WO2016100994A1

WO2016100994A1 - Method and devices for communication between led module and led converter

Info

Publication number: WO2016100994A1
Application number: PCT/AT2015/050320
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frank Horn; Reinhold Juen; Frank Lochmann; Günter MARENT; Florian Moosmann; Peter Pachler; Alexander Barth
Original assignee: Tridonic Gmbh & Co Kg; Tridonic Jennersdorf Gmbh
Priority date: 2014-12-22
Filing date: 2015-12-16
Publication date: 2016-06-30
Also published as: EP3238506B1; EP3238506A1

Abstract

A modulated optical signal is generated for communication between an LED module (20) and an LED converter (10). Said modulated optical signal is transmitted between the LED module (20) and the LED converter (10).

Description

Method and devices for communication between LED module and LED converter

The invention relates to lamps and control gear for lighting. The invention particularly relates to devices and methods for communication between an LED module and an LED converter. Non-conventional bulbs, such as bulbs with a light-emitting diode (LED) or with multiple LEDs, are becoming increasingly important. LED modules are examples of such bulbs. For operating a luminous means with at least one light emitting diode, an LED converter is used. For communication between LED module and LED converter conventionally, for example, electrically conductive connections are used. The required connections increase the risk of incorrect installation.

There is a need for devices, systems and methods that allow communication between an LED module and an LED converter. There is a need for such devices, systems and methods that minimize the risk of faulty installation.

According to exemplary embodiments, it is provided that a modulated optical signal is generated and transmitted for communication between an LED module and an LED converter.

The modulated optical signal may be transmitted from the LED module to the LED converter to realize unidirectional communication from the LED module to the LED converter. The modulated optical signal may be transmitted from the LED converter to the LED module to realize unidirectional communication from the LED converter to the LED module. Modulated optical signals can be transmitted bidirectionally between the LED module and the LED converter to to realize bidirectional communication between the LED module and the LED converter.

A transmitter of the modulated optical signal may be provided on the LED module or the LED converter. A receiver of the modulated optical signal may be provided on the other of the LED module or the LED converter. The modulated optical signal can be transmitted between the LED module and the LED converter by a gaseous propagation medium, for example air, or by an optical conductor.

The use of a modulated optical signal to communicate between the LED module and the LED converter reduces the number of wired connections required between the LED module and the LED converter. The risk of a faulty installation is reduced.

A method of communication between an LED module and an LED converter includes generating a modulated optical signal and transmitting the modulated optical signal between the LED module and the LED converter.

With the modulated optical signal, an information concerning the LED module can be transmitted. The information concerning the LED module may be converted by a controller of the LED converter to control the LED converter depending on the information concerning the LED module.

The method may include demodulating the modulated optical signal with a demodulator of the LED converter.

The information concerning the LED module may be selected from a group consisting of: an LED current of the LED module, a voltage of the LED module, a LED power of the LED module, a temperature detected at the LED module, an aging information of the LED module and a color information of the LED module. At least one circuit of the LED converter may be controlled depending on the modulated optical signal received at the LED converter. For example, a set value of a control loop, with which an output current of the LED converter is controlled, be adjusted depending on the modulated optical signal.

A transmitter of the modulated optical signal may be spaced from a receiver of the modulated optical signal. The transmitter and the receiver may be arranged so that they are not integrated in a common housing.

An arrangement of the transmitter for generating the modulated optical signal relative to the receiver for receiving the modulated optical signal may be determined by mechanical registration means. The modulated optical signal is free to propagate from the transmitter to the receiver, for example by a gaseous medium.

The modulated optical signal can be transmitted in an optical fiber.

The LED module may have a first side on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes for generating light is arranged. The transmitter for generating the modulated optical signal may be disposed on a second side of the LED module that is different from the first side.

The modulated optical signal may be output at a side of the LED module to which a plurality of light-emitting diodes for generating light are arranged. The modulated optical signal can be output from one of the light emitting diodes which generate useful light. The modulated optical signal can be transmitted from the LED converter to the LED module. A semiconductor integrated circuit of the LED module may perform a control function depending on the received modulated optical signal. The LED module may have a first side on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes for generating light is arranged. The receiver for receiving the modulated optical signal may be disposed on a second side of the LED module that is different from the first side. An LED module according to an embodiment is adapted for coupling to an LED converter and includes module communication means for communicating with the LED converter using a modulated optical signal. The module communication means may be arranged to generate the modulated optical signal in response to information concerning the LED module.

