WO2015183810A1 - Dispositif d'excitation à commande numérique pour luminaire - Google Patents

Dispositif d'excitation à commande numérique pour luminaire Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2015183810A1
WO2015183810A1 PCT/US2015/032431 US2015032431W WO2015183810A1 WO 2015183810 A1 WO2015183810 A1 WO 2015183810A1 US 2015032431 W US2015032431 W US 2015032431W WO 2015183810 A1 WO2015183810 A1 WO 2015183810A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
cct
lighting fixture
string
color
current
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2015/032431
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Daniel J. POPE
Andrew Dummer
James McBRYDE
Heidi LOEPP
JR. P. Joseph DESENA
Priyanka MEDIDA
Original Assignee
Cree, Inc.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from US14/292,332 external-priority patent/US9723680B2/en
Priority claimed from US14/292,363 external-priority patent/US9549448B2/en
Application filed by Cree, Inc. filed Critical Cree, Inc.
Priority to DE112015002545.6T priority Critical patent/DE112015002545B4/de
Publication of WO2015183810A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015183810A1/fr

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Classifications

    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/10—Controlling the intensity of the light
    • H05B45/14—Controlling the intensity of the light using electrical feedback from LEDs or from LED modules
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/20—Controlling the colour of the light
    • H05B45/24—Controlling the colour of the light using electrical feedback from LEDs or from LED modules

Definitions

  • the present disclosure relates to lighting fixtures and controls therefor, and in particular to controlling the color temperature of lighting fixtures.
  • LEDs light emitting diodes
  • LED-based light fixtures are much more efficient at converting electrical energy into light, are longer lasting, and are also capable of producing light that is very natural.
  • LED-based fixtures are also very efficient, but are capable of producing light that is much more natural and more capable of accurately rendering colors.
  • lighting fixtures that employ LED technologies are replacing incandescent and fluorescent bulbs in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.
  • LED-based lighting fixtures require electronics to drive one or more LEDs.
  • the electronics generally include a power supply and special control circuitry to provide uniquely configured signals that are required to drive the one or more LEDs in a desired fashion.
  • the presence of the control circuitry adds a potentially significant level of intelligence to the lighting fixtures that can be leveraged to employ various types of lighting control. Such lighting control may be based on various environmental conditions, such as ambient light, occupancy, temperature, and the like.
  • the present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture that is capable of providing white light over an extended range of correlated color temperatures.
  • the lighting fixture includes a driver module and a number of LED strings. Each of the LED strings emits light at a different color point.
  • the driver module may be configured to:
  • each current model effectively defines current as a function of CCT over a CCT range
  • ⁇ determine a desired CCT
  • the light from each string mixes to form white light with a color point that falls along a black body locus at the desired CCT.
  • Figure 1 is a perspective view of a troffer-based lighting fixture according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 2 is a cross section of the lighting fixture of Figure 1 .
  • Figure 3 is a cross section of the lighting fixture of Figure 1 illustrating how light emanates from the LEDs of the lighting fixture and is reflected out through lenses of the lighting fixture.
  • Figure 4 illustrates a driver module and a communications module integrated within an electronics housing of the lighting fixture of Figure 1 .
  • Figure 5 illustrates a driver module provided in an electronics housing of the lighting fixture of Figure 1 and a communications module in an associated housing coupled to the exterior of the electronics housing according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figures 6A and 6B respectively illustrate a communications module according to one embodiment, before and after being attached to the housing of the lighting fixture.
  • Figure 7 illustrates a sensor module installed in a heatsink of a lighting fixture according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 8A illustrates a sensor module according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 8B is an exploded view of the sensor module of Figure 8A.
  • Figure 9 is a block diagram of a lighting system according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 10 is a block diagram of a communications module according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 1 1 is a cross section of an exemplary LED according to a first embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 12 is a cross section of an exemplary LED according to a second embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 13 is CI E 1976 chromaticity diagram that illustrates the color points for three different LEDs and a black body locus.
  • Figure 14 is a schematic of a driver module and an LED array according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • Figure 15 illustrates a functional schematic of the driver module of
  • Figure 16 is a flow diagram that illustrates the functionality of the driver module according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 17 is a graph that plots individual LED current versus CCT for overall light output according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 18 is a wall controller for controlling one or more lighting fixtures according to a first embodiment.
  • Figure 19 is a wall controller for controlling one or more lighting fixtures according to a second embodiment.
  • Figure 20 is a wall controller for controlling one or more lighting fixtures according to a third embodiment.
  • Figure 21 is a wall controller for controlling one or more lighting fixtures according to a fourth embodiment.
  • Figure 22 is a wall controller for controlling one or more lighting fixtures according to a fifth embodiment.
  • Figure 23 is a schematic for a wall controller according to one embodiment.
  • Figures 24 and 25 are different isometric views of an exemplary commissioning tool, according to one embodiment.
  • Figure 26 is a block diagram of the electronics for a commissioning tool, according to one embodiment.
  • the present disclosure relates to a lighting fixture that is capable of providing white light over an extended range of correlated color temperatures.
  • the lighting fixture includes a driver module and a number of LED strings. Each of the LED strings emits light at a different color point.
  • the driver module may be configured to:
  • each current model effectively defines current as a function of CCT over a CCT range
  • the light from each string mixes to form white light with a color point that falls along a black body locus at the desired CCT.
  • the disclosed lighting fixture 10 employs an indirect lighting configuration wherein light is initially emitted upward from a light source and then reflected downward
  • direct lighting configurations may also take advantage of the concepts of the present disclosure.
  • the concepts of the present disclosure may also be employed in recessed lighting configurations, wall mount lighting configurations, outdoor lighting configurations, and the like.
  • the functionality and control techniques described below may be used to control different types of lighting fixtures, as well as different groups of the same or different types of lighting fixtures at the same time.
  • troffer-type lighting fixtures such as the lighting fixture 10
  • the lighting fixture 10 includes a square or rectangular outer frame 12.
  • the lenses 14 which are generally transparent, translucent, or opaque.
  • Reflectors 16 extend from the outer frame 12 to the outer edges of the lenses 14.
  • the lenses 14 effectively extend between the innermost portions of the reflectors 16 to an elongated heatsink 18, which functions to join the two inside edges of the lenses 14.
  • the back side of the heatsink 18 provides a mounting structure for an LED array 20, which includes one or more rows of individual LEDs mounted on an appropriate substrate.
  • the LEDs are oriented to primarily emit light upwards toward a concave cover 22.
  • the volume bounded by the cover 22, the lenses 14, and the back of the heatsink 18 provides a mixing chamber 24.
  • light will emanate upwards from the LEDs of the LED array 20 toward the cover 22 and will be reflected downward through the respective lenses 14, as illustrated in Figure 3.
  • not all light rays emitted from the LEDs will reflect directly off of the bottom of the cover 22 and back through a particular lens 14 with a single reflection. Many of the light rays will bounce around within the mixing chamber 24 and effectively mix with other light rays, such that a desirably uniform light is emitted through the respective lenses 14.
  • the type of lenses 14, the type of LEDs, the shape of the cover 22, and any coating on the bottom side of the cover 22, among many other variables, will affect the quantity and quality of light emitted by the lighting fixture 10.
  • the LED array 20 may include LEDs of different colors, wherein the light emitted from the various LEDs mixes together to form a white light having a desired color temperature and quality based on the design parameters for the particular embodiment.
  • the elongated fins of the heatsink 18 may be visible from the bottom of the lighting fixture 10. Placing the LEDs of the LED array 20 in thermal contact along the upper side of the heatsink 18 allows any heat generated by the LEDs to be effectively transferred to the elongated fins on the bottom side of the heatsink 18 for dissipation within the room in which the lighting fixture 10 is mounted. Again, the particular
  • an electronics housing 26 is shown mounted at one end of the lighting fixture 10, and is used to house all or a portion of the electronics used to power and control the LED array 20. These electronics are coupled to the LED array 20 through appropriate cabling 28. With reference to Figure 4, the electronics provided in the electronics housing 26 may be divided into a driver module 30 and a communications module 32.
  • the driver module 30 is coupled to the LED array 20 through the cabling 28 and directly drives the LEDs of the LED array 20 based on control information provided by the communications module 32.
  • the driver module 30 provides the primary intelligence for the lighting fixture 10 and is capable of driving the LEDs of the LED array 20 in a desired fashion.
  • the driver module 30 may be provided on a single, integrated module or divided into two or more sub-modules depending the desires of the designer.
