TWI556686B - Controller and method for dimming and electronic system thereof - Google Patents

Description

Light source dimming controller, control method and electronic system thereof

The invention relates to a controller, in particular to a light source dimming controller, a control method and an electronic system thereof.

In recent years, light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) have been improved through advances in materials and process technology. LEDs are characterized by high efficiency, long life, bright colors, etc., and can be used in the fields of automobiles, computers, telecommunications, military and daily necessities. For example, LED lights can be used as an illumination source instead of conventional incandescent lamps.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a conventional LED driving circuit 100. The LED drive circuit 100 uses an LED string 106 as a light source. LED chain 106 includes a set of LEDs in series. Power converter 102 converts DC input voltage V _IN to a desired DC output voltage V _OUT to power LED chain 106. The switch 104 coupled to the power converter 102 can enable or disable the DC input voltage V _IN to the LED chain 106 to turn the LED light on or off. Power converter 102 receives the feedback signal from current sense resistor R _SEN and adjusts DC output voltage V _OUT to cause LED chain 106 to produce the desired brightness. One of the disadvantages of this conventional solution is that the desired brightness is preset. In operation, the brightness output of the LED chain 106 is set to a predetermined value that the user cannot adjust.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic diagram of another conventional LED driving circuit 200. Power converter 102 converts DC input voltage V _IN to a desired DC output voltage V _OUT to power LED chain 106. The switch 104 coupled to the power converter 102 can enable or disable the DC input voltage V _IN to the LED chain 106 to turn the LED light on or off. The LED chain 106 is coupled to a linear LED current regulator 208. The operational amplifier 210 in the linear LED current regulator 208 compares the reference signal REF with the current monitoring signal from the current detecting resistor R _SEN and generates a control signal to adjust the impedance of the transistor Q ₁ in a linear mode. Therefore, the current flowing through the LED chain 106 can be adjusted accordingly. In this solution, in order to control the brightness output of the LED chain 106, the user needs to adjust the reference signal REF by using a dedicated device such as a specially designed switch having an adjustment button or receiving a remote control signal.

An object of the present invention is to provide a light source dimming controller, comprising: a voltage control pin, which provides a pulse signal when the dimming controller operates in a first mode, the pulse signal controls a control switch to operate in a first a state or a second state, when the control switch operates in the first state, a first current flowing through a light source increases, and when the control switch operates in the second state, the first current decreases Wherein, when the dimming controller operates in a second mode, the voltage control pin provides a control signal for the control switch to cut off the first current; and a current control pin, when the dimming controller Working in the second mode produces a second current flowing through the source.

The invention also provides an electronic system comprising: a power converter receiving an input voltage from a rectifier and providing an output voltage to a light source, wherein the power switch switches an electrical energy from an alternating current when the power switch is turned on a power source is transmitted to the rectifier; and a light source dimming controller is coupled to the power converter, detecting a dimming request signal indicating a state of the power switch, and selecting to operate in a first mode according to the dimming request signal Or a second mode, when the dimming controller is operating in the first mode, the light source dimming controller provides a pulse signal to a voltage control pin to control a first current flowing through the light source. When the pulse signal is in a first state, the first current is increased, and when the pulse signal is in a second state, the first current is decreased, when the light source dimming controller is operated in the second mode, The light source dimming controller provides a control signal to the voltage control pin to turn off the first current and turn on a substantially constant current through the light source.

The invention also provides a dimming method, comprising: providing a regulated voltage to a light source by using a power converter; and receiving a switch monitor indicating a conductive state of a power switch Measuring a signal, the power switch is coupled between a power source and the power converter; according to the switch monitoring signal, selecting an operating mode to be a first mode or a second mode; when operating in the first mode, The control switch operates in a first state or a second state, wherein when the control switch operates in the first state, a first current flowing through the light source increases, and when the control switch operates in the second state, The first current decreases; when operating in the second mode, the first current is turned off; and when operating in the second mode, a substantially constant current is passed through the source.

100‧‧‧LED drive circuit

102‧‧‧Power Converter

104‧‧‧ switch

106‧‧‧LED chain

200‧‧‧LED drive circuit

208‧‧‧Linear LED Current Regulator

210‧‧‧Operational Amplifier

300‧‧‧Light source drive circuit

304‧‧‧Power switch

306‧‧•AC/DC converter

308‧‧‧ dimming controller

310‧‧‧Power Converter

312‧‧‧LED chain

314‧‧‧ Current monitor

400‧‧‧Light source drive circuit

502‧‧‧ dimmer

504‧‧‧ pulse signal generator

506‧‧‧Trigger monitoring unit

508‧‧‧Starting and undervoltage lockout (UVL) circuits

510‧‧‧Operational Amplifier

512, 514, 515‧‧‧Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (MOSFET)

516, 518‧‧‧ comparator

520, 522‧‧‧SR positive and negative

524‧‧‧ and gate

526‧‧‧ counter

528‧‧‧Digital Analogue (D/A) Converter

530‧‧‧ Pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator

532‧‧‧current source

534‧‧‧ comparator

536‧‧‧ pulse signal

538‧‧‧Control signal

540, 541, 542‧ ‧ switch

602‧‧‧LED current

900‧‧‧Flowchart

902, 904, 906, 908‧‧ steps

1000‧‧‧Light source drive circuit

1008‧‧‧ dimming controller

1102‧‧‧Dimmer

1104‧‧‧clock generator

1106‧‧‧Trigger monitoring unit

1126‧‧‧ counter

1204‧‧‧ Negative

1206‧‧‧ 正缘

1208‧‧‧ negative margin

1210‧‧‧ positive edge

1300‧‧‧flow chart

Steps 1302, 1304, 1306, 1308, 1310‧‧

1400‧‧‧Light source drive circuit

1408‧‧‧ dimming controller

1450‧‧‧Switch monitoring signal

1452‧‧‧Switch control signal

1454‧‧‧Induction signal

1480‧‧‧ components

1502‧‧‧Dimmer

1504‧‧‧ counter

1506‧‧‧Reference signal generator

1508‧‧‧PWM signal generator

1510‧‧‧Enable signal

1800‧‧‧flow chart

1802, 1804, 1806, 1808‧‧‧ steps

1900‧‧‧Light source drive circuit

1908‧‧‧ dimming controller

1952‧‧‧ pulse signal

1954‧‧‧Control signal

2002‧‧‧Dimmer

2004‧‧‧Mode Selection Module

2006‧‧‧current source

2008‧‧‧Switch

2010‧‧‧ drive

2012‧‧‧Switch control signal

2220‧‧‧ Method flow chart

2202~2212‧‧‧Steps

The technical method of the present invention will be described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments to make the features and advantages of the present invention more obvious. 1 is a circuit diagram of a conventional LED driving circuit; FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram of another conventional LED driving circuit; and FIG. 3 is an illustration of a light source driving circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is an exemplary circuit diagram of a light source driving circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is an exemplary structural diagram of the dimming controller of FIG. 4 according to an embodiment of the present invention; 6 is an exemplary signal waveform diagram in analog dimming mode according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 7 is an exemplary signal waveform diagram in a dimming dimming mode according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 9 is a flow chart showing a method for adjusting power of a light source according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. An exemplary electric power of a light source driving circuit according to an embodiment of the present invention FIG. 11 is an exemplary architectural diagram of the dimming controller of FIG. 10 according to an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating the dimming controller of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the invention. FIG. 13 is a flow chart showing a method of adjusting power to a light source according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 14A is a circuit diagram of a light source driving circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 14B is a schematic diagram of the power switch of Figure 14A.

Figure 15 is a circuit diagram of the dimming controller of Figure 14A.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram showing signals of a light source driving circuit according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing signals of a light source driving circuit according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a flow chart showing a dimming method for controlling an LED light source according to an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 19 is a circuit diagram of a light source driving circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a schematic structural diagram of a dimming controller according to an embodiment of the invention.

21 is a signal diagram of a light source driving circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 22 is a flow chart showing a method of dimming a controlled LED light source by a dimming controller, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

A detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention will be given below. While the invention will be described in connection with the embodiments, it should be understood that this is not intended to limit the invention Example. Rather, the invention is to cover various modifications, equivalents, and equivalents of the invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims.

In addition, in the following detailed description of the embodiments of the invention However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail in order to facilitate the invention.

3 is a block diagram of a light source driving circuit 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. In one embodiment, the light source driving circuit 300 includes an alternating current/direct current (AC/DC) converter 306 that converts a direct current input voltage V _IN from a power source into a direct current output voltage V _OUT , coupled to a power supply and an alternating current/direct current converter. Between the 306, the power switch 304 is selectively coupled to the power switch 304 of the light source driving circuit 300, and the AC/DC converter 306 is coupled to the power converter 310 that provides the adjusted power to the LED chain 312, and is coupled to the power converter 310. A dimming controller 308 representing the switch monitoring signal operated by the power switch 304 and adjusting the post-regulated power from the power converter 310 based on the switch monitoring signal, and a current monitor 314 monitoring the LED current flowing through the LED chain 312. In an embodiment, the power switch 304 is an on/off switch that is secured to the wall.

In operation, AC/DC converter 306 converts DC input voltage V _IN to DC output voltage V _OUT . Power converter 310 receives DC output voltage _VOUT and provides regulated power to LED chain 312. Current monitor 314 generates a current monitoring signal that represents the LED current level flowing through LED chain 312. The dimming controller 308 monitors the operation of the power switch 304, receives a current monitoring signal from the current monitor 314, and controls the power converter 310 in response to operation of the power switch 304 to regulate the power of the LED chain 312. In one embodiment, dimming controller 308 operates in an analog dimming mode to adjust the power of LED chain 312 by adjusting a reference signal indicative of the peak current of the LED. In another embodiment, the dimming controller 308 operates in a burst dimming mode to adjust the power of the LED chain 312 by adjusting the duty cycle of a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal. By adjusting the power of the LED chain 312, the brightness output of the LED chain 312 can be adjusted accordingly.

4 is a circuit diagram of a light source driving circuit 400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 will be described in conjunction with Figure 3. Elements in Figure 4 that are numbered the same as in Figure 3 have similar functions and will not be repeatedly described herein for the sake of brevity.

Light source drive circuit 400 includes a power converter 310 (shown in FIG. 3) coupled to power source and LED chain 312 that receives power from the power source and provides regulated power to LED chain 312. In the example of FIG. 4, power converter 310 can be a buck converter that includes inductor L1, diode D4, and control switch Q16. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, control switch Q16 is located outside of dimming controller 308. In other embodiments, the control switch Q16 can be integrated into the dimming controller 308.

The dimming controller 308 receives a switch monitoring signal indicating an operation of a power switch (eg, a power switch 304 coupled between the power source and the light source driving circuit), and controls a control switch coupled in series with the LED chain 312 according to the switch monitoring signal. Q16 to regulate the regulated power from power converter 310 (including inductor L1, diode D4, and control switch Q16). The light source drive circuit 400 further includes an AC/DC converter 306 that converts the DC input voltage V _IN to a DC output voltage V _OUT and a current monitor 314 that monitors the LED current flowing through the LED chain 312. In the example shown in FIG. 4, the AC/DC converter 306 can be a bridge rectifier including diodes D1, D2, D7, D8, D10 and capacitor C9. Current monitor 314 can include current monitoring resistor R5.

In an embodiment, the endpoints of dimming controller 308 include: HV_GATE, SEL, CLK, RT, VDD, CTRL, MON, and GND. The terminal HV_GATE is coupled to the switch Q27 via the resistor R15 to control the conduction state (eg, the on/off state) of the switch Q27 coupled to the LED chain 312. The capacitor C11 is coupled between the terminal HV_GATE and the ground to adjust the gate voltage of the switch Q27.

The user may choose to select a dimming mode, such as analog dimming mode or sudden dimming mode, by connecting the terminal SEL to ground via resistor R4 (as shown in FIG. 4) or by directly connecting the terminal SEL to ground. .