The module communication device may comprise a transmitter for the modulated optical signal. The transmitter may comprise at least one light emitting diode.

The module communication device may include a modulator configured to encode data into the modulated optical signal.

The information concerning the LED module may be selected from a group consisting of: an LED current of the LED module, a temperature detected at the LED module, an aging information of the LED module and a color information of the LED module.

The module communication device may include a transmitter for generating the modulated optical signal.

The LED module has a first side on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes for generating light is arranged. The transmitter may be disposed on a second side of the LED module that is different from the first side.

The module communication device may be configured to output the modulated optical signal to a side of the LED module on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes for generating light is arranged. The LED module may include a registration means for mechanically registering the module communication device relative to a converter communication device of the LED converter.

The module communication device can be set up for coupling to an optical conductor.

An LED converter according to an embodiment is adapted for coupling to an LED module and includes converter communication means for communicating with the LED module using a modulated optical signal.

The converter communication device may include a demodulator for demodulating the modulated optical signal. The demodulator may be configured to determine an information related to the LED module from the modulated optical signal, wherein the information concerning the LED module is selected from a group consisting of: an LED current of the LED module, a forward voltage of LED module, a LED power of the LED module, a temperature detected at the LED module, an aging information of the LED module and a color information of the LED module. The LED converter may include a converter circuit and a controller for controlling the converter circuit.

The controller may be configured to control the converter circuit in response to the modulated optical signal.

The LED converter may include registration means for mechanically registering the converter communication device relative to a module communication device of the LED module. The converter communication device may be configured for coupling to an optical conductor.

A system according to an embodiment includes an LED module according to an embodiment and an LED converter according to an embodiment.

The LED converter and the LED module can be integrated in an LED lamp. In the methods, devices and systems of embodiments, the modulated optical signal may have a wavelength in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum or in the ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

According to embodiments of the invention, a unidirectional or bidirectional communication between the LED converter and the LED module may be performed with a modulated optical signal. It is not necessary to install lines for communication with the LED converter and the LED module.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings with reference to preferred exemplary embodiments.

FIG. 1 shows a system with an LED converter and an LED module according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 2 shows a system with an LED converter and an LED module according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 shows a system with an LED converter and an LED module according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a system with an LED converter and an LED module according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 shows a system with an LED converter and an LED module according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 shows a system with an LED converter and an LED module according to an exemplary embodiment. FIG. 7 shows a system with an LED converter and an LED module according to an exemplary embodiment.

Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method that may be performed by an LED module according to one embodiment.

Figure 9 is a flowchart of a method that may be performed by an LED module according to one embodiment. The invention will be described in more detail below on the basis of exemplary embodiments with reference to the figures, in which identical reference symbols represent identical or corresponding elements. The features of various embodiments may be combined with each other unless expressly excluded in the description. Although some embodiments are described in more detail in the context of specific applications, the embodiments are not limited to these applications. FIG. 1 shows a system 1 in which an LED converter 10 according to one exemplary embodiment supplies an LED module 20 with energy according to one exemplary embodiment. The lighting means may comprise one light-emitting diode (LED) or a plurality of LEDs 21. The LEDs 21 may be inorganic or organic LEDs. The LED converter 10 may optionally be connected to a bus 3 or a wireless communication system to receive dimming commands or commands of color control and / or to output status messages.

During operation, the LED converter 10 is coupled on the input side to a supply voltage source 2, for example a mains voltage. The LED converter 10 may include a rectifier and a power factor correction circuit 11. The LED converter 10 may include at least one converter circuit 12. The converter circuit 12 may be a DC / DC converter comprising at least one controllable switch 13. A controller 14 of the LED converter 10 may include one or more semiconductor integrated circuits. The controller 14 may be configured to control the operation of the LED converter 10. The control device 14 may be configured to switch at least one controllable switch 13 of the converter circuit 12 clocked. The control device 14 may be configured, for example, to control or regulate an output current of the LED converter 10 and / or an output voltage of the LED converter 10 and / or an output power of the LED converter 10 and, for this purpose, the at least one controllable switch 13 of FIG converter To drive circuit 12. The control device 14 can be designed as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), as a controller, as a microcontroller, as a processor, as a microprocessor or as another chip or as a combination of such units.