  • the communications module 32 acts as an intelligent communication interface that facilitates communications between the driver module 30 and other lighting fixtures 10, a remote control system (not shown), or a portable handheld commissioning tool 36, which may also be configured to communicate with a remote control system in a wired or wireless fashion.
  • the driver module 30 may be primarily configured to drive the LEDs of the LED array 20 based on instructions from the communications module 32.
  • the primary intelligence of the lighting fixture 10 is provided in the communications module 32, which effectively becomes an overall control module with wired or wireless communication capability, for the lighting fixture 10.
  • the lighting fixture 10 may share sensor data, instructions, and any other data with other lighting fixtures 10 in the lighting network or with remote entities.
  • the communications module 32 facilitates the sharing of intelligence and data among the lighting fixtures 10 and other entities.
  • the communications module 32 may be implemented on a separate printed circuit board (PCB) than the driver module 30.
  • the respective PCBs of the driver module 30 and the communications module 32 may be configured to allow the connector of the communications module 32 to plug into the connector of the driver module 30, wherein the communications module 32 is mechanically mounted, or affixed, to the driver module 30 once the connector of the communications module 32 is plugged into the mating connector of the driver module 30.
  • a cable may be used to connect the respective connectors of the driver module 30 and the communications module 32, other attachment mechanisms may be used to physically couple the communications module 32 to the driver module 30, or the driver module 30 and the
  • the communications module 32 may be separately affixed to the inside of the electronics housing 26.
  • the interior of the electronics housing 26 is sized appropriately to accommodate both the driver module 30 and the communications module 32.
  • the electronics housing 26 provides a plenum rated enclosure for both the driver module 30 and the communications module 32.
  • the communications module 32 requires gaining access to the interior of the electronics housing 26. If this is undesirable, the driver module 30 may be provided alone in the electronics housing 26.
  • the communications module 32 may be mounted outside of the electronics housing 26 in an exposed fashion or within a supplemental housing 34, which may be directly or indirectly coupled to the outside of the electronics housing 26, as shown in Figure 5.
  • supplemental housing 34 may be bolted to the electronics housing 26.
  • the supplemental housing 34 may alternatively be connected to the electronics housing using snap-fit or hook-and-snap mechanisms.
  • the supplemental housing 34 alone or when coupled to the exterior surface of the electronics housing 26, may provide a plenum rated enclosure.
  • supplemental housing 34 will be mounted within a plenum rated enclosure, the supplemental housing 34 may not need to be plenum rated. Further, the communications module 32 may be directly mounted to the exterior of the electronics housing 26 without any need for a supplemental housing 34, depending on the nature of the electronics provided in the communications module 32, how and where the lighting fixture 10 will be mounted, and the like.
  • the communications module 32 may prove beneficial when the communications module 32 facilitates wireless communications with the other lighting fixtures 10, the remote control system, or other network or auxiliary device.
  • the driver module 30 may be provided in the plenum rated electronics housing 26, which may not be conducive to wireless communications.
  • the communications module 32 may be mounted outside of the electronics housing 26 by itself or within the supplemental housing 34 that is more conducive to wireless communications.
  • a cable may be provided between the driver module 30 and the communications module 32 according to a defined communication interface.
  • the driver module 30 may be equipped with a first connector that is accessible through the wall of the electronics housing 26.
  • the communications module 32 may have a second connector, which mates with the first connector to facilitate
  • the embodiments that employ mounting the communications module 32 outside of the electronics housing 26 may be somewhat less cost effective, but provide significant flexibility in allowing the communications module 32 or other auxiliary devices to be added to the lighting fixture 10, serviced, or replaced.
  • the supplemental housing 34 for the communications module 32 may be made of a plenum rated plastic or metal, and may be configured to readily mount to the electronics housing 26 through snaps, screws, bolts, or the like, as well as receive the communications module 32.
  • the communications module 32 may be mounted to the inside of the supplemental housing 34 through snap-fits, screws, twistlocks, and the like.
  • the cabling and connectors used for connecting the communications module 32 to the driver module 30 may take any available form, such as with standard category 5/6 (cat 5/6) cable having RJ45 connectors, edge card connectors, blind mate connector pairs, terminal blocks and individual wires, and the like. Having an externally mounted communications module 32 relative to the electronics housing 26 that includes the driver module 30 allows for easy field installation of different types of communications modules 32 or modules with other functionality for a given driver module 30.
  • the communications module 32 is mounted within the supplemental housing 34.
  • the supplemental housing 34 is attached to the electronics housing 26 with bolts.
  • the communications module 32 is readily attached and removed via the illustrated bolts.
  • a screwdriver, ratchet, or wrench depending on the type of head for the bolts, is required to detach or remove the communications module 32 via the supplemental housing 34.
  • the communications module 32 may be configured as illustrated in Figures 6A and 6B.
  • the communications module 32 may be attached to the electronics housing 26 of the lighting fixture 10 in a secure fashion and may subsequently be released from the electronics housing 26 without the need for bolts using available snap-lock connectors, such as illustrated in U.S. patent application no. 13/868,021 , which was previously incorporated by reference.
  • the rear of the communication module housing includes a male (or female) snap-lock connector (not shown), which is configured to securely and releasable engage a complementary female (or male) snap-lock connector 38 on the electronics housing 26.
  • Figure 6A illustrates the communications module 32 prior to being attached to or just after being released from the electronics housing 26 of the lighting fixture 10.
  • One surface of the electronics housing 26 of the lighting fixture 10 includes the snap-lock connector 38, which includes a female electrical connector that is flanked by openings that extend into the electronics housing 26 of the lighting fixture 10. The openings correspond in size and location to the locking members (not shown) on the back of the communications module 32.
  • the female electrical connector leads to or is coupled to a PCB of the electronics for the driver module 30.
  • the male electrical connector of the communications module 32 is configured to engage the female electrical connector, which is mounted in the electronics housing 26 of the lighting fixture 10.
  • the male electrical connector of the communications module 32 will engage the female electrical connector of the driver module 30 as the fixture locking members of the communications module 32 engage the respective openings of the locking interfaces in the electronics housing 26.
  • communications module 32 is snapped into place to the electronics housing 26 of the lighting fixture 10, and the respective male and female connectors of the communications module 32 and the driver module 30 are fully engaged.
  • a sensor module 40 is shown integrated into exposed side of the heatsink 18 at one end of the heatsink 18.
  • the sensor module 40 may include one or more sensors, such as occupancy sensors So, ambient light sensors SA, temperature sensors, sound sensors (microphones), image (still or video) sensors, and the like. If multiple sensors are provided, they may be used to sense the same or different environmental conditions. If multiple sensors are used to sense the same environmental conditions, different types of sensors may be used.
  • the sensor module includes an occupancy sensor 42 and an ambient light sensor, which is internal to the occupancy sensor 42 and not visible in Figure 7.
  • the ambient light sensor is associated with a light pipe 44, which is used to guide light to the internal ambient light sensor.
  • the sensor module 40 may slide into the end of the heatsink 18 and be held in place by an end cap 46.
  • the end cap 46 may be attached to the heatsink 18 using two screws 48.
  • screw is defined broadly to cover any externally threaded fastener, including traditional screws that cannot thread with a nut or tapped fixtures and bolts that can thread with nuts or other tapped fixtures.
  • FIGs 8A and 8B illustrate one embodiment of the sensor module 40, which was introduced in Figure 7. Primary reference is made to the exploded view of Figure 8B.
  • the sensor module 40 includes an upper housing 50 and a lower housing 52, which are configured to attach to one another through a snap- fit connector or other attachment mechanism, such as screws.
  • a printed circuit board (PCB) 54 mounts inside of the sensor module 40, and the various sensors will mount to, or at least connect to, the PCB 54.
  • an ambient light sensor 56 and an occupancy sensor 42 are mounted to the printed circuit board.
  • the ambient light sensor 56 is positioned such that it is aligned directly beneath the light pipe 44 when the light pipe 44 is inserted into a light pipe receptacle 64.
  • the occupancy sensor 42 is aligned with an occupancy sensor opening 58 in the upper housing 50. Typically, the bulbous end of the occupancy sensor 42 extends into and partially through the occupancy sensor opening 58 when the sensor module 40 is assembled, as illustrated in Figure 8A.
  • the occupancy sensor 42 is an off-the-shelf passive infrared (PIR) occupancy sensor.
