corresponding non-inverting terminal of current regulator 180. The output of each of the current regulators 180 ₁ , 180 ₂ , 180 ₃ to 180 _n is coupled to the gates of the corresponding switches 110 ₁ , 110 ₂ , 110 ₃ to 110 _n and, in addition, the complementary switch 111 (111 ₁ , 111 ₂ , 111 ₃ to 111 _n ) and 112 (112 ₁ , 112 ₂ , 112 ₃ to 112 _n ) each having a gate coupled to and controlled by controller 120A (via via switch 111) Outputs 172 ₁ , 172 ₂ , 172 ₃ to 172 _n and via outputs 171 ₁ , 171 ₂ , 171 ₃ to 171 _n ) for switch 112 provide tri-state control and finer-grained current regulation. The first linear control module can be provided when no complementary switches 111 and 112 are turned on and the switch 110 is controlled by the corresponding current adjuster 180, which is the current Is and feedback fed back from the current sensor 115. The set of peak current levels provided by the device 120 are compared such that current flows in and out of the switch 110 and the corresponding set of LED segments 175. The second saturation control module can be provided when the complementary switch 111 is turned on and the corresponding switch 112 is turned off. The third fail-safe module can be provided when the complementary switch 112 is turned on and the corresponding switch 111 is turned off so that current cannot flow through the corresponding switch 110. The control provided by the second exemplary system 250 and the second exemplary device 200 allows for flexibility in driving the corresponding set of LED segments 175, with individualized settings for current and conduction time, including but not limited to a set of LED segments 175 is all omitted.

5 is a block and circuit diagram showing a third exemplary system 350 and a third exemplary device 300 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The third exemplary system 350 also includes a third exemplary device 300 (also referred to as an off-line ACLED driver) coupled to an alternating current (〝AC〞) line 102. The third exemplary device 300 includes a plurality of LEDs 140, a plurality of switches 110 (eg, displayed in a MOS field effect transistor), a controller 120B, a current sensor 115, a rectifier 105, and an optional voltage sensor 195. (shown by voltage sensor 195A, using a voltage divider of one of resistors 130 and 135) is used to provide a sensed input voltage level to controller 120B. Also optionally, memory 185 and/or user interface 190 can also be included as discussed above. For ease of display, the DC power circuit 125 is not individually shown in Figure 5, but is included in any of the circuit locations discussed above and discussed in more detail below.

Although only three switches 110 and three LED segments 175 are shown, this system 350 and device 300 architecture can be easily extended to additional LED segments 175 or reduced to a smaller number of LED segments 175. Moreover, although shown by one, two, and four LEDs 140 in LED segments 175 ₁ , 175 _{2 ,} and 175 ₃ , respectively, the number of LEDs 140 in any known LED segment 175 is higher, lower, equal, or not. Equal, and all such variations are within the scope of the invention. In this exemplary device 300 and system 350, each switch 110 will be coupled to each corresponding end of a corresponding LED segment 175, that is, the drain of the switch 110 ₁ will be coupled to the first of the LED segments 175 ₁ . The end (at the anode of LED 140 ₁ ) and the source of switch 110 ₁ will be coupled to the second end of LED segment 175 ₁ (at the cathode of LED 140 ₁ ); the drain of switch 110 ₂ will be coupled to LED segment 175 The first end of ₂ (at the anode of LED 140 ₂ ) and the source of switch 110 ₂ will be coupled to the second end of LED segment 175 ₂ (at the cathode of LED 140 ₃ ); and the drain of switch 110 ₃ will be The first end of the LED segment 175 ₃ (at the anode of the LED 140 ₄ ) is coupled to the source of the switch 110 ₃ and the second end of the LED segment 175 ₃ (at the cathode of the LED 140 ₇ ). In this circuit architecture, the switch 110 allows both the selected LED segment 175 to bypass and block both current flows, resulting in only seven circuit states using three switches 110 instead of seven switches. In addition, the switching interval can be pre-selected or dynamically determined to provide any selected utilization or workload, such as a substantially balanced or equal workload for each LED segment 175, each LED segment 175 being coupled into the series. The LED 140 current path is used for the same interval within the AC half cycle, and each LED segment 175 carries substantially or approximately the same current.

Table 1 summarizes the different circuit states of exemplary device 300 and system 350. In Table 1, as in the more general case, where 〝N〞 is equal to some integer number of LEDs 140, LED segment 175 ₁ has 〝1N〞 number of LEDs 140, LED segment 175 ₂ has 〝2N〞 number of LEDs 140 and LED segments 175 ₃ has 〝3N number of LEDs 140, and the last column provides a more specific case (N=1) as shown in Figure 5, where LED segment 175 ₁ has one LED 140, LED segment 175 ₂ has two LEDs 140, and LED segments The 175 ₃ has four LEDs 140.

At state one, current will flow through the LED segment 175 ₁ (when in the bypass path, the switch 110 _{1 is} off and the current is blocked) and via the switches 110 ₂ , 110 ₃ . In state two, current will flow through switch 110 ₁ , LED segment 175 ₂ and switch 110 ₃ . In state three, current will flow through LED segment 175 ₁ , LED segment 175 ₂ and switcher 110 _{3 ,} etc., as provided in Table 1. It should be noted that as explained above with respect to Figures 1 and 2, the switching interval and switching state can be provided for the exemplary state 300 and system 350 such that as the rectified AC voltage increases, more LEDs 140 can be coupled into the series LED 140. The current path, and when the rectified AC voltage is reduced, a corresponding number of LEDs 140 are bypassed (switching out the series LED 140 current path), and the current change can also be shaped using Equation 1. It should also be noted that by varying the number of LED segments 175 and the number of LEDs 140 within each of the LED segments 175 for the exemplary device 300 and system 350, virtually any combination and number of LEDs 140 can be as necessary or desired. Switch to on and off for any corresponding lighting effects, circuit parameters (eg voltage or current level), etc. It should also be noted that all switches 110 of this exemplary architecture should not be simultaneously turned on and implemented.

6 is a block and circuit diagram showing a fourth exemplary system 450 and a fourth exemplary device 400 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The fourth exemplary system 450 also includes a fourth exemplary device 400 (also equivalently referred to as an off-line AC LED driver) coupled to an alternating current (〝AC〞) line 102. The fourth exemplary device 400 also includes a plurality of LEDs 140, a plurality of (first or high side 〞) switchers 110 (such as MOSFETs), a controller 120C, a current sensor 115, and a rectifier. 105, a plurality of (second or lower side) switches 210, a plurality of isolated (or blocking) diodes 205, and an optional voltage sensor 195 (shown by voltage sensor 195A, divided ) for providing a sensed input voltage level to controller 120B. Also optionally, memory 185 and/or user interface 190 can also be included as discussed above.

In a myriad of combinations, the fourth exemplary system 450 and the fourth exemplary device 400 provide both a series and parallel architecture for the LED segments 175. Although it can be easily illustrated and explained in Figure 6 with four LED segments 175 and two LEDs 140 in each LED segment 175, those skilled in the art will recognize that the architecture can be easily extended to additional The LED segments 175 are reduced to a smaller number of LED segments 175, and the number of LEDs 140 in any known LED segment 175 can be higher, lower, equal, or unequal, and all such variations can be within the scope of the present invention. Inside. Regardless, it is sensible to have an even number of LED segments 175 for such combinations.

The (first) switch 110, shown as switches 110 ₁ , 110 ₂ and 110 ₃ , is correspondingly coupled to the first LED 140 and the isolation diode 205 of the corresponding LED segment 175 as shown. The (second) switch 210, shown with switches 210 ₁ , 210 _{2 ,} and 210 ₃ , is correspondingly coupled to the last LED 140 of the corresponding LED segment 175 and the current sensor 115 (or, for example, to ground potential 117, or to another Sensor, or to another node). The gate of each switch 210 is coupled (and under control) to a corresponding output 220 of controller 120c displayed at 220 ₁ , 220 ₂ and 220 ₃ . In this fourth exemplary system 450 and the fourth exemplary device 400, each of the switches 110 and 210 performs a current bypass function such that when the switches 110 and/or 210 are turned on and implemented, current flows through the corresponding switch. And bypassing the remaining (or corresponding) one or more LED segments 175.

In the fourth exemplary system 450 and the fourth exemplary device 400, any of the LED segments 175 can be individually controlled or combined with other LED segments 175. For example and without limitation, when the switch 210 _{1 is} turned on and the remaining switches 110 and 210 are off, current will only be supplied to the LED segment 175 ₁ ; when the switches _{1 1 1} and 2102 are turned on and the remaining switches 110 and 210 are off The current will only be supplied to the LED segment 175 ₂ ; when the switches 110 ₂ and 210 _{3 are} turned on and the remaining switches 110 and 210 are off, current will only be supplied to the LED segment 175 ₃ ; and when the switch 1 _{3 is} turned on and When the remaining switches 110 and 210 are off, current will only be supplied to the LED segments 175 ₄ .

Also for example and without limitation, any of the LED segments 175 can be architected in any series combination to form a series LED 140 current path, such as when the switch 210 _{2 is} on and the remaining switches 110 and 210 are off, current is only provided To the LED segment 175 ₁ and the LED segment 175 _{2 in series} ; when the switch 110 _{2 is} turned on and the remaining switches 110 and 210 are off, the current is only supplied to the LED segment 175 ₃ and the LED segment 175 _{4 in series} ; When the switches 110 ₁ and 210 _{3 are} turned on and the remaining switches 110 and 210 are turned off, current is only supplied to the LED segments 175 ₃ and the LED segments 175 ₃ and the like in series.

In addition, many types of parallel and series combination LED segments 175 are also effective. For example and without limitation, when all of the switches 110 and 210 are turned on, all of the LED segments 175 will be paralleled to provide a plurality of parallel LED 140 current paths; when the switches 110 ₂ and 210 _{2 are} turned on and the remaining switches 110 When the 210 is turned off, the LED segments 175 ₁ and the LED segments 175 ₂ are connected in series to each other to form a first series LED 140 current path, and the LED segments 175 ₃ and the LED segments 175 ₄ are connected in series to each other to form a second series LED 140 current path, and The two series combinations can be further connected in parallel with each other (the series combination of LED segments 175 ₁ and LED segments 175 ₂ will combine LED segments 1753 and LED segments 175 ₄ in parallel to form a parallel LED 140 current path, which includes two series LED 140 current paths. Parallel combination; and when all of the switches 110 and 210 are off, all of the LED segments 175 are structured to form a series LED 140 current path as a string of LEDs 140 connected to the rectified AC voltage.

It should also be noted that by varying the number of LED segments 175 and the number of LEDs 140 within each of the LED segments 175 for the exemplary device 400 and system 450, in fact, any combination and number of LEDs 140 may be as necessary or desired. Switched to on and off for any corresponding lighting effects, circuit parameters (eg, voltage or current levels), etc., as discussed above, for example, by adding in series, in parallel, or both, at The number of LEDs 140 coupled in any combination substantially tracks the rectified AC voltage level.

7 is a block and circuit diagram showing a fifth exemplary system 550 and a fifth exemplary device 500 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The fifth exemplary system 550 is structurally similar to the fifth exemplary device 500 and is substantially similar in operation to the first exemplary system 50 and the first exemplary device 100, and differs from each other within a range, the fifth exemplary system 550 being The fifth exemplary device 500 then further includes a (second) sensor 225 (other than the current sensor 115) that provides selected feedback to the controller 120D via the controller input 230, and also includes a DC power circuit 125C to display another exemplary circuit location for use with, for example, a power source. FIG. 7 also generally shows input voltage sensor 195. Input voltage sensor 195 can also be implemented with a voltage divider that uses resistors 130 and 135. For this exemplary embodiment, DC power supply circuit in series 125C based LED segment 175 _n to the last embodiment and the third exemplary exemplary 125C DC power supply circuit 20 is discussed below with reference to FIG.