Endpoint CLK is coupled to AC/DC converter 306 via resistor R3 and to ground via resistor R6. Endpoint CLK receives a switch monitoring signal representative of the operation of power switch 304. In one embodiment, the switch monitor signal is between resistor R3 and resistor R6. Generated on a common node. Capacitor C12 is coupled in parallel with resistor R6 to filter unwanted noise. The terminal RT is coupled to ground via a resistor R7 to determine the frequency of the pulse signal generated by the dimming controller 308.

The terminal VDD is coupled to the switch Q27 via the diode D9 to supply power to the dimming controller 308. In one embodiment, an energy unit (such as capacitor C10) is coupled between terminal VDD and ground to power dimming controller 308 when power switch 304 is turned off. In another embodiment, the energy unit is integrated inside the dimming controller 308. The terminal GND is coupled to the ground.

The endpoint CTRL is coupled to the control switch Q16. Control switch Q16 is coupled in series with LED chain 312 and switch Q27 and coupled to ground via current monitoring resistor R5. The dimming controller 308 controls the conduction state (eg, the on and off states) of the control switch Q16 using a control signal via the endpoint CTRL to regulate the regulated power from the power converter 310. The terminal MON is coupled to the current monitoring resistor R5 to receive a current monitoring signal indicative of the LED current flowing through the LED chain 312. When switch Q27 is turned on, dimming controller 308 regulates the LED current flowing through LED chain 312 by controlling control switch Q16.

In operation, when power switch 304 is turned on, AC/DC converter 306 converts DC input voltage V _IN to DC output voltage V _OUT . The preset voltage on the terminal HV_GATE is applied to the switch Q27 via the resistor R15 to turn on the switch Q27.

If the dimming controller 308 turns on the control switch Q16, the DC output voltage V _OUT will power the LED chain 312 and charge the inductor L1. The LED current flows through the inductor L1, the LED chain 312, the switch Q27, the control switch Q16, and the resistor R5 to ground. If the dimming controller 308 turns off the control switch Q16, the LED current flows through the inductor L1, the LED chain 312, and the diode D4. Inductor L1 is discharged to power LED chain 312. Accordingly, dimming controller 308 can regulate the regulated power from power converter 310 by controlling control switch Q16.

When power switch 304 is turned off, capacitor C10 is discharged to power dimming controller 308. The voltage across resistor R6 drops to zero, so a switch monitor signal indicating the power switch 304 shutdown operation can be monitored by dimming controller 308 via endpoint CLK. Similarly, when the power switch 304 is turned on, the voltage across the resistor R6 rises to a predetermined voltage. Value, therefore a switch monitoring signal indicating that the power switch 304 is conducting operation can be monitored by the dimming controller 308 via the endpoint CLK. If a shutdown operation is detected, the dimming controller 308 can turn off the switch Q27 by pulling the voltage on the terminal HV_GATE to zero, thereby causing the LED chain 312 to be powered down after the inductor L1 has completed discharging. In response to the shutdown operation, dimming controller 308 adjusts a reference signal indicative of the desired brightness output of LED chain 312. Thus, when the power switch 304 is turned on next time, the LED chain 312 can produce a brightness output based on the adjusted desired brightness output. In other words, the brightness output of the LED chain 312 can be adjusted by the dimming controller 308 in response to the turn-off operation of the power switch 304.

FIG. 5 shows an illustrative architectural diagram of the dimming controller 308 of FIG. 4 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 will be described in conjunction with Figure 4. Elements in Figure 5 that are numbered the same as in Figure 4 have similar functions and will not be repeatedly described herein for the sake of brevity.

The dimming controller 308 includes a trigger monitoring unit 506, a dimmer 502, and a pulse signal generator 504. The trigger monitoring unit 506 is connected to ground via a Zener diode ZD1. The trigger monitoring unit 506 receives a switch monitoring signal indicating the operation of the external power switch 304 via the endpoint CLK, and generates a drive signal to drive the counter 526 when the operation of the external power switch 304 is detected at the endpoint CLK. The trigger monitoring unit 506 also further controls the conduction state of the switch Q27. The dimmer 502 generates a reference signal REF, adjusts the power of the LED chain 312 in analog to dimming mode, or generates a control signal 538 that adjusts the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 to regulate the power of the LED chain 312. The pulse signal generator 504 generates a pulse signal that can turn on the control switch Q16. The dimming controller 308 also includes a start and under voltage lockout (UVL) circuit 508 coupled to the terminal VDD to selectively turn on one or more components within the dimming controller 308 according to different power conditions. .

In an embodiment, the startup and undervoltage lockout circuit 508 will turn on all of the components in the dimming controller 308 when the voltage at the terminal VDD is above the first predetermined voltage. When the power switch 304 is turned off, if the voltage at the terminal VDD is lower than the second predetermined voltage, the startup and undervoltage lockout circuit 508 will turn off the dimming controller 308 other than the trigger monitoring unit 506 and the dimmer 502. Components to save energy. When the voltage at the terminal VDD is lower than the third predetermined voltage, the startup and undervoltage lockout circuit 508 will be further turned off. The monitoring unit 506 and the dimmer 502 are closed. In an embodiment, the first preset voltage is higher than the second preset voltage, and the second preset voltage is higher than the third preset voltage. Because the dimming controller 308 can be powered by the capacitor C10 via the terminal VDD, the trigger monitoring unit 506 and the dimmer 502 can operate for a period of time even after the power switch 304 is turned off.

In dimming controller 308, terminal SEL is coupled to current source 532. The user can select the dimming mode by configuring the endpoint SEL (eg, coupling the endpoint SEL directly to ground or coupling the endpoint SEL to ground via a resistor). In an embodiment, the dimming mode is determined by measuring the voltage on the terminal SEL. If the terminal SEL is directly coupled to ground, the voltage on the terminal SEL is approximately zero. A control circuit (not shown) can turn on the switch 540 and turn off the switches 541 and 542. Thus, dimming controller 308 can operate in analog dimming mode and adjust the power of LED chain 312 by adjusting reference signal REF. In one embodiment, if the terminal SEL is coupled to ground via a resistor R4 having a predetermined resistance (as shown in FIG. 4), the voltage at the terminal SEL is greater than zero. The control circuit sequentially turns off the switch 540, the conduction switch 541, and the conduction switch 542. Therefore, the dimming controller 308 operates in the sudden dimming mode and adjusts the power of the LED chain 312 by adjusting the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1. In other words, different dimming modes can be selected via the conduction states of the control switches 540, 541, 542. The conduction state of the switches 540, 541, 542 is determined by the voltage at the terminal SEL.

Pulse signal generator 504 is coupled to ground via terminal RT and resistor R7 to produce a pulse signal 536 that turns on switch Q16. The pulse signal generator 504 can have a different configuration and is not limited to the configuration shown in FIG.

In the pulse signal generator 504, the non-inverting input of the operational amplifier 510 receives the preset voltage V1. Therefore, the inverting input voltage of the operational amplifier 510 is also V1. Current I _RT flows to ground through terminal RT and resistor R7. The current I ₁ flowing through the metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) 514 and the MOSFET 515 is equal to the current I _RT . Since MOSFET 514 and MOSFET 512 form a current mirror, current I ₂ flowing through MOSFET 512 is also equal to current I _RT . The output of comparator 516 and the output of comparator 518 are coupled to the S input and R input of SR flip flop 520, respectively. The inverting input of comparator 516 receives a preset voltage V2. The non-inverting input of comparator 518 receives a preset voltage V3. In an embodiment, V2 is greater than V3 and V3 is greater than zero. Capacitor C4 is coupled between MOSFET 512 and ground and has a common node coupled between one end and a non-inverting input of comparator 516 and an inverting input of comparator 518. The Q output of the SR flip-flop 520 is coupled to the S input of the switch Q15 and the SR flip-flop 522. Switch Q15 is connected in parallel with capacitor C4. The on state of switch Q15 (eg, on/off) is determined by the Q output of SR flip-flop 520.

The initial voltage across capacitor C4 is approximately zero, less than V3. Therefore, the R input of the SR flip-flop 520 receives the digital signal 1 output from the comparator 518. The Q output of SR flip-flop 520 is set to digital signal 0, which turns off switch Q15. When the switch Q15 is turned off, with the capacitor C4 is charged by the current I _2, the voltage across the capacitor C4 rises. When the voltage across the capacitor C4 is greater than V2, the S input of the SR flip-flop 520 receives the digital signal 1 output by the comparator 516. The Q output of the SR flip-flop 520 is set to a digital signal 1, which turns on the switch Q15. When the switch Q15 is turned on, as the capacitor C4 is discharged via the switch Q15, the voltage across the capacitor C4 is lowered. When the voltage across capacitor C4 drops below V3, comparator 518 outputs digital signal 1, and the Q output of SR flip-flop 520 is set to digital signal 0, which turns off switch Q15. And then the capacitor C4 is charged by the current I _2. As such, via the above process, pulse signal generator 504 generates pulse signal 536 that includes a series of pulses at the Q output of SR flip-flop 520. Pulse signal 536 is passed to the S input of SR flip-flop 522.

The trigger monitoring unit 506 monitors the operation of the power switch 304 through the endpoint CLK, and when the operation of the power switch 304 is monitored at the endpoint CLK, a drive signal is generated to drive the counter 526. In one embodiment, when power switch 304 is turned "on", the voltage at terminal CLK rises to a level equal to the voltage across resistor R6 (shown in Figure 4). When power switch 304 is turned off, the voltage on terminal CLK drops to zero. Thus, a switch monitoring signal indicating the operation of power switch 304 can be monitored at endpoint CLK. In an embodiment, the trigger monitoring unit 506 generates a drive signal when a shutdown operation is detected at the endpoint CLK.

The trigger monitoring unit 506 also controls the conduction state of the switch Q27 through the terminal HV_GATE. When the power switch 304 is turned on, the collapse of the Zener diode ZD1 The voltage is applied to the switch Q27 via the resistor R15. Therefore, the switch Q27 is turned on. The trigger monitoring unit 506 can turn off the switch Q27 by pulling down the voltage of the terminal HV_GATE to zero. In an embodiment, when the shutdown operation of the power switch 304 is detected on the endpoint CLK, the trigger monitoring unit 506 turns off the switch Q27, and when the conduction operation of the power switch 304 is monitored on the endpoint CLK, the trigger monitoring unit 506 is triggered. Turn on the switch Q27.

In one embodiment, dimmer 502 includes a counter 526 coupled to trigger monitoring unit 506, counting the operation of power switch 304, and a digital analog (D/A) converter 528 coupled to counter 526. The dimmer 502 also includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator 530 coupled to the digital analog converter 528. Counter 526 is driven by a drive signal generated by trigger monitoring unit 506. Specifically, in one embodiment, when power switch 304 is turned off, trigger monitoring unit 506 monitors a negative edge on endpoint CLK and generates a drive signal. The count value of the counter 526 is echoed by the drive signal being incremented (e.g., incremented by one). The digital analog converter 528 reads the count value from the counter 526 and generates a dimming signal (e.g., control signal 538 or reference signal REF) based on the count value. The dimming signal can be used to adjust the target power value of power converter 310, thereby adjusting the brightness output of LED chain 312.

In the sudden dimming mode, switch 540 is turned off and switches 541 and 542 are turned on. The inverting input of comparator 534 receives a reference signal REF1, which is a DC signal having a predetermined substantially constant voltage. The voltage of REF1 determines the LED current peak and therefore also the maximum brightness output of LED chain 312. The dimming signal may be a control signal 538 applied to the pulse width modulation signal generator 530 to adjust the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1. By adjusting the duty cycle of PWM1, the brightness of LED chain 312 can be adjusted to be no greater than the maximum brightness determined by REF1. For example, if the duty cycle of PWM1 is 100%, then LED chain 312 has a maximum brightness output. If the duty cycle of PWM1 is less than 100%, the luminance output of LED chain 312 is lower than the maximum luminance output.