As will be described in more detail, the LED converter 10 and the LED module 20 are arranged for communication using optical signals. The communication can be unidirectional or bidirectional. If at least one communication is from the LED module 20 to the LED converter 10, the controller 14 may be configured to provide a control or function depending on a modulated optical signal received from the LED module 20 on the LED converter 10 Control of the LED converter 10 perform. The LED module 20 is configured to receive power to operate the at least one light emitting diode 21 from the LED converter 10. For this purpose, the LED module 20 may have an input which is electrically conductively connected to an output of the LED converter 10. Alternatively or additionally, the LED module 20 and the LED converter 10 may be configured for wireless energy transmission. For this purpose, the LED converter 10 may have an antenna for wireless energy transmission. The LED module 20 may include another antenna to receive the wirelessly transmitted energy. The LED module 20 may include a rectifier circuit 22 or a driver circuit 22 connected between the input and the at least one light emitting diode 22.

For communication between the LED converter 10 and the LED module 20, a modulated optical signal can be generated from one of the LED converter 10 and the LED module 20 and from the other of the LED converter 10 and the LED module 20 be received. For communication with the LED module 20, the LED converter 10 has a converter communication device 15. The converter communication device 15 may comprise a receiver for the modulated optical signal and / or a transmitter for the modulated optical signal.

For a communication from the LED module 20 to the LED converter 10, the converter communication device 15 comprises an optoelectronic sensor 16. The optoelectronic sensor 16 is set up to detect the modulated optical signal from the LED module 20. For this purpose, the optoelectronic sensor 16 can be positioned such that the optical signal output by the LED module 20 strikes the optoelectronic sensor 16. The opto-electronic sensor 16 may comprise a photodiode or another light sensor.

An output signal of the optoelectronic sensor 16 can be fed to the control device 14. Optionally, the converter communication means 15 may comprise a demodulator 17 arranged to demodulate the modulated optical signal and to determine a data sequence encoded in the modulated optical signal. The function of the demodulator 17 may be integrated in the control device 14. A semiconductor integrated circuit can perform both the function of the controller 14 and the function of the demodulator 17. For communication from the LED module 20 to the LED converter 10, the module communication device 20 comprises a transmitter for generating the modulated optical signal. The transmitter may include an electro-optic element 28 for generating the modulated optical signal. The electro-optic element 28 may be a light-emitting diode, which may be different from the plurality of light-emitting diodes 21. The electro-optic element 28 may comprise an electro-optic modulator.

The LED module 20 may comprise a modulator 29 which is connected to the electro table element 28 is coupled or which is formed integrally with the electro-optical element 28. The modulator 29 may be configured to convert information to be transmitted, which may be present as an analog value or as a digital signal sequence, into the modulated optical signal. The function of the modulator 29 may be performed by a semiconductor integrated circuit 24 of the LED module 20.

The modulation and / or demodulation can be done in different ways. The converter communication device 15 and the module communication device 25 may be configured for amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, or other modulation techniques. The converter communication device 15 may be configured to process a signal generated by amplitude shift keying, frequency shift keying, phase shift keying, or other modulation techniques. The module communication means 25 may be arranged to generate the modulated optical signal to encode information to be transmitted by amplitude shift keying, frequency shift keying, phase shift keying or other modulation techniques. The modulated optical signal may comprise wavelengths in the visible, infrared or ultraviolet regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Accordingly, the module communication device 25 may be configured to generate a modulated optical signal that includes a wavelength in the visible, infrared, or ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum depending on information to be transmitted.

The modulated optical signal may be transmitted via a gap 30 between the converter communication device 15 and the module communication device 25. The modulated optical signal can propagate in a gaseous medium, for example air, or can be guided in an optical conductor. Different information can be transferred from the LED module 20 to the LED converter 10 and converted by the LED converter 10.

The LED module 20 may be configured to transmit information about an LED current for which the LED module 20 is designed in the modulated optical signal to the LED converter 10. This can be done, for example, at a start of operation before the at least one light emitting diode 21 emits light. A semiconductor integrated circuit 24 of the LED module 20 may provide non-volatilely stored information about the LED module 20, such as information about the LED current for which the LED module 20 is designed, to supply in the modulated optical signal transfer.

