WO2011064089A1

WO2011064089A1 - Method for adjusting a frequency of a bridge circuit of an electronic ballast, electronic ballast and alignment unit

Info

Publication number: WO2011064089A1
Application number: PCT/EP2010/067080
Authority: WO
Inventors: Olaf Busse; Siegfried Mayer
Original assignee: Osram Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung
Priority date: 2009-11-30
Filing date: 2010-11-09
Publication date: 2011-06-03
Also published as: DE102009047288A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for adjusting a frequency of a bridge circuit of an electronic ballast, wherein an adjustment mode of the electronic ballast is activated; wherein at least one frequency for operation of the bridge circuit is stored by the electronic ballast in dependence on a programming signal; and wherein the bridge circuit is operated based on the at least one frequency in dependence on an operating mode of the electronic ballast. The invention further relates to a corresponding electronic ballast and to an alignment unit.

Description

description

Method for setting a frequency of a

Bridge connection of an electronic ballast, electronic ballast and balancing unit

The invention relates to a method for setting a frequency of a bridge circuit of an electronic

Ballast, electronic ballast and balancing unit.

An electronic ballast (ECG) for a

For example, light bulbs are calibrated and tested at the end of production to a high degree

Reliability and high quality of the TOE too

guarantee .

The adjustment is preferably carried out on the not yet mounted in a housing circuit board. This makes it possible to fine tune the individual resistors. This approach is complex because individual components are adjusted in a separate setting step prior to assembly of the ECG in a housing and only then the assembly takes place in a separate step. If an error should occur due to the installation, it often goes unnoticed, since the test procedure is already completed. If the test procedure is carried out only after assembly, this corresponds to an additional work step, because adjustment and test are interrupted by an intermediate mounting.

An ECG can also use a microcontroller or an ASIC. It is also necessary or advantageous that the TOE in a reconciliation phase

is parameterized. For example, a ballast for ^low-pressure discharge lamps on a half-bridge circuit, a load circuit LC, and a heating circuit. By setting different frequencies at the half-bridge, the lamp can be preheated, ignited or operated. For the operation and preheating of the lamp are often fixed frequencies

given to a regulation of frequencies will be off

Cost reasons omitted. Starting from the solid

Frequencies of the components of the ECG must have only a small tolerance in order to comply with specified standards.

By thus required accurate adjustment of

Frequencies, the circuit is correspondingly complex and expensive. It is also possible to use the frequency by means of an ASIC in conjunction with an external circuit (e.g.

Resistors, capacitors) of the ASIC. A disadvantage here is that the ASIC must have additional pins for the external wiring and the components of the external wiring must have high accuracy and are therefore expensive.

On the other hand, an ASIC can have a frequency generator with high accuracy. However, such a frequency generator requires an adjustment process in the production of the ECG. This is awkward and expensive the

Manufacturing process .

Furthermore, it is a disadvantage that tolerances in the

Load circuit and / or heating circuit can be compensated either by the ASICSs with external wiring or by means of the ASICs with accurate frequency generator.

The object of the invention is to avoid the disadvantages mentioned above and in particular an efficient way of parameterizing a

electronic ballast, in particular for fault tolerant setting to create at least one frequency.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims.

To achieve the object, a method is proposed for setting a frequency of a bridge circuit of an electronic ballast,

- in which a setting mode of the electronic

Ballast is activated;

- In the case of the electronic ballast

depending on a programming signal, at least one frequency for the operation of the bridge circuit is stored;

- In which the bridge circuit is operated based on the at least one frequency depending on an operating mode of the electronic ballast.

Thus, in the setting mode of the

electronic ballast (ECG) a frequency to operate the bridge circuit are set. This setting of the frequency is preferably initiated by an adjustment unit which also activates the setting mode of the ECG.

The frequency can be set exactly independent of the accuracy of the components used.

In particular, as a result, at least one resonance point of a bridge circuit can be detected and the frequency of the electronic ballast can be set or stored accordingly.