For example and without limitation, the second sensor 225 is an optical sensor or a thermal sensor. Continuing with the example, in the exemplary embodiment, second sensor 225 provides an optical sensor that is fed back to controller 120D with respect to light emitted from LED 140, the plurality of LED segments 175 containing different patterns The LEDs 140 have different illuminating spectra, such as illuminating in the visible range of wavelengths such as red, green, blue, and amber. For example, LED segment 175 ₁ includes red LED 140, LED segment 175 ₂ includes green LED 140, LED segment 175 ₃ includes blue LED 140, and another LED segment 175 _n-1 includes amber or white LED 140 and the like. Also for example: LED segment 175 ₂ includes amber or red LED 140 while other LED segments 175 include white LED 140 and the like. As described above, in such exemplary embodiments, due to feedback from the optical second sensor 225, a plurality of time periods t ₁ through t _n may be determined by the controller 120D for switching currents (via switching) 110), which corresponds to the illumination effect of the selected or selected building, such as ambient or output color control (ie, control of color temperature), such that current can be provided through the corresponding LED segment 175 to provide at the corresponding wavelength Corresponding illumination, such as red, green, blue, amber, white, and corresponding combinations of such wavelengths (for example, yellow is a combination of red and green). Those skilled in the art will recognize that a myriad of switching modes and patterns of LEDs can be applied to achieve any selected luminescent effect, any or all of which are within the scope of the claimed invention.

8 is a block and circuit diagram showing a sixth exemplary system 650 and a sixth exemplary device 600 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The sixth exemplary system 650 includes a sixth exemplary device 600 (also equivalently referred to as an off-line AC LED driver) coupled to the AC line 102. The sixth exemplary device 600 also includes a plurality of LEDs 140, a plurality of switches 110 (eg, also displayed by a MOSFET), a controller 120E, a (first) current sensor 115, a rectifier 105, and An optional voltage sensor 195 is provided to provide a sensed input voltage level to the controller 120. Also optionally, memory 185 and/or user interface 190 can also be included as discussed above.

As an optional component, the sixth exemplary device 600 further includes a current limiting circuit 260, 270 or 280, may also include an interface circuit 240, may also include a voltage sensor 195, and may also include a temperature protection circuit 290. Current limiting circuit 260, 270 or 280 can be applied to avoid a potentially large increase in LED 140 current, such as if the rectified AC voltage becomes abnormally high while multiple LEDs 140 are switched into the series LED 140 current path. Under control of controller 120E, current limiting circuit 260, 270 or 280 is active and may have a bias or operational voltage, or be passive and independent of controller 120E and any bias or operational voltage. Although many different embodiments of three positions and current limiting circuits 260, 270 or 280 are shown, it should be understood that only one of the current limiting circuits 260, 270 or 280 is selected for any known device implementation. Current limiting circuit 260 is located in the lower side of sixth exemplary device 600, between current sensor 115 (node 134) and switcher 110 source (and also the cathode of final LED 140 _n ) (node 132); The current limiting circuit 260 can also be placed between the current sensor 115 and the ground potential 117 (or the echo path of the rectifier 105). Alternatively, current limiting circuit 280 is placed between the high side of the sixth exemplary embodiment 600 between node 131 and the anode of first LED 140 ₁ of the series LED 140 current path. As a further alternative, current limiting circuit 270 can be applied between the high side and the lower side of sixth exemplary device 600, which is coupled to the top rail (node 131) and ground potential 117 (or current) The low or high (node 134) side of sensor 115 or another circuit node, including node 131). Current limiting circuits 260, 270, and 280 can be implemented in many different architectures and can be provided in many different locations within the sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300), many exemplary current limiting circuits 260, 270, and 280 are shown and discussed with reference to Figures 9-12.

Interface circuit 240 is applied to provide backward (or regression) compatibility with prior art switchers, such as dimming switch 285 that provides phase modulation dimming control and requires minimal holding or latching current for Proper operation. One or more of the LEDs 140 may or may not attract this minimum holding or latching current during various conditions within the AC cycle and at different times, which causes improper operation of the dimmer switch 285. Because the device manufacturer generally does not know in advance whether, for example, the illumination device of the sixth exemplary device 600 will be applied with the dimmer switch 285, the interface circuit 240 can be included in the illumination device. The exemplary interface circuit 240 will typically monitor the LED 140 current and, if less than a predetermined threshold (eg, 50 milliamps), will draw more current through the sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400) , 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300). The exemplary interface circuit 240 can be implemented in a variety of different architectures and can be provided within the sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, A number of different locations of 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300), a number of exemplary interface circuits 240 are shown and discussed with respect to Figures 13-17.

Voltage sensor 195 can be applied to sense an input voltage level from the rectified AC voltage of rectifier 105. Exemplary input voltage sensor 195 can also be implemented using voltage dividers of resistors 130 and 135, as discussed above. Voltage sensor 195 can be implemented in a number of different architectures and can be provided in a sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400 known or known as known in the art). Of the various positions of 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300), all such structures and locations may be considered equivalent to those of the present invention, except for the previously described voltage dividers. Within the scope.

Temperature protection circuit 290 can be applied to detect an increase in temperature over a predetermined threshold, and if such a temperature increase occurs, to reduce LED 140 current and thereby provide some degree of protection to protect exemplary device 600 from potential temperature related hurt. The exemplary temperature protection circuit 290 can be implemented in a variety of different architectures and can be provided in the sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, Exemplary temperature protection circuits 290A are shown and discussed with reference to FIG. 11 at various locations within 1100, 1200, 1300).

9 is a block and circuit diagram showing a first exemplary current limiter 260A designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The exemplary current limiter 260A can be implemented on the lower side of the sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) Between the nodes 134 and 132, the system actively switches the current limiting circuit. The predetermined or dynamically determined first critical current level (〝I _TH1 〞) (eg, the high or minimum current level for the selected specification) is provided to the non-inverting phase of the error amplifier 181 by the controller 120E (output 265). The terminal compares the critical current I _TH1 (relative to the corresponding voltage) to the current Is passing through the LED 140 (from the current sensor 115) (also compared to the corresponding voltage). When the current Is from the LED 140 is less than the critical current I _TH1 , the output of the error amplifier 181 will increase and be high enough to maintain the switch 114 (also referred to as the pass element) in the on state and allow the current Is to flow. When the current Is passing through the LED 140 increases above the critical current I _TH1 , the output of the error amplifier 181 is reduced to a linear mode to control (or go in and out) the switch 114 in the linear mode and provide a reduced level of current Is flowing.

10 is a block and circuit diagram showing a second exemplary current limiter 270A designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The exemplary current limiter 270A is implemented on the high side of the sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) 〞 (node 131) and 〝 low side 〞 between node 117 (lower side of current sensor 115) and node 132 (last cathode of series LED 140 _n ), and are passive passive current limiting circuits. The first resistor 271 and the second resistor 272 are coupled in series to form a bias coupled between the node 131 (eg, the positive terminal of the rectifier 105) and the gate of the switch 116 (also referred to as the pass element). The switch 116 is in a conductive mode during the basic operational bias period. NPN transistor 274 is coupled to second resistor 272 at its collector and coupled to current sensor 115 via its base-emitter junction. In this event, the voltage drop across current sensor 115 (e.g., resistor 165) will reach the breakdown voltage of the base-emitter junction of transistor 274, and transistor 274 will begin to implement, control (or access). The switch 116 is in a linear mode and is provided to flow a reduced level of current Is. It should be noted that this second exemplary current limiter 270A does not require any operational (bias) voltage to operate. Zener diode 273 is used to limit the gate-to-source voltage of transistor (FET) 116.

11 is a block and circuit diagram showing a third exemplary current limiter circuit 270B and temperature protection circuit 290A designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The exemplary current limiter 270B can also be implemented in the sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300). Side 〞 (node 131) and 〝 low side 〞 between node 117 (lower side of current sensor 115), node 134 (high side of current sensor 115) and node 132 (last cathode of series connected LED 140 _n ) And it is a passive 〞 current limiting circuit. The third exemplary current limiter 270B includes a resistor 283; a Zener diode 287; and two switches or transistors shown in a transistor (FET) 291 and an NPN bipolar junction transistor (BJT) 293. In operation, a transistor (FET) 291 typically turns on and implements LED 140 current (between nodes 132 and 134), and a bias voltage is provided by resistor 283 and Zener diode 287. The voltage across current sensor 115 (between nodes 134 and 117) causes the base emitter junction of transistor 293 to be biased, and when the LED 140 current exceeds a predetermined limit, the voltage will be high enough to turn on the power. A crystal 293 that pulls node 288 (with the gate of transistor (FET) 291) toward ground potential and reduces conduction through transistor (FET) 291, thereby limiting the current of LED 140. Zener diode 287 is used to limit the gate to source voltage of transistor (FET) 291.

Exemplary temperature protection circuit 290A includes first resistor 281 and second temperature dependent resistor 282 having a voltage divider architecture; Zener diodes 289 and 287; and two switches or transistors shown as FETs 292 and 291 . As the operating temperature increases, the resistance of resistor 282 increases to increase the voltage applied to the gate of transistor FET 292, which also pulls node 288 (with the gate of transistor (FET) 291) to ground potential The conduction through the transistor (FET) 291 is reduced, thereby limiting the LED 140 current. Zener diode 289 is also used to limit the gate to source voltage of transistor (FET) 292.

Figure 12 is a block and circuit diagram showing a fourth exemplary current limiter 280A designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Current limiting circuit 280A is located on the high side of sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) at the node 131 is coupled between the anode of the first LED 140 ₁ of the series LED 140 current path and further coupled to node 134 (the high side of current sensor 115). The fourth exemplary current limiter 280A includes a second current sensor implemented by a resistor 301; a Zener diode 306; and is shown in a transistor (P-type FET) 308 and a transistor (PNP BJT) 309. Two switches or transistors (and optional second resistor 302 are coupled to node 134 (the high side of current sensor 115)). The voltage across the second current sensor 301 causes the emitter-base junction of the transistor 309 to be biased, and in the event that the LED 140 current exceeds a predetermined limit, this voltage will be high enough to turn on the transistor 309, Node 307 (and the gate of transistor (FET) 308) is pulled to a higher voltage and conduction through transistor (FET) 308 is reduced, thereby limiting LED 140 current. Zener diode 306 is used to limit the gate-to-source voltage of transistor (FET) 308.

As noted above, interface circuit 240 is used to provide backward (or regression) compatibility with prior art switchers, such as dimmer switch 285, which provides phase modulation dimming control and requires minimal hold or latch current for use. For proper operation. The exemplary interface circuit 240 can be implemented in a wide variety of different architectures and can be provided in many of the exemplary devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 A variety of different locations, including those shown and discussed below.

13 is a block and circuit diagram showing a first exemplary interface circuit 240A designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Exemplary interface circuit 240A can be implemented on the high side of sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) (Node 131) is between the lower side and the node 134 (the high side of the current sensor 115) or the other low side node 132. The first exemplary interface circuit 240A includes first and second switches 118 and 119 and an error amplifier (or comparator) 183. In the switch (FET) 119 displays the transmission element is coupled to one or more additional LED 140 (LED 140 in parallel of the series current path), which is displayed to the LED 140 _p1 at 140 _pn when conducting provides useful Light output and avoiding inefficient power consumption in the switch 119. The predetermined or dynamically determined second critical current level (〝I _TH2 〞) (eg, the minimum holding or latching current level for dimmer 285) is provided to the error amplifier by controller 120E (output 275) The non-inverting terminal of (or comparator) 183 compares the critical current I _TH2 (relative to the corresponding voltage) with the current level I _s (also corresponding to the corresponding voltage) through LED 140 (from current sensor 115). Controller 120E also receives information from current level Is of current sensor 115 (eg, such as voltage level). When the current Is passing through the LED 140 is greater than the critical current I _TH2 , such as the minimum holding or latching current, the controller 120E turns on the switch 118 (connected to the gate of the switch 119), effectively turning off the switch 119 and making the first The current draw capability of an exemplary interface circuit 240A is disabled such that the first exemplary interface circuit 240A is unable to draw any additional current. When the current Is passing through the LED 140 is less than the critical current I _TH2 , such as less than the minimum holding or latching current, the controller 120E turns off the switch 118 and the switch 119 is output by the error amplifier (or comparator) 183. Linear mode operation, which allows additional current Is to flow through LEDs 140 _P1 through 140 _Pn and switch 119.