The LED module 20 may be configured to transmit information about an LED forward voltage of the LED module 20 in the modulated optical signal to the LED converter 10. This can be done, for example, at a start of operation before the at least one light emitting diode 21 emits light. The semiconductor integrated circuit 24 of the LED module 20 can provide information stored non-volatilely via the LED module 20, for example information about the forward voltage of the at least one light-emitting diode 21, in order to transmit it in the modulated optical signal.

The LED module 20 may be configured to transmit information about LED power of the LED module 20 in the modulated optical signal to the LED converter 10. This can be done, for example, at a start of operation before the at least one light emitting diode 21 emits light. The semiconductor integrated circuit 24 of the LED module 20 may provide non-volatilely stored information about the LED module 20, such as information about the power of the at least one light emitting diode 21, to transmit in the modulated optical signal.

The LED module 20 may be configured to transmit color information of the LED module 20 in the modulated optical signal to the LED converter 10. The semiconductor integrated circuit 24 of the LED module 20 can provide nonvolatile stored color information to transmit in the modulated optical signal.

The LED module 20 may be configured to transmit aging information of the LED module 20 in the modulated optical signal to the LED converter 10. The semiconductor integrated circuit 24 of the LED module 20 can to monitor the aging of the LED module 20 to transmit them in the modulated optical signal. The LED module 20 may be configured to implement an information detected by a sensor 23 of the LED module 20 and to transmit it to the LED converter 10 in the modulated optical signal. The integrated semiconductor circuit 24 of the LED module 20 can for this purpose monitor an output signal of the sensor 23 in order to transmit it in the modulated optical signal. The sensor 23 may be a temperature sensor.

The LED converter 20 can demodulate the modulated optical signal. An operation of the LED converter 20 may be adjusted in response to the modulated optical signal.

If information about the LED current for which the LED module 20 is designed, information about the forward voltage, information about the LED power, color information and / or aging information is contained in the modulated optical signal, a controlled variable may become dependent be adapted by the modulated Herten optical signal. For example, the controller 14 of the LED converter 10 may be configured for current regulation or voltage regulation. The controller 14 may set a target value of a control loop depending on the modulated optical signal detected by the converter communication device 15.

If information about a temperature sensed with a temperature sensor 23 is contained in the modulated optical signal, the LED converter 10 may include safety mechanisms such as automatic reduction of the temperature Output current and / or a shutdown of the bulb depending on the modulated optical signal make. Alternatively, an automatic reduction of the output current and / or a switch-off of the luminous means can take place depending on the detected LED current, the forward voltage or the LED power.

While a system in which the modulated optical signal is used for unidirectional communication from the LED module 20 to the LED converter 10 is exemplified with reference to FIG. 1, bidirectional communication may also be realized, as with reference to FIG 2, and / or unidirectional communication can be made from the LED converter 10 to the LED module 20 using the modulated optical signal. The system may also provide communication between multiple LED modules and / or LED converters.

FIG. 2 is a representation of a system 1 with an LED converter 10 and an LED module 20.

The converter communication device 15 comprises a transmitter for a further modulated optical signal in order to realize a communication to the LED module 20. The transmitter may include an electro-optic element 18 for generating the modulated optical signal. The electro-optical element 18 may be a light emitting diode. The electro-optic element 18 may comprise an electro-optic modulator. The converter communication device 15 may include a modulator 19 coupled to the electro-optic element 18 or integrally formed with the electro-optic element 18. The modulator 19 may be configured to convert information to be transmitted, which may be present as an analog value or as a digital signal sequence, into the further modulated optical signal. The function of the modulator 19 may be performed by a semiconductor integrated circuit of the controller 14. The module communication device 25 comprises a receiver for the further modulated optical signal. The receiver comprises an optoelectronic sensor 26. The optoelectronic sensor 26 is set up to detect the further modulated optical signal from the LED converter 10. For this purpose, the optoelectronic sensor 26 can be positioned such that the optical signal output by the LED converter 10 strikes the optoelectronic sensor 26. The optoelectronic sensor 26 may include a photodiode or other light sensor. An output signal of the optoelectronic sensor 26 may be further processed by a demodulator 27 to demodulate the modulated optical signal and to determine a data sequence or an analog signal encoded in the modulated optical signal. While FIG. 2 illustrates a system using modulated optical signals for bidirectional communication, in other embodiments bidirectional communication between LED module 20 and LED converter 10 may be implemented using different communication methods for different communication directions , Communication from the LED module 20 to the LED converter 10 may be accomplished using modulated optical signals, as described above. A communication from the LED converter 10 to the LED module 20 can take place in such a way that signals are modulated onto the power supply and evaluated on the LED module 20.