  • the PCB 54 includes a connector, cabling, or wiring harness (not shown) that connects it directly or indirectly to the driver module 30 or the communications module 32.
  • the sensor module 40 may also include opposing mountings tabs 60, which are used to help attach the sensor module 40 to the heatsink 18. In this embodiment, the outer edges of the mounting tabs 60 expand to form bulbous edges 62.
  • FIG 9 an electrical block diagram of a lighting fixture 10 is provided according to one embodiment. Assume for purposes of
  • driver module 30, communications module 32, and LED array 20 are ultimately connected to form the core electronics of the lighting fixture 10, and that the communications module 32 is configured to bidirectionally
  • a standard communication interface and a first, or standard, protocol are used between the driver module 30 and the communications module 32.
  • This standard protocol allows different driver modules 30 to communicate with and be controlled by different communications modules 32, assuming that both the driver module 30 and the communications module 32 are operating according to the standard protocol used by the standard communication interface.
  • standard protocol is defined to mean any type of known or future developed, proprietary, or industry-standardized protocol.
  • the driver module 30 In the illustrated embodiment, the driver module 30 and the
  • the communications module 32 are coupled via communication and power buses, which may be separate or integrated with one another.
  • the communication bus allows the communications module 32 to receive information from the driver module 30 as well as control the driver module 30.
  • An exemplary communication bus is the well-known inter-integrated circuitry (l 2 C) bus, which is a serial bus and is typically implemented with a two-wire interface employing data and clock lines.
  • Other available buses include: serial peripheral interface (SPI) bus, Dallas Semiconductor Corporation's 1 -Wire serial bus, universal serial bus (USB), RS- 232, Microchip Technology Incorporated's UNI/O ® , and the like.
  • the driver module 30 is configured to collect data from the ambient light sensor S A and the occupancy sensor So and drive the LEDs of the LED array 20.
  • the data collected from the ambient light sensor SA and the occupancy sensor So as well as any other operational parameters of the driver module 30 may be shared with the communications module 32.
  • the communications module 32 may collect data about the configuration or operation of the driver module 30 and any information made available to the driver module 30 by the LED array 20, the ambient light sensor SA, and the occupancy sensor S 0 .
  • the collected data may be used by the communications module 32 to control how the driver module 30 operates, may be shared with other lighting fixtures 10 or control entities, or may be processed to generate instructions that are sent to other lighting fixtures 10.
  • the sensor module 40 may be coupled to the communications bus instead of directly to the driver module 30, such that sensor information from the sensor module 40 may be provided to the driver module 30 or the communications module 32 via the communications bus.
  • the communications module 32 may also be controlled in whole or in part by a remote control entity, such as the commissioning tool 36 or another lighting fixture 10.
  • the communications module 32 will process sensor data and instructions provided by the other lighting fixtures 10 or remote control entities and then provide instructions over the communication bus to the driver module 30.
  • An alternative way of looking at it is that the communications module 32 facilitates the sharing of the system's information, including occupancy sensing, ambient light sensing, dimmer switch settings, etc., and provides this information to the driver module 30, which then uses its own internal logic to determine what action(s) to take.
  • the driver module 30 will respond by controlling the drive current or voltages provided to the LED array 20 as appropriate.
  • the driver module 30 includes sufficient electronics to process an alternating current (AC) input signal (AC IN) and provide an appropriate rectified or direct current (DC) signal sufficient to power the communications module 32, and perhaps the LED array 20.
  • the communications module 32 does not require separate AC-to-DC conversion circuitry to power the electronics residing therein, and can simply receive DC power from the driver module 30 over the power bus.
  • the sensor module 40 may receive power directly from the driver module 30 or via the power bus, which is powered by the driver module 30 or other source.
  • the sensor module 40 may also be coupled to a power source (not shown) independently of the driver and communications modules 30, 32.
  • one aspect of the standard communication interface is the definition of a standard power delivery system.
  • the power bus may be set to a low voltage level, such as 5 volts, 12 volts, 24 volts, or the like.
  • the driver module 30 is configured to process the AC input signal to provide the defined low voltage level and provide that voltage over the power bus, thus the communications module 32 or auxiliary devices, such as the sensor module 40, may be designed in anticipation of the desired low voltage level being provided over the power bus by the driver module 30 without concern for connecting to or processing an AC signal to a DC power signal for powering the electronics of the communications module 32 or the sensor module 40.
  • the communications module 32 includes control circuitry 66 and associated memory 68, which contains the requisite software instructions and data to facilitate operation as described herein.
  • the control circuitry 66 may be associated with a communication interface 70, which is to be coupled to the driver module 30, directly or indirectly via the communication bus.
  • the control circuitry 66 may be associated with a wired communication port 72, a wireless communication port 74, or both, to facilitate wired or wireless communications with other lighting fixtures 10, the commissioning tool 36, and remote control entities.
  • the wireless communication port 74 may include the requisite transceiver electronics to facilitate wireless communications with remote entities.
  • the wired communication port 72 may support universal serial (USB), Ethernet, or like interfaces.
  • the capabilities of the communications module 32 may vary greatly from one embodiment to another.
  • the communications module 32 may act as a simple bridge between the driver module 30 and the other lighting fixtures 10 or remote control entities.
  • the control circuitry 66 will primarily pass data and instructions received from the other lighting fixtures 10 or remote control entities to the driver module 30, and vice versa.
  • the control circuitry 66 may translate the instructions as necessary based on the protocols being used to facilitate communications between the driver module 30 and the communications module 32 as well as between the
  • the control circuitry 66 plays an important role in coordinating intelligence and sharing data among the lighting fixtures 10 as well as providing significant, if not complete, control of the driver module 30. While the communications module 32 may be able to control the driver module 30 by itself, the control circuitry 66 may also be configured to receive data and instructions from the other lighting fixtures 10 or remote control entities and use this information to control the driver module 30. The communications module 32 may also provide instructions to other lighting fixtures 10 and remote control entities based on the sensor data from the associated driver module 30 as well as the sensor data and instructions received from the other lighting fixtures 10 and remote control entities.
  • Power for the control circuitry 66, memory 68, the communication interface 70, and the wired and/or wireless communication ports 72 and 74 may be provided over the power bus via the power port.
  • the power bus may receive its power from the driver module 30, which generates the DC power signal.
  • the communications module 32 may not need to be connected to AC power or include rectifier and conversion circuitry.
  • the power port and the communication port may be separate or may be integrated with the standard communication interface.
  • the power port and communication port are shown separately for clarity.
  • the communication bus is a 2- wire serial bus, wherein the connector or cabling configuration may be configured such that the communication bus and the power bus are provided using four wires: data, clock, power, and ground.
  • an internal power supply 76 which is associated with AC power or a battery is used to supply power.
  • the communications module 32 may have a status indicator, such as an LED 78 to indicate the operating state of the communication module.
  • a user interface 80 may be provided to allow a user to manually interact with the communications module 32.
  • the user interface 80 may include an input mechanism, an output mechanism, or both.
  • the input mechanism may include one or more of buttons, keys, keypads, touchscreens, or the like.
  • the output mechanism may include one more LEDs, a display, or the like.
  • a button is defined to include a push button switch, all or part of a toggle switch, rotary dial, slider, or any other mechanical input mechanism.
  • the LED array 20 includes a plurality of LEDs, such as the LEDs 82 illustrated in Figures 1 1 and 12.
  • a single LED chip 84 is mounted on a reflective cup 86 using solder or a conductive epoxy, such that ohmic contacts for the cathode (or anode) of the LED chip 84 are electrically coupled to the bottom of the reflective cup 86.
  • the reflective cup 86 is either coupled to or integrally formed with a first lead 88 of the LED 82.
  • One or more bond wires 90 connect ohmic contacts for the anode (or cathode) of the LED chip 84 to a second lead 92.
  • the reflective cup 86 may be filled with an encapsulant material 94 that encapsulates the LED chip 84.
  • the encapsulant material 94 may be clear or contain a wavelength conversion material, such as a phosphor, which is described in greater detail below.
  • the entire assembly is encapsulated in a clear protective resin 96, which may be molded in the shape of a lens to control the light emitted from the LED chip 84.
  • FIG. 12 An alternative package for an LED 82 is illustrated in Figure 12 wherein the LED chip 84 is mounted on a substrate 98.
  • the ohmic contacts for the anode (or cathode) of the LED chip 84 are directly mounted to first contact pads 100 on the surface of the substrate 98.