14 is a circuit diagram showing a second exemplary interface circuit 240B designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Exemplary interface circuit 240B can be implemented on the high side of sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) (Node 131) and the deuterated side, for example, coupled through current sensors 115 (implemented by resistor 165) on nodes 134 and 117. The second exemplary interface circuit 240B includes first and second and third resistors 316, 317; a Zener diode 311 (to clamp the gate voltage of the transistor 319); and an N-type FET 319 and a transistor ( NPN BJT) 314 shows the two switches or transistors. When the current Is through the LED 140 is greater than the critical current I _TH2 , such as a minimum holding or latching current, a voltage can be generated through the current sensor 115 (implemented by the resistor 165) to cause the base of the transistor 314 - The emitter junction creates a bias voltage that causes or maintains the transistor 314 to open and implement to pull the node 318 to the voltage at node 117, in this case a ground potential to effectively cause or maintain transistor 319 to be turned off and not implemented, In order to disable the current draw capability of the second exemplary interface circuit 240B, no additional current can be drawn. When the current Is passing through the LED 140 is less than the critical current I _TH2 , such as less than the minimum holding or latching current, the voltage generated by the current sensor 115 (implemented by the resistor 165) is insufficient to make the base of the transistor 314 The pole-emitter junction creates a bias and fails to turn on the transistor 314 or maintain it in an open and implemented state. The voltage generated by resistor 316 pulls node 318 up to a high voltage, turning on transistor 319, which allows additional current Is to flow through resistor 317 and transistor 319.

Figure 15 is a circuit diagram showing a third exemplary interface circuit 240C designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The exemplary interface circuit 240C can be architected and placed for use as described above for the second exemplary interface circuit 240B, and includes additional resistors 333 and blocking diodes 336 to avoid potential through the diodes 311 The discharge path and avoidance of the allowable current path does not pass through current sensor 115 (implemented by resistor 165).

Figure 16 is a block and circuit diagram showing a fourth exemplary interface circuit 240D designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The exemplary interface circuit 240D is also implemented in the high side of the sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300). (Node 131) and the deuterated side, for example, coupled through current sensors 115 (implemented by resistor 165) on nodes 134 and 117. The fourth exemplary interface circuit 240D includes first, second and third resistors 321, 322 and 323; Zener diode 324 (to clamp the gate voltage of the transistor 328); blocking the diode 326; An operational amplifier (〝op amp〞) 325 and two switches or transistors shown as N-type FET 328 and NPN BJT329. The operational amplifier 325 will produce a voltage differential that is amplified by the current sensor 115 (implemented by resistor 165) and allows the use of a current sensor 115 having a relatively low impedance or resistance. When the current Is passing through the LED 140 is greater than the critical current I _TH2 , such as a minimum holding or latching current, the amplified voltage (which biases the base-emitter junction of the transistor 329) causes or maintains the transistor 314. Turn-on and implementation, which is the voltage that pulls node 327 toward node 117, in this case a ground potential, to effectively cause or maintain transistor 328 to be turned off and not implemented to cause current of second exemplary interface circuit 240C The suction capacity fails and no additional current can be drawn. When the current Is passing through the LED 140 is less than the critical current I _TH2 , such as less than the minimum holding or latching current, the amplification voltage is insufficient to bias the base-emitter junction of the transistor 329 and the transistor 329 cannot be turned on. Or maintain it in an open and conductive state. The voltage generated by resistor 321 pulls node 327 up to a high voltage, turning on transistor 328, which allows additional current Is to flow through resistor 322 and transistor 328.

Figure 17 is a block and circuit diagram showing a fifth exemplary interface circuit 240E designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The exemplary interface circuit 240E can be architected and placed for the fourth exemplary interface circuit 240D as described above, and includes an additional resistor 341 and a switch 351 (controlled by the controller 120). In this fifth exemplary interface circuit 240E, various LED segments 175 can also be used to draw sufficient current to cause the current Is through the LED 140 to be greater than or equal to the critical current I _TH2 . When operating, the LED 140 peak current (Ip) is greater than the critical current I _{TH2 by} a significant or reasonable amplitude, such as 2-3 times the critical current I _TH2 . When the LED segment 175 is switched into the series LED 140 current path, the LED 140 current will initially be less than the critical current I _{TH2 , however} . Thus, when LED segment 175 ₁ (without any remaining LED segments 175) is initially implemented and has a current that is less than critical current I _TH2 , controller 120 turns off switch 351 and allows transistor 328 to radiate additional current through transistor 322 . Until the LED 140 current is greater than the critical current I _TH2 and the transistor 329 pulls the node 327 back to a low potential. Thus, the controller maintains the switch 351 in the open position and the LED segment 175 ₁ provides sufficient current to maintain the LED segment 175.

Thus, to prevent the LED 140 current level from falling below the critical current I _TH2 as the next LED segment 175 is switched into the series LED 140 current path, when the next LED segment 175 is switched into the series LED 140 current path, such as an LED Segment 175 ₂ , controller 120 will allow both switches 110 to be turned on and implemented, in which case both switches 110 ₁ and 110 ₂ allow sufficient LED current 140 to continue to flow through LED segment 175 ₁ while causing current in the LED segment 175 ₂ increased. When sufficient current also flows through the LED segments 175 ₂ , the switch 110 ₁ will be turned off and only the switch 1 _{2 2 will} remain on, and the process will continue for each of the remaining LED segments 175. For example, when the next LED segment 175 is switched into the series LED 140 current path, such as the LED segment 175 ₃ , the controller 120 will allow the two switches 110 to be turned on and implemented, in this case the switches 110 ₂ and 110 ₃ A sufficient LED current 140 is allowed to continue to flow through the LED segment 175 ₂ while causing current to increase in the LED segment 175 ₃ .

Without being shown separately, another type of interface circuit 240 that can be applied can be implemented with a fixed current source that draws a current greater than or equal to the critical current I _TH2 independently of the current Is passing through the LED 140, such as a minimum hold. Or latch current.

Figure 18 is a circuit diagram showing a first exemplary DC power supply circuit 125A designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As described above, the exemplary DC power circuit 125 can be used to provide DC power, such as Vcc, by the exemplary devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and/or 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200. , other components of the 1300 are used. The exemplary DC power circuit 125 can be implemented in a variety of different architectures and can be provided in the sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100) The various locations of 1200, 1300), with the exception of the various structures shown and discussed herein, are considered equivalent and within the scope of the claimed invention.

The exemplary DC power circuit 125A can be implemented on the high side of the sixth exemplary embodiment 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) 〞 (node 131) and the lower side, such as at node 134 (the high side of current sensor 115) or another low side node 132 or 117. Exemplary DC supply current 125A includes a plurality of LEDs 140, LEDs 361, 362, and 363, one or more capacitors 364 and 365, and optionally a switch 367, as shown by LEDs 140 _v1 , 140 _v2 through 140 _vz (by control) 120 controls). When the rectified AC voltage (from the rectifier 105) increases, the current through the diode will be provided 361 to charge capacitor 365 through to 140 _vz LED140 _vn and through diode 362 to charge capacitor 364. Output voltage Vcc will be provided on node 366 (i.e., on capacitor 364). 140 _vz LED140 _vn to be selected or predetermined to provide a substantially stable pressure drop, for example 18 volts, and provide another light source. When the rectified AC voltage (from rectifier 105) is reduced, capacitor 365 will have a higher voltage and will discharge via LEDs 140 _v1 through 140 _vm , which also provides another source of illumination and applies additional radiant energy that can be dissipated for use. To increase the efficiency of light output. When the output voltage _Vcc becomes higher than a predetermined voltage level or threshold, the overvoltage protection can be provided by the controller 120 to turn off the switch 367 to reduce the voltage level.

19 is a circuit diagram showing a second exemplary DC power supply circuit 125B designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The exemplary DC power circuit 125B is also implemented on the high side of the sixth exemplary device 600 (or any other device 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300) 〞 (node 131) and the lower side, such as at node 134 (the high side of current sensor 115) or another low side node 132 or 117. The exemplary DC power supply circuit 125B includes a switch or transistor (shown as an N-type MOS field effect transistor) 374, a resistor 371, a diode 373, a Zener diode 372, a capacitor 376, and optionally switching 377 (control by controller 120). A switch or transistor (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) 374 is biased to be conducted by the voltage generated by resistor 371 (and clamped by Zener diode 372) so that current can be supplied through the diode Capacitor 376 is charged 373. Output voltage Vcc will be provided to node 378 (i.e., capacitor 376). In this event, the output voltage Vcc may become higher than a predetermined voltage level or threshold, and overvoltage protection may also be provided by the controller 120 to turn the switch 377 off to reduce the voltage level.

20 is a circuit diagram showing a third exemplary DC power supply circuit 125C designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. Exemplary DC power supply circuit 125C described above with reference to FIG 5 may be connected in series on the LED segment 175 _n to the last embodiment. The exemplary DC power supply circuit 125C includes a switch or transistor (shown as an N-type MOS field effect transistor) 381, a comparator (or error amplifier) 382, an isolation diode 386, a capacitor 385, resistors 383 and 384. (with a voltage divider architecture), with a Zener diode 387, and using the reference voltage V _REF provided by the controller 120. During operation, current flows through the isolation diode 386 and charges the capacitor 385, the output voltage Vcc is provided at node 388 (capacitor 385), and Zener diode 387 is used to suppress transients and avoid capacitors at the beginning. 385 overflow, which typically has a current rating that matches the maximum LED 140 current. Resistors 383 and 384 in a voltage divider architecture can be used to sense the output voltage Vcc for use by comparator 382. When the output voltage Vcc is less than a predetermined level (corresponding to the reference voltage V _REF provided by the controller 120), the comparator 382 turns off the transistor (or switch) 381 such that most of the LED 140 current can charge the capacitor 385. When the output voltage Vcc reaches a predetermined level (corresponding to the reference voltage V _REF ), the comparator 382 will turn on the transistor (or switch) 381 to allow the LED 140 current to bypass to the capacitor 385. When capacitor 385 provides energy to the bias source (output voltage Vcc), it can be configured to discharge at a rate substantially less than the rate of charge. In addition, when the transistor (or switch) 381 is switched off for a number of times to begin a new cycle, the comparator 382 can also have some hysteresis architecture to avoid high frequency switching, and the AC ripple through the capacitor 385 can be It is reduced by the capacitance value and the hysteresis of the comparator, which can be easily determined by those skilled in the art.

21 is a block diagram showing an exemplary controller 120F designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The exemplary controller 120F includes a digital logic circuit 460, a plurality of switching driver circuits 405, analog to digital (A/D) converters 410 and 415, and optionally a memory circuit 465 (eg, in addition to or in place of Memory 185), dimming control circuit 420, comparator 425 and simultaneous (synchronous) signal generator 430, Vcc generator 435 (when another DC power circuit is not provided elsewhere), start reset circuit 445, The low voltage detector 450, the overvoltage detector 455, and the pulse 440 (which may also be provided off-chip or other circuitry). Not individually shown, additional components (e.g., a charge pump) can be used to power the switch driver circuit 405, which can be implemented, for example, in a buffer circuit. A variety of optional components can be implemented as necessary or desired, such as power at reset circuit 445, Vcc generator 435, over-voltage detector 450, and over-voltage detector 455, such as in addition to or in lieu of other DC power generation, protection and limiting road.