Alternatively, the sensor 26 may also be designed so that it also works as a transmitter. That is, the sensor 26 may be configured simultaneously as a receiver and transmitter. For example, the sensor may be designed as an LED in order to emit optical signals modulated as a transmitter and to operate as a photodiode as a receiver in what is referred to as reverse operation. In so-called reverse operation, a part of the modulated light or the optically modulated signal is received and the voltage drop across the sensor is measured and evaluated to the information of the modulated optical signal to decode.

The system may also provide communication between multiple LED modules and / or LED converters.

FIG. 3 is an illustration of a system 1 with an LED converter 10 and an LED module 20. In this case, the module communication device 25 and the converter communication device 15 are set up such that communication from the LED module 20 to the LED converter 10 can be done using a modulated optical signal.

The transmitter and the receiver of the modulated optical signal are spaced apart. In the devices, methods, and systems of embodiments, various techniques may be used to ensure that a sufficiently high intensity portion of the modulated optical signal is detectable at the receiver. For this purpose, the LED converter 10 and the LED module 20 may be registered relative to one another such that at least part of the intensity of the modulated optical signal output by the LED module 20 strikes the receiver of the LED converter 10. The LED module 20 and / or the LED converter 10 may include registration means for mechanical registration. Alternatively or additionally, the arrangement of the LED converter 10 and the LED module 20 may be determined by suitable holding means so that at least a portion of the intensity of the output from the LED module 20 modulated optical signal hits the receiver of the LED converter 10 , Alternatively or additionally, an optical conductor may connect the transmitter and the receiver of the modulated optical signal. The modulated optical signal can freely propagate between the LED module 10 and the LED converter 20, be deflected at least once or guided in an optical conductor.

The system may also provide communication between multiple LED modules and / or LED converters. FIG. 4 shows a system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The system 1 comprises an LED converter 10 and an LED module 20, which may be configured as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The LED module 20 includes a circuit board 40. On a first surface of the circuit board 40, a plurality of light-emitting diodes 21 are arranged. On a second surface of the circuit board 40, which is different from the first surface, a transmitter 28 is arranged for the modulated optical signal. The transmitter 28 may comprise a light-emitting diode, an electro-optical modulator or another electro-optical element. The transmitter 28 may be disposed on the surface of the circuit board 40 which is opposite to the surface with the light-emitting diodes 21.

The LED converter 10 has a receiver 16 for the modulated optical signal output by the transmitter 28. A photosensitive surface of the receiver 16 is disposed on a housing 50 so that the modulated optical signal can be incident on it. An arrangement of the receiver 16 relative to the transmitter 28 is fixed. For this purpose, the LED module 20 may comprise a registration means 41 which determines the position of the LED module 20 relative to the LED converter 10 so that a part of the intensity of the modulated optical signal output by the transmitter 28 is detected by the receiver 16 ,

Alternatively or additionally, the LED converter 10 may have a registration means 51, so that the position of the receiver 16 relative to the transmitter 28 can be determined. For this purpose, the LED module 20 may comprise a registration means 41 which determines the position of the LED module 20 relative to the LED converter 10 so that a part of the intensity of the modulated optical signal output by the transmitter 28 is detected by the receiver 16 ,

On the LED module 20 and the LED converter 10 corresponding registration means may be provided which determine the relative position between the Set LED module 20 and the LED converter 10.

The LED converter 10 and the LED module 20 may be fixed in their relative position to each other so that a surface through which the modulated optical signal is output, for example, to the LED module 20, another surface on which the modulated optical signal is received, for example, to the LED converter 10, opposite.

It is possible, but not always necessary, for registration registers 41, 51 adapted to one another to be provided on the LED converter 10 and the LED module 20. By way of example, the registration means can also be designed such that they fix both the LED module 20 and the LED converter 10 in an LED lamp or another unit such that a part of the intensity of the modulated optical signal output by the transmitter 28 is detected by the receiver 16.