  • the ohmic contacts for the cathode (or anode) of the LED chip 84 are connected to second contact pads 102, which are also on the surface of the substrate 98, using bond wires 104.
  • the LED chip 84 resides in a cavity of a reflector structure 105, which is formed from a reflective material and functions to reflect light emitted from the LED chip 84 through the opening formed by the reflector structure 105.
  • the cavity formed by the reflector structure 105 may be filled with an encapsulant material 94 that encapsulates the LED chip 84.
  • the encapsulant material 94 may be clear or contain a wavelength conversion material, such as a phosphor.
  • the encapsulant material 94 contains a wavelength conversion material, substantially all or a portion of the light emitted by the LED chip 84 in a first wavelength range may be absorbed by the wavelength conversion material, which will responsively emit light in a second wavelength range.
  • the concentration and type of wavelength conversion material will dictate how much of the light emitted by the LED chip 84 is absorbed by the wavelength conversion material as well as the extent of the wavelength conversion. In embodiments where some of the light emitted by the LED chip 84 passes through the wavelength conversion material without being absorbed, the light passing through the wavelength conversion material will mix with the light emitted by the wavelength conversion material. Thus, when a wavelength conversion material is used, the light emitted from the LED 82 is shifted in color from the actual light emitted from the LED chip 84.
  • the LED array 20 may include a group of BSY or BSG LEDs 82 as well as a group of red LEDs 82.
  • BSY LEDs 82 include an LED chip 84 that emits bluish light, and the wavelength conversion material is a yellow phosphor that absorbs the blue light and emits yellowish light. Even if some of the bluish light passes through the phosphor, the resultant mix of light emitted from the overall BSY LED 82 is yellowish light.
  • the yellowish light emitted from a BSY LED 82 has a color point that falls above the Black Body Locus (BBL) on the 1976 CIE chromaticity diagram wherein the BBL corresponds to the various color temperatures of white light.
  • BBL Black Body Locus
  • BSG LEDs 82 include an LED chip 84 that emits bluish light; however, the wavelength conversion material is a greenish phosphor that absorbs the blue light and emits greenish light. Even if some of the bluish light passes through the phosphor, the resultant mix of light emitted from the overall BSG LED 82 is greenish light.
  • the greenish light emitted from a BSG LED 82 has a color point that falls above the BBL on the 1976 CIE chromaticity diagram wherein the BBL corresponds to the various color temperatures of white light.
  • the red LEDs 82 generally emit reddish light at a color point on the opposite side of the BBL as the yellowish or greenish light of the BSY or BSG LEDs 82.
  • the reddish light from the red LEDs 82 may mix with the yellowish or greenish light emitted from the BSY or BSG LEDs 82 to generate white light that has a desired color temperature and falls within a desired proximity of the BBL.
  • the reddish light from the red LEDs 82 pulls the yellowish or greenish light from the BSY or BSG LEDs 82 to a desired color point on or near the BBL.
  • the red LEDs 82 may have LED chips 84 that natively emit reddish light wherein no wavelength conversion material is employed.
  • the LED chips 84 may be associated with a wavelength conversion material, wherein the resultant light emitted from the wavelength conversion material and any light that is emitted from the LED chips 84 without being absorbed by the wavelength conversion material mixes to form the desired reddish light.
  • the blue LED chip 84 used to form either the BSY or BSG LEDs 82 may be formed from a gallium nitride (GaN), indium gallium nitride (InGaN), silicon carbide (SiC), zinc selenide (ZnSe), or like material system.
  • the red LED chip 84 may be formed from an aluminum indium gallium nitride (AllnGaP), gallium phosphide (GaP), aluminum gallium arsenide (AIGaAs), or like material system.
  • Exemplary yellow phosphors include cerium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG:Ce), yellow BOSE (Ba, O, Sr, Si, Eu) phosphors, and the like.
  • Exemplary green phosphors include green BOSE phosphors, Lutetium aluminum garnet (LuAg), cerium doped LuAg (LuAg:Ce), Maui M535 from Lightscape Materials, Inc. of 201 Washington Road, Princeton, NJ 08540, and the like.
  • the above LED architectures, phosphors, and material systems are merely
  • CIE Internationale de I'eclairage
  • chromaticity diagrams are used to project a color space that represents all human perceivable colors without reference to brightness or luminance.
  • Figure 13 illustrates a CIE 1976 chromaticity diagram, which includes a portion of a Planckian locus, or black body locus (BBL).
  • BBL black body locus
  • incandescent body may range from an orangish-red to blue, the middle portions of the path encompass what is traditionally considered as "white light.”
  • CCT Correlated Color Temperature
  • K kelvin
  • IESNA Illuminating Engineering Society of North America
  • the coordinates (u', v') are used to define color points within the color space of the CIE 1976 chromaticity diagram.
  • the v' value defines a vertical position and the u' value defines a horizontal position.
  • the color points for a first BSY LED 82 is about (0.1900, 0.5250), a second BSY LED 82 is about (0.1700, 0.4600), and a red LED 82 is about (0.4900, 0.5600).
  • the first and second BSY LEDs 82 are significantly spaced apart from one another along the v' axis.
  • the first BSY LED 82 is much higher than the second BSY LED 82 in the chromaticity diagram.
  • the higher, first BSY LED 82 is referenced as the high BSY-H LED
  • the lower, second BSY LED 82 is referenced as the low BSY-L LED.
  • the ⁇ ' for the high BSY-H LED and the low BSY-L LED is about 0.065 in the illustrated example.
  • the ⁇ ' may be greater than 0.025, 0.030, 0.033, 0.040 0.050, 0.060, 0.075, 0.100, 0.1 10, and 0.120, respectively.
  • Exemplary, but not absolute upper bounds for ⁇ ' may be 0.150, 0.175, or 0.200 for any of the aforementioned lower bounds.
  • the ⁇ ' between two groups of LEDs is the difference between the average v' values for each group of LEDs.
  • the ⁇ ' between groups of LEDs of a particular color may also be greater than 0.030, 0.033, 0.040 0.050, 0.060, 0.075, 0.100, 0.1 10, and 0.120, respectively, with the same upper bounds as described above.
  • the variation of color points among the LEDs 82 within a particular group of LEDs may be limited to within a seven, five, four, three, or two-step MacAdam ellipse in certain embodiments.
  • the greater the delta v' the larger the range through which the CCT of the white light can be adjusted along the black body locus. The closer the white light is to the black body locus, the more closely the white light will replicate that of an incandescent radiator.
  • the LED array 20 includes a first LED group of only low BSY-L LEDs, a second LED group of only high BSY-H LEDs, and a third LED group of only red LEDs.
  • the currents used to drive the first, second, and third LED groups may be independently controlled such that the intensity of the light output from the first, second, and third LED groups is independently controlled.
  • the light output for the first, second, and third LED groups may be blended or mixed to create a light output that has an overall color point virtually anywhere within a triangle formed by the color points of the respective low BSY-L LEDs, high BSY-H LEDs, and the red LEDs. Within this triangle resides a significant portion of the BBL, and as such, the overall color point of the light output may be dynamically adjusted to fall along the portion of the BBL that resides within the triangle.
  • a Crosshatch pattern highlights the portion of the BBL that falls within the triangle. Adjusting the overall color point of the light output along the BBL corresponds to adjusting the CCT of the light output, which as noted above is considered white light when falling on the BBL.
  • the CCT of the overall light output may be adjusted over a range from about 2700 K to about 5700 K. In another embodiment, the CCT of the overall light output may be adjusted over a range from about 3000 K to 5000 K. In yet another embodiment, the CCT of the overall light output may be adjusted over a range from about 2700 K to 5000 K. In yet another embodiment, the CCT of the overall light output may be adjusted over a range from about 3000 K to 4000 K.
  • CRI color rendering index value
  • the LED array 20 may include a mixture of red LEDs 82, high BSY-H LEDs 82, and low BSY-L LEDs 82.
  • the driver module 30 for driving the LED array 20 is illustrated in Figure 14, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.
  • the LED array 20 may be divided into multiple strings of series connected LEDs 82.
  • LED string S1 which includes a number of red LEDs (RED), forms a first group of LEDs 82.
  • LED string S2 which includes a number of low BSY LEDs (BSY-L), forms a second group of LEDs 82.
  • LED string S3, which includes a number of high BSY LEDs (BSY-H) forms a third group of LEDs 82.