A/D converter 410 can be coupled to current sensor 115 to receive a parameter measurement (eg, voltage level) corresponding to LED 140 current and converted to a digital value for use by digital logic circuit 460 in determining, among other things. In addition to whether the LED 140 current reaches a predetermined peak I _p . The A/D converter 415 can be coupled to the input voltage sensor 195 to receive a parametric measurement (eg, a voltage level) corresponding to the rectified AC input voltage V _IN and converted to a digital value for the same decision by the digital logic circuit 460 When used, the LED segment 175 is switched into or out of the series LED 140 current path, among other things, as discussed above. Memory 465 (or memory 185) can be used to store intervals, voltages, or other parameter information that is used to determine LED segment 175 switching during Q2. Due to the digital input value of the LED 140 current, the rectified AC input voltage V _IN and/or the time interval information (via clock 440), the digital logic circuit 460 provides control to the plurality of switching driver circuits 405 (to switch the driver circuits 405 ₁ , 405 ) ₂ , 405 ₃ to 405 _n display, corresponding to each switch 110, 210 or any other type of switch under the control of the controller 120, to control the various LED segments 175 to switch into or out of the series LED 140 current path ( In or out of various parallel paths), as discussed above, such as to substantially track V _IN or provide a desired illumination effect (eg, dimming or color temperature control), which is discussed below with reference to FIG.

For example, as described above, in the first method, when the rectified AC input voltage V _{IN is} approximately or substantially close to zero (which may additionally be a negative to positive zero crossing and vice versa for non-rectified AC input voltage) (shown at 144 in Figures 2 and 3, which may be referred to herein as substantially zero voltage or zero crossing), and store the corresponding clock cycle number or time value in memory 465 (or memory 185) The controller 120 (using the comparator 425, the sync signal generator 430 and the digital logic circuit 460) can determine the start of the quadrant Q1 and provide a corresponding sync signal (or sync pulse). In quadrant Q1, controller 120 (using digital logic circuit 460) can store the digital value of the rectified AC input voltage V _IN that occurs when LED 140 current reaches a predetermined peak Ip in memory 465 (or memory 185). , for one or more LED segments 175 in the series LED 140 current path, and provide corresponding signals to the plurality of switching driver circuits 405 to control the switching of the next LED segment 175, and repeat these measurements and information storage for continuous Switch into each LED segment 175. Thus, the voltage level can be stored to correspond to the highest voltage level of the current (or first) set of LED segments 175 before switching to the next LED segment 175, which is also substantially equal to the set of LEDs that are switched into the next LED segment 175. The lowest voltage level of segment 175 (to form a second set of LED segments 175). In quadrant Q2, when the rectified AC input voltage V _IN decreases, the LED 140 current decreases from a predetermined peak I _{p of} a given set of LED segments 175, and then as each LED segment 175 continuously switches out of the series LED 140 current path, LED 140 The current will rise back to the predetermined peak I _p . Thus, in quadrant Q2, controller 120 (using digital logic circuit 460) can retrieve a digital value for rectifying AC input voltage V _IN from memory 465 (or memory 185), which occurs when the LED 140 current reaches the first group in advance When the predetermined peak Ip of the LED segment 175 corresponds to the lowest voltage level of the second group of LED segments 175, a corresponding signal is provided to the plurality of switching driver circuits 405 to control the LED segment 175 to be switched from the second group of LED segments 175, such that a group of LED segments can be connected and LED140 175 is now able to return to a predetermined peak current I _p in voltage level, and repeating these measurements and retrieve information to be used to the successive switching of each LED segment 175.

Also as described above, for the second, time-based approach, the controller 120 (using the comparator 425, the sync signal generator 430, and the digital logic circuit 460) can also rectify the AC input voltage V _IN approximately or When substantially close to zero, the start of quadrant Q1 is determined and a corresponding sync signal is provided, and the corresponding clock cycle number or time value is stored in memory 465 (or memory 185). Within quadrant Q1, controller 120 (using digital logic circuit 460) can store the digital value in memory 465 (or memory 185) for LED 140 current to reach one or more of the LED segments in the series LED 140 current path. The time of the predetermined peak I _p of 175 (for example, the number of clock cycles) or time, and the corresponding signal is supplied to the plurality of switching drive circuits 405 to control the switching of the next LED segment 175, and repeating these measurements, the number of times and Information is stored for continuous switching into each LED segment 175. The controller 120 (using the digital logic circuit 460) can further calculate the interval information corresponding to the storage, such as a post-switching time interval (number of clock cycles or time interval) required for a given group of LED segments 175 to reach _Ip , such as The number of clocks at the time of switching is subtracted from the number of clocks when Ip is reached. Thus, the time and interval information can be stored, which corresponds to the switching time of the given (first) group of LED segments 175 and the time when the known (first) group of LED segments 175 reaches _Ip , which corresponds to the next (first) 2) Switching time of the LED segments of the group. In quadrant Q2, when the rectified AC input voltage V _IN to reduce, from a known LED 140 will set the current peak value I _p predetermined reduction LED segment 175, then the LED segment 175 when each successive switching a current path of the series LED 140, LED 140 The current will rise back to the predetermined peak I _p . Thus, in quadrant Q2, controller 120 (using digital logic circuit 460) can retrieve corresponding interval information from memory 465 (or memory 185), calculate the time at which the next LED segment 175 is switched out of the series LED 140 current path, or The number of clock cycles, and the corresponding signals are provided to a plurality of switching driver circuits 405 to control the LED segments 175 to be switched out of the second group of LED segments 175 such that the first group of LED segments 175 can now be connected and the LED 140 current will return The peak _{Ip is} predetermined and these measurements, calculations, and information captures are repeated for successive switching out of each LED segment 175.

Controller 120 (using digital logic circuit 460) may also implement power factor correction for both exemplary voltage and time based methods. When as described above with reference to FIG. 2 and 3, when the end of Q1, the rectified AC input voltage V _IN reaches a peak (149), a power efficiency, the current it is also desirable to substantially concurrently LED140 reaches a predetermined peak value I _p. Thus, the switching into the next period (for example, _n-LED segment 175) before the system can cause reduced current, the controller 120 (using digital logic circuit 460) may be determined at the time when an existing group if segment LED I _p 175 reaches the period (e.g. : LED segment 175 _n ) If there is sufficient time in the case of switching in, leave Q1 for the next set of LED segments 175 to reach I _p . If sufficient time is left by controller 120 to remain in Q1 (using digital logic circuit 460), controller 120 will generate a corresponding signal to a plurality of switching driver circuits 405 so that the next LED segment 175 can be switched into the series LED 140. The current path, and if not, does not have any additional LED segments 175 switched in. In a later case, the LED 140 current will exceed the peak Ip (not shown separately in Figure 2), and the true peak LED 140 current provided is maintained below the corresponding threshold or other specification level to avoid avoiding the LED 140 or other circuitry. The potential damage of the component can also be limited by various current limiting circuits to avoid such excessive current levels as discussed above.

The controller 120 can also be implemented to adapt to the time, interval, voltage, and other parameters applied to Q2, generally based on the most recent group measurements and decisions made in the previous Q1. Thus, when the LED segment 175 is switched out of the series LED 140 current path, in the event that the LED 140 current increases too much, such as exceeding a predetermined peak Ip or exceeding a predetermined amplitude, the LED segment 175 can be switched back to the series LED 140 current path. The LED 140 current is returned to a level below Ip or below Ip plus a predetermined amplitude. Essentially, controller 120 (using digital logic circuit 460) will adjust time, interval, voltage or other parameter information, such as LED segment 175 will switch out of the series LED 140 current path for use in the next Q2 increase (increment) time Interval or reduce (decrease) voltage levels.

In an exemplary embodiment, controller 120 may then sense the rectified AC voltage V _IN and generate a sync pulse that corresponds to a substantially zero (or zero crossing) rectified AC voltage V _IN . Controller 120 (using digital logic circuit 460) can measure or calculate the time between two synchronization pulses (rectification period, approximately or typically related to twice the reciprocal of the utility line frequency), and can then divide the rectification period by two to determine The duration of each quadrant Q1 and Q2 and the approximate point at which Q1 will end. In one embodiment, the LED segments 175 are not necessarily switched when Ip is reached. In another embodiment, the quadrants can be approximately or substantially divided into equal intervals to correspond to the LED segments 175, such that each A switching interval is substantially the same. During Q1, controller 120 then generates corresponding signals to a plurality of switching driver circuits 405 such that continuous LED segments 175 can be switched into the series LED 140 current path for the corresponding interval, and in the case of Q2, controller 120 The corresponding signal is then generated to a plurality of switching driver circuits 405 such that successive LED segments 175 can be switched out of the series LED 140 current path in reverse (or mirror) order for the corresponding interval, as discussed above, and the new Q1 It will start at the next sync pulse.

In addition to generating or assigning substantially equal intervals of the number 〝n 对应 of the corresponding LED segments 175, there are many other ways to assign such intervals, any or all of which may be within the scope of the claimed invention, such as, but not limited to, various The unequal interval period of the LED segments 175 is used to obtain any desired illumination effect; as described above, the dynamic designation using current or voltage feedback; providing substantially equal current for each LED segment 175 such that each segment can generally be approximately Etc. is applied; unequal currents are provided for each LED segment 175 to achieve any desired illumination effect or to optimize or improve AC line performance or efficiency.

Other dimming methods are also within the scope of the invention. As is apparent from Fig. 3, the rectified AC voltage V _IN substantially zero (or zero crossing) is used to determine the duration of the quadrants Q1 and Q2, which will be different in phase modulation dimming, and the first part is intercepted or eliminated. The rectified AC voltage V _IN . Thus, the time between successive sync pulses (zero crossings) can be compared to the values stored in memory 465 (or memory 185), such as 10 milliseconds for a 50 Hz AC line or for a 60 Hz AC line. 8.36 milliseconds. Typical, non-dimming applications when the time between consecutive sync pulses (zero crossings) is approximately or substantially the same (within predetermined variations) of the associated or selected values stored in memory 465 (or memory 185) It can be displayed and the operation can be performed as previously discussed. When the time between consecutive sync pulses (zero crossings) is less than the associated or selected value stored in memory 465 (or memory 185) (plus or minus predetermined variables or thresholds), a dimming application can be display. Depending on the comparison or difference between the time between successive sync pulses (zero crossings) and the associated or selected values stored in memory 465 (or memory 185), the corresponding switching sequence of LED segments 175 can be from memory 465 ( Or memory 185) is determined or captured. For example, as shown and described above with respect to FIG. 3, the comparison can show a 45 phase modulation, which can then show how many intervals should be omitted. As another alternative, a complete set of LED segments 175 can be switched into the series LED 140 current path, and any dimming can be provided directly by the selected phase modulation.

It should also be noted that LEDs of various types, such as high brightness LEDs, can be quite well described for such dimming applications. More specifically, the LED can be selected to have a feature that the voltage will change by more than 2:1 (if possible) when its LED current changes from zero to the maximum allowable current to allow phase modulation by the AC line. Dimming light emitting device. Assuming that 〝N〞 LEDs are conducted, the rectified AC voltage V _IN will rise, and when the current reaches I _p , the next LED segment 175 will be switched into the series LED 140 current path, and then just before switching the voltage system. (Equation 2): V _LED = V _IN = N (V _FD + I _p * Rd)

Among them, the fact that LEDs are molded with voltage (V _FD ) plus resistor mode. After turning on ΔN for more LED switching, the voltage will change to (Equation 3): V _IN = ( N + △ N ) ( V _FD + I _after R _d )

Set (Equations 2 and 3) the two-wire voltage V _IN equals (Equation 4):

Therefore, to make the current positive after the LED 140 of the next LED segment 175 is turned on, then NI _P R _D >ΔNV _FD , and further, if we want the current to maintain the latch current of the residential dimmer ( I _latch above), then (Equation 5):

From Equation 5, we can get the I _P value, called 〝I _max 〞, which provides the desired I _latch current when the next LED segment 175 is switched (Equation 6):

From equation (1), we will then find the value of I _P =I _maximum current at the time of segment switching (Equation 7):

From setting Equations 6 and 7 to be equal to each other, we can then determine the critical input voltage 〝V _INT 〞 to generate the value of the I _latch current to the LED segment 175 (Equation 8): V _INT = N ( F _FD + I _max R _d )

Equations 2 through 8 present a theoretical background for the process of controlling the driver interface with a wall dimmer without additional bleed resistance, which can be implemented in a variety of different demonstrations under the control of controller 120 (with variations 120A-120E) Within the device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600). To implement this control method, one or more parameters or features of the device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600) may be stored in memory 185, such as by the device manufacturer, Dispenser or end user, including but not limited to, for example, the number of LEDs 140 including various LED segments 175 in the segment, forward voltage drop (for all drops of each LED 140 or each selected LED segment 175), dynamic resistance Rd, and one or more operational parameters or features of the device (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600), including but not limited to, for example, a dimmer (285) latch current I _latch The operating parameters of the _lock , the peak current of segment _Ip , and the maximum current of LED segment 175 are provided (after switching of the next LED segment 175) a minimum current equal to the I _latch . In addition, the value of the input voltage V _INT for each LED segment 175 and LED segment 175 combination (when they are switched into the LED 140 current path) can be calculated using equation 8 and stored in memory 185, or can be controlled by The device 120 is dynamically determined during operation and may also be stored in memory (as discussed below, as part of the first exemplary method). These various parameters and/or features, such as peak and maximum current, are the same for each LED segment 175, or are clear for each LED segment 175.