In the analog dimming mode, switch 540 is turned on and switches 541 and 542 are turned off. The dimming signal can be an analog reference signal REF having an adjustable voltage. The digital analog converter 528 adjusts the voltage of REF based on the count value of the counter 526. The voltage of REF determines the peak value of the LED current and therefore the average value of the LED current. Therefore, through By adjusting REF, the brightness output of LED chain 312 can be adjusted.

In an embodiment, the digital analog converter 528 lowers the voltage of REF in response to an increase in the count value. For example, if the count value is 0, the digital analog converter 528 adjusts the voltage of REF to V4. If the count value increases to 1 when the trigger monitoring unit 506 detects the turn-off operation of the power switch 304 at the terminal CLK, the digital analog converter 528 adjusts the voltage of REF to V5, and V5 is less than V4. In another embodiment, the digital analog converter 528 increases the voltage of REF in response to an increase in the count value.

In an embodiment, the counter value is reset to zero when the counter 526 reaches its maximum count value. For example, if the counter 526 is a 2-bit counter, the count value will be incremented from 0 to 1, 2, 3, and then returned to 0 after the fourth shutdown operation is monitored. Accordingly, the luminance output of the LED chain 312 is sequentially adjusted from the first level to the second level, the third level, and the fourth level, and then returns to the first level.

The inverting input of comparator 534 can selectively receive reference signal REF and reference signal REF1. For example, in analog dimming mode, the inverting input of comparator 534 receives reference signal REF via switch 540, while in the dimming dimming mode, the inverting input of comparator 534 receives reference signal REF1 via switch 541. The non-inverting input of comparator 534 is coupled to resistor R5 via terminal MON to receive current monitoring signal SEN from current monitoring resistor R5. The voltage of the current monitoring signal SEN may represent the LED current flowing through the LED chain 312 when the switches Q27 and Q16 are turned on.

The output of comparator 534 is coupled to the R input of SR flip-flop 522. The Q output of SR flip-flop 522 is coupled to AND gate 524. The pulse width modulation signal PWM1 generated by the pulse width modulation signal generator 530 is applied to the AND gate 524. The AND gate 524 outputs a control signal that is controlled via the endpoint CTRL to control the switch Q16.

If the analog dimming mode is selected, switch 540 is turned "on" and switches 541 and 542 are turned "off". Switch Q16 is controlled by SR flip-flop 522. In operation, when the power switch 304 is turned on, the breakdown voltage across the Zener diode ZD1 causes the switch Q27 to conduct. In response to the pulse signal 536 generated by the pulse signal generator 504, the SR flip-flop 522 generates a digital signal 1 at the Q output to turn on the control switch Q16. The LED current flows through the inductor L1, the LED chain 312, the switch Q27, the control switch Q16, and the current monitoring resistor R5 to ground. Because the inductor L1 Blocking the sudden change of LED current, the LED current will gradually increase. Therefore, the voltage across the current monitoring resistor R5 (ie, the voltage of the current monitoring signal SEN) increases. When the voltage of SEN is greater than the voltage of reference signal REF, comparator 534 generates digital signal 1 to the R input of SR flip-flop 522 to cause SR flip-flop 522 to generate digital signal 0 and turn off control switch Q16. After the control switch Q16 is turned off, the inductor L1 is discharged to supply power to the LED chain 312. The LED current flowing through the inductor L1, the LED chain 312, and the diode D4 is gradually reduced. When the SR flip-flop 522 receives a pulse again at the S input, the control switch Q16 is turned on, and the LED current flows again to the ground via the current monitoring resistor R5. When the voltage of the current monitoring signal SEN is greater than the voltage of the reference signal REF, the control switch Q16 is turned off by the SR flip-flop 522. As described above, the reference signal REF determines the peak value of the current flowing through the LED and also determines the luminance output of the LED chain 312. By adjusting REF, the brightness output of LED chain 312 is adjusted.

In the analog dimming mode, if power switch 304 is turned off, capacitor C10 (shown in Figure 4) is discharged to power dimming controller 308. When the trigger monitoring unit 506 detects the turn-off operation of the power switch 304 at the terminal CLK, the count value of the counter 526 is incremented by one. In response to the shutdown operation of the power switch 304, the trigger monitoring unit 506 turns off the switch Q27. In response to a change in the count value, the digital analog converter 528 adjusts the voltage of the reference signal REF from the first level to the second level. Therefore, when the power switch 304 is turned on, the luminance output of the LED chain 312 can be adjusted according to the adjustment of the reference signal REF.

If the sudden dimming mode is selected, switch 540 is turned off and switches 541 and 524 are turned on. The inverting input of comparator 534 receives a reference signal REF1 having a predetermined voltage. The control switch Q16 is controlled by both the SR flip-flop 522 and the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 via the AND gate 524. The reference signal REF1 determines the peak current of the LED current and also determines the maximum luminance output of the LED chain 312. The duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 determines the on/off time of the control switch Q16. When the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 is logic 1, the conduction state of the control switch Q16 is determined by the Q output terminal of the SR flip-flop 522. When the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 is logic 0, the control switch Q16 is turned off. By adjusting the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1, the power of the LED chain 312 can be adjusted accordingly. Therefore, the reference signal REF1 and the pulse width modulation signal The combination of PWM1 determines the luminance output of LED chain 312.

In the sudden dimming mode, when the power switch 304 is turned off, the shutdown operation is monitored at the endpoint CLK by the trigger monitoring unit 506. The trigger monitoring unit 506 turns off Q27 and generates a drive signal. In response to the drive signal, the count value of counter 526 is incremented (eg, incremented by one). The digital analog converter 528 generates a control signal 538 that causes the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 to be adjusted from a first level to a second level. Therefore, when the power switch 304 is turned on next time, the luminance output of the LED chain 312 will be adjusted according to the target luminance output determined by the reference signal REF1 and the pulse width modulation signal PWM1.

6 is an exemplary signal waveform diagram in analog dimming mode, including LED current 602 flowing through LED chain 312, pulse signal 536, V ₅₂₂ indicating SR flip-flop 522 output, indicating AND gate 524 output. V ₅₂₄ and the on/off state of switch Q16. Figure 6 will be described in conjunction with Figures 4 and 5.

In operation, pulse signal generator 504 generates pulse signal 536. In response to each of the pulse signals 536, the SR flip-flop 522 produces a digital signal 1 at the Q output. The digital signal 1 at the Q output of the SR flip-flop 522 causes the control switch Q16 to conduct. When the control switch Q16 is turned on, the inductor L1 current ramps up and the LED current 602 increases. When the LED current 602 reaches the peak value I _MAX , that is, the voltage of the current monitoring signal SEN is substantially equal to the voltage of the reference signal REF, the comparator 534 generates the digital signal 1 to the R input terminal of the SR flip-flop 522, so that the SR flip-flop 522 produces a digital signal 0 at the Q output. When the Q output of the SR flip-flop 522 is a digital signal 0, the control switch Q16 is turned off. When control switch Q16 is turned off, inductor L1 discharges power to LED chain 312 and LED current 602 decreases. In the analog dimming mode, by adjusting the reference signal REF, the LED average current can be adjusted accordingly, so that the luminance output of the LED chain 312 is adjusted.

Figure 7 shows an exemplary signal waveform diagram in a sudden dimming mode, including current 602 flowing through LED chain 312, pulse signal 536, V ₅₂₂ representing the output of SR flip-flop 522, and V representing the output of AND gate 524. ₅₂₄ , the on/off state of the control switch Q16 and the pulse width modulation signal PWM1. Figure 7 will be described in conjunction with Figures 4 and 5.

When PWM1 is the digital signal 1, the correlation between the LED current 602, the pulse signals 536, V ₅₂₂ , V ₅₂₄ and the on/off state of the control switch Q16 is similar to that of FIG. When PWM1 is a digital signal 0, the output of the AND gate 524 becomes a digital signal 0. Therefore, switch Q16 is turned off and LED current 602 is decreased. If PWM1 maintains the state of digital signal 0 long enough, LED current 602 will decrease to zero. In this sudden dimming mode, by adjusting the duty cycle of PWM1, the average LED current can be adjusted accordingly, so the luminance output of LED chain 312 is also adjusted.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing the operation of a light source driving circuit according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 8 will be described in conjunction with Figure 5.

In the example shown in FIG. 8, whenever the trigger monitoring unit 506 monitors the shutdown operation of the power switch 304, the count value of the counter 526 is incremented by one. Counter 526 is a 2-bit counter with a maximum count of three.

In the analog dimming mode, the digital analog converter 528 reads the count value from the counter 526 and decreases the voltage of the reference signal REF in response to the increase in the count value. The voltage of the reference signal REF determines the peak value I _{MAX of} the LED current, which also determines the average current value of the LED. In the sudden dimming mode, the digital analog converter 528 reads the count value from the counter 526 and reduces the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 (eg, 25% lower each time) in response to the increase in the count value. Counter 526 is reset after reaching the maximum count value (eg, 3).

9 is a flow chart of a method of adjusting power to a light source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 will be described in conjunction with Figures 4 and 5.

In step 902, the regulated power provided by the power converter (eg, power converter 310) powers the light source (eg, LED chain 312). In step 904, a switch monitoring signal is received (such as received by dimming controller 308). The switch monitoring signal indicates operation of a power switch (such as power switch 304) coupled between the power source and the power converter. In step 906, a dimming signal is generated based on the switch monitoring signal. In step 908, a switch (eg, control switch Q16) coupled in series with the light source is controlled in accordance with the dimming signal to adjust the regulated power from the power converter. In an embodiment, in the analog dimming mode, the regulated power from the power converter is adjusted by comparing the dimming signal with a feedback current monitoring signal indicative of the magnitude of the source current of the source. In another embodiment, in the sudden dimming mode, the working week of controlling a pulse width modulation signal by using the dimming signal The regulated power from the power converter is adjusted.

Accordingly, embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide a light source driving circuit that can adjust the power of a light source in accordance with a switch monitoring signal that operates a power switch, such as a power switch that is fixed to a wall. The power of the light source is provided by a power converter and is regulated by a dimming controller via a switch that is coupled in series with the light source. Advantageously, as previously described, the user can adjust the brightness output of the light source by operation of a conventional power switch, such as a shutdown operation. Therefore, there is no need to use an additional device (such as an external dimmer or a specially designed switch with a dimming button), thus reducing costs.

FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a light source driving circuit 1000 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 10 will be described in conjunction with Figure 3. Elements in Figure 10 that are numbered the same as Figures 3 and 4 have similar functions.

Light source drive circuit 1000 includes a power converter 310 coupled to a power source and LED chain 312 that receives power from a power source and provides regulated power to LED chain 312. The dimming controller 1008 monitors the operation of the power switch 304 coupled between the power source and the light source drive circuit 1000 by monitoring the voltage on the terminal CLK. The dimming controller 1008 receives a dimming request signal indicating a first plurality of operations of the power switch 304 and a dimming termination signal indicating a second plurality of operations of the power switch 304. The dimming controller 1008 receives the dimming request signal and the dimming termination signal via the endpoint CLK. The dimming controller 1008 can also continuously adjust the regulated power from the power converter 310 if a dimming request signal is received, and stop adjusting the regulated power from the power converter 310 if a dimming termination signal is received. In other words, once the first plurality of operations of the power switch 304 are monitored, the dimming controller 1008 continuously adjusts the regulated power from the power converter 310 until the second plurality of operations of the power switch 304 are monitored. In an embodiment, dimming controller 1008 regulates the regulated power from power converter 310 by controlling control switch Q16 coupled in series with LED chain 312.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an exemplary architecture of the dimming controller 1008 of FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 will be described in conjunction with Figure 10. Elements in Figure 11 that are numbered the same as Figures 4, 5, and 10 have similar functions.