Preferably, after the setting mode, an operating mode of the electronic ballast is activated, in which the stored at least one frequency is used for the operation of the electronic ballast. It should be noted that the electronic

Ballast for a lamp or a lamp can be used. In particular, the electronic

Ballast for at least one

Low-pressure discharge lamp can be used.

It should also be noted that the bridge circuit is a half-bridge circuit or a

Full bridge circuit can act. In particular, the bridge circuit may be designed to have two

Frequencies of which one of the frequencies in a heating mode and the other frequency can be used in a normal operation of the lamp or lamp, both operating modes preferably cause only small losses in the ECG.

A development consists in that the at least one frequency for operating the bridge circuit comprises a heating frequency and / or an operating frequency.

It is also a development that the operating mode of the electronic ballast is a heating operation or a normal lighting operation. Another training is that the at least one frequency is determined by a step by step

Frequency adaptation takes place from a first frequency in the direction of a second frequency. In particular, the first frequency may be smaller than the second frequency or vice versa.

Thus, a predetermined frequency range, for example, from 20kHz to 130kHz with the predetermined step size to go through (scanned). If a suitable frequency is found, this is detected for example by the balancing unit and this communicated to the TOE. The TOE stores this appropriate

Frequency off.

It is also an embodiment that the at least one frequency is stored depending on a measured parameter, in particular a current.

In particular, it is an embodiment that the

predetermined parameters, in particular the current is measured by means of an adjustment unit.

It is also an embodiment that the adjustment unit signals to the electronic ballast that the set frequency is stored.

In the context of a further embodiment, the adjustment of the at least one by means of the adjustment unit

Frequency of the bridge circuit started. Another development is that the method for adjusting the at least one frequency of

Bridge circuit runs on at least one ASIC or at least one microcontroller. It is an additional education that the

Setting mode of the electronic ballast (101) is activated by means of an external signal, wherein in particular in the setting mode of the electronic ballast

Ballast information (Data In) to the

electronic ballast (101) is transmitted.

Thus, it is advantageous that the electronic

Ballast (ECG) in a setting mode adjustable, programmable or parameterizable. Also, it can be tested in this setting mode. The setting mode preferably differs from an operating mode of the electronic ballast, in which eg no

Setting or no programming is made.

An electronic ballast can be adjusted during the manufacturing process (if necessary). In this case, the electronic ballast is preferably not yet assembled, it can thus

For example, after appropriate measurements resistors can be corrected by an appropriate assembly. This is complex and requires another test after assembly to ensure that the TOE is working properly. The approach presented here allows for the adjustment of the electronic ballast in its assembled state, so that test and comparison can be combined in one

Process step done.

A further development is that the setting mode of the electronic ballast by means of an external

Signal is activated. Thus, a specially coded signal can preferably be transmitted via the contacts of the electronic ballast, so that the electronic ballast the

Setting mode activated. Another development is that the setting mode of the electronic ballast via a corresponding control of the lamp contacts of the electronic

Ballast is activated. In particular, those contacts of the electronic ballast for transmitting the external signal can be used, which are provided for connecting at least one lamp. This has the advantage that for the

Setting the electronic ballast this must have no separate contacts. It is also a development that the setting mode of the electronic ballast is activated and / or the information is transmitted to the electronic ballast by a change and / or modulation of a helical resistance of a light source is simulated.

Thus, the existing contacts of the electronic ballast for connecting at least one

Bulb or at least one lamp can be used to transmit the external signal and to activate the setting mode. It is also possible that these contacts to transmit the information (s) to the electronic

Ballast can be used. The transmission takes place by a modulation of a signal which is detectable by the electronic ballast. The

Modulation can be used to transfer data.

It is also a development that the electronic ballast determines measured values and a

Provides interface.

Furthermore, it is a development that the electronic ballast provides the measured values via at least one contact for controlling the lamp.

