| Class / Patent application number | Description | Number of patent applications / Date published |
|---|
| 315209000 | Capacitor dischargeneous ignition systems | 6 |
| 20080203933 | PULSE WIDTH MODULATION SIGNAL GENERATING CIRCUIT - A PWM signal generating circuit outputs a stable PWM signal for increasing and deceasing a duty ratio at a predetermined rate within a predetermined period without requiring an improvement of a process capacity of a CPU as compared to a conventional PWM signal generating circuit. The PWM signal generating circuit consists of a plurality of circuit elements each of which outputs a digital signal. A first counter circuit periodically changes a PWM signal output therefrom into an active state. A second counter circuit changes the PWM signal, which has been changed into the active state by the first counter circuit, into an inactive state within each cycle. The second counter circuit increases and decreases an active-to-inactive time period from a time when the PWM signal is changed into the active state to a time when the PWM signal is changed into the inactive state. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080238331 | ENERGY SAVING POWER SUPPLY CIRCUIT - A power supply circuit includes a power supply input for receiving power from a power supply, a power supply output for supplying power to a load, a voltage reference circuit, and a switch circuit. The voltage reference circuit is connected between the power supply input and the power supply output for regulating voltage of the power supply circuit. The switch circuit is connected to the voltage reference circuit and the power supply output. The voltage reference circuit supplies regulated voltage to the switch circuit. The switch circuit controls current between the power supply input and the power supply output to be changed alternately at a certain frequency, thereby changing power output to the load to save electricity. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080252224 | Ballast with Socket-To-Fixture Voltage Limiting - A ballast ( | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080258639 | PHASE SHIFT CIRCUIT AND BACKLIGHT UNIT HAVING THE SAME - Disclosed is a phase shift circuit. The phase shift circuit comprises a frequency multiplier outputting a square wave signal by frequency-multiplying a reference signal, a frequency synchronizer receiving the square wave signal to output a triangle wave signal, and a PWM nodule receiving the triangle wave signal to output a phase-shifted multi-channel control signal. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080315779 | Electronic Ballast Having A Flyback Cat-Ear Power Supply - An electronic ballast for driving a gas discharge lamp includes a rectifier to convert an AC mains input voltage to a rectified voltage, a valley-fill circuit for producing a DC bus voltage, an inverter for converting the DC bus voltage to a high-frequency AC voltage for driving the lamp, a control circuit for controlling the inverter, and a flyback cat-ear power supply for supplying current to the inverter when the rectified voltage is less than a predetermined level. The flyback cat-ear power supply also provides power to the control circuit. Preferably, the flyback cat-ear power supply draws current only when the inverter is not drawing current directly from the AC mains, so as to make the input current to the ballast substantially sinusoidal. The result is a ballast having substantially improved power factor and THD. Also, the ballast operates more efficiently because the flyback cat-ear ear power supply supplies excess energy not needed by the ballast control circuitry to the inverter to be used to drive the lamp. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090009097 | Circuits and methods for balancing current among multiple loads - A circuit comprises a power tank, a pair of transformers and multiple loads. The power tank converts a DC input voltage to an AC voltage. The pair of transformers comprise a pair of primary windings and a pair of secondary windings and transform the intermediate AC voltage to an output AC voltage. The pair of primary windings are coupled to the power tank for receiving the intermediate AC voltage, and the pair of secondary windings provide the output AC voltage. The loads are coupled to the pair of secondary windings for receiving the output AC voltage. The pair of secondary windings are serially coupled to each other through the series-coupled loads to achieve current balance among the loads. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090039795 | DISCHARGE LAMP LIGHTING APPARATUS - A discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes a plurality of discharge lamps | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090051296 | LED CONTROL METHOD - In one embodiment, an LED system is controlled to have a substantially unity power factor. | 02-26-2009 |