In the example of FIG. 11, the architecture of the dimming controller 1008 is the same as that of FIG. The architecture of the light controller 308 is similar. The difference is in the dimmer 1102 and the trigger monitoring unit 1106. In FIG. 11, the trigger monitoring unit 1106 receives the dimming request signal and the dimming termination signal via the endpoint CLK and generates a signal EN to enable or disable the clock generator 1104. The trigger monitoring unit 1106 also controls the conduction state of the switch Q27 coupled to the LED chain 312.

In the analog dimming mode, the dimmer 1102 generates a reference signal REF to adjust the power of the LED chain 312, or in the sudden dimming mode, the dimmer 1102 generates a control signal 538 to adjust the operation of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1. Cycles to regulate the power of the LED chain 312. In the example of FIG. 11, the dimmer 1102 includes a clock generator 1104 that generates a clock signal coupled to the trigger monitoring unit 1106, a counter 1126 that is driven by the clock signal, and a digital analogy (D/A) coupled to the counter 1126. Converter 528. The dimmer 1102 still further includes a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator 530 coupled to a digital analog (D/A) converter 528.

In operation, when power switch 304 is turned "on" or "off", trigger monitoring unit 1106 can monitor the positive or negative edge of the voltage at endpoint CLK, respectively. For example, when the power switch 304 is turned off, the capacitor C10 is discharged to supply power to the dimming controller 1008. The voltage across resistor R6 drops to zero. Therefore, the trigger monitoring unit 1106 can detect a voltage negative edge on the terminal CLK. Similarly, when the power switch 304 is turned on, the voltage across the resistor R6 rises to a predetermined voltage. Therefore, the trigger monitoring unit 1106 can monitor a positive voltage edge on the terminal CLK. As previously discussed, by monitoring the voltage on the terminal CLK, the trigger monitoring unit 1106 can monitor the operation of the power switch 304, such as a turn-on or turn-off operation.

In an embodiment, when the first plurality of operations of the power switch 304 are monitored, the trigger monitoring unit 1106 receives the dimming request signal via the endpoint CLK. When the second plurality of operations of the power switch 304 are monitored, the trigger monitoring unit 1106 receives the dimming termination signal via the endpoint CLK. In an embodiment, the first plurality of operations of power switch 304 includes a first shutdown operation and a subsequent first conduction operation. In an embodiment, the second plurality of operations of power switch 304 includes a second shutdown operation and a subsequent second conduction operation.

If the trigger monitoring unit 1106 receives the dimming request signal, the dimming control The controller 1008 begins to continuously adjust the regulated power from the power converter 310. In the analog dimming mode, dimming controller 1008 adjusts the voltage of reference signal REF to regulate the regulated power from power converter 310. In the sudden dimming mode, the dimming controller 1008 adjusts the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 to adjust the regulated power from the power converter 310.

If the trigger monitoring unit 1106 receives the dimming termination signal, the dimming controller 1008 stops adjusting the regulated power from the power converter 310.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing the operation of a light source driving circuit including the dimming controller 1008 of FIG. 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 12 will be described in conjunction with FIG. 10 and FIG.

It is assumed that the power switch 304 is turned off at the initial moment. In operation, in one embodiment, when the power switch 304 is turned on by the user, the LED chain 312 is powered by the regulated power from the power converter 310 to produce an initial brightness output. In the analog dimming mode, the initial luminance output is determined by the initial voltage of the reference signal REF. In the sudden dimming mode, the initial luminance output is determined by the initial duty cycle (eg, 100%) of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1. In one embodiment, the reference signal REF and the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 are generated by a digital analog (D/A) converter 528 based on the count value of the counter 1126. Therefore, the initial voltage of REF and the initial duty cycle of PWM1 are determined by the initial count value of counter 1126 (eg, 0).

To adjust the brightness of the LED chain 312, the user can apply a first plurality of operations to the power switch 304. Once the first plurality of operations of the power switch 304 are detected, a dimming request signal is generated. In an embodiment, the first plurality of operations includes a first shutdown operation and a subsequent first conduction operation. As such, the trigger monitoring unit 1106 monitors and receives the dimming request signal including the voltage negative edge 1204 and the subsequent positive edge 1206 at the endpoint CLK. In response to the dimming request signal, the trigger monitoring unit 1106 generates an EN signal having a high level. Thus, clock generator 1104 is enabled to generate a clock signal. A counter 1126 driven by a clock signal can change the count value in response to each clock pulse of the clock signal. In the example of Figure 12, the count value is incremented in response to the clock signal. In one embodiment, the counter value is reset to zero when the counter 1126 reaches its preset maximum count value. In another In an embodiment, the count value is incremented until the counter 1126 reaches a preset maximum count value, and then the count value is decreased until the counter 1126 reaches the preset minimum count value.

In analog dimming mode, digital analog (D/A) converter 528 reads the count value from counter 1126 and reduces the voltage of reference signal REF in response to an increase in the count value. In the sudden dimming mode, the digital analog (D/A) converter 528 reads the count value from the counter 1126 and reduces the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 in response to the increase in the count value (eg, 10 reductions per time). %). Accordingly, since the adjusted power from the power converter 310 is determined by the voltage of the reference signal REF (in the analog dimming mode) or by the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 (in the sudden dimming mode) ), so the brightness of the LED chain 312 can be adjusted.

Once the desired brightness output is reached, the user terminates the brightness by applying a second plurality of operations to the power switch 304. Once the second plurality of operations are detected, a dimming termination signal is generated. In an embodiment, the second plurality of operations includes a second shutdown operation and a subsequent second conduction operation. As such, the trigger monitoring unit 1106 monitors the dimming termination signal including the voltage negative edge 1208 and the subsequent positive edge 1210 at the endpoint CLK. Upon detecting the dimming termination signal, the trigger monitoring unit 1106 generates an EN signal having a low level. Therefore, the clock generator 1104 is disabled so that the counter 1126 keeps its count value unchanged. Accordingly, in the analog dimming mode, the voltage of the reference signal REF will remain at the desired level. In the sudden dimming mode, the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 will remain at the desired value. Therefore, the luminance output of LED chain 312 will remain at the desired luminance output.

13 is a flow chart 1300 of a method of adjusting power of a light source, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 will be described in conjunction with FIG. 10 and FIG.

In step 1302, the light source (eg, LED chain 312) is powered with the regulated power from a power converter (such as power converter 310).

In step 1304, a dimming request signal is received (as received by dimming controller 1008). The dimming request signal indicates a first plurality of operations coupled to a power switch (eg, power switch 304) between the power source and the power converter. In an embodiment, the first plurality of operations of the power switch includes a first shutdown operation and a subsequent first conduction operation.

In step 1306, the regulated power from the power converter is continuously adjusted (as adjusted by dimming controller 1008). In an embodiment, clock generator 1104 is enabled to drive counter 1126. A dimming signal (such as control signal 538 or reference signal REF) is generated based on the count value of counter 1126. In the analog dimming mode, the regulated power from the power converter is adjusted by comparing the reference signal REF with a feedback current monitoring signal indicative of the source current flowing through the source. The voltage of REF is determined by the count value. In the sudden dimming mode, the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 is varied by the control signal 538 to regulate the regulated power from the power converter. The duty cycle of PWM1 is determined by the count value.

In step 1308, a dimming termination signal is received (as received by dimming controller 1008). The dimming termination signal indicates a second plurality of operations coupled to a power switch (such as power switch 304) between the power source and the power converter. In an embodiment, the second plurality of operations of the power switch includes a second shutdown operation and a second conduction operation thereafter.

In step 1310, if a dimming termination signal is received, then adjusting the regulated power from the power converter is stopped. In an embodiment, clock generator 1104 is disabled to cause counter 1126 to maintain its count value unchanged. As a result, in the analog dimming mode, the voltage of the reference signal REF is maintained at a desired level. In the sudden dimming mode, the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 will remain at the desired value. Therefore, the power supply will maintain the desired brightness output.

14A is a circuit diagram of a light source driving circuit 1400 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 14A will be described in conjunction with Figure 4. Elements in Figure 14 that are numbered the same as Figures 3 and 4 have similar functions. The light source driving circuit 1400 is coupled to the power source V _IN (for example, 110/120 volts AC, 60 Hz) through the power switch 304, and is coupled to the LED chain 312. One embodiment of the power switch 304 of Figure 14A is shown in Figure 14B. In one embodiment, the power switch 304 is an ON/OFF switch placed on the wall. By switching element 1480 to the ON and OFF terminals, the state of power switch 304 can be controlled to be turned "on" or "off" by the user.

As shown in FIG. 14A, the light source driving circuit 1400 includes an AC/DC converter 306, a power converter 310, and a dimming controller 1408. The AC/DC converter 306 converts the power supply V _IN to an output DC voltage V _OUT . The power converter 310 is coupled to the AC/DC converter 306, receives the output DC voltage V _OUT , and provides output power to the LED chain 312. The dimming controller 1408 is coupled to the AC/DC converter 306 and the power converter 310, monitors the power switch 304, and adjusts the output power of the power converter 310 according to the action of the power switch 304, thereby controlling the brightness of the LED chain 312.

In one embodiment, power converter 310 includes an inductor L1, a diode D4, a control switch Q16, a switch Q27, and a current inductor. In one embodiment, the current sensor is a resistor R5. The dimming controller 1408 includes a plurality of endpoints, such as: endpoint HV_GATE, endpoint CLK, endpoint VDD, endpoint CTRL, endpoint MON, and endpoint GND. The endpoints of dimming controller 1408 have similar functions as the corresponding endpoints of dimming controller 308 depicted in FIG.

In operation, the endpoint CLK of the dimming controller 1408 receives the switch monitor signal 1450 to monitor the power switch 304. Switch monitoring signal 1450 represents the conductive state of power switch 304 (eg, an ON/OFF state). Therefore, the dimming controller 1408 controls the switch Q27 through the terminal HV_GATE and controls the switch Q16 through the terminal CTRL, thereby controlling the dimming of the LED chain 312.

More specifically, in one embodiment, when power switch 304 is turned on, dimming controller 1408 generates a signal (eg, a logic high) on terminal HV_GATE to turn on switch Q27 and generate a switch control at endpoint CTRL. Signal 1452 to turn on and off control switch Q16. In one embodiment, control switch Q16 operates in a switch on state and a switch off state. When the control switch Q16 is in the switch-on state, the switch control signal 1452 alternately turns the control switch Q16 on and off. In addition, dimming controller 1408 receives an inductive signal 1454 indicative of current I _LED flowing through LED chain 312 through endpoint MON. When the sense signal 1454 indicates that the current I _{LED has} risen to the current threshold I _TH , the dimming controller 1408 turns off the control switch Q16. Therefore, when the control switch Q16 is turned on, the current I _LED gradually becomes larger; when the control switch Q16 is turned off, the current I _LED gradually becomes smaller. In this manner, dimming controller 1408 determines the peak value of current I _LED and thereby controls the average value I _{AVERAGE of} current I _LED . When control switch Q16 is in the switch open state, switch control signal 1452 maintains control switch Q16 open to shut off current I _LED . In one embodiment, dimming controller 1408 determines the time ratio between the on state of the switch and the off state of the switch to control the average value I _{AVERAGE of the} current I _LED .

In one embodiment, when power switch 304 is turned off, dimming controller 1408 generates a signal (eg, a logic low) on terminal HV_GATE to open switch Q27. Therefore, the current I _LED flowing through the LED chain 312 drops to substantially zero amps to extinguish the LED chain 312.