  • the various LEDs 82 of the LED array 20 are referenced as RED, BSY-L, and BSY-H in Figure 14 to clearly indicate which LEDs are located in the various LED strings S1 , S2, and S3. While BSY LEDs 82 are illustrated, BSG or other phosphor-coated, wavelength converted LEDs may be employed in analogous fashion. For example, a string of high BSG-H LEDs 82 may be combined with a string of low BSG-L LEDs 82, and vice versa. Further, a string of low BSY-H LEDs may be combined with a string of high BSG-H LEDs, and vice versa.
  • Non-phosphor-coated LEDs such as non-wavelength converted red, green, and blue LEDs, may also be employed in certain embodiments.
  • the driver module 30 controls the currents , i 2 , and i 3 , which are used to drive the respective LED strings S1 , S2, and S3.
  • the ratio of currents , i 2, and i 3 that are provided through respective LED strings S1 , S2, and S3 may be adjusted to effectively control the relative intensities of the reddish light emitted from the red LEDs 82 of LED string S1 , the yellowish/greenish light emitted from the low BSY-L LEDs 82 of LED string S2, and the yellow/greenish light emitted from the high BSY-H LEDs 82 of LED string S3.
  • the resultant light from each LED string S1 , S2, and S3 mixes to generate an overall light output that has a desired color, CCT, and intensity, the later of which may also be referred to a dimming level.
  • the overall light output may be white light that falls on or within a desired proximity of the BBL and has a desired CCT.
  • the number of LED strings Sx may vary from one to many and different combinations of LED colors may be used in the different strings.
  • Each LED string Sx may have LEDs 82 of the same color, variations of the same color, or substantially different colors.
  • each LED string S1 , S2, and S3 is configured such that all of the LEDs 82 that are in the string are all essentially identical in color.
  • the LEDs 82 in each string may vary substantially in color or be completely different colors in certain
  • three LED strings Sx with red, green, and blue LEDs may be used, wherein each LED string Sx is dedicated to a single color.
  • at least two LED strings Sx may be used, wherein different colored BSY or BSG LEDs are used in one of the LED strings Sx and red LEDs are used in the other of the LED strings Sx.
  • a single string embodiment is also envisioned, where currents may be individually adjusted for the LEDs of the different colors using bypass circuits, or the like.
  • the driver module 30 depicted in Figure 14 generally includes AC-DC conversion circuitry 106, control circuitry 1 10, and a number of current sources, such as the illustrated DC-DC converters 1 12.
  • the AC-DC conversion circuitry 106 is adapted to receive an AC power signal (AC IN), rectify the AC power signal, correct the power factor of the AC power signal, and provide a DC output signal.
  • the DC output signal may be used to directly power the control circuitry 1 10 and any other circuitry provided in the driver module 30, including the DC- DC converters 1 12, a communication interface 1 14, as well as the sensor module 40.
  • the DC output signal may also be provided to the power bus, which is coupled to one or more power ports, which may be part of the standard communication interface.
  • the DC output signal provided to the power bus may be used to provide power to one or more external devices that are coupled to the power bus and separate from the driver module 30.
  • These external devices may include the communications module 32 and any number of auxiliary devices, such as the sensor module 40. Accordingly, these external devices may rely on the driver module 30 for power and can be efficiently and cost effectively designed accordingly.
  • the AC-DC conversion circuitry 108 of the driver module 30 is robustly designed in anticipation of being required to supply power to not only its internal circuitry and the LED array 20, but also to supply power to these external devices. Such a design greatly simplifies the power supply design, if not eliminating the need for a power supply, and reduces the cost for these external devices.
  • the three respective DC-DC converters 1 12 of the driver module 30 provide currents , i 2, and i 3 for the three LED strings S1 , S2, and S3 in response to control signals CS1 , CS2, and CS3.
  • the control signals CS1 , CS2, and CS3 may be pulse width modulated (PWM) signals that effectively turn the respective DC-DC converters on during a logic high state and off during a logic low state of each period of the PWM signal.
  • PWM pulse width modulated
  • the control signals CS1 , CS2, and CS3 are the product of two PWM signals.
  • the first PWM signal is a higher frequency PWM signal that has a duty cycle that effectively sets the DC current level through a corresponding one of LED strings S1 , S2, and S3, when current is allowed to pass through the LED strings S1 , S2, and S3.
  • the second PWM signal is a lower frequency signal that has a duty cycle that corresponds a desired dimming or overall output level.
  • the higher frequency PWM signals set the relative current levels though each LED string S1 , S2, and S3 while the lower frequency PWM signal determines how long the currents , i 2 , and i 3 are allowed to pass through the LED strings S1 , S2, and S3 during each period of the lower frequency PWM signal.
  • the relative current levels set with the higher frequency PWM signals may be filtered to a relative DC current.
  • this DC current is essentially pulsed on and off based on the duty cycle of the lower frequency PWM signal.
  • the higher frequency PWM signal may have a switching frequency of around 200 KHz, while the lower frequency PWM signal may have a switching frequency of around 1 KHz.
  • a dimming device may control the AC power signal.
  • the AC-DC conversion circuitry 106 may be configured to detect the relative amount of dimming associated with the AC power signal and provide a corresponding dimming signal to the control circuitry 1 10. Based on the dimming signal, the control circuitry 1 10 will adjust the currents , i 2 , and i 3 provided to each of the LED strings S1 , S2, and S3 to effectively reduce the intensity of the resultant light emitted from the LED strings S1 , S2, and S3 while maintaining the desired CCT. As described further below, the CCT and dimming levels may be initiated internally or received from the commissioning tool 36, a wall controller, or another lighting fixture 10.
  • the CCT and/or dimming levels are delivered from the communications module 32 to the control circuitry 1 10 of the driver module 30 in the form of a command via the communication bus.
  • the driver module 30 will respond by controlling the currents , i 2, and i 3 in the desired manner to achieve the requested CCT and/or dimming levels.
  • the intensity and CCT of the light emitted from the LEDs 82 may be affected by temperature. If associated with a thermistor ST or other temperature- sensing device, the control circuitry 1 10 can control the currents , i 2, and i 3 provided to each of the LED strings S1 , S2, and S3 based on ambient
  • the control circuitry 1 10 may also monitor the output of the occupancy and ambient light sensors So and S A for occupancy and ambient light information and further control the currents , i 2, and i 3 in a desired fashion.
  • Each of the LED strings S1 , S2, and S3 may have different temperature compensation
  • the control circuitry 1 10 may include a central processing unit (CPU) and sufficient memory 1 16 to enable the control circuitry 1 10 to bidirectionally communicate with the communications module 32 or other devices over the communication bus through an appropriate communication interface (l/F) 1 14 using a defined protocol, such as the standard protocol described above.
  • the control circuitry 1 10 may receive instructions from the communications module 32 or other device and take appropriate action to implement the received instructions.
  • the instructions may range from controlling how the LEDs 82 of the LED array 20 are driven to returning operational data, such as temperature, occupancy, light output, or ambient light information, that was collected by the control circuitry 1 10 to the communications module 32 or other device via the communication bus.
  • the functionality of the communications module 32 may be integrated into the driver module 30, and vice versa.
  • control circuitry 1 10 generates control signals CS1 , CS2, and CS3, which control the currents , i 2, and i 3 .
  • control signals CS1 , CS2, and CS3 which control the currents , i 2, and i 3 .
  • the control circuitry 1 10 of the driver module 30 is loaded with a current model in the form of one or more functions (equation) or look up tables for each of the currents , i 2, and i 3 .
  • Each current model is a reference model that is a function of dimming or output level, temperature, and CCT.
  • the output of each model provides a corresponding control signal CS1 , CS2, and CS3, which effectively sets the currents , i 2 , and i 3 in the LED strings S1 , S2, and S3.
  • the three current models are related to each other.
  • the resulting currents , i 2> and i 3 cause the LED strings S1 , S2, and S3 to emit light, which when combined, provides an overall light output that has a desired output level and CCT, regardless of temperature. While the three current models do not need to be a function of each other, they are created to coordinate with one another to ensure that the light from each of the strings S1 , S2, and S3 mix with one another in a desried fashion.
  • the desired CCT is input to a color change function 1 18, which is based on the reference models.
  • the color change function 1 18 selects reference control signals R1 , R2, and R3 for each of the currents , i 2 , and i 3 based on the desired CCT.
  • the reference control signals R1 , R2, and R3 are each adjusted, if necessary, by a current tune function 120 based on a set of tuning offsets.
  • the turning offsets may be determined through a calibration process during manufacturing or testing and uploaded into the control circuitry 1 10.