As already described in the exemplary embodiment of FIG. 2, the system also works in the other direction or for bidirectional communication in both directions simultaneously.

FIG. 5 shows a system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The system 1 comprises an LED converter 10 and an LED module 20, which may be configured as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3. The LED module 20 includes a circuit board 40. On a first surface of the circuit board 40, a plurality of light-emitting diodes 21 are arranged. On a second surface of the circuit board 40, which is different from the first surface, a transmitter 28 is arranged for the modulated optical signal. The transmitter 28 may comprise a light-emitting diode, an electro-optical modulator or another electro-optical element. The transmitter 28 may be disposed on the surface of the circuit board 40 which is opposite to the surface with the light-emitting diodes 21. The LED converter 10 has a receiver 16 for the modulated optical signal output by the transmitter 28.

The modulated optical signal is transmitted in an optical conductor 49. The optical conductor 49 may comprise a glass fiber or other optical fiber.

The transmitter 28 of the modulated optical signal on the LED module 20 may include a mounting portion 42 configured to hold the optical conductor 49 so that the modulated optical signal is coupled into the optical fiber 49.

Receiver 16 of the modulated optical signal on LED converter 10 may include a mounting portion 52 configured to hold optical conductor 49 such that the modulated optical signal is coupled out of optical fiber 49 to an opto-electronic sensor of receiver 16 becomes.

An arrangement with an optical conductor 49 for transmitting the modulated optical signal offers greater freedom in the arrangement of the LED converter 10 and the LED module 20. The risk of a faulty installation is limited by the design of the fastening sections 42, 52 of FIG electrical connections are different, kept low. As already described in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the system also works in the other direction or in both directions simultaneously.

FIG. 6 shows a system 1 according to an exemplary embodiment. The system 1 comprises an LED converter 10 and an LED module 20, which may be configured as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

The LED module 20 includes a circuit board 40. On a first surface of the circuit board 40, a plurality of light-emitting diodes 21 are arranged. At the first surface surface of the board 40 is also a transmitter 28 for the modulated optical signal arranged. The transmitter 28 may include a light emitting diode. The transmitter 28 may be one of the light-emitting diodes 21 which generate light in useful operation, for example for room lighting. The modulated optical signal is thereby preferably generated with a wavelength, a frequency or an amplitude which is imperceptible to the human eye. For example, the frequency can be chosen so high that the modulation is imperceptible due to the inertia of the human eye. The LED converter 10 has a receiver 16 for the modulated optical signal output by the transmitter 28.

The LED converter 10 is arranged such that at least part of the intensity of the modulated optical signal output by the transmitter 28 impinges on the receiver 16. For example, the receiver 16 may be arranged laterally offset from the transmitter 28. Optionally, an optical deflecting element or a plurality of optical deflecting elements, e.g. one or more mirrors may be used to direct the modulated optical signal from the transmitter 28 to the receiver 16.

The devices, methods and systems of embodiments may be used for communication between an LED converter 10 and an LED module 20 combined in a luminaire. As already described in the embodiment of FIG. 2, the system also works in the other direction or in both directions simultaneously.

Figure 7 shows a system 1 according to an embodiment, which is designed as an LED lamp. The system 1 comprises an LED converter 10 and an LED module 20, which may be configured as described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

The LED converter 10 and the LED module 20 are provided in an LED lamp. builds. The LED lamp may include a socket 61 and a translucent material 62. The translucent material 62 may at least partially surround the LED module 20. The LED converter 10 and the LED module 20 may be arranged so that a modulated optical signal output by a transmitter 28 of the LED module 20 is detected by a receiver 16 of the LED converter 10. For this purpose, for example, the relative arrangement between transmitter 27 and receiver 16 can be defined and / or an optical conductor 49 can be provided, as described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method 70. The method 70 may be performed by an LED module according to one embodiment.

At 71 a start of operation takes place. For this purpose, the LED module can initially receive, for example, a low supply voltage and / or a low supply current with which the transmitter for the modulated optical signal can be operated before the at least one light-emitting diode 21 emits light.

At 72 it is checked whether a condition for the transmission of information is fulfilled. Various criteria can be used to trigger information transfer.