In one embodiment, dimming controller 1408 receives switch monitoring signal 1450 indicative of the conductive state of power switch 304 via endpoint CLK. Accordingly, the dimming controller 1408 recognizes the action of the power switch 304 and provides a dimming request signal indicative of the action. In one embodiment, dimming controller 1408 provides a dimming request signal upon identifying an opening action of power switch 304. Alternatively, the dimming controller 1408 provides a dimming request signal when the conduction action of the power switch 304 is recognized. The dimming controller 1408 operates in an analog dimming mode, a burst dimming mode or a mixed dimming mode in response to the dimming request signal, and controls the LED chain 312 by adjusting the on/off of the control switch Q16. Dimming. For example, in analog dimming mode, dimming controller 1408 determines the peak value of current I _LED and maintains the time ratio between the switch on state and the switch off state. In the burst dimming mode, the dimming controller 1408 determines the time ratio between the on-state of the switch and the off-state of the switch, and maintains the peak value of the current I _LED unchanged. In the hybrid dimming mode, the dimming controller 1408 determines the time ratio between the switch on state and the switch off state and determines the peak value of the current I _LED . Therefore, when the switch Q27 is turned on again (indicating that the power switch 304 is turned on again), the dimming controller 1408 adjusts the peak value of the current I _LED and/or the duration of the switch on state and the switch off state. As a result, the average current I _AVERAGE flowing through the LED chain 312 is adjusted to control the brightness of the LED chain 312.

The advantage is that the adjustment of the average current I _AVERAGE can have a relatively wide range by adjusting the current I _LED and the duration between the switch on state and the switch off state. For example, if the average current I _MAX represents the maximum value of the I _AVERAGE, according to embodiments of the present invention, the average current I _AVERAGE may vary within the range of 4% to 100% x I _MAX of the. In the prior art, the average current I _AVERAGE can only vary from 20% to 100% of I _MAX . Thus, the LED chain 312 can achieve dimming over a wider range and, therefore, can be used in more energy efficient lamp applications, such as night light.

Figure 15 is a circuit diagram of the dimming controller 1408 of Figure 14A. Figure 15 will be described in conjunction with Figures 5, 6, 7, and 14A. Elements in Figure 15 that are numbered the same as Figures 5 and 14A have similar functions.

In the embodiment of FIG. 15, dimming controller 1408 includes a start and under voltage lockout (UVL) circuit 508, a pulse signal generator 504, a trigger monitoring unit 506, a dimmer 1502, a comparator 534, and an SR flip-flop 522. And and 524. The dimmer 1502 includes a reference signal generator 1506 that generates a reference signal REF. The dimmer 1502 also includes a PWM signal generator 1508 that generates a pulse width modulation signal PWM1. In conjunction with the description of FIG. 5, comparator 534 compares sense signal 1454 with reference signal REF to produce comparison signal COMP. Pulse signal generator 504 generates pulse signal 536 having a periodic pulse waveform. In one embodiment, when pulse signal 536 is a logic one, SR flip-flop 522 sets pulse signal PULSE to a logic one; when comparison signal COMP is a logic one (ie, when sense signal 1454 rises to reference signal REF) The SR flip-flop 522 resets the pulse signal PULSE to a logic zero. The AND gate 524 receives the pulse signal PULSE and the pulse width modulation signal PWM1, and accordingly generates a switch control signal 1452 to control the control switch Q16.

Assuming switch Q27 is turned on, dimming controller 1408 controls current I _LED in a manner similar to that of dimming controller 308 described in FIGS. 6 and 7. In one embodiment, when the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 is in the first state (eg, PWM1 is a logic 1), the AND gate 524 alternately turns the control switch Q16 on and off in accordance with the pulse signal PULSE. Thereby, the control switch Q16 operates in the on state of the switch. When the switch is turned on, the current I _LED gradually rises when the control switch Q16 is turned on, and gradually decreases when the control switch Q16 is turned off. Since the control switch Q16 is turned off when the sense signal 1454 rises to the reference signal REF, the reference signal REF determines the peak value of the current I _LED . When the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 is in the second state (for example, PWM1 is logic 0), the AND gate 524 is turned off according to the hold control switch Q16. At this time, the control switch Q16 operates in the switch off state to cut off the current I _LED .

Therefore, the reference signal REF determines the peak value of the current I _LED , and the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 determines the time ratio between the switch on state and the switch off state. That is, the average current I _AVERAGE flowing through the LED chain 312 changes according to the duty cycle of the reference signal REF and the pulse width modulation signal PWM1. For example, when the voltage value V _{REF of the} reference signal REF rises, I _AVERAGE increases; when V _REF decreases, I _AVERAGE decreases. Further, when the duty cycle D _{PWM1 of the} pulse width modulation signal PWM1 becomes large, I _AVERAGE increases; when D _PWM1 becomes small, I _AVERAGE decreases.

The dimmer 1502 also includes a counter 1504 that provides a count value VALUE_1504. In one embodiment, the reference signal generator 1506 is coupled to the counter 1504 and determines the voltage value V _{REF of the} reference signal REF according to the count value VALUE_1504. The PWM signal generator 1508 is coupled to the counter 1504 and determines the duty cycle D _{PWM1 of the} pulse width modulation signal PWM1 according to the count value VALUE_1504.

Tables 1 and 2 show an embodiment of the ratio between the count value VALUE_1504, the voltage V _REF and the duty cycle D _PWM1 . In one embodiment, the counter 1504 is a 2-bit counter, and therefore, the count value VALUE_1504 is 0, 1, 2, or 3. V _MAX represents the maximum value of the reference signal REF. As shown in Table 1, when the count value VALUE_1504 is 0, 1, 2, and 3, the reference signal REF has voltage values V _MAX , 50% * V _MAX , 20% * V _{MAX ,} and 20% * V _MAX , respectively, and the responsibility The period D _PWM1 is 100%, 100%, 100%, and 20%, respectively. As shown in Table 2, when the count value VALUE_1504 is 0, 1, 2, and 3, the reference signal REF has voltage values V _MAX , 50% * V _MAX , 30% * V _{MAX ,} and 20% * V _MAX , respectively, and the responsibility The period D _PWM1 is 100%, 60%, 40%, and 20%, respectively. The proportional relationship between the count value VALUE_1504, the voltage V _REF and the duty cycle D _PWM1 may have other relationships and is not limited to the embodiments shown in Tables 1 and 2.

In one embodiment, if a dimming request signal is received, for example, indicating that the power switch 304 has performed a disconnect operation, the trigger monitoring unit 506 generates an enable signal 1510. The counter 1504 receives the enable signal 1510 and increments or decrements the count value VALUE_1 504 accordingly. Therefore, the reference signal generator 1506 determines the reference signal REF, for example, according to Table 1 or Table 2. The PWM signal generator 1508 determines the duty cycle of PWM1, for example, according to Table 1 or Table 2.

Thus, dimming controller 1408 selectively operates in analog dimming mode, burst dimming mode, and mixed dimming mode. In the analog dimming mode, the dimming controller 1408 determines the value of the reference signal REF according to the count value of the counter 1504 to adjust the average value I _{AVERAGE of the} current I _LED ; at this time, the duty cycle of the PWM 1 remains unchanged. In the burst dimming mode, the dimming controller 1408 determines the duty cycle of the PWM1 according to the count value of the counter 1504 to adjust the average value I _{AVERAGE of the} current I _LED ; at this time, the value of the reference signal REF remains unchanged. In the mixed dimming mode, the dimming controller 1408 simultaneously determines the duty cycle of the PWM1 and the value of the reference signal REF according to the count value of the counter 1504 to adjust the average value I _{AVERAGE of the} current I _LED . Thereby, the brightness of the LED chain 312 is adjusted. The operation of dimming controller 1408 will be further described in Figures 16 and 17. The dimming controller 1408 can have other configurations and is not limited to the embodiment shown in FIG.

FIG. 16 is a signal diagram showing the light source driving circuit including the dimming controller 1408 of FIG. Figure 16 will be described in conjunction with Figures 14A and 15. Figure 16 depicts the voltage V CLK on the terminal _CLK , the counter 1504 count value VALUE_1504, the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 voltage V _PWM1 , the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 duty cycle D _PWM1 , the reference signal REF voltage value V _REF , the voltage V _{SENSE of the} sense signal 1454 , and the average value I _{AVERAGE of the} current I _LED . In the embodiment of FIG. 16, dimming controller 1408 sets voltage value V _REF and duty cycle D _PWM1 in accordance with the embodiment in Table 1.

At time t0, power switch 304 is turned off. The count value VALUE_1504 is 0. According to Table 1, the duty cycle D _PWM1 is 100%, and the voltage value V _REF has a maximum value V _MAX . Since both power switch 304 and switch Q27 are open, current I _LED is turned off, so the average current I _AVERAGE is zero amps.

At time t1, the positive edge of voltage V _CLK represents the conduction of power switch 304. The dimming controller 1408 turns on the switch Q27. Therefore, the current I _LED is controlled in accordance with the conduction state of the control switch Q16. At the time interval t1 to t2, the duty cycle D _PWM1 is 100%, and the voltage value V _REF has a maximum value V _MAX . The control switch Q16 operates in a switch-on state to alternately turn on and off. As shown in FIG. 16, when the control switch Q16 is turned on, the voltage V _SENSE gradually rises; when the control switch Q16 is turned off, the voltage V _SENSE gradually decreases. Since the peak value of the voltage V _SENSE is equal to the maximum value V _{MAX of the} reference signal REF, the average current I _AVERAGE has a maximum value I _MAX .

At time t2, the negative edge of voltage V _CLK represents the disconnection of power switch 304. Switch Q27 is turned off to cut off the current I _LED . Thus, during the time interval from t2 to t3, the voltage V _SENSE drops to substantially zero volts and the average current I _AVERAGE drops to substantially zero amps.

In one embodiment, the dimming request signal is generated as the disconnection action of the power switch 304 is detected at time t2. The count value VALUE_1504 is increased from 0 to 1. Based on the embodiment of Table 1, dimming controller 1408 switches to analog dimming mode to adjust voltage V _REF to 50% * V _MAX and maintain duty cycle D _PWM1 to 100%.

At time t3, switch Q27 is turned on again. Therefore, at the time interval from t3 to t4, the dimming controller 1408 controls the on and off of the control switch Q16 in accordance with the reference signal REF and the pulse width modulation signal PWM1. Therefore, the average current I _{AVERAGE is} adjusted to 50% * I _MAX .

At time t4, the negative edge of voltage V _CLK represents the disconnection of power switch 304. Switch Q27 is turned off to cut off the current I _LED . Thus, during the time interval from t4 to t5, the voltage V _SENSE drops to substantially zero volts and the average current I _AVERAGE drops to substantially zero amps.

In one embodiment, since the disconnection action of the power switch 304 is detected at time t4, a dimming request signal is generated. The count value VALUE_1504 is increased from 1 to 2. According to Table 1, the dimming controller 1408 operates in analog dimming mode to adjust the voltage V _REF to 20% * V _MAX and maintain the duty cycle D _PWM1 to 100%. Therefore, in the time interval from t5 to t6, the average current I _{AVERAGE is} adjusted to 20% * I _MAX .

At time t6, the negative edge of voltage V _CLK represents the disconnection of power switch 304. Switch Q27 is turned off to cut off the current I _LED . Thus, during the time interval from t6 to t7, the voltage V _SENSE drops to substantially zero volts and the average current I _AVERAGE drops to substantially zero amps.

In one embodiment, since the disconnection action of the power switch 304 is detected at time t6, a dimming request signal is generated. The count value VALUE_1504 is increased from 2 to 3. According to Table 1, dimming controller 1408 operates in burst dimming mode to maintain voltage V _REF at 20% * V _MAX and reduce duty cycle D _PWM1 to 20%. Therefore, in the time interval from t7 to t8, the power switch 304 is turned on. At this time, when the voltage V _PWM1 has the first state (for example, a logic high potential), the voltage V _SENSE ramps up and ramps down; when the voltage V _PWM1 has the second state (eg, logic low), the voltage V _SENSE decreases. To zero volts. Therefore, in the time interval from t7 to t8, the average current I _{AVERAGE is} adjusted to 4% * I _MAX .