22 is a flow chart showing a first exemplary method of designing according to the teachings of the present invention, which is implemented to maintain sufficient dimming switch 285 to operate properly (available with one or more devices (100, 200, Minimum current of 300, 400, 500, 600) coupling). The method begins in an initial step 601. One or more of these various parameters can be substantially retrieved or otherwise obtained from the memory 185 by the controller 120, such as the input voltage for the active LED segment 175. The value of V _INT . The controller can then switch the LED segment 175 into the LED 140 current path (except in the case of the first LED segment 175 ₁ , which is dependent on the circuit architecture, which is always in the LED 140 current path), step 610, and monitoring LED 140 current path current, step 615. When the current through the LED 140 current path reaches the peak current _Ip (determined using current sensor 115), at step 620, the input voltage V _IN is measured or sensed (which is also determined using voltage sensor 195) Step 625, and the measured input voltage V _IN is compared with the critical input voltage V _INT (one of the parameters may be previously stored in the memory 185 and can be retrieved therefrom), step 630. In accordance with this comparison, when the measured input voltage V _{IN is} greater than or equal to the critical input voltage V _INT , the controller 120 switches the next LED segment 175 into the LED 140 current path, step 640. When it is measured in step 635 that the input voltage V _{IN is} not greater than or equal to the critical input voltage V _INT , the controller 120 does not switch the next LED segment 175 into the LED 140 current path (ie, continues to use the current current in the LED 140 current path). LED segment 175 operates the device) and continuously monitors input voltage V _IN , returning to step 625 to when the measured input voltage V _IN becomes equal or greater than the critical input voltage V _INT (step 635), the next LED segment 175 switches into the LED 140 current path (step 640). After step 640 and when power is turned off, in step 645, the method repeats another LED segment 175, returning to step 615, otherwise the method will end and return to step 650.

23 is a flow chart showing a second exemplary method of designing in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, and provides a useful overview of tracking a rectified AC voltage V _IN or performing a method such as dimming. The decision, calculation and control steps of the method can be implemented, for example, with a state machine of controller 120. Many of the steps can also be initiated simultaneously and/or in any number of different orders, in a variety of different manners, except for the order shown in Figure 23, any and all of which can be considered equal and Within the scope of the invention of the present application.

More specifically, for ease of explanation, the method shown in Figure 23 begins with one or more zero crossings, i.e., one or more consecutive decisions determine that the rectified AC voltage V _{IN is} substantially equal to zero. During this decision period, all, none, or one or more of the LED segments 175 can be switched in. Those who are familiar with electronic technology will admit that they will start with countless other methods, several of which will also be discussed below.

The method begins with an initial step 501, such as by starting, and determines whether the rectified AC voltage V _IN is substantially equal to zero (eg, zero crossing), step 505. If so, the method initiates a time measurement (eg, counting a clock cycle) and/or provides a synchronization signal or pulse, step 510. When the rectified AC voltage V _{IN is} substantially not equal to zero at step 505, the method will wait for the next zero crossing. In an exemplary embodiment, steps 505 and 510 are repeated for a second (or more) zero crossing, and the decision can be easily measured when the rectified AC voltage V _{IN is} substantially equal to zero, step 515. The method may then determine a rectified AC interval (period), step 520, and determine a duration of the first half cycle rectified AC interval (period), ie, the first quadrant Q1, and any switching intervals, such as when Q1 is divided into corresponding When there are many equal time intervals for the number of LED segments 175, as discussed above, step 525. The method can then also determine if brightness dimming will occur, such as when displayed by the zero crossing information discussed above, step 530. If dimming occurs, the method determines the starting group of LED segments 175, step 535, such as the many segments omitted as discussed with reference to Figure 3, and the interval after zero crossing (corresponding to phase modulation) for switching A selected number of LED segments 175 are entered, step 540. After step 540 or when dimming does not occur or if dimming occurs but the rectified AC voltage V _IN will be tracked, the method proceeds to steps 545 and 551, which may generally be performed substantially simultaneously.

In step 545, the method determines time (eg, number of clock cycles) or voltage or other measurement parameter and stores the corresponding value in, for example, memory 465 (or memory 185). As mentioned above, these values can be applied to Q2. In step 551, the method switches a plurality of LED segments 175 into the series LED 140 current path to correspond to the desired order or time interval, Pressure level, other measurement parameters or the desired illuminating effect. The method may then determine if the time or time interval indicates the end of Q1 (ie, the time is sufficiently close to or equal to the half cycle of the rectified AC interval (period), such as for a predetermined amount of time from the Q1 endpoint), step 555 And if there are remaining LED segments 175 that are switched into the series LED 140 current path, step 560. When Q1 has not ended and when there are remaining LED segments 175, the method may determine if the LED 140 current reaches a predetermined peak Ip (or use time-based control, whether or not the current level has elapsed), step 565. When the LED 140 current does not reach the predetermined peak Ip (or when the current interval has not elapsed), in step 565, the method returns to step 555. When the LED 140 current reaches a predetermined peak value Ip (or when the current interval elapses) in step 565, the method may determine if sufficient current remains in the event that the next LED segment 175 is switched into the series LED 140 current path. Q1 to reach IP, step 570. When there is sufficient time to stay at Q1 to reach Ip, step 570, the method returns to steps 545 and 551 and repeats to determine the time (eg, number of clock cycles) or voltage or other measurement parameters, and store the corresponding value (step 545), and switch to the next LED segment 175 (step 551).

When the time or time interval shows the end of Q1 (i.e., the time is sufficiently close to or equal to the half cycle of the rectified AC interval (period)), step 555, or when no more remaining LED segments 175 are switched in, step 560, Or when there is not any sufficient time remaining at Q1 to switch to the next LED segment 175 and the LED 140 current reaches Ip, in step 570, the method begins Q2, the rectified AC interval (period) of the second half cycle. After steps 555, 560, or 570, the method may determine voltage levels, time intervals, other measurement parameters, step 575. The method can then determine whether the currently determined voltage level, time interval, other measured parameters have reached a corresponding stored value for the corresponding set of LED segments 175, step 580, such as whether the rectified AC voltage V _IN is reduced to be stored in the memory. voltage level, which corresponds to a switching system into _n-last LED segment 175, for example, and if so, the LED segment 175 corresponding to the method will switch out of the series LED140 current path, step 585.

The method can then determine if the LED 140 current has increased to a predetermined threshold greater than Ip (i.e., Ip plus a predetermined amplitude), step 590. If so, the method switches the recently switched corresponding LED segment 175 back to the series LED 140 current path, step 595, and determines and stores new parameters for the LED segment 175 or time interval, step 602, such as voltage level. , time intervals, new values for other measurement parameters, as discussed above (eg, voltage level reduction or increase time value). Before switching out of the LED segment 175 again (back to step 585), the method can then wait for a predetermined time period, step 606, or instead of step 606, return to step 580 to determine the currently determined voltage level, time interval, other measurement parameters. Whether the corresponding new stored value has been reached for the corresponding set of LED segments 175 and the method will repeat. When the LED 140 current does not increase to a predetermined threshold greater than Ip at step 590, the method may determine if there are remaining LED segments 175 or the remaining time interval is in Q2, step 611, and if so, the method returns Step 575 and repeat to continuously switch out of the next LED segment 175. When no remaining LED segments 175 are switched out of the series LED 140 current path or when there are no more remaining time intervals at Q2, the method may determine if there is a zero crossing, ie whether the rectified AC voltage V _{IN is} substantially equal to zero, step 616 . When a zero crossing occurs and when power is not turned off, in step 621, the method repeats to start the next Q1, returning to step 510 (otherwise, step 520 or steps 545 and 551), otherwise the method will end, back Go to step 626.

As mentioned above, the method is not limited to starting when a zero crossing occurs. For example, the method may determine the rectified AC voltage V _IN level and/or the time duration, time interval, other measurement parameters from the substantially zero rectified AC voltage V _IN , and switch into the number of LED segments 175 corresponding to that parameter. In addition, depending on continuous voltage or time measurements, the method can determine whether in the Q1 (increase voltage) or Q2 (decrease voltage) portion of the rectified AC interval (period), and continue to individually switch in or switch out the corresponding LED segment. 175. Alternatively, the method can be switched or coupled into substantially all of the LED segments 175 of the series LED 140 current path to initiate (eg, via reset power), and wait for the display rectified AC voltage V _{IN to be} substantially equal to zero and Q1 begins. A sync pulse, and then various calculations and switching of the plurality of LED segments 175 are initiated to correspond to that voltage level, time interval, other measured parameters, or desired illumination effects, which is performed in step 520 of the method of FIG.

Not shown separately in Figure 23, steps 545 and 551 may include additional features for the dimming application. There is a dimming environment in which there is no Q1 time interval, so that the phase modulation dimming will cut or limit the AC interval of ninety degrees or more. In these environments, the Q2 voltage or time interval cannot be obtained from the corresponding information obtained in Q1. In various exemplary embodiments, controller 120 obtains a predetermined value from memory (185, 465), such as a time interval corresponding to the number of LED segments 175, using the predetermined values originally in Q2, and by monitoring through the The AC input voltage of the LED 140 current path is connected in series with the LED 140 current to modify or train these values within Q2. For example, starting with a predetermined value stored in the memory, the controller 120 will increment these values until IP is reached within Q2, and then store the corresponding new voltage value for each outgoing switch of the LED segment 175. .

24 is a block and circuit diagram showing a seventh exemplary system 750 and a seventh exemplary device 700 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The seventh exemplary system 750 includes a seventh exemplary device 700 (also equivalently considered an offline AC LED driver) coupled to the AC line 102. The seventh exemplary device 700 also includes a plurality of LEDs 140, a plurality of switches 310 (shown as n-channel enhancement FETs, as an example), a controller 120G, a (first) current sensor 115, and a rectifier 105. Also optional and not shown separately in Figure 24, memory 185 and/or user interface 180 may also be included as discussed above. The seventh exemplary device 700 does not require an additional voltage sensor (such as sensor 195) or a power supply (Vcc 125), although these components can be applied as intended.