As part of an additional training, the

Measured values are transmitted. In particular, a frequency modulation, a phase modulation or an amplitude modulation can be used for this purpose.

A next development is that the

Measurements are compared with external readings and based on the comparison information to the

electronic ballast to be transmitted. This makes it possible that, by comparing the external measured values with the measured values of the ballast, a conversion of information to be transmitted to the electronic ballast (eg setting parameters) can take place in such a way that a measuring difference between the

electronic ballast and an adjustment unit is compensated. For example, if the electronic ballast to be set to a value "14", with a measurement of the electronic ballast provides a current value "11" and a measurement of

(calibrated) matching unit provides a current value "10", the adjustment unit can perform a conversion such that a value "15" is set in the electronic ballast. This can be a

Calibration of the electronic ballast is omitted by the adjustment unit when setting the

electronic ballast takes into account the offset between the measured values. One embodiment is that the electronic

Ballast provides readings or information by modulating a half-bridge frequency of a half-bridge of the electronic ballast. An alternative embodiment is that a

Matching unit transmits the external signal and / or the information to the electronic ballast.

A next embodiment is that the electronic ballast is parameterized and / or tested.

It should be noted that the test may have measured values which can be detected and output by the device itself. For example, the device can approach operating points that do not occur in practice. These resulting measured values can be quickly tested externally for compliance with limit values. additionally However, it is also possible to test relationships between the measured values (eg in the form of functions of several measured values) with respect to specified limits. The above object is also achieved by an electronic ballast for at least one

Illuminant or at least one lamp comprising a processor unit or other circuit, e.g. an ASIC for performing the method described herein.

Also, the above object is achieved by means of an adjustment unit for communicating with an electronic ballast, wherein the adjustment unit has a controller which is arranged such that the method described herein is feasible.

A development consists in that the adjustment unit is set up for parameterization, for testing and / or for setting the electronic ballast.

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated and explained below with reference to the drawings.

Show it:

Fig.l schematically a block diagram comprising a

electronic ballast (ECG) and an adjustment unit for setting the electronic ballast;

2 steps of a method for setting or for

Parameterization of the electronic

Ballast; 3 shows a symbolic flow chart with steps by means of which an adjustment of a heating frequency and a Operating frequency in an electronic

Ballast to be made.

With the approach proposed here, it is possible to set an electronic ballast (ECG) comprising at least one microcontroller (or at least one processor unit with conventional circuitry, ie, for example, with an input / output unit and / or with a memory) in an already assembled state, to parameterize, eg match and / or test.

The parameterization here includes e.g. the transmission of data to the TOE or the activation of those already accessible to the TOE (for example, already in the memory of the TOE

filed) data. This parameterization can thus be a

Transmission of control signals or addressing signals or even (simple) codes, by means of which the TOE can perform a corresponding parameterization. For example, it is possible for an adjustment unit to transparently transmit to the TOE the data that the TOE should use. Examples of such data include

a lamp type,

a lamp current, possibly an area of a

Lamp current,

- parameters for safety shutdown, e.g.

Limit voltage values at which the safety shutdown of the TOE is to be achieved,

- a performance limit,

an identification information, e.g. comprising a serial number,

- manufacturing data,

- manufacturer-specific data.

The data can also already be stored in a memory of the TOE and by means of a transmission of a Access information from the matching unit to the ECG be activated.

Communication with the TOE can take place in different ways.

For example, it is possible that the TOE has a

Adjustment unit is controlled. This simulates the

Adjustment unit a lamp, the adjustment unit may vary, for example, a filament resistance of the lamp. This allows information to be transferred from the matching unit to the ECG.

It is also possible to obtain information from the TOE. This can be achieved by changing a half-bridge frequency of the ECG. Thus, e.g. frequency-modulated data is transmitted from a half-bridge of the TOE to the matching unit. In particular, the balancing unit can first of all

Send the trigger signal to the ECG, which causes the ECG to change to a setting mode. In the set mode, the ECG responds to a transmission of information from the matching unit. After the setting of the ECG is completed, another signal can be sent to the ECG, which ends the setting mode. It is too

It is possible for the TOE to register a time lapse, ie an exceeding of a time since the last one

Information from the balancing unit, and consequently ends the setting mode by itself.