Therefore, in the embodiment of FIG. 16, the dimming controller 1408 first operates to adjust the average current I _AVERAGE from 100% * I _MAX to 20% * I _MAX in the analog dimming mode, and then operates in the burst dimming mode. The average current I _{AVERAGE is} adjusted from 20% * I _MAX to 4% * I _MAX . The advantage is that the average current I _AVERAGE is adjusted within the range of 100% * I _MAX and 4% * I _MAX by adjusting the duty cycle D _{PWM1 of the} pulse width modulation signal PWM1 and the voltage value V _{REF of the} reference signal REF. Thus, LED chain 312 is dimmed over a wider range. Further, the process of dimming over a relatively wide range, is greater than a holding voltage V _REF voltage threshold value (for example: 15% * V _MAX), the duty cycle D _PWM1 duty cycle remains greater than a threshold value (e.g.: 10 %). Thereby, the accuracy of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 and the reference signal REF is not affected by adverse factors such as noise, thereby improving the dimming accuracy of the light source driving circuit 1400.

Figure 17 is a signal diagram showing the light source driving circuit including the dimming controller 1408 of Figure 15. Figure 17 will be described in conjunction with Figures 14A through 16. Figure 17 depicts the voltage V CLK on the terminal _CLK , the counter 1504 count value VALUE_1504, the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 voltage V _PWM1 , the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 duty cycle D _PWM1 , the reference signal REF voltage value V _REF , the voltage of the sense signal 1454 V _SEMSE , the average value of the current I _LED I _AVERAGE . In the embodiment of Figure 17, dimming controller 1408 sets voltage value V _REF and duty cycle D _PWM1 in accordance with the embodiment in Table 2.

In the time interval between t0' and t2', the dimming controller 1408 has a similar operation between t0 and t2 as described in FIG. For example, in the time interval of t0' to t2', the count value VALUE_1504 is 0. According to Table 2, the duty cycle D _PWM1 is 100%, and the voltage value V _REF has a maximum value V _MAX . Therefore, between t1' and t2', the peak value of the voltage V _SENSE is equal to the maximum value V _{MAX of the} reference signal REF, and the average current I _AVERAGE has a maximum value I _MAX .

At time t2', the negative edge of voltage V _CLK represents the disconnection of power switch 304. Switch Q27 is turned off to cut off the current I _LED . Thus, during the time interval from t2' to t3', the voltage V _SENSE drops to substantially zero volts and the average current I _AVERAGE drops to substantially zero amps.

In one embodiment, since the disconnection action of the power switch 304 is detected at time t2', a dimming request signal is generated. The count value VALUE_1504 is increased from 0 to 1. Based on the embodiment of Table 2, the dimming controller 1408 switches to the mixed dimming mode to adjust the voltage V _REF to 50% * V _MAX and adjust the duty cycle D _PWM1 to 60%. Therefore, at the time interval t3' to t4', when the voltage _VPWM1 has the first state (for example, a logic high potential), the control switch Q16 operates in the switch-on state to alternately turn on and off. The peak value of the voltage V _SENSE is equal to the voltage value V _{REF of the} reference signal _REF (ie 50% * V _MAX ). Further, when the voltage V _PWM1 has the second state (for example, a logic low potential), the control switch Q16 operates in the switch off state to cut off the current I _LED . Therefore, the average value I _{AVERAGE of the} current I _LED is equal to 30% * I _MAX .

At time t4', the negative edge of voltage V _CLK represents the disconnection of power switch 304. Switch Q27 is turned off to cut off the current I _LED . Thus, during the time interval from t4' to t5', the voltage V _SENSE drops to substantially zero volts and the average current I _AVERAGE drops to substantially zero amps.

In one embodiment, the dimming request signal is generated as the disconnection action of the power switch 304 is detected at time t4'. The count value VALUE_1504 is increased from 1 to 2. According to Table 2, the dimming controller 1408 operates in a mixed dimming mode to adjust the voltage V _REF to 30% * V _MAX and adjust the duty cycle D _PWM1 to 40%. Therefore, in the time interval from t5' to t6', the average current I _{AVERAGE is} adjusted to 12% * I _MAX .

At time t6', the negative edge of voltage V _CLK represents the disconnection of power switch 304. Switch Q27 is turned off to cut off the current I _LED . Thus, during the time interval t6' to t7', the voltage V _SENSE drops to substantially zero volts and the average current I _AVERAGE drops to substantially zero amps.

In one embodiment, the dimming request signal is generated as the disconnection action of the power switch 304 is detected at time t6'. The count value VALUE_1504 is increased from 2 to 3. According to Table 2, the dimming controller 1408 operates in a mixed dimming mode to adjust the voltage V _REF to 20% * V _MAX and reduce the duty cycle D _PWM1 to 20%. Therefore, in the time interval from t7' to t8', the average current I _{AVERAGE is} adjusted to 4% * I _MAX .

Therefore, between t1' and t7', when the count value VALUE_1504 changes, the dimming controller 1408 operates in the mixed dimming mode. The advantage is that the average current I _AVERAGE is adjusted within the range of 100% * I _MAX and 4% * I _MAX by adjusting the duty cycle D _{PWM1 of the} pulse width modulation signal PWM1 and the voltage value V _{REF of the} reference signal REF. Thus, LED chain 312 is dimmed over a wider range. In addition, during dimming over a relatively wide range, voltage V _REF remains greater than a voltage threshold (eg, 15% * V _MAX ), and duty cycle D _PWM1 remains greater than a duty cycle threshold (eg, 10 %). Thereby, the accuracy of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 and the reference signal REF is not affected by adverse factors such as noise, thereby improving the dimming accuracy of the light source driving circuit 1400.

Figure 18 is a flow chart 1800 of a dimming method for controlling an LED light source in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 18 will be described in conjunction with FIGS. 14A through 17. The specific steps covered in Figure 18 are merely examples. That is, the present invention is suitable for other reasonable processes or steps for improving FIG.

In step 1802, a comparison is made to sense the current flowing through the LED source. A signal (eg, sense signal 1454) and a reference signal (eg, reference signal REF) are used to generate a pulse signal (eg, pulse signal PULSE). In step 1804, when the pulse width modulation signal (eg, PWM1) is in the first state, the current flowing through the LED light source is controlled according to the pulse signal. In step 1806, when the pulse width modulation signal is in the second state, the current flowing through the LED source is turned off.

In step 1808, the value of the reference signal and the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal are adjusted according to the dimming request signal. In an embodiment, the counter value of the counter is adjusted based on the dimming request signal. The duty cycle value and the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal are determined according to the count value of the counter. If the count value changes from the first value to the second value, the first mode (eg, analog dimming mode), the second mode (eg, burst dimming mode), or the third mode (eg, mixed dimming mode) is selected ). In the first mode, the value of the reference signal is adjusted and the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal is maintained. In the second mode, the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal is adjusted and the value of the reference signal is kept constant. In the third mode, the value of the reference signal is adjusted and the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal is adjusted.

Figure 19 is a circuit diagram of a light source driving circuit 1900 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Elements in Figure 19 that are numbered the same as Figures 3 and 4 have similar functions. Figure 19 will be described in conjunction with Figures 3 and 4. One end of the light source driving circuit 1900 is coupled to the power source V _IN through the power switch 304 , and the other end is coupled to the LED chain 312 . As shown in Fig. 14B, the power switch 304 is an ON/OFF switch placed on the wall. The conductive state of the power switch 304 can be controlled to be turned on or off by the user.

The light source driving circuit 1900 includes an AC/DC converter 306, a power converter 310, and a dimming controller 1908. The AC/DC converter 306 converts the power supply V _IN into an output DC voltage V _OUT . In the example of FIG. 19, the AC/DC converter 306 includes a bridge rectifier having diodes D1, D2, D7, and D8, including a filter having a diode D10 and a capacitor C9. The power converter 310 is coupled to the AC/DC converter 306, receives the output DC voltage V _OUT , and provides output power to the LED chain 312. In one embodiment, power converter 310 includes an inductor L1, a diode D4, a switch Q27, a control switch Q16, and a current inductor R5. The dimming controller 1908 is coupled between the AC/DC converter 306 and the power converter 310. The dimming controller 1908 monitors the operational state of the power switch 304, such as on or off, and controls the voltage output to the LED chain 312 accordingly to control the brightness of the LED chain 312. The dimming controller 1908 includes a plurality of pins, for example, a pin HV_GATE, a pin CLK, a pin VDD, a pin GND, a voltage control pin CTRL, a pin RT, a pin MON, and a current control pin CS. The pins VDD, the pins GND, the pins RT and the pins MON are similar to the corresponding pins of the dimming controller 1408 of FIG.

In one embodiment, dimming controller 1908 receives a switch monitoring signal 1450 indicating that power switch 304 is conducting (on or off) at pin CLK. In one embodiment, dimming controller 1908 controls switch Q27 based on switch monitoring signal 1450. Specifically, when switch monitor signal 1450 indicates that power switch 304 is open, dimming controller 1908 generates a signal (eg, a logic low signal) at pin HV_GATE to open switch Q27. Therefore, the current I _LED flowing through the LED chain 312 is reduced to substantially 0 amps. When the switch monitor signal 1450 indicates that the power switch 304 is turned on, the dimming controller 1908 generates a signal (eg, a logic high signal) at the pin HV_GATE to turn on the switch Q27. Dimming controller 1908 then controls the current I _LED flowing through LED chain 312 based on the signals of pin CTRL and pin CS.

In one embodiment, dimming controller 1908 detects a dimming request signal indicative of an operational state of power switch 304 based on switch monitoring signal 1450. In one embodiment, when the switch monitoring signal 1450 indicates that the power switch 304 is off, the dimming controller 1908 receives the dimming request signal. When the power switch 304 is turned back on, the dimming controller 1908 adjusts the average current flowing through the LED chain 312 to adjust the brightness of the LED chain 312 according to the dimming request signal.

The dimming controller 1908 can operate in the first mode and the second mode to adjust the average current of the LED chain 312. Current I _LED represents the current flowing through LED chain 312, as described below. In the first mode, the current I _LED is represented by I _LED1 . In the second mode, the current I _LED is represented by I _LED2 .

When the dimming controller 1908 is operating in the first mode, the voltage control pin CTRL of the dimming controller 1908 provides a pulse signal 1952 to control the control switch Q16 to alternately operate in a first state (eg, a conducting state) and a Two states (for example, a disconnected state). Therefore, the current I _LED1 flowing through the LED chain 312 changes according to the state of the control switch Q16. In one embodiment, during the conduction of control switch Q16, current I _LED1 flows through LED chain 312, switch Q16, current inductor R5 to ground, so current I _LED1 increases. During the off period of switch Q16, current I _LED1 flows through LED chain 312 and diode D4, so current I _LED1 decreases. Therefore, the average current flowing through the LED chain 312 can be adjusted through the control switch Q16 in the analog dimming mode, the pulse dimming mode, or the combined dimming mode. A specific dimming method will be described in detail in FIG.

When dimming controller 1908 is operating in the second mode, dimming controller 1908 provides control signal 1954 (eg, digit 0) at pin CTRL to maintain control switch Q16 in the off state. Therefore, the current I _LED1 is cut off. In addition, dimming controller 1908 turns on current I _LED2 flowing through LED chain 312 and current control pin CS.

Advantageously, the dimming controller 1908 achieves a relatively wide dimming range by selecting to operate in at least the first mode and the second mode. For example, if I _MAX indicates the maximum value of the average current I _AVERAGE , the dimming controller 1908 can operate in the first mode to adjust the average current I _{AVERAGE of the} current I _LED1 in the range of 4%*I _MAX to 100%*I _MAX Variety. Additionally, dimming controller 1908 can also operate in the second mode to adjust the average current I _AVERAGE to a lower value. For example, dimming controller 1908 sets current I _LED2 to a constant value of 1%*I _MAX . In other words, the LED chain 312 is darker in the second mode than in the first mode. Therefore, in energy-saving applications (for example, night lights), there will be more advantages. In addition, the current I _LED2 in the second mode is a substantially constant value which does not change due to the on or off of the switch Q16. Therefore, the light emitted by the LED chain 312 is not affected by the switching of the switch Q16, thereby enhancing the stability of the LED chain 312.