A seventh exemplary device 700 (and other devices 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 as discussed below) is primarily applied to provide current regulation of the series LED 140 current path, as well as applying current parameters to each An LED segment 175 switches into or out of the series LED 140 current path. The seventh exemplary device 700 (and other devices 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300 as discussed below) differs from the first device 100 primarily in relation to the location of the controller 120 and the feedback provided to the controller 120. Type, and several devices (1100, 1200, and 1300) apply different switching circuit configurations. More specifically, the controller 120G has different circuit positions, in addition to receiving input from the current sensor 115 (inputs 160, 161), receiving an input of the input voltage V _IN (input 162), receiving between the LED segments 175 Input (feedback) of each node voltage (input 320). In this exemplary embodiment, controller 120G can be initiated, for example, by or via any of these node voltages. Since this voltage and current information is used, the controller 120G generates a gate (or base) voltage for the FET switch 310, which can be controlled in either linear or switching either mode (or both) to produce any Current mode to maximize power factor, light to produce brightness, efficiency, and interface bonding to a triode-based dimming switch. For example, controller 120G can generate the gate voltage of FET switch 310 to substantially maintain a fixed current level of the combination of various LED segments 175 within both Q1 and Q2. Continuing with the example, controller 120G can generate a gate voltage for FET switch 310 ₁ to provide a current of 50 mA to the series LED 140 current path including LED segment 175 ₁ , and then generate a gate voltage for FET switch 310 ₂ to provide a current of 75 mA to the series LED 140 current path comprising LED segment 175 ₁ and LED segment 175 ₂ , followed by zero or no gate voltage for FET switch 310 to provide current 100 mA in series with all LED segments 174 LED140 current path. The parameters or comparison levels of the current levels can be stored, for example, in memory 185 (not shown separately), or also provided, for example, via analog circuits. In the present circuit topology; controller 120G can thus control the current level in the series LED 140 current path and provide corresponding linear or switching control of FET switch 310 to maintain any desired current levels in Q1 and Q2. For example, and without limitation, directly tracking the input voltage/current level, or stepping through the input voltage/current level, or maintaining a fixed current level. Moreover, in addition to feedback from current sensor 115, various node voltages can be applied to provide this linear and/or switching control of FET switch 310. When using an n-channel FET for display, it should be noted that any other type or type of switch, transistor (eg P-channel field effect transistor, bipolar junction transistor (npn or pnp)), or A switch or transistor combination (eg, a Darlington device) can also be equally applied (including related to other devices 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300).

25 is a block and circuit diagram showing an eighth exemplary system 850 and an eighth exemplary device 800 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The eighth exemplary device 800 differs from the seventh exemplary device 700 in that the resistor 340 can be in series with the FET switch 310 and the respective voltage or current levels can be provided as feedback to the controller 120H (input 330), This provides additional information to the controller 120H, such as the current level through each of the LED segments 175 and switch 310 when the LED segment 175 is switched into or out of the series LED 140 current path. By measuring the current level at each branch (LED segment 175), a relatively small resistor 340 (e.g., as compared to resistor 165) can be advantageously employed, which can be used to reduce power loss. In accordance with this selected embodiment, such a resistor 165 (e.g., current resistor 115) can thus be omitted (not shown separately).

26 is a block and circuit diagram showing a ninth exemplary system 950 and a ninth exemplary device 900 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The ninth exemplary device 900 differs from the eighth exemplary device 800 in that the resistor 345 is in series with the FET switch 310 at the high side rather than at the low voltage side. In the present exemplary embodiment, when the respective FET switch 310 is turned on, the series resistors 345 (which have a relatively large resistance compared to the low side resistor 340) can be applied to increase the impedance on their branches. It can be applied to improve electromagnetic interference (〝EMI〞) performance and remove the potential need for additional EMI filters (not shown separately).

27 is a block and circuit diagram showing a tenth exemplary system 1050 and a tenth exemplary device 1000 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The tenth exemplary device 1000 differs from the eighth exemplary device 800 in that additional current control can be provided in the series LED 140 current path (without any bypass) when all LED segments 175 are applied to apply the switch 310n (also shown as an n-channel FET) and series resistor 340n, both coupled in series with the LED segment 175 in the series LED 140 current path. Switch 310n and series resistor 340n can be applied to provide current limiting, in addition to the current limit provided by series resistor 340n, controller 120I can provide a corresponding gate voltage (typically in linear mode, although the switch mode is also It can be applied to switch 310n to maintain a desired current level in the series LED 140 current path. This is particularly useful in situations where the input voltage VIN becomes too high; due to the input of V _IN (input 162) and the feedback of the node voltage (from the series resistance 340n at input 330n), by adjusting the gate voltage of the switch 310n, The controller 120I is capable of avoiding excessive current flow through the LED segments 175 in the current path of the series LED 140. In addition, due to this circuit topology, the values of other resistors (such as 165 or other resistors 340) may then be excessive or reduced, however controller 120I will still have sufficient information to provide the desired performance, and depending on the choice In an embodiment, this resistor 165 (such as current sensor 115) will therefore be omitted (not shown separately). It is also noted that switch 310n and series resistor 340n may also be placed elsewhere in the tenth exemplary device 1000, such as between other LED segments 175, or at the top or beginning of the series LED 140 current path, or at positive Or a negative voltage rail, and not at the bottom or end of the current path of the series LED 140.

28 is a block and circuit diagram showing an eleventh exemplary system 1150 and an eleventh exemplary device 1100 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. The eleventh exemplary device 1100 differs from the seventh exemplary device 700 in that the FET switch 310 is connected (at the corresponding anode of the first LED 140 of the LED segment 175) such that the series LED 140 current path always includes Finally LED segment 175n. Instead of the last LED segment 175 to be turned on, the last LED segment 175n is the first LED segment 175 to be turned on and conducted in the series LED 140 current path. The circuit topology of the eleventh exemplary device 1100 has the additional advantage of being used for control The power of the 120G can be provided from the node voltage obtained at the last LED segment 175n, and various voltage and current levels can also be monitored at this node to potentially and optionally remove other nodes from the current path of the series LED 140. Feedback of voltage levels to further simplify the controller 120G design.

29 is a block and circuit diagram showing a twelfth exemplary system 1250 and a twelfth exemplary device 1200 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As previously discussed with respect to the eighth exemplary device 800, the twelfth exemplary device 1200 is different from the eleventh exemplary device 1100 in that the resistor 340 can be in series with the FET switch 310 and the corresponding voltage or current level can be made Feedback is provided to controller 120H (input 330) to provide additional information to controller 120H, such as current through each LED segment 175 and switch 310 when LED segment 175 is switched into or out of series LED 140 current path Level. By measuring the current level at each branch (LED segment 175), a relatively small resistor 340 (e.g., as compared to resistor 165) can be advantageously employed, which can be used to reduce power loss. Moreover, due to this circuit topology, the values of other resistors (such as 165) may then be excessive or reduced, however controller 120I will still have sufficient information to provide the desired performance, and depending on the selected embodiment, this one Resistor 165 (e.g., current sensor 115) or other resistor 340 will therefore be omitted (not shown separately). Also not shown separately, but as previously discussed, resistor 345 can be applied (instead of resistor 340) on the high side of switch 310.

30 is a block and circuit diagram showing a thirteenth exemplary system 1350 and a thirteenth exemplary device 1300 designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention. As previously discussed with respect to the tenth exemplary device 1000, the thirteenth exemplary device 1300 differs from the twelfth exemplary device 1200 in that additional current control can be provided in series LED 140 current when all of the LED segments 175 are applied. In the path (without any bypass), application switch 310n (also shown as an n-channel FET) and series resistor 340n, both coupled in series with LED segments 175 in the series LED 140 current path. Switch 310n and series resistor 340n can be applied to provide current limiting, in addition to the current limit provided by series resistor 340n, controller 120I can provide a corresponding gate voltage (typically in linear mode, although the switch mode is also It can be applied to switch 310n to maintain a desired current level in the series LED 140 current path. This is especially useful in situations where the input voltage V _IN becomes too high; due to the input of V _IN (input 162) and the feedback of the node voltage (from the series resistance 340n at input 330n), by adjusting the gate voltage of the switch 310n The controller 120I is capable of avoiding excessive current flow through the LED segments 175 in the current path of the series LED 140. In addition, due to this circuit topology, the values of other resistors (such as 165 or other resistors 340) may then be excessive or reduced, however controller 120I will still have sufficient information to provide the desired performance, and depending on the choice In an embodiment, this resistor 165 (such as current sensor 115) will therefore be omitted (not shown separately). It is also noted that switch 310n and series resistor 340n may also be placed elsewhere in thirteenth exemplary device 1000, such as between other LED segments 175, or at the top or beginning of the series LED 140 current path, or at Positive or negative voltage rails, and not exactly at the bottom or end of the series LED140 current path.

It should also be noted that any of the various devices described herein may also provide for a parallel combination of two or more series LED 140 current paths, the first series LED 140 current path including LED segments 175 ₁ , LED segments 175 ₂ to LEDs One or more of the segments 175 _m , the second series LED 140 current path includes one or more of the LED segments 175 _m+1 , the LED segments 175 _m+2 through the LED segments 175 _n , and the like. As previously discussed with respect to Figure 6, many different parallel combinations of LED segments 175 are effective. Those skilled in the art will recognize that any LED segment 175 architecture can be easily extended to additional parallel LEDs 140 and additional LED segments 175, or to a smaller number of LED segments 175, and in any known LED segment 175 The number of LEDs 140 is higher, lower, equal or unequal, and all such variations are within the scope of the present invention.

In addition to the potential increase being applied to a single series LED 140 current path In addition to the power rating of LED 140, a series of LEDs 140 arranged in parallel can also be used to provide higher power to a system. Another advantage of this parallel combination of switchable series LED 140 current path circuit topologies is the ability to skew the current waveform of the parallel LED string by structuring a different number of LEDs 140 for each LED segment 175, as well as various sense resistors. Value to obtain an improvement in harmonic suppression in the AC line current mode. In addition, any selected series LED 140 current path can also be turned off and off in the event of a reduced power rating, such as to reduce power when the maximum operating temperature is reached.

In any of these various apparatus and system embodiments, it should be noted that in addition to or in lieu of the white LED 140, light color compensation can be obtained by using LEDs 140 of various colors. For example, if one or more of the LEDs 140 within the LED segment 175 are green, red, or amber, the controller 120 can provide color mixing and color control that is localized or that is placed in a remote or intermediate manner. It is by connecting the selected LED segment 175 into the series LED 140 current path or bypassing the selected LED segment 175.

It should also be noted that the various devices and systems described above are operable in many different situations. For example, the various devices and systems described above can also be operated using three phase conditions, i.e., using a 360 Hz or 300 Hz rectifier output, and not just a 120 Hz or 100 Hz rectifier output from a 60 Hz or 50 Hz line. Similarly, the various devices and systems described above can also operate in other systems, such as aircraft using a 400 Hz input voltage source. In addition, a relatively long decaying type of phosphor, approximately a decay time constant of about 2-3 milliseconds, can also be applied in conjunction with LED 140 such that the light from the energizing phosphor can equally divide the LED 140 light in a plurality of AC cycles. The output can be used to reduce the amount of chopping that is perceived in the light output.

In addition to the current control described above, various devices 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300 can also be as described above with respect to devices 100, 200, 300, 400, Operating at 500 and 600. For example, LED segment 175 switches into or out of the series LED 140 current path, depending on the voltage level, such as various node voltages at controller input 320. Also for example, for power factor correction, the LED segment 175 switches into or out of the series LED 140 current path, which may also be based on whether there is sufficient time to remain in a time interval to reach a peak time level, as explained above. In short, any of the various control methods described above for the devices 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 can also be used for various devices 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, and 1300. Any one of them to apply.

It should also be noted that any of the various controllers 120 described herein can be implemented using digital logic and/or using either or both of automatic, analog control circuitry. In addition, various controllers 120 do not require any type of memory 185 to store parameter values. Instead, the comparison is used to determine the parameters that the LED segment 175 switches into or out of the series LED 140 current path, which can be implemented or determined by values selected for various components, such as, for example and without limitation, the resistance value of the resistor. . For example, the components of the transistor can also perform a comparison function. When the corresponding voltage is generated in the coupling resistor, the coupling resistor performs the current sensing function in sequence.