  • the tuning offset correlates to a calibration adjustment to the currents , i 2> and i 3 that should be applied to get the CCT of the overall light output to match a reference CCT. Details about the tuning offsets are discussed further below.
  • the current tune function 120 modifies the reference control signals R1 , R2, and R3 based on the tuning offsets to provide tuned control signals T1 , T2, and T3.
  • the temperature compensation function 122 modifies the tuned control signals T1 , T2, and T3 based on the current temperature measurements to provide temperature compensated control signals TC1 , TC2, and TC3. Since light output from the various LEDs 82 may vary in intensity and color over temperature, the temperature compensation function 122 effectively adjusts the currents , i 2 , and i 3 to substantially counter the effect of these variations.
  • the temperature sensor S T may provide the temperature input and is generally located near the LED array 20.
  • the dimming function 124 modifies the temperature
  • the dimming function 124 helps to ensure that the CCT of the overall light output corresponds to the desired CCT and intensity at the selected dimming (output) levels.
  • a wall controller, commissioning tool 36, or other lighting fixture 10 may provide the CCT setting and dimming levels. Further, the control circuitry 1 10 may be programmed to set the CCT and dimming levels according to a defined schedule, state of the occupancy and ambient light sensors So and S A , other outside control input, time of day, day of week, date, or any combination thereof. For example, these levels may be controlled based on a desired efficiency or correlated color temperature.
  • These levels may be controlled based the intensity (level) and/or spectral content of the ambient light, which is measured by the ambient light sensor SA.
  • the dimming or CCT levels may be adjusted based on the overall intensity of the ambient light.
  • the dimming levels, color point, or CCT levels may be adjusted to either match the spectral content of the ambient light or help fill in spectral areas of the ambient light that are missing or attenuated. For example, if the ambient light is deficient in a cooler area of the spectrum, the light output may be adjusted to provide more light in that cooler area of the spectrum, such that the ambient light and light provided by the lighting fixtures 10 combine to provide a desired spectrum.
  • CCT, dimming, or color levels may also be controlled based on power conditions (power outage, battery backup operation, etc.), or emergency conditions (fire alarm, security alarm, weather warning, etc.).
  • the tuning offset is generally determined during manufacture, but may also be determined and loaded into the lighting fixture 10 in the field.
  • the tuning offset is stored in memory 1 16 and correlates to a calibration adjustment to the currents , i 2 , and i 3 that should be applied to get the CCT of the overall light output to match a reference CCT.
  • exemplary current curves are provided for reference (pre-tuned) currents and tuned (post-tuned) currents , i 2, and i 3 over a CCT range of about 3000 K to 5000 K.
  • the reference currents represent the currents , i 2 , and i 3 that are expected to provide a desired CCT in response to the reference control signals R1 , R2, and R3 for the desired CCT.
  • the actual CCT that is provided in response to the reference currents , i 2, and i 3 may not match the desired CCT based on variations in the electronics in the driver module 30 and the LED array 20.
  • the reference currents , i 2 , and i 3 may need to be calibrated or adjusted to ensure that the actual CCT corresponds to the desired CCT.
  • the tuning offset represents the difference between the curves for the model and tuned currents ii , i 2 , and i 3 .
  • the tuning offset may be fixed multipliers that can be applied over the desired CCT range for the corresponding reference currents , i 2> and i 3 . Applying the fixed multipliers represents multiplying the reference currents , i 2 , and i 3 by corresponding percentages.
  • the tuning offsets for the reference currents , i 2 , and i 3 may be 0.96 (96%), 1 .04 (104%), and 1 .06 (106%), respectively.
  • reference currents i 2> and i 3 increase, the tuned currents i 2 , and i 3 will increase at a greater rate.
  • the tuned current will increase at a lessor rate.
  • a single calibration may take place at 25 C and a CCT of 4000 K wherein the tuning offsets are determined for each of the currents , i 2, and i 3 .
  • the resultant tuning offsets for the currents , i 2 , and i 3 at 25 C and 4000 K may be applied to the respective model current curves. The effect is to shift each current curve up or down by a fixed percentage.
  • the same tuning offsets that are needed for currents , i 2, and i 3 at 4000 K are applied at any selected CCT between 3000 K and 5000 K.
  • the tuning offsets are implemented by multiplying the reference control signals R1 , R2, and R3 by a percentage that causes the currents , i 2i and i 3 to increase or decrease. As noted above, the reference control signals R1 , R2, and R3 are altered with the tuning offsets to provide the tuned control signals T1 , T2, and T3.
  • the tuned control signals T1 , T2, and T3 may be dynamically adjusted to compensate for temperature and dimming (output) levels.
  • tuning offsets may be used for calibration and manufacturing efficiency
  • other tuning offsets may be derived and applied.
  • the tuning offsets may be fixed magnitude offsets that are equally applied to all currents regardless of the CCT value.
  • an offset function can be derived for each of the currents , i 2> and i 3 and applied to the control signals CS1 , CS2, and CS3 over the CCT range.
  • the lighting fixture 10 need not immediately change from one CCT level to another in response to a user or other device changing the selected CCT level.
  • the lighting fixture 10 may employ a fade rate, which dictates the rate of change for CCT when transitioning from one CCT level to another.
  • the fade rate may be set during manufacture, by the commissioning tool 36, wall controller, or the like.
  • the fade rate could be 500 K per second.
  • the CCT levels for a 5% dimming level and a 100% dimming level are 3000 K and 5000 K, respectively. If the user or some event changed the dimming level from 5% to 100%, the CCT level may transition from 3000 K to 5000 K at a rate of 500 K per second. The transition in this example would take two seconds.
  • the dimming rate may or may not coincide with the CCT fade rate. With a fade rate, changes in the selected CCT level may be transitioned in a gradual fashion to avoid abrupt switches from one CCT level to another.
  • an exemplary wall controller 126 is illustrated.
  • the wall controller 126 is shown in this embodiment with three buttons: an on-off button 130, a dimming button 132, and a CCT button 134.
  • the wall controller 126 may be hardwired to one or more lighting fixtures 10 or be configured to wirelessly communicate directly or indirectly with one or more lighting fixtures 10. The wired or wireless
  • the wall controllers 126 may be configured to simply relay the various user inputs to the associated lighting fixture(s) 10 as soon as the user inputs are received. In this case, the lighting fixtures 10 will process the user inputs to determine the appropriate response to take.
  • the wall controllers 126 act primarily as a relay, the primary intelligence, or decision-making capability, resides in the lighting fixture(s) 10.
  • the wall controller 126 may process the various user inputs and determine how to instruct the lighting fixture(s) 10 based on various criteria, such as program rules, sensor information from local or remote sensors, prior user input, and the like.
  • the user input is relayed to one or more lighting fixtures 10, which will process the user input and provide the requisite lighting response.
  • the wall controller 126 needs to provide a user perceptible response, the response may be initiated internally by the wall controller 126 based on available lighting fixtures 10.
  • the wall controller 126 may simply instruct the associated lighting fixture 10 to provide a specific lighting response, such as dim to 50% with a CCT of 3500 K, and control the LED accordingly.
  • the lighting fixture 10 need not be aware of the LED control in this case.
  • the wall controller 126 may act as a node in a multi-node wireless mesh network wherein certain nodes are lighting fixtures 10.
  • mesh-network based lighting networks reference is made to U.S. patent application no. 13/782,022, filed March 1 , 2013; U.S. patent application no. 13/782,040, filed March 1 , 2013; U.S. patent application no. 13/782,053, filed March 1 , 2013; U.S. patent application no. 13/782,068, filed March 1 , 2013; U.S. patent application no.
  • each of the three buttons (130, 132, 134) are shown as rocker switches wherein pressing the top half of the button invokes a first lighting control response and the pressing the bottom half of the button invokes a second lighting control response.
  • pressing the top half will result in the wall controller 126 sending a signal to turn on any associated lighting fixture(s) 10.
  • Pressing the bottom half of the on-off button 130 will result in the wall controller sending a signal to turn off the associated lighting fixture(s) 10.
  • the signals may be sent directly or indirectly through a network to the associated lighting fixture(s) 10.