FIG. 20 is a block diagram showing the structure of a dimming controller 1908 according to an embodiment of the invention. Figure 20 will be described in conjunction with Figures 15 and 19. Elements numbered the same as in Figures 15 and 19 have similar functions. In the example of FIG. 20, dimming controller 1908 includes a startup and under voltage lockout circuit 508, a pulse signal generator 504, a trigger monitoring unit 506, a dimmer 2002, a driver 2010, a switch 2008, and a current source 2006.

In one embodiment, the trigger monitoring unit 506 receives the switch monitoring signal 1450 through the pin CLK. The trigger monitoring unit 506 determines a dimming request signal indicating that the power switch 304 is turned off based on the switch monitoring signal 1450. The trigger monitoring unit 506 generates an enable signal 1510 if a dimming request signal is received.

The dimmer 2002 includes a counter 1504, a reference signal generator 1506, a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal generator 1508, and a mode selection module 2004. The counter 1504 provides a count value VALUE_1 504 that changes according to the enable signal 1510. In one embodiment, the counter 1504 The count value VALUE_1504 is incremented according to the enable signal 1510. In an alternate embodiment, counter 1504 reduces count value VALUE_1 504 based on enable signal 1510.

The mode selection module 2004 selects the operation of the dimming controller 1908 in the first mode and the second mode based on the count value VALUE_1504. In one embodiment, the count value VALUE_1 504 indicates the desired brightness value of the LED chain 312. The required luminance value corresponds to the target current value I _TARGET of the average current I _AVERAGE of the LED chain 312. Referring to Tables 3 and 4, the counter value VALUE_1504 of the counter 1504, the target current value I _TARGET, and the corresponding relationship of the operation modes of the dimming controller 1908. In the example of Table 3, the count value VALUE_1504 may be 0, 1, and 2, indicating that the target current value is 100% * I _MAX , 30% * I _MAX and 1% * I _MAX , respectively, where I _MAX represents the average current I The maximum value of _AVERAGE . In the example of Table 4, the count value VALUE_1504 may be 0, 1, and 2, indicating that the target current value is 1% * I _MAX , 30% * I _{MAX ,} and 100% * I _{MAX , respectively} .

The mode selection module 2004 compares the count value VALUE_1504 with a threshold to select an operating mode. For example, according to the examples of Tables 3 and 4, the threshold value is set to 1. In the example of Table 3, when the count value VALUE_1504 is equal to or less than 1, the mode selection module 2004 selects the first mode, and when the count value VALUE_1504 is greater than 1, the mode selection module 2004 selects the second mode. In the example of Table 4, when the count value VALUE_1504 is equal to or greater than 1, the mode selection module 2004 selects the first mode, and when the count value VALUE_1504 is less than 1, the mode selection module 2004 selects the second mode. Therefore, in the embodiments of Tables 3 and 4, when the target current value I _{TARGET of the} average current I _AVERAGE is relatively high (e.g., 30% * I _MAX and 100 * I _MAX ), the first mode is selected. In addition, when the target current value I _{TARGET of the} average current I _AVERAGE is relatively low (eg, 1% * I _MAX ), the second mode is selected.

Based on the selected mode of operation, mode selection module 2004 controls switch 2008, reference signal generator 1506, and pulse width modulation signal generator 1508 to adjust the average current I _AVERAGE . More specifically, in one embodiment, current source 2006 produces a substantially constant current I _LED2 . When operating in the first mode, the mode selection module 2004 turns off the switch 2008 to turn off the current I _LED2 , the control reference signal generator 1506 generates the reference signal REF, and the control pulse width modulation signal generator 1508 generates the pulse width modulation. Change signal PWM1. In one embodiment, the reference signal REF and the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 generate a pulse signal 1952 via the driver 2010 to control the switch Q16.

In one embodiment, the driver 2010 includes a comparator 534, an SR flip-flop 522, and a AND gate 524. When operating in the first mode, the driver 2010 operates similarly to the corresponding components in the dimming controller 1408 of FIG. As depicted in Figure 15, comparator 534 compares sense signal 1454 with reference signal REF to produce comparison signal COMP. The pulse signal generator 504 generates a pulse signal 536 having a periodic pulse waveform. In one embodiment, when the pulse signal 536 is a digital one, the SR flip-flop 522 sets the pulse signal V ₅₂₂ to a digital one. When the comparison signal COMP is a digital one (ie, when the sense signal 1454 reaches the reference signal REF), the SR flip-flop sets the pulse signal V ₅₂₂ to a digital zero. The gate 524 receives the pulse signal V ₅₂₂ and the pulse width modulation signal PWM1, and generates a pulse signal 1952 on the pin CTRL to control the switch Q16. Therefore, when the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 is in the first state (for example, the digit 1), the pulse signal 1952 is equal to the pulse signal V ₅₂₂ , that is, it is switched between the digit 1 and the digit 0 according to the comparison signal COMP. When the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 is in the second state (eg, digit 0), the pulse signal 1952 remains at digit zero. According to the related description of Fig. 15, the reference signal REF determines the peak value of the current I _LED1 . The duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 determines the ratio of the on-time and off-time of the switch Q16. Therefore, by adjusting the duty cycle of the reference signal REF and/or the pulse width modulation signal PWM1, the dimmer 2002 can operate in the analog dimming mode, the pulse dimming mode, or the combined dimming mode to adjust the average current I _AVERAGE .

According to the example in Table 3, when the count value VALUE_1504 is 0, the dimming controller 1908 operates in the first mode, the value of the reference signal REF is V _REF0 , and the value of the pulse width modulation signal is D _PWM0 . When the count value VALUE_1504 changes from 0 to 1, the dimming controller 1908 remains operating in the first mode, and the target current value of the average current I _AVERAGE changes from 100% * I _MAX to 30% * I _MAX . If the dimmer 2002 operates in the analog dimming mode, the value of the reference signal REF is adjusted to 30% * V _REF0 , and the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 remains as D _PWM0 . If the dimmer 2002 operates in the pulse dimming mode, the value of the reference signal REF is maintained at V _REF0 , and the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 is adjusted to 30% * D _PWM0 . If the dimmer 2002 operates in the combined dimming mode, the duty cycle of the reference signal REF and the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 will change. For example, the value of the reference signal REF is adjusted to 50% * V _REF0 , and the pulse width modulation The duty cycle of signal PWM1 is adjusted to 60% * D _PWM0 . In all three cases, the average current I _{AVERAGE is} changed from 100% * I _MAX to 30% * I _MAX to complete the dimming control in the first mode.

When the dimming controller 1908 is operating in the second mode, as shown in Table 3, when the count value VALUE_1504 changes from 1 to 2, the dimming controller 1908 generates a control signal 1954 at the CTRL pin to open the switch Q16. . More specifically, the mode selection module 2004 controls the pulse width modulation signal generator 1508 to maintain the pulse width modulation signal PWM1 in the second state (eg, digit 0). Gate 524 maintains the voltage at pin CTRL low to generate control signal 1954 (e.g., digit 0). Therefore, the current I _LED1 flowing through the LED chain 312 is cut off.

Additionally, in one embodiment, current source 2006 produces a substantially constant current I _LED2 . The mode selection module 2004 generates a switch control signal 2012 to turn on the switch 2008. If the switch Q27 is turned on after the power switch 304 is turned on, the circuit of the current I _LED2 is turned on. Therefore, current I _LED2 flows through LED chain 312, current control pin CS, and switch 2008 to ground. Among them, "substantially constant current I _LED2 " means that the value of the current I _LED2 can be varied within a certain range, so that non-ideal current chopping generated by the circuit components can be ignored. Advantageously, circuit currents of LED chain 312 can be reduced or eliminated since current I _{LED2 is} unaffected by one or more switches, such as power switch 304 and/or switch Q16. Therefore, the dimming stability of the light source driving circuit 1900 is improved. The dimming controller 1908 can have other configurations and is not limited to the example of FIG.

21 is a signal diagram of a light source driving circuit in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 21 will be described with reference to FIG. 19, FIG. 20 and FIG. 21. FIG. 21 shows the voltage V _CLK of the pin _CLK , the counter value VALUE_1504 of the counter 1504, the voltage V _PWM1 of the pulse width modulation signal _PWM1 , and the pulse width modulation. The duty cycle D _{PWM1 of the} variable signal PWM1, the current I _LED flowing through the LED chain 312, and the average current I _{AVERAGE of the} current I _LED . In the example of FIG. 19, dimming controller 1908 determines the mode of operation according to Table 3 and controls the average current of LED chain 312.

At time t0", the power switch 304 is turned off. The dimming controller 1908 turns off the switch Q27. The count value VALUE_1504 is 0. According to Table 3, the mode selection module 2004 selects the first mode, and the target current value of the average current I _AVERAGE is 100%*I _MAX . Therefore, the pulse width modulation signal generator 1508 adjusts the duty cycle D _PWM1 to 100%, and the reference signal generator 1506 controls the reference signal REF to adjust the peak value of the current I _LED to I _PEAK (peak current) Maximum value). At time t1", the voltage V _CLK of the pin CLK has a positive edge indicating that the power switch 304 is turned on, and the average current I _AVERAGE is gradually adjusted to 100% * I _MAX . During t1" to t2", the average current I _{AVERAGE is} maintained at 100%*I _MAX .

At time t2", voltage V _CLK has a negative edge indicating the power switch 304 is turned off. Switch Q27 is turned off to cut off current I _LED . Therefore, during t2" to t3", current I _LED drops to substantially 0 amps The average current I _AVERAGE drops to substantially 0 amps.

In one embodiment, at time t2", when the power switch 304 detects a disconnect operation, a dimming request signal is received. The count value VALUE_1504 is increased from 0 to 1. According to Table 3, during t2" to t4", the mode The selection module 2004 remains in the first mode, and the target current value of the average current I _AVERAGE is adjusted to 30%*I _MAX . In the example of Fig. 21, the dimmer 2002 operates in the combined mode, the pulse width modulation signal generator 1508 adjusts the duty cycle D _PWM1 to 60%, and the reference signal generator 1506 controls the reference signal REF to adjust the peak value of the current I _LED to 50%*I _PEAK . At time t3", the voltage V _CLK of the pin _CLK has an indication power The positive edge of the switch 304 is turned on, and the average current I _{AVERAGE is} adjusted to 30%*I _MAX . During t3" to t4", the average current I _{AVERAGE is} maintained at 30%*I _MAX .

At time t4", the voltage V _CLK has a negative edge indicating that the power switch 304 is turned off, and receives the dimming request signal. Accordingly, the count value VALUE_1504 is increased from 1 to 2. According to Table 3, the target of the average current I _AVERAGE The current value is adjusted to 1%*I _MAX , and the mode selection module 2004 selects the second mode. Therefore, the mode selection module 2004 generates the switch control signal 2012 to turn on the switch 2008. During t4" to t5", because of the power switch 304 and Switch Q27 is open, so both current I _LED and average current I _AVERAGE are 0 amps.

At time t5", the voltage V _CLK of the pin CLK has a positive edge indicating that the power switch 304 is conducting. Since the switch Q27 is turned on after the power switch 304 is turned on, and the switch 2008 is turned on at time t4", the path of the current I _LED2 is turned on. Was connected. In one embodiment, current I _LED2 is equal to 1%*I _MAX . Therefore, during t5" to t6", the average current I _{AVERAGE is} maintained at 1%*I _MAX .