Fig.l schematically shows a block diagram comprising an electronic ballast 101 and a matching unit 102. The electronic ballast 101 comprises a rectifier 103, a

Processor 104, a half-bridge 105, a transformer 106 (with a primary side comprising terminals 107, 108 and with a secondary side comprising terminals 109, 110), a resistor 111 and a switch 112 and a capacitor 113. The rectifier 103 is input side with a

Voltage source 114 and supplies the processor 104 and the half-bridge 105 with a DC voltage.

The terminal 107 of the transformer 106 is connected via a

Series circuit comprising the switch 112 and the

Capacitor 113 connected to the half-bridge 105. Of the

Terminal 108 of the transformer 106 is connected on the one hand via the resistor 111 to ground and on the other hand to the processor 104. The processor 104 controls the half-bridge 105, in particular electronic switches (not

shown) of the half bridge 105th

The adjustment unit 102 comprises a controller 115, a transformer 116 (with a primary side comprising connections 117, 118 and with a secondary side comprising connections 119, 120) and a variable resistor 121.

The terminals 119, 120 of the transformer 116 are connected to each other via the variable resistor 121, wherein the resistor 121 can be influenced via the controller 115. The terminal 117 of the transformer 116 is connected to the terminal 109 of the transformer 106, and the terminal 118 of the transformer 116 is connected to the terminal 110 of the transformer 116

Transformer 106 connected.

Furthermore, the half bridge 105 is connected to the controller 115.

The switch 112, in a normal mode of operation, turns on the transmitter 106 to heat the filament of the lamp. During operation, this heating function can then be switched off again. To receive data is the Switch 112 is turned on. Such turn-on may be initiated by a signal from the voltage source 114 that is being evaluated by the processor 104. Also, the switch 112 may already be turned on because previously a coil was detected: So the ECG

recognize if a helix is present, e.g. by means of a small test current.

Thus, it is advantageous that the adjustment and the test of the TOE can be performed in one step after the ECG has been assembled. This will be a

Saved production step and thus reduces the time required for the production of electronic ballasts. Also space is saved on the circuit board of the ECG, since no separate

Test adapter or test plug is needed. Overall, the cost of calibration and test of the TOE

be reduced.

Another advantage is that the electronic ballast can be programmed flexibly and customer-specifically, in particular by the fact that the operating parameters, for example at the end of the production, are set. for specific lamps and / or customer requests

recorded and / or activated. During adjustment, internal and external measurements can be made

be performed synchronized. The internal

Measurement results can be compared with the external measurement results, whereby any tolerances are compensated efficiently by the comparison measurements. Thus, it is possible that components can be sized more generously (e.g., less accurately). This reduces the cost of manufacturing.

2 shows steps of a method for setting or for parameterizing the electronic ballast. In a step 201, first data of the

Matching unit sent to the ECG. This starts the parameterization. The ECG determines in a step 202 measured values (also referred to as internal

Measured values), the adjustment unit also determines measured values (also referred to as external measured values). The ECG sets in a step 203, the internal measured values of

Matching unit available. The matching unit may, based on the provided measurement values in a step 204 a calibration calculation under

Consider the external (ie your own) measured values and transmit the result of the calibration calculation in a step 205 to the ECG. By the two measurements and the subsequent comparison, the adjustment unit can effectively compensate for a measurement error of the ECG, e.g. an offset of the TOE by the

Comparative measurement of the adjustment unit is compensated. So it is possible, based on this comparison measurement a

Parameterization of values in the ECG with a high

Accuracy perform.

The type of adjustment proposed here also makes it possible to match parameters that consist of several

Derive parameters from the electronic

Ballast and / or can be determined by the balancing unit. In particular, it is possible that the electronic ballast supplies a default, which is set by means of several parameters, measured by the ECG.