For example, information about an LED current and / or a forward voltage and / or an LED power and / or color information can be transmitted at each start of operation. Information about an LED current and / or a forward voltage and / or an LED power and / or color information can also be transmitted only after a first start of operation after installation. Information about an aging condition can be transmitted at each start of operation or selectively only when the corresponding information about the aging condition has changed. Temperature information, which is generated as a function of an output signal of a temperature sensor, can be transmitted at time intervals, for example periodically. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature information can be transmitted selectively when the temperature reaches or exceeds a threshold value. The temperature information may be selectively transmitted when the temperature reaches or exceeds one of a plurality of thresholds. Alternatively, the information about the LED current and / or the forward voltage and / or the LED power may be transmitted when one of several thresholds has been reached or exceeded.

The transmission of information may also be in response to a request by the LED converter 10. The request can be transmitted from the LED converter 10 to the LED module 20 via a supply line, via which the LED current from the LED module 20 is also received.

If it is determined at 72 that the condition for transmission of information is not met, operation of the LED module 20 may continue at 73. The procedure may return to review at 72.

If it is determined at 72 that the condition for transmission of information is satisfied, a modulated optical signal may be generated at 74.

The modulated optical signal may transmit an analog value or at least one bit of digital information.

The modulated optical signal may be generated so that the information to be transmitted is encoded by amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation or other modulation techniques.

The modulated optical signal may be generated to have a wavelength in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, in the infrared region of the electromagnetic spectrum or in the ultraviolet region of the having electromagnetic spectrum.

After transmission of the modulated optical signal, the method may return to 73 to continue operation of the LED module 20.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a method 80. The method 80 may be performed by an LED converter 10 according to one embodiment.

At 81, the LED converter 10 receives a modulated optical signal. The modulated optical signal may be received by a transmitter 28 of an LED module 20.

At 82, the received modulated optical signal is demodulated. Information contained in the modulated optical signal can be obtained by reading out an amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation or other modulation technique.

At 83, the LED converter 10 may be controlled depending on the demodulated optical signal. The control can be done in different ways in response to the modulated optical signal.

If the modulated optical signal contains information about an LED current or a forward voltage or an LED power of the LED module 20, a control or regulation of a converter and / or a power factor correction circuit and / or further components of the LED converter 10 depending on the information received. For example, a setpoint of a control loop that determines the output current of the LED converter 10 may be adjusted depending on the modulated optical signal if it contains information about the LED current of the LED module 20.

If the modulated optical signal includes aging information and / or color information, a strength of an output current of the LED converter 10 may be dependent on the aging information or color information be set.

If the modulated optical signal contains information that depends on a temperature detected at the LED module 20, depending on this temperature information, one or more safety functions can be activated. For example, to protect against excessively high temperatures in response to the modulated optical signal, an output current of the LED converter 10 may be reduced or the operation of the LED module 20 may be completely turned off if the information contained in the modulated optical signal indicates that damage to the LED LED module 20 is threatened by temperature effects. Alternatively, an automatic reduction of the output current and / or a switch-off of the luminous means can take place depending on the detected LED current, the forward voltage or the LED power. While devices, systems and methods of embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, modifications may be made in other embodiments.

While an LED converter 10 and an LED module 20 can be designed such that an LED current is transmitted via supply lines, an energy transmission for supplying the at least one light-emitting diode 21 via a wireless interface can also take place.

Additional or alternative information may be transferred between the LED module 20 and the LED converter 10. For example, information may be transmitted which depends on an output signal of a sensor 23 of the LED module 20. Illustrative of such information is a light intensity of an area used for illuminance control.

The semiconductor integrated circuit of an LED module 20 according to embodiments may as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), as a controller, as a microcontroller, as a processor, be designed as a microprocessor or as another chip or as a combination of such components.

An LED converter 10 and an LED module 20 may be configured such that mechanical registration elements such as protrusions and / or recesses define a unique position in which the LED module 20 can be attached to the LED converter 10.

LED modules, LED converters, methods and systems according to exemplary embodiments facilitate the installation of lamps with at least one light-emitting diode, if a communication between the LED module and the LED converter is provided.

Claims

P AT E N TA N S P R E C H E 1. A method of communication between an LED module (20) and an LED converter (10), comprising:

Generating a modulated optical signal and

Transmitting the modulated optical signal between the LED module (20) and the LED converter (10).