  • the dimming button 132 is used to vary the light output level, or dimming level, of the associated lighting fixture(s) 10. For the dimming button 132, pressing the top half will result in the wall controller 126 sending a signal to increase the output light level of the associated lighting fixture(s) 10. Pressing the bottom half of the dimming button 132 will result in the wall controller sending a signal to decrease the output light level of the associated lighting fixture(s) 10. With each press of the top half or bottom half of the dimming button 132, the associated lighting fixture(s) 10 may be instructed to increase or decrease their output light levels by a defined amount. If the top half or bottom half of the dimming button 132 is held down, the associated lighting fixture(s) 10 may be instructed to continuously increase or decrease their output levels until the dimming button 132 is released.
  • the CCT button 134 is used to vary the CCT of the light output of the associated lighting fixture(s) 10.
  • pressing the top half will result in the wall controller 126 sending a signal to increase the CCT level of the associated lighting fixture(s) 10.
  • Pressing the bottom half of the CCT button 134 will result in the wall controller sending a signal to decrease the CCT level of the associated lighting fixture(s) 10.
  • the associated lighting fixture(s) 10 may be instructed to increase or decrease their CCT by a defined amount.
  • each press of the top half or bottom half of the dimming button 132 may result in an increase or decrease of the CCT of the light output of the associated lighting fixture(s) 10 by 100 K. Alternately, each press could result in a 1 , 5, 10, 50, 100, 250, or 500 K change in light output.
  • the top half or bottom half of the dimming button 132 is held down, the associated lighting fixture(s) 10 may be instructed to continuously increase or decrease their CCT levels until the CCT button 134 is released. The rate of change may be fixed or may change based on how long the CCT button 134 is held down. The longer the CCT button 134 is depressed, the faster the change in CCT.
  • FIG. 19 A variation of the wall controller 126 of Figure 18 is shown in Figure 19.
  • a first CCT LED 136 is provided directly above the CCT button 134; however, the first CCT LED 136 could be provided anywhere on the wall controller 126.
  • the first CCT LED 136 may be included with any feature and part of any embodiment of the invention.
  • the first CCT LED 136 may be a variable color LED, which can output light of different colors and intensities depending on how it is driven.
  • the first CCT LED 136 may be configured to output light ranging from red to white to blue through a color spectrum in a continuous or graduated fashion.
  • the particular color or brightness of the light provided by the first CCT LED 136 may correspond to the particular CCT level being set by the wall controller 126 in response to a user adjusting the CCT using the CCT button 134.
  • the wall controller 126 is able to vary the CCT of any associated lighting fixtures 10 from 3000 K to 5000 K in 100 K increments.
  • the CCT button 134 When the user has used the CCT button 134 to select the lowest CCT (3000 K), which corresponds to a warmer CCT, the first CCT LED 136 will be driven to omit a red light.
  • the highest CCT 5000 K
  • the first CCT LED 136 will be driven to omit a blue light.
  • the CCT button 134 select the mid-ranged CCT (4000 K), which corresponds to a relatively neutral CCT
  • the first CCT LED 136 When the user has used the CCT button 134 to select the mid-ranged CCT (4000 K), which corresponds to a relatively neutral CCT, the first CCT LED
  • the light emitted from the first CCT LED 136 may transition gradually from red to orange to yellow to white, as the CCT level progresses in 100 K increments from 3000 K to 4000 K.
  • the light emitted from the first CCT LED 136 may transition gradually from white to green to blue, as the CCT level progresses in 100 K increments from 4000 K to 5000 K.
  • the first CCT LED 136 could be driven to change in intensity, wherein the warmer the CCT Level, the brighter the red light emitted will be.
  • the cooler the CCT level the brighter the blue light emitted will be.
  • the LED may be off or a very dim red, white, or blue at the mid-range CCT level.
  • Those skilled in the art will recognize various ways to drive the first CCT LED 136 in a manner that causes the light emitted from the first CCT LED 136 to correspond in output, whether it is color, dimming level, or a combination thereof, to the current CCT level of the lighting fixture(s) 10 being controlled by the wall controller 126.
  • the wall controller 126 may control the first CCT LED 136 to emit light that is indicative of the CCT level continuously, when a user is changing the CCT level using the CCT button 134 and perhaps for a short while thereafter, or on a periodic basis. In the latter case, the first CCT LED 136 may flash periodically to provide an indication of CCT level.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates an alternative configuration for the wall controller 126.
  • the operation and functionality of this wall controller 126 is analogous to that described above in association with Figure 19.
  • a multifunction button 138 is provided along with a selection switch 140.
  • the selection switch 140 can be toggled between a dim mode and a CCT mode.
  • the multifunction button 138 operates like the dimming button 132.
  • the multifunction button 138 operates like the CCT button 134.
  • the first CCT LED 136 may be provided as described above and used such that the user has feedback as to the current or selected CCT level.
  • the wall controller 126 has an on-off button 130 and a dimming button 132 that operates as described above.
  • the wall controller 126 also includes a first CCT LED 136 and a second CCT LED 142.
  • the first CCT LED 136 is located above the dimming button 132, and the second CCT LED 142 is located below the dimming button 132.
  • the first CCT LED 136 is part of or associated with a first CCT button 144
  • the second CCT LED 142 is part of or associated with a second CCT button 146.
  • the first CCT LED 136 and first CCT button 144 form a first push button switch
  • the second CCT LED 142 and the second CCT button 146 form a second push button switch.
  • the wall controller 126 may have minimum and maximum dimming levels that are selectable through interaction with the dimming button 132.
  • the maximum dimming level may set to 100% of the maximum light output level or less (i.e. 90% of the maximum light output level).
  • the minimum setting may be completely off or at lower dimming level, such as 5% of the maximum light output level. For the purposes of illustration only, assume that the maximum dimming level corresponds to 100% of the maximum light output level and that the minimum dimming level corresponds to 5% of the maximum light output level.
  • the wall controller 126 allows a user to select a first CCT level for the maximum dimming level using the first CCT button 144 and a second CCT level for the minimum dimming level using the second CCT button 146.
  • the respective first and second CCT LEDs 136, 142 are used to provide feedback for the current or selected maximum and minimum CCT levels, respectively.
  • the first and second CCT LEDs 136, 142 may be controlled to cycle through a series of colors that sweep from red to blue though white to indicate the relative CCT levels (i.e. 3000 K (red), 4000 K (white), and 5000 K (blue)).
  • the wall controller 126 will thus receive user input via the first and second CCT buttons 144, 146 to set the first and second CCT levels for the corresponding maximum and minimum dimming levels. Once the first and second CCT levels are identified, the CCT level of the lighting fixtures 10 will transition from the second CCT level to the first CCT level as the dimming level changes from the minimum dimming level to the maximum dimming level.
  • the wall controller 126 may receive user input via the first and second CCT buttons 144, 146 to set the first and second CCT levels to 5000 K and 3000 K, respectively. Assume the corresponding maximum and minimum dimming levels, which are 100% and 5%, respectively. Once the CCT levels are set, the wall controller 126 will send instructions to the lighting fixtures 10 to transition the CCT level from 3000 K to 5000 K as the dimming level changes from the minimum dimming level (5%) to the maximum dimming level (100%). The CCT levels and dimming levels will vary from application to application. Further, the lower dimming levels need not be associated with lower CCT levels, as the inverse may be desired in certain applications.
  • Figure 22 illustrates another variation on the concepts of Figure 21 .
  • the first and second CCT LEDs 136 and 142 are each formed by an array of LEDs.
  • the LEDs in each array may be different colored LEDs or may be controlled to emit different colors of light, which may again transition from red to blue through white or other color spectrum.
  • the LEDs of the array of LEDs may transition from left to right as follows: red, yellow, white, green, and blue, wherein the CCT level associated with each LEDs transitions from the minimum CCT level for red to the maximum CCT level for blue.
  • the first and second CCT buttons 144 and 146 need not be integrated with the first and second CCT LEDs 136 and 142. Further, certain buttons on the wall controller 126 may support multiple functions and modes.
  • embodiments of Figures 21 and 22 may also be used to simply set a current CCT level for one or more associated lighting fixtures 10 by the user.
  • the user may set the maximum and minimum CCT levels for the maximum and minimum dimming levels.
  • the user may be able to change and set a fixed CCT level, regardless of dimming level or changes to dimming level.
  • the primary control may be allocated to either the wall controller 126 or a lighting fixture 10. If control resides primarily in the wall controller 126, the user inputs may be processed alone or in conjunction with other criteria to determine how to instruct the lighting fixture 10 to operate. If control resides primarily in the lighting fixture 10, the user inputs are relayed to the lighting fixture 10, which will determine how to respond. The lighting fixture 10 may also determine how the wall controller 126 should respond and provide instructions to respond accordingly.