The approach presented here makes it possible to use the

Frequency for operating a bridge circuit, e.g. a half bridge, the electronic ballast in

Depend on a mode of operation after the electronic device has already been assembled. This allows particularly efficient tolerances of the used

Components are compensated. Preferably, the determined frequencies, such as a heating frequency and an operating frequency stored in a memory of the TOE.

Advantageously, the adjustment process can take place in a loop: The external adjustment unit initiates the

Setting mode of the TOE by applying or transmitting to the TOE a programming pulse or a given signal of a specific frequency. The ECG then passes through a predetermined frequency range from a first frequency in the direction of a second frequency

(up or down) to a desired parameter, e.g. a current determined by the balancing unit has been reached. The adjustment unit then signals to the ECG that the set frequency is to be stored. In the order of such a signaling, it can be coded that the first value to be stored is the heating frequency and the second value to be stored is the operating frequency (or vice versa) of the bridge circuit of the electronic ballast.

Accordingly, it is also possible that different signaling the ECG indicate whether the heating frequency or the operating frequency should be stored.

Aiteratively, it is possible that the TOE goes through the given frequency range at least once and

then the at least one frequency of

Bridge circuit is stored. Also, the

Storage can be performed by the TOE on a daily basis (for example, after the expiration of a predetermined period of time and the associated passage of the predetermined

Frequency range).

3 shows a schematic flow diagram with steps for setting a heating frequency and a

Operating frequency in an electronic ballast. In a step 301, an (external) adjustment unit starts the adjustment process of the electronic ballast, wherein the electronic ballast first uses a predetermined frequency in a step 302. In a step 303 it is checked whether the TOE has already been adjusted. Furthermore, it is checked whether the electronic ballast is still in a setting mode. The setting mode of the ECG is activated, eg by means of a special

Setting signal (e.g., set pulse or modulated

Setting signal).

If the ECG is not yet calibrated and if it is still in the setting mode, a branch is made to a query 304. Here it is checked whether the to the TOE

applied input voltage is less than 200V. If this is the case, the predetermined in step 302

Frequency by a predetermined amount, e.g. one

predetermined step size (a predetermined amount) is reduced (see step 305) and it is branched back to step 303.

If the query according to step 304 shows that the

Input voltage is not less than 200V, it is branched to a query 306. Here it is queried whether the input voltage is greater than 260V. Is the

Input voltage not greater than 260V, it is branched back to the step 303. Otherwise (ie with an input voltage greater than 260V), a branch is made to a query 307 which determines whether a heating frequency has already been stored in the electronic ballast. If the heating frequency is not yet stored, the current frequency is stored as a heating frequency in a step 308 and branched back to the step 303. If, however, the heating frequency is already stored, then in step 309 a

Operating frequency stored and to step 303

branched back. As already stated, it is checked in step 303 whether the electronic ballast has already been adjusted. This is the case, for example, if both the heating frequency and the

Operating frequency were stored. In this case, or in the case that the setting mode has been exited, a branch is made to a step 310 and it starts

Operating mode "preheat" of the TOE, followed by a

Step 311 with an operating mode "ignition" of the electronic ballast, followed by a step 312 with a

Operating mode "Operation" of the ECG.

It should be noted that when passing through the frequencies (adjusting the frequency in step 305) from the

Matching unit e.g. a current can be measured and based on the measured current, e.g. Resonances of

Bridge circuit of the ECG are detectable. These

Resonance points correspond to the heating frequency of the electronic ballast as well as the operating frequency of the electronic ballast. The frequencies to the resonance points determined in this way can be stored directly in the ECG by the adjustment unit applying a (short-term) input voltage greater than 260V. This is detected in the loop described above according to the flowchart of the ECG and accordingly the respective frequency is stored as a heating frequency or operating frequency.