Therefore, during t1" to t6", the dimming controller 1908 selects the operation mode as the first mode and the second mode based on the count value VALUE_1504. Advantageously, dimming controller 1908 can achieve a relatively wide dimming range, such as from 100%*I _MAX to 1%*I _MAX . The operation and operation of the dimming controller 1908 are not limited to the example of FIG. In another embodiment, during the second mode, the dimming controller 1908 can provide another current (eg, a smaller constant current value of 0.01 * I _MAX ) through the LED chain 312 and the pin CS. Therefore, the brightness of the LED chain 312 can be lower to achieve a wider dimming range. In addition, the current I _LED2 is a substantially constant value and does not change according to the on and off operations of the switch Q16. Therefore, the LED chain 312 is not affected by the noise of the switch Q16, which increases the stability of the LED chain 312.

22 is a flow chart 2200 of a method of controlling dimming of an LED source performed by a dimming controller (eg, dimming controller 1908) in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 22 will be described in conjunction with Figures 19-21. The specific steps covered in Figure 22 are merely examples. That is, the present invention is suitable for other reasonable processes or steps for improving FIG.

In step 2202, a power converter (eg, power converter 310) provides a regulated voltage to a light source (eg, LED chain 312).

In step 2204, the switch monitoring signal is accepted. The switch monitoring signal indicates the conduction state of the power switch (eg, power switch 304) connected between the power source and the power converter.

In step 2206, the operating mode is selected to be the first mode or the second mode according to the switch monitoring signal. In one embodiment, the counter value of the counter changes from the first value to the second value upon receiving a switch monitoring signal indicating that the power switch is off. The count value is compared with a threshold value (for example, 1), and the operation mode is selected based on the comparison result.

In step 2208, when the operating mode is selected to be the first mode, the control switch (eg, switch Q16) operates in a first state (eg, an on state) and a second state in accordance with a pulse signal (eg, pulse signal 1952) ( For example, disconnected state). In one embodiment, the first current flowing through the light source (eg, current I _LED1 ) is increased while the control switch is in the first state. In one embodiment, when the operating mode is selected to be the first mode, a reference signal (eg, reference signal REF) and a pulse width modulation signal (eg, pulse width modulation signal PWM1) are received. In the first mode, an induced signal indicative of a first current flowing through the light source is compared to a reference signal. When the pulse width modulation signal is in the first state (for example, digit 1), the control switch is turned on and off according to the comparison result. The control switch is turned off when the pulse width modulation signal is in the second state (eg, digit 0). In one embodiment, in the first mode, when the count value is changed from the third value to the fourth value, the value of the reference signal and the duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal are adjusted to adjust the brightness of the light source.

In step 2210, when the operation mode is selected to the second mode, according to a control signal (e.g., control signal 1954) off a first current (e.g., current I _LED1). In one embodiment, in the second mode, the pulse width modulation signal remains in the second state (eg, digit 0), and a control signal (eg, digit 0) is generated to turn off the first current.

In step 2212, when the operating mode is selected to be the second mode, the current flowing through the LED chain 312 is a substantially constant current (eg, current I _LED2 ). In one embodiment, current I _{LED2 is} provided by a current source (eg, current source 2006). When the second mode is selected, the mode selection module 2004 generates a switch control signal 2012 to turn on the switch 2008 connected in series with the current source 2006.

Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention disclose a controller and method for controlling dimming of a light source, and a drive circuit for powering the light source. The controller includes a voltage control pin and a current control pin. Providing a pulse signal when the dimming controller operates in the first mode, the pulse signal controls the control switch to operate in the first state or the second state, and when the control switch operates in the first state, the first current flowing through the light source increases, When the control switch operates in the second state, the first current decreases, wherein when the dimming controller operates in the second mode, the voltage control pin provides a control signal for the control switch to cut off the first current; when dimming The controller operates in the second mode to generate a second current flowing through the source. The invention has the advantages that a wider range of dimming of the light source is realized, the energy utilization efficiency is improved, and the dimming stability of the light source is improved.

The above detailed description and the accompanying drawings are only typical embodiments of the invention. It is apparent that various additions, modifications and substitutions are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Those with ordinary knowledge in the technical field should It is to be understood that the present invention may be modified in form, structure, arrangement, ratio, material, element, element, and other aspects in accordance with the specific conditions of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments disclosed herein are to be construed as illustrative and not restricting

304‧‧‧Power switch

306‧‧•AC/DC converter

310‧‧‧Power Converter

312‧‧‧LED chain

1450‧‧‧Switch monitoring signal

1454‧‧‧Induction signal

1900‧‧‧Light source drive circuit

1908‧‧‧ dimming controller

1952‧‧‧ pulse signal

1954‧‧‧Control signal

Claims (24)

A light source dimming controller includes: a voltage control pin that provides a pulse signal when the light source dimming controller operates in a first mode, the pulse signal controlling a control switch to operate in a first state or a first a second state, when the control switch operates in the first state, a first current flowing through a light source increases, and when the control switch operates in the second state, the first current decreases, wherein, when the light source is When the dimming controller operates in a second mode, the voltage control pin provides a control signal to the control switch to cut off the first current; and a current control pin, when the light source dimming controller operates in the The second mode generates a second current flowing through the light source, wherein the light source dimming controller further comprises: a monitoring pin, receiving a switch monitoring signal, the switch monitoring signal indicating connection to a power source and a power An on state of a power switch between the converters, wherein the power converter receives an input voltage from the power source and provides an output voltage for the light source; and a dimmer, Connecting the monitoring pin, selecting the light source dimming controller to operate in the first mode or the second mode according to the switch monitoring signal, the dimmer comprising: a counter providing a count value according to the switch monitoring signal change And a mode selection module coupled to the counter, and selecting an operating mode of the light source dimming controller according to the count value. The light source dimming controller of claim 1, wherein the second current has a substantially constant current value. The light source dimming controller of claim 1, wherein the mode selection module compares the count value with a threshold to select the working mode. For example, the light source dimming controller of claim 1 of the patent scope, wherein When the test signal indicates that the power switch is off, the counter changes the count value from a first value to a second value. The light source dimming controller of claim 1, further comprising: a driver coupled to the dimmer, wherein the dimmer provides a reference signal and a pulse width modulation signal at the first In the mode, the driver compares the reference signal with a sensing signal, the sensing signal indicating the first current flowing through the light source, and generating the pulse signal according to a comparison result and the pulse width modulation signal. The light source dimming controller of claim 5, wherein the pulse width modulation signal has a first state and a second state, when the pulse width modulation signal is in the first state, The pulse signal turns on and off the control switch according to the comparison result; when the pulse width modulation signal is in the second state, the pulse signal turns off the control switch. The light source dimming controller of claim 5, wherein the pulse width modulation signal has a first state and a second state, when the pulse width modulation signal is in the second state, The first current is reduced until a predetermined current value is reached. The light source dimming controller of claim 5, wherein the pulse width modulation signal has a first state and a second state, when the light source dimming controller switches to the second mode, The dimmer keeps the pulse width modulation signal in the second state, and the voltage control pin generates the control signal to cut off the first current. The light source dimming controller of claim 5, wherein when the light source dimming controller operates in the first mode, and when the counter value of the counter changes from a first value to a second value The dimmer maintains the value of the reference signal and adjusts a duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal. For example, the light source dimming controller of claim 5, wherein when the light source is adjusted When the light controller operates in the first mode, and when the count value of the counter changes from a first value to a second value, the dimmer adjusts the value of the reference signal and maintains the pulse width modulation A duty cycle of the signal. The light source dimming controller of claim 5, wherein when the light source dimming controller operates in the first mode, and when the counter value of the counter changes from a first value to a second value The dimmer adjusts a value of the reference signal and a duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal. The light source dimming controller of claim 1, further comprising: a current source to generate the second current; a second switch coupled to the current source; wherein, when the light source dimming controller operates In the second mode, the dimmer turns on the second switch to pass the second current through the current control pin and the light source. When the light source dimming controller operates in the first mode, the dimmer is off. The second switch is turned on to cut off the second current. An electronic system comprising: a power converter receiving an input voltage from a rectifier and providing an output voltage to a light source, wherein the power switch transmits an electrical energy from an alternating current source to the power source when the power switch is turned on And a light source dimming controller coupled to the power converter, detecting a dimming request signal indicating a state of the power switch, and selecting to operate in a first mode or a second according to the dimming request signal a mode, when the light source dimming controller operates in the first mode, the light source dimming controller provides a pulse signal to a voltage control pin to control a first current flowing through the light source, when the pulse signal When in a first state, the first current increases, and when the pulse signal is in a second state, the first current decreases, and when the light source dimming controller operates in the second mode, the light source is dimmed control The controller provides a control signal for the voltage control pin to cut off the first current and turn on a substantially constant current flowing through the light source, wherein the light source dimming controller further comprises: a trigger monitoring unit, Receiving a switch monitoring signal indicating a state of the power switch, and detecting the dimming request signal according to the switch monitoring signal; a counter providing a count value, the count value is changed according to the dimming request signal; and a mode selection The module is coupled to the counter, and the light source dimming controller is selected to operate in the first mode or the second mode according to the count value. The electronic system of claim 13, further comprising: a control switch coupled to the light source, controlled by the pulse signal and the control signal, wherein the light source dimming controller operates in the first mode The control switch is turned on and off according to the pulse signal; when the light source dimming controller operates in the second mode, the control switch remains in an off state. The electronic system of claim 13, wherein the mode selection module compares the count value with a threshold value, and selects the light source dimming controller to operate in the first mode or the second mode. The electronic system of claim 13, wherein the trigger monitoring unit receives the dimming request signal when the switch monitoring signal indicates that the power switch is turned off. The electronic system of claim 13, wherein the light source dimming controller comprises: a driver receiving a reference signal and a pulse width modulation signal, comparing the reference signal and a sensing signal, the pulse width The modulation signal has a first state and a second state, the sensing signal indicating the first current flowing through the light source, wherein When the light source dimming controller operates in the first mode, and the pulse width modulation signal is in the first state, the driver switches the state of the pulse signal according to a comparison result, when the pulse width is modulated When the signal is in the second state, the driver maintains the pulse signal in the second state. The electronic system of claim 17, wherein the light source dimming controller maintains the value of the reference signal and adjusts a duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal when the dimming request signal is received. The electronic system of claim 17, wherein the light source dimming controller adjusts the value of the reference signal and maintains a duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal when the dimming request signal is received. The electronic system of claim 17, wherein the light source dimming controller adjusts a value of the reference signal and a duty cycle of the pulse width modulation signal when the dimming request signal is received. The electronic system of claim 17, wherein when the light source dimming controller switches to the second mode, the driver terminates the pulse signal and maintains the pulse width modulation signal in the second state To generate the control signal. A dimming method includes: providing a regulated voltage to a light source by using a power converter; receiving a switch monitoring signal indicating a conductive state of a power switch, the power switch coupled to a power source and the power converter According to the switch monitoring signal, selecting a working mode as a first mode or a second mode; when operating in the first mode, a control switch operates in a first state or a second state, wherein When the control switch operates in the first state, a first current flowing through the light source increases, and when the control switch operates in the second state, the first current Decrease; turning off the first current when operating in the second mode; and turning on a substantially constant current through the light source when operating in the second mode, wherein the dimming method further comprises: providing a count value, when the switch monitor signal indicates that the power switch is turned off, the count value is changed from a first value to a second value; comparing the count value with a threshold value to select to operate in the first mode Or the second mode. The method of claim 22, further comprising: receiving a reference signal and a pulse width modulation signal, the pulse width modulation signal having a first state and a second state; when operating at the first In the mode, comparing a sensing signal indicating the first current with the reference signal and generating a comparison result; when operating in the first mode, and when the pulse width modulation signal is in the first state, according to the The comparison result turns on or off the control switch; when operating in the first mode, and when the pulse width modulation signal is in the second state, the control switch is turned off; and when operating in the second mode And maintaining the pulse width modulation signal in the second state to cut off the first current. The method of claim 23, further comprising: adjusting the value of the reference signal and the pulse wave when operating in the first mode and when the count value is changed from the first value to the second value A duty cycle of the width modulation signal.