  • the lighting fixture 10 may instruct the wall controller 126 to emit light of a specific color based on the current state of the lighting fixture 10.
  • the wall controller 126 includes control circuitry 148, which is associated with memory 150 and configured to run the requisite software or firmware necessary to implement the functionality described herein.
  • the control circuitry is associated with a user input interface (l/F) 152 and a user output interface (l/F) 154.
  • the user input interface 152 may include the various switches, rotary knobs, sliders, and buttons, such as the on-off button 130, dimming button 132, CCT button 134, first CCT button 144, second CCT button 146, and the like.
  • the user input interface 152 may be arranged in various groups of switches, knobs, sliders, and buttons.
  • the user input interface could also be a touch screen interface.
  • the user output interface 154 may include the CCT LEDs 136, 142, other LEDs or indicators, a display, or the like. The display could form part of the touch screen interface.
  • the control circuitry 148 is also associated with one or both of a wireless communication interface 156 and a wired communication interface 158.
  • the wireless communication interface 156 is configured to facilitate wireless communication directly with one or more associated lighting fixtures 10, a wireless network that includes the associated lighting fixtures, or the like.
  • wireless communication technique including Bluetooth, wireless local area network (WLAN), and the like. Even infrared, acoustic, and optical communication techniques are possible.
  • the wireless communication interface 156 is capable of communicating with the communication module 32 of at least one of the associated lighting fixtures 10.
  • Each lighting fixture 10 may be configured to relay messages between other lighting fixtures 10 and the wall controller 126.
  • the lighting fixtures 10 may also be able to receive a signal from a wall controller 126 and then control other lighting fixtures 10 based on that instruction.
  • the wired communication interface 158 is designed to be directly wired to at least one of the associated lighting fixtures 10 and send the control signals over the wired connection.
  • control circuitry 148 may receive user input via the user input interface 152 or information from the lighting fixtures 10 and
  • the control circuitry 148 can provide user feedback to the user via the user output interface 154, send instructions via an appropriate signal to one or more associated lighting fixtures 10 via the wireless or wired communication interfaces 156, 158, or both.
  • the control circuitry 148 can receive on-off commands, dimming levels, CCT settings, maximum or minimum CCT levels, and the like from the user input interface 152 as described above and provide output to the user via the user output interface 154 and the associated lighting fixtures 10.
  • the output provided to the user may be controlling the color or intensity of the first and second CCT LEDs 136, 142.
  • the signal provided to the lighting fixtures 10 may include the user input or instructions to turn on, turn off, set or transition to a certain CCT level, set or transition to a certain dimming level, and the like.
  • the wall controller 126 may also include various sensors, such as an occupancy sensor 160 and an ambient light sensor 162.
  • the control circuitry 148 may simply relay the sensor outputs of the occupancy sensor 160 and the ambient light sensor 162 to the associated light fixtures 10 or use the sensor outputs to help determine how to control the associated light fixtures 10. For example, ambient light levels and occupancy information may affect whether the wall controller 126 will turn on or off the associated lighting fixtures 10 as well as what dimming levels and CCT levels to set based on a desired lighting schedule that is implemented in the wall controller 126, assuming the lighting schedule is not controlled by one of the associated lighting fixtures 10. The time of day, day of week, and date may also impact how the associated lighting fixtures 10 are controlled in general as well as in conjunction with the sensor outputs, user inputs, and the like.
  • the commissioning tool 36 includes a housing 164 in which a display 166 and user buttons 168 are integrated.
  • the display 166 may be configured as a touch screen device, wherein all or a portion of the user buttons 168 or like input mechanisms are effectively integrated with the display 166.
  • a power and communication port 170 is shown on one end of the housing 164 in Figure 24, and a light output port 172 is shown on the opposite end of the housing 164 in Figure 25.
  • the light output port 172 is the mechanism from which the a light beam may be projected.
  • the electronics of the commissioning tool 36 are described below.
  • electronics for the commissioning tool 36 may include control circuitry 174 that is associated with a wireless
  • control circuitry 174 is based on one or more application-specific integrated circuits, microprocessors, microcontrollers, or like hardware, which are associated with sufficient memory to run the firmware, hardware, and software necessary to impart the functionality described herein.
  • Everything may be powered by a power supply 184, which may include a battery and any necessary DC-DC conversion circuitry to convert the battery voltage to the desired voltages for powering the various electronics.
  • the display 166 and user buttons 168 provide a user interface that displays information to the user and allows a user to input information to the commissioning tool 36.
  • the wireless communication interface 176 facilitates wireless communications with the lighting fixtures 10 directly or indirectly via an
  • the wireless communication interface 176 may also be used to facilitate wireless communications with a personal computer, wireless network (WLAN), and the like. Virtually any communication standard may be employed to facilitate such communications, including Bluetooth, IEEE 802.1 1 (wireless LAN), near field, cellular, and the like wireless communication standards.
  • the wired communication interface 178 may be used to
  • the light projection system 180 may take various forms, such as a laser diode or light emitting diode that is capable of emitting a light signal that can be received by the lighting fixtures 10 via the ambient light sensor S A or other receiver mechanism.
  • the light projection system 180 may be used to transmit a focused light signal that can be directed at and recognized by a specific lighting fixture 10 to select the lighting fixture 10.
  • the selected lighting fixture 10 and the commissioning tool 36 can then start communicating with each other via the wireless communication interface 176 to exchange information and allow the instructions and data to be uploaded to the lighting fixture 10.
  • the commissioning tool 36 may query the addresses of the lighting fixtures 10 and systematically instruct the lighting fixtures 10 to control their light outputs to help identify each lighting fixture 10. Once the right lighting fixture 10 is identified, the commissioning tool 36 can beginning configuring or controlling the lighting fixture 10.
  • the commissioning tool 36 may be used to set any parameter in and control virtually any aspect of the lighting fixtures 10 and the wall controllers 126.
  • the commission tool can be used to set CCT levels, CCT fade rates, dimming rates, dimming levels, maximum and minimum CCT levels and dimming levels, and the like.
  • the commissioning tool 36 can be used to provide all of the control that was described above for the wall controllers 126, and thus act as a remote control for the lighting fixtures 10, as well as programming tool for more complicated scheduling, parameter setting, and the like.
  • the commissioning tool 36 can be used to set or change the CCT level for the lighting fixture 10 in virtually any increment for any light output level, a maximum dimming level, minimum dimming level, and the like as well as set the maximum and minimum dimming levels for the lighting fixtures 10.
  • the commissioning tool 36 can also be used to program the wall controllers 126 to set parameters and perform various tasks in response to virtually any input, including user input, time of day, day of week, date, sensor data, and the like.
  • All of the control circuitry discussed herein for the lighting fixtures 10, wall controllers 126, and commissioning tool 36 is defined as hardware based and configured to run software, firmware, and the like to implement the described functionality. These systems are able to keep track of the time of day and day of week to implement scheduled programming.

Landscapes

  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
  • Arrangement Of Elements, Cooling, Sealing, Or The Like Of Lighting Devices (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un luminaire apte à fournir une lumière blanche d'une plage étendue de températures de couleur proximale.
PCT/US2015/032431 2014-05-30 2015-05-26 Dispositif d'excitation à commande numérique pour luminaire WO2015183810A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE112015002545.6T DE112015002545B4 (de) 2014-05-30 2015-05-26 Digital gesteuerter treiber für leuchten

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/292,363 2014-05-30
US14/292,332 US9723680B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2014-05-30 Digitally controlled driver for lighting fixture
US14/292,286 US10278250B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2014-05-30 Lighting fixture providing variable CCT
US14/292,332 2014-05-30
US14/292,363 US9549448B2 (en) 2014-05-30 2014-05-30 Wall controller controlling CCT
US14/292,286 2014-05-30

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015183810A1 true WO2015183810A1 (fr) 2015-12-03

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PCT/US2015/032431 WO2015183810A1 (fr) 2014-05-30 2015-05-26 Dispositif d'excitation à commande numérique pour luminaire

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WO (1) WO2015183810A1 (fr)

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US10483850B1 (en) 2017-09-18 2019-11-19 Ecosense Lighting Inc. Universal input-voltage-compatible switched-mode power supply

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DE112015006797B4 (de) 2024-02-15
DE112015002545T5 (de) 2017-03-02
DE112015006797B9 (de) 2024-05-02
DE112015002545B4 (de) 2018-05-24

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