It should be noted that the frequencies for determining the heating and / or operating frequency can be traversed upwards or downwards. In particular, a

predetermined frequency band between two frequency values are traversed with a predetermined step by step.

For example, a lower frequency may be 20kHz and an upper frequency 130kHz. Accordingly, other values or subregions are possible. It is also possible that the frequency range is at least once complete

is traversed to a complete measurement history (eg current waveform) as a function of the frequency based determine and evaluate the matching unit. The storage of the actual frequencies can then in a further passage of the frequency band of the

Equalization unit (see description above, for example by means of the input voltage greater than 260V), ensuring that the correct resonance values for the operation of the bridge circuit of the electronic ballast have been recognized and the corresponding frequencies are set correctly. It is particularly advantageous that the dynamic and flexible adjustment of the frequencies of the already functioning ECG, so after assembly of the ECG, significantly larger component tolerances and thus

cheaper components are allowed. The adjustment of the heating frequency and / or operating frequency, ie the definition of the frequencies with which the bridge circuit of the ECG in the operating modes "heating" and "normal operation" is operated on the basis of the actual installed elements and can thus with high accuracy individually to the respective ECG be coordinated. Due to the reduced demands on the tolerances of the components used, the development phase can be significantly shortened. Also simplifies the circuit topology, since no high cost for a frequency adjustment by means of the components used is necessary.

List of reference numbers:

101 ECG

102 adjustment unit

103 rectifier

104 processor

105 half bridge

106 transformers

107- 110 terminals of the transformer 106

111 resistance

112 switches

113 capacitor

114 power supply

115 control

116 transformers

117- 120 terminals of the transformer 116

121 variable resistor

Claims

Method for setting a frequency of a

Bridge circuit of an electronic ballast (101),

- in which a setting mode of the electronic

Ballast is activated;

- In the case of the electronic ballast

The method of claim 1, wherein the at least one frequency for operating the bridge circuit a

Heating frequency and / or an operating frequency includes.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the operating mode of the electronic

Ballast is a heating operation or a normal lighting operation.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the at least one frequency is determined by a stepwise frequency adjustment starting from a first frequency in the direction of a second frequency

Frequency takes place.

The method of claim 4, wherein the at least one frequency is stored depending on one

measured parameters, in particular a current.

Method according to Claim 5, in which the predetermined parameter, in particular the current, is determined by means of a

Adjustment unit is measured. The method of claim 6, wherein the balancing unit signals to the electronic ballast that the set frequency is stored.

Method according to one of claims 6 or 7, wherein by means of the adjustment unit, the adjustment of the at least one frequency of the bridge circuit

is started.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the method for setting the at least one frequency of the bridge circuit runs on at least one ASIC or at least one microcontroller.

Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the setting mode of the electronic

Ballast (101) is activated by means of an external signal, in particular in the

Setting mode of the electronic ballast information (Data In) to the electronic

Ballast (101) is transmitted.

Ballast is activated via a corresponding control of the lamp contacts of the electronic ballast.

Ballast is activated and / or in which the information is transmitted to the electronic ballast by a change and / or

Modulation of a helical resistance of a bulb is simulated.

13. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic ballast measured values

determined and provided via an interface.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the electronic ballast provides the measurements via at least one contact for controlling the lamp.

15. The method according to any one of claims 13 or 14, wherein the measured values are transmitted modulated.

16. The method according to claim 13, wherein the measured values are compared with external measured values and based on the comparison information is transmitted to the electronic ballast. 17. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic ballast provides measured values or information by a

Half - bridge frequency of a half bridge (105) of the

electronic ballast is modulated. 18. Electronic ballast (101) for at least one lamp or at least one lamp comprising a processor unit (104) or another circuit for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims. 19. Matching unit (102) for communicating with a

electronic ballast (101), wherein the

Matching unit (102) comprises a controller (115), which is arranged such that the method according to one of claims 1 to 17 is feasible. 20. balancing unit according to claim 19 for parameterization, for testing and / or for adjusting the electronic ballast.