31 is a flow chart showing a third exemplary method designed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, and provides a useful summary. The method begins at initial step 705, which switches LED segment 175 into the series LED 140 current path. Step 710 may also be omitted when at least one of the LED segments 175 is always in series with the LED 140 current path. Current through the series LED 140 current path will be monitored or sensed, step 715. When the measured or sensed current is not greater than or equal to the predetermined current level, step 720, the method repeats to return to step 715. When the measured or sensed current is greater than or equal to the predetermined current level, in step 720, the next LED segment 175 is switched into the series LED 140 current path, step 725. When all of the LED segments 175 are switched into the series LED 140 current path, step 730, or when the maximum voltage or current level has reached or the first half (Q1) of the rectified AC interval has elapsed (Q1 has ended), At step 735, the method monitors the current level through the series LED 140 current path, step 740. When the measured or sensed current is not less than or equal to the predetermined current level, step 745, the method repeats, returning to step 740. When the measured or sensed current is less than or equal to the predetermined current level, in step 745, the next LED segment 175 is switched out of the series LED 140 current path, step 755. When more than one LED segment 175 remains in the series LED 140 current path, the method repeats, returning to step 740. When there is only one LED segment 175 that has switched out of the series LED 140 current path, step 760, and when the power is not off, in step 765, the method repeats, returning to step 715, otherwise the method will end and return Step 770.

As indicated above, the controller 120 (and 120A-120I) can be any type of controller or processor and can be implemented with any type of digital logic suitable for performing the functions discussed herein. When a noun controller or processor is used at this time, the controller or processor includes the use of a single integrated circuit (〝IC〞), or a plurality of integrated circuits or other components that are connected, arranged, or grouped together. Uses such as controllers, microprocessors, digital signal processors (〝DSP〞), parallel processors, multiple core processors, custom integrated circuits, special application integrated circuits (〝ASIC〞), field Stylized gate array (FPGA), adaptive computing IC, related memory (such as random access memory, dynamic random access memory and read-only memory) and other ICs and components. As a result, the term "controller" or "processor" as used herein shall be understood to mean equivalently to an arrangement comprising a single IC, or a custom integrated circuit, a special application integrated circuit, a processor, a microprocessor. , controller, field programmable gate array, adaptive computing IC, or some other aggregate integrated circuit, with any associated memory to perform the functions discussed herein, such as microprocessor memory or additional random memory Memory, dynamic random access memory, synchronous dynamic random access memory, synchronous random access memory, magnetic random access memory, read only memory, flash, erasable programmable read only memory Or electronically erasable programmable read-only memory. A controller or processor (such as controller 120 (and 120A-120F)) with its associated memory that can be modified or architected (via stylized, FPGA interconnect, or hardwired) for this purpose The inventive method is as discussed above and below. For example, the method can be programmed and stored in a controller 120 having its associated memory 465 (and/or memory 185) and other equivalent components for use as when the controller or processor is operated ( That is, a set of program instructions or other code (or equivalent architecture or other program) that is subsequently executed and executed. Similarly, FPGAs, custom integrated circuits, and/or ASICs can also be designed, architected, and/or implemented when the controller or processor is implemented in whole or in part in an FPGA, custom integrated circuit, and/or ASIC. Or hard wiring to carry out the method of the invention. For example, the controller or processor can be implemented in an arrangement of controllers, microprocessors, DSPs, and/or ASICs that can be individually programmed, designed, adapted, or otherwise configured to incorporate the memory 185 to implement the methods of the present invention.

The memory 185, 465 including the data repository (or database) can be implemented in any number of forms, including in any computer or other mechanically readable data storage medium, memory device or other storage or communication device. To store or communicate information that is currently known or effective in the future, including but not limited to memory volume circuits (〝IC〞), or memory portions of integrated circuits (such as controllers or processor ICs) Residual memory within, whether volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable, including but not limited to random access memory, flash, DRAM, synchronous DRAM Synchronous random access memory, magnetic random access memory, ferroelectric random access memory, read only memory, erasable programmable read only memory or electronic erasable programmable read only memory, or Any other form of memory device, such as a magnetic hard drive, optical drive, disk or tape drive, hard drive, other mechanically readable storage or memory media, such as a floppy disk, read only Recalling a disc, a rewritable disc, a digital compact disc (DVD), or other optical memory, or any other type of memory, storage medium, or data storage device or circuit, which is known or becomes known, depending on In selected embodiments. In addition, the computer readable medium includes any form of communication medium that implements computer readable instructions, data structures, program modes, or other materials in data signals or shaped signals. Memory 185, 465 can be modified to store various lookup tables, parameters, coefficients, other information and (this issue) Data, programs, or instructions, and other types of tables, such as database tables.

As indicated above, the controller or processor can be programmed to perform the method of the present invention using, for example, the software and data structures of the present invention. As a result, the systems and methods of the present invention can be implemented with such stylized or other instructional software, such as a set of instructions and/or metadata implemented in a computer readable medium as discussed above. In addition, metadata can be applied to define various data structures for lookup tables or databases. By way of example and not limitation, such software may be in the form of a source code or a target code. The source code can be further compiled into some form of instruction or object code (including combined language instructions or architectural instructions). The software, source code or metadata of the present invention can be implemented in any type of encoding, such as C, C++, System C, LISA, XML, Java, Brew, SQL and its changes (for example: SQL99 or SQL proprietary version), DB2 , Oracle, or any other type of stylized language that performs the functions discussed herein, including various hardware definitions or hardware simulation languages (eg, Verilog, VHDL, RTL) and database files resulting from the results (eg, GDS) II). As a result, the construction of the structure, the construction of the program, the construction of the software, or the software of the software, which is equivalent to any of the stylized languages of any kind, has any grammar and symbols. It may be provided or may be interpreted to provide a specifically definitive related function or method (when exemplified or loaded in a processor or computer and implemented, for example, including controller 120).

The software, metadata or other source code of the present invention and any generated bit file (object code, database, or lookup table) can be implemented on any tangible storage medium, such as any computer or other mechanically readable data storage medium. As a computer readable command, data command, program mode or other information, as discussed above in memory 185, 465, such as: floppy disk, CD-ROM, rewritable CD, digital CD, magnetic hard disk drive , an optical drive or any other type of data storage device or medium as mentioned above.

The various advantages of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention for providing power to a non-linear load such as an LED are readily apparent. Various exemplary embodiments provide AC line power to include One or more LEDs for high-brightness applications provide a comprehensive reduction in LED driver size and cost and increase LED efficiency and application. Exemplary devices, methods, and system embodiments are suitably modified and operated over a relatively wide range of AC input voltages while providing a desired output voltage or current without excessive internal voltage or placement of components under high or excessive voltage stress. Moreover, various exemplary devices, methods, and system embodiments provide significant power factor correction when connected to an AC line for input power. Finally, various exemplary apparatus, methods, and system embodiments provide the ability to control the brightness, color temperature, and color of the illumination device.

While the invention has been described with respect to the specific embodiments, these embodiments are intended to In the description, various specific details are set forth, such as examples of electronic components, electronic and structural connections, materials and structural changes, to provide a complete understanding of the embodiments of the invention. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without any one or more of the details, or other devices, systems, components, components, materials, components or the like. In other instances, well-known structures, materials or operations are not explicitly shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the embodiments of the invention. In addition, the various figures are not drawn to scale and are not considered as limiting.

Throughout the specification, a reference to an embodiment, an embodiment, or a specific embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in the invention. At least one embodiment is not necessarily in all embodiments, and further, it does not necessarily mean the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics of any particular embodiment of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner and in any suitable combination with one or more other embodiments, including the corresponding use without the other features. Use the selected feature below. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular application, situation or material to the scope and spirit of the invention. It should be understood that other variations and modifications of the embodiments of the invention described and illustrated herein are possible in light of the teachings herein. .

It is also to be understood that one or more of the elements described in the drawings may be implemented in a more individual or overall manner, or may be removed or rendered unusable in a particular situation, and it works. An integrally formed component combination is also within the scope of the invention, particularly for embodiments in which the separation or combination of discrete components is unclear or indistinguishable. Furthermore, the use of the term "coupled" in this context, including, for example, 〝-coupled 〝 or 〝-coupled 〞, means and includes any direct or indirect electrical, structural or magnetic coupling, connection or attachment, or An adaptation or capability of direct or indirect electrical, structural or magnetic coupling, attachment or attachment, including integrally formed elements and elements coupled via or through another element.

As used herein, for the purposes of the present invention, the term "LED" and its various forms of 〝LED〞 should be understood to include any electroluminescent diode or other type of carrier-injection-or-contact. A surface-based system that is capable of generating radiation in response to electrical signals, including but not limited to a variety of semiconductor or carbon-based structures that emit light, such as current or voltage, luminescent polymers, organic LEDs, etc. It is included in the visible spectrum of any frequency bandwidth or any color or color temperature or other spectrum such as ultraviolet or infrared.

As used herein, the noun 〝AC〞 denotes any form of current or voltage that changes over time, including but not limited to having any waveform (sine, sine square, rectified, rectified sine, square, rectangular, triangular, sawtooth, no Rules, etc.) and any AC-compensated AC or corresponding AC voltage level, and includes, for example, any changes in AC current or voltage, such as from a dimmer or a forward or reverse phase modulation, such as from a dimmer switch. As used herein, the noun 〝DC〞 denotes a fluctuating DC (as obtained, for example, by rectifying AC) and a substantially fixed or fixed voltage DC (such as that obtained by a battery, a voltage regulator, or a capacitor filtered by a capacitor).

In the previous description of the illustrated embodiment and in the additional figures of the display diode, it should be understood that within the scope of the invention, a synchronous diode or a synchronous rectifier (eg, a relay that is switched off and on by a control signal or a MOS field effect transistor or other transistor) or Other types of diodes can be used in place of standard diodes. The exemplary embodiments presented herein generally produce a positive output voltage with respect to ground; however, the teachings of the present invention are also applicable to power converters that generate a negative output voltage, where exemplary topologies can be used to The polarity of the polarizing element is reversed to structure.

Moreover, any signal arrows in the drawings/drawings should be considered merely exemplary and not limiting, unless otherwise specifically noted. Combinations of the step elements will also be considered to be within the scope of the invention, particularly where the individual or combined ability is unknown or foreseeable. As used herein and the following examples, the isolated noun 〞 or 〞 is generally intended to mean 〝 and/or 〞, which have both meaning of binding and separation (which is not limited to 〝 mutual exclusion or 〞 meaning), Unless otherwise shown. The singular and singular singular singular singular singularity and The same use of the description herein and the scope of the entire patent application is intended to mean that the 〝 〝 。 。 。 〞 〞 〞 〞 〞 〞 〞 〞 〞 〞 〞 〞 〞 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。 。

The previous description of the present invention, which is included in the description of the invention, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed herein. From the above, it will be appreciated that various changes, modifications, and substitutions will be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. It should be understood that there are no limitations on the particular methods and apparatus shown herein that are contemplated or should be inferred. Of course, all such modifications that are within the scope of the present application by the scope of the appended claims are intended to be.