2. The method according to claim 1,

wherein with the modulated optical signal, an information relating to the LED module (20) is transmitted.

3. The method according to claim 2,

wherein the information concerning the LED module (20) is converted by a controller (14) of the LED converter (10) to control the LED converter (10) in accordance with the information concerning the LED module (20).

4. The method of claim 2 or claim 3, comprising

Demodulating the modulated optical signal with a demodulator (17) of the LED converter.

5. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4,

wherein the information concerning the LED module (20) is selected from a group consisting of: an LED current of the LED module (20), a forward voltage on the LED module (20), an LED power on the LED Module (20), a detected at the LED module (20) temperature, an aging information of the LED module (20) and a color information of the LED module (20).

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

an arrangement of a transmitter (18; 28; 18, 28) for generating the modulated optical signal relative to a receiver (16; 26; 16, 26). for receiving the modulated optical signal by mechanical registration means (41, 51).

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the modulated optical signal is transmitted in an optical conductor (49).

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims,

wherein the LED module (20) has a first side on which a plurality of light-emitting diodes (21) for generating light is arranged,

wherein a transmitter (28) for generating the modulated optical signal is disposed on a second side of the LED module (20) different from the first side.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,

wherein the modulated optical signal is output at a side of the LED module (20) to which a plurality of light-emitting diodes (21) for generating light are arranged.

10. LED module adapted for coupling to an LED converter (10), the LED module (20) comprising:

a module communication device (25) for communicating with the LED converter (10) using a modulated optical signal.

1 1. LED module according to claim 10,

wherein the module communication means (25) is arranged to generate the modulated optical signal in response to an information concerning the LED module (20).

12. LED module according to claim 1 1,

wherein the information concerning the LED module (20) is selected from a group consisting of: an LED current of the LED module (20), a forward voltage on the LED module (20), an LED power on the LED LED module (20), a detected at the LED module (20) temperature, an aging information of the LED module (20) and a color information of the LED module (20).

13. LED module according to one of claims 10 to 12,

wherein the module communication means (25) comprises a transmitter (28) for generating the modulated optical signal.

14. LED module according to claim 13,

wherein the LED module (20) has a first side on which a plurality of light emitting diodes (21) for generating light is arranged,

wherein the transmitter (28) is disposed on a second side of the LED module (20) different from the first side.

15. LED module according to one of claims 10 to 13,

wherein the module communication means (25) is arranged to output the modulated optical signal to a side of the LED module (20) to which a plurality of light-emitting diodes (21) for generating light are arranged.

16. LED module according to one of claims 10 to 15, wherein the LED module (20) comprises:

Registration means (41) for mechanical registration of the module communication device (25) relative to a converter communication device (15) of the LED converter (10).

17. LED module according to one of claims 10 to 16,

wherein the module communication means (25) is adapted for coupling to an optical conductor (49).

18. An LED converter adapted for coupling to an LED module (20), the LED converter (10) comprising:

a converter communication device (15) for communicating with the LED module (20) using a modulated optical signal.

19. LED converter according to claim 18,

wherein the converter communication means (15) comprises a demodulator (17) for demodulating the modulated optical signal.

20. LED converter (10) according to claim 19,

wherein the demodulator (17) is arranged to determine an information concerning the LED module (20) from the modulated optical signal, wherein the information concerning the LED module (20) is selected from a group consisting of: an LED current of the LED module (20), a forward voltage on the LED module (20), an LED power on the LED module (20), a temperature detected on the LED module (20), aging information the LED module (20) and a color information of the LED module (20).

21. The LED converter according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the LED converter (10) comprises

a converter circuit (12) and

a control device (14) for controlling the converter circuit (12), which is coupled to the converter communication device (15),

wherein the control means (14) is arranged to control the converter circuit (12) in response to the modulated optical signal.

22. LED converter according to one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the LED converter (10) comprises:

Registration means (51) for mechanically registering the converter communication device (15) relative to a module communication device (25) of the LED module (20).

23. LED converter according to one of claims 18 to 22,

wherein the converter communication means (15) is adapted for coupling to an optical conductor (49). System comprising

An LED module (20) according to any one of claims 10 to 17, and an LED converter (10) according to any one of claims 18 to 23.