50‧‧‧First exemplary system

100‧‧‧First exemplary equipment

102‧‧‧Communication (〝AC〞) line

105‧‧‧Rectifier

110 ₁ to 110 _n ‧‧‧Switch

115‧‧‧ Current Sensor

117‧‧‧node/ground potential

120‧‧‧ Controller

125‧‧‧DC power supply circuit

131, 133, 134‧‧‧ nodes

140 ₁ to 140 _n ‧‧‧Lighting diode

150 ₁ to 150 _n-1 ‧‧‧ output

155‧‧‧Enter

160‧‧‧Enter

165‧‧‧current sensing resistor

175 ₁ to 175 _n ‧‧‧Lighting diode segments

185‧‧‧ memory

190‧‧‧User Interface

195‧‧‧ voltage sensor

Claims (64)

A method of providing power to a plurality of light emitting diodes that are coupled to receive an alternating current voltage, the plurality of light emitting diodes being coupled in series to form a plurality of light emitting diodes, each segment comprising at least one light emitting diode The plurality of LEDs are coupled to a corresponding plurality of switches for switching a selected segment of the LED into or out of a series LED current path, the method comprising: Monitoring a first parameter; in a first portion of the alternating current voltage interval, in response to the first parameter having reached a first predetermined current level, switching a corresponding segment of the light emitting diode into the series light emitting diode current a path; and in a second portion of the alternating current voltage interval, in response to the first parameter having dropped to a predetermined level of the second current, switching the light emitting diode of the corresponding segment out of the series light emitting diode current path . The method of claim 1, wherein the first parameter is a current level of the series LED current path. The method of claim 2, further comprising: maintaining a current level of the series LED current path substantially constant at the first predetermined current level. The method of claim 2, further comprising: switching, in the first portion of the alternating current voltage interval, the next corresponding segment of the light-emitting diode in response to the first parameter having reached a third predetermined current level Into the series LED current path. The method of claim 2, further comprising: in the second partial alternating current voltage interval, in response to the first parameter having dropped to a fourth predetermined current level, switching the next corresponding segment of the light emitting diode The series LED current path is derived. The method of claim 2, further comprising: in the first part of the alternating current voltage interval, if a light-emitting diode current sequentially reaches a predetermined peak current level, sequentially corresponding the light-emitting diodes Switching into the series LED current path; and in the second portion of the AC voltage range, if an AC voltage level drops to a corresponding voltage level, switching the corresponding segment LED to the series illumination Diode current path. The method of claim 6, wherein the corresponding segment LED is switched out of the series LED current path, and the corresponding segment LED is switched into the series LED current The paths are in reverse order. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining a first plurality of time intervals corresponding to the plurality of segment light emitting diodes for the first portion of the alternating current voltage interval; and determining the second plurality of The time interval corresponds to a plurality of segment light emitting diodes for the second portion of the alternating current voltage range. For example, the method of claim 8 of the patent scope further includes: In the first portion of the alternating current voltage interval, when each time interval of the first plurality of time intervals expires, the next segment of the light emitting diode is switched into the series light emitting diode current path; and in the alternating current In the second portion of the voltage interval, when each of the second plurality of time intervals expires, the next segment of the light emitting diode is switched out of the series LED current path in reverse order. The method of claim 1, wherein the first parameter comprises time, or one or more time intervals, or a time base, or one or more clock cycles. The method of claim 1, further comprising: rectifying the alternating current voltage to provide a rectified alternating current voltage. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining whether to make the alternating current voltage phase modulation. The method of claim 12, further comprising: switching a section of the light-emitting diode into the series-connected LED current path when the alternating current voltage is phase-modulated, corresponding to a phase-modulated alternating current voltage level . For example, in the method of claim 12, the method further includes: when the alternating current voltage is phase-modulated, switching a segment of the light-emitting diode into the current path of the series-connected LED, which corresponds to a phase-modulated alternating current current level. . The method of claim 12, further comprising: When the alternating current voltage is phase-modulated, a length of the light-emitting diode is switched into the series-connected LED current path, which corresponds to a time interval in which the alternating-current voltage is phase-modulated. The method of claim 12, further comprising: maintaining a parallel light-emitting diode current path via a first switch while phase-modulating the alternating current voltage, and simultaneously passing the next-stage light-emitting diode through a first The second switch switches into the series LED current path. The method of claim 1, further comprising: determining whether there is sufficient time to maintain the first portion of the alternating current voltage interval if the light emitting diode is switched into the series light emitting diode current path For a light-emitting diode current to reach a predetermined peak level. The method of claim 17, further comprising: when there is sufficient time to maintain the first portion of the alternating current voltage range for the light emitting diode current to reach the predetermined peak level, the next segment of the light emitting diode Switching into the series LED current path. The method of claim 17, further comprising: not having the next segment of the light emitting diode when there is insufficient time to maintain the first portion of the alternating current voltage range for the light emitting diode current to reach the predetermined peak level Switching into the series LED current path. For example, the method of claim 1 of the patent scope further includes: Switching the first plurality of light emitting diodes to form a first series LED current path; and switching the second plurality of light emitting diodes to form a first parallel current path of the first series LED Two series LED current paths. The method of claim 1, wherein each of the selected segments of the plurality of light-emitting diodes comprises a light-emitting diode having a light-emitting spectrum of a different color or wavelength. The method of claim 21, further comprising: selectively switching the selected segment of the LED to the series LED current path to provide a corresponding illumination effect. The method of claim 21, further comprising: selectively switching the selected segment of the LED to the series LED current path to provide a corresponding color temperature. An apparatus coupled to receive an alternating current voltage, the apparatus comprising: a rectifier for providing a rectified alternating current voltage; a plurality of light emitting diodes coupled in series, wherein the plurality of light emitting diodes form a plurality a segmented light-emitting diode; a plurality of switches coupled to the plurality of light-emitting diodes correspondingly, and configured to switch a selected segment of the light-emitting diode into or out of a series-connected LED current path a current sensor for sensing a light-emitting diode current level; a controller coupled to the plurality of switches and to the current sensor, wherein the controller is configured to: responsive to the illuminating diode current in a first portion of the rectified alternating current voltage interval Leveling up to a first predetermined current level, switching a corresponding segment of the LED to the series LED current path; and in a second portion of the rectified AC voltage interval, and responsive to the illumination The polar body current level drops to a second predetermined current level, and the corresponding segment light emitting diode is switched out of the series light emitting diode current path. The device of claim 24, wherein the controller is further configured to maintain the level of the LED current substantially constant at the first predetermined current level. The device of claim 24, wherein in the first portion of the rectified alternating current voltage interval, when the current level of the light emitting diode has reached a third predetermined current level, the controller further uses The next corresponding segment of the LED is switched into the series LED current path. The device of claim 24, wherein in the second portion of the rectified alternating current voltage interval, the controller is further further when the light emitting diode current level has dropped to a fourth predetermined current level The method is used to switch a corresponding segment of the LED from the series LED current path. The device of claim 24, further comprising: A plurality of resistors, each resistor of the plurality of resistors being coupled in series to a corresponding switch of the plurality of switches. The device of claim 28, wherein each resistor is coupled to a high voltage side of the corresponding switch. The device of claim 28, wherein each resistor is coupled to a low voltage side of the corresponding switch. The device of claim 24, further comprising: a switch and a resistor coupled in series to the at least one segment of the plurality of light emitting diodes. The device of claim 24, wherein the final segment of the plurality of LEDs is always coupled in the series LED current path. The device of claim 24, wherein the controller is further coupled to the plurality of light emitting diodes to receive a voltage level of the corresponding node. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein at least one switch of the plurality of switches is coupled to the rectifier to receive the rectified alternating current voltage. The device of claim 24, wherein the controller is further configured to: in the first portion of the rectified alternating current voltage interval, in response to the light emitting diode current level reaching a predetermined peak level, Corresponding segment LEDs are switched into the series LED current path; In the second portion of the rectified AC voltage range, in response to the LED current level falling to a corresponding value, the corresponding segment LED is switched out of the series LED current path. The device of claim 35, wherein the controller further switches the corresponding segment LED to the series LED current path, and switches the corresponding segment LED into the series illumination The diode current paths are in reverse order. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the controller further determines whether the rectified alternating current voltage is phase-modulated. The device of claim 37, wherein when the rectified alternating current voltage is phase-modulated, the controller further switches a length of the light-emitting diode into the series-connected LED current path, which is to rectify the alternating current voltage Level. The device of claim 37, wherein when the rectified alternating current voltage is phase-modulated, the controller further switches a length of the light-emitting diode into the series-connected LED current path, which is to rectify the alternating current voltage Horizontal time interval. The device of claim 37, wherein when the rectified alternating current voltage is phase-modulated, the controller further maintains a parallel light-emitting diode current path via a first switch while the next segment of the light-emitting diode Switching into the series LED current path via a second switch. The device of claim 24, wherein the controller further determines whether there is sufficient time to maintain the rectified alternating current voltage region if the light emitting diode is switched into the series light emitting diode current path. The first portion of the interval is for the LED current level to reach the predetermined peak level. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the controller further lowers the current portion of the rectified alternating current voltage range when the current level of the light emitting diode reaches the predetermined peak level Switching a light-emitting diode into the series LED current path; and when there is insufficient time to maintain the first portion of the rectified AC voltage range for the LED current level to reach the predetermined peak level, The controller further does not switch the next segment of the light emitting diode into the series LED current path. The device of claim 24, wherein the controller further switches the first plurality of light emitting diodes to form a first series light emitting diode current path, and switches the second plurality of light emitting diodes to form A second series-connected LED current path of the first series-connected LED current path is connected in parallel. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein each of the selected segments of the plurality of light-emitting diodes comprises a light-emitting diode having a light-emitting spectrum of a different color or wavelength. The device of claim 44, wherein the controller further selectively switches the selected segment of the LED to the series LED current path to provide a corresponding illumination effect. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the controller further selectively switches the selected segment of the LED to the series LED current path to provide a corresponding color temperature. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the apparatus operates at a rectified alternating voltage frequency substantially at about 100 Hz, 120 Hz, 300 Hz, 360 Hz, or 400 Hz. The device of claim 24, further comprising: a plurality of phosphor coatings or layers, each phosphor coating or layer being coupled to a corresponding light emitting diode of the plurality of light emitting diodes, each A phosphor coating or layer then has a luminescence decay time constant of between about 2 and 3 milliseconds. An apparatus coupled to receive an alternating current voltage, the apparatus comprising: a first plurality of light emitting diodes coupled in series, wherein the first plurality of light emitting diodes form a first plurality of light emitting diodes a first plurality of switches coupled to the first plurality of light emitting diodes and configured to switch a selected segment of the LEDs into or out of a first series in response to a control signal a light-emitting diode current path; a current sensor for determining a light-emitting diode current level; and a controller coupled to the plurality of switches and to the current sensor, wherein the control The device is configured to generate a first control signal in a first portion of one of the alternating current voltage ranges and in response to the current level of the light emitting diode to select a corresponding segment of the first plurality of light emitting diodes Switching into the first series LED current path; And switching a corresponding segment LED of the first plurality of LEDs out of the first series LED current path in a second portion of the AC voltage interval and in response to the LED current level . The device of claim 49, wherein the controller is further configured to substantially maintain the level of the LED current at a first predetermined current level. The apparatus of claim 49, further comprising: a plurality of resistors, wherein each of the plurality of resistors is coupled in series to a corresponding one of the first plurality of switches. The device of claim 51, wherein each of the resistors is coupled to a high voltage side of the corresponding switch. The device of claim 51, wherein each of the resistors is coupled to a low voltage side of the corresponding switch. The device of claim 49, further comprising: a switch and a resistor coupled in series with at least one segment of the light emitting diodes of the first plurality of light emitting diodes. The apparatus of claim 49, wherein the final segment of the first plurality of light emitting diodes is always coupled in the first series LED current path. The device of claim 49, wherein the controller is further coupled to the first plurality of light emitting diodes to receive a voltage level of the corresponding node. For example, the equipment of claim 49, wherein the first plurality of cuts At least one switch of the converter is coupled to the rectifier to receive the rectified AC voltage. The apparatus of claim 49, further comprising: a second plurality of light emitting diodes coupled in series to form a second plurality of light emitting diodes; and a second plurality of switches coupled Passing to the second plurality of light emitting diodes to switch a selected segment of the second plurality of light emitting diodes into or out of a second series light emitting diode current path; wherein the controller is further coupled to the second plurality The switches further generate corresponding control signals to switch the plurality of segments of the second plurality of LEDs to form a second series LED current path in parallel with the first series LED current path. The device of claim 58 wherein the second series-connected LED current path has a polarity opposite to the first series-connected LED current path. The device of claim 58 wherein the first current through the first series LED current path has a direction opposite to a second current flowing through the second series LED current path. The device of claim 49, further comprising: a current limiting circuit. The device of claim 49, further comprising: a dimming interface circuit. The device of claim 49, further comprising: a DC power circuit coupled to the controller. The device of claim 49, further comprising: a temperature protection circuit.