| 20090079354 | ELECTRONIC BALLAST WITH LOW VOLTAGE OUTPUT - The present invention provides a high frequency electronic ballast with low voltage output, comprising a high voltage power supply ( | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090085492 | Device for operating or starting a high-pressure discharge lamp lamp socket and illumination system wtih such a device and method for operation of a high-pressure discharge lamp - The invention relates to a device for operating or starting a high-pressure discharge lamp ( | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090134811 | Reduced Power Loss in Electronic Ballasts - An electronic ballast is disclosed, in particular for operation of gas-discharge lamps, in which a further power semiconductor is provided in addition to the conventional power semiconductor, and provides the power required for steady-state operation. This avoids the high-power MOSFET transistors, whose power losses are high, also being used for steady-state operation. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090153067 | HIGH FREQUENCY HIGH INTENSITY DISCHARGE BALLAST - A ballast with self-oscillating inverter and a high-voltage multiplier circuit is disclosed for providing a DC start mechanism for starting an HID lamp. The high voltage multiplier ignites the lamp using direct current (DC) voltage. This results in low component stresses and lower output voltages than can be realized either by pulse starting or resonant starting techniques. DC starting reduces an output voltage required to start the HID lamp, and can be applied continuously without damaging the inverter. Moreover, the inverter, in self-oscillating mode, is compact while able to operate the HID lamp at frequencies well in excess of 1 MHz. The self-oscillating inverter can also be employed to regulate lamp power. | 06-18-2009 |
| 20090200953 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR A HIGH POWER FACTOR BALLAST HAVING HIGH EFFICIENCY DURING NORMAL OPERATION AND DURING DIMMING - Methods and apparatus for powering a ballast that is dimmable and has a high power factor. The ballast circuit includes a rectifier, bypass capacitor, a driver circuit, and a resonant circuit that are configured to actuate a light source, such as a fluorescent lamp. Specifically, the bypass capacitor stores energy to produce a high frequency current which is introduced into the resonant circuit to continually recycle energy in the resonant circuit, resulting in a circuit with a high power factor. Further, because the current flowing into the resonant circuit is substantially sinusoidal, the circuit generally has an ideal crest factor, thereby increasing the lifespan of the light source. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090212710 | VEHICLE LIGHTING CONTROL DEVICE - A vehicle lighting control device includes a switching unit to perform ON/OFF control of a driving current supplied to a semiconductor light source depending on a light control signal; and a constant-current control unit to perform constant-current control on the driving current. The constant-current control unit includes a switch unit to perform ON/OFF control of the switching unit; and a signal-maintaining unit to provide a voltage signal corresponding to the driving current to the switch unit when the switching unit performs ON control, and to provide continuously the voltage signal to the switch unit when the switching unit performs OFF control. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090212711 | DRIVING METHOD AND DRIVING DEVICE FOR DISCHARGE LAMP, LIGHT SOURCE DEVICE, AND IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE - A method for driving a discharge lamp that lights by performing discharge between two electrodes while alternately switching a polarity of a voltage applied between the two electrodes includes: modulating an anode duty ratio, which is a ratio of an anode time for which one of the electrodes operates as an anode in one period of the polarity switching, by setting first and second periods with different anode duty ratios; and setting the first period, in which the anode duty ratio is higher than that in the second period, longer than the second period in one modulation period, which includes the first and second periods and for which the modulation is performed, when a predetermined condition is satisfied. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090236997 | LED control circuit and method, and insect resistive LED lamp - A LED control circuit and method generate a high frequency clock signal with a fixed duty for a LED driver, to supply a switching current to drive a LED to emit light flashing at a modulated high frequency and with a fixed duty. By controlling the flashing LED light within certain flashing frequency range, the circuit and method allow a LED light source for expelling, confusing or trapping insects but serving only an illuminative or decorative purpose to human eyes, due to the difference between human beings and insects in visual perception of flashing frequencies. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090236998 | DRIVING METHOD AND DRIVING DEVICE FOR DISCHARGE LAMP, LIGHT SOURCE DEVICE, AND IMAGE DISPLAY DEVICE - A driving method for a discharge lamp that lights by performing discharge between two electrodes while alternately switching a polarity of a voltage applied between the two electrodes includes: modulating an anode duty ratio, which is a ratio of an anode time for which one of the electrodes operates as an anode in one period of the polarity switching, by setting first and second periods with different anode duty ratios; and setting a first polarity switching period in the first period to be shorter than a second polarity switching period in the second period. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090273291 | Circuit Apparatus With a High-Side Buck Transistor - The invention provides a cost-effective driver circuit for an LED background lighting unit (BLU). For this purpose, a buck circuit with an upper transistor (T | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090273292 | OPERATING CIRCUIT FOR LIGHT-EMITTING DIODES - An operating circuit for at least one light-emitting diode (LED) incorporates a switched-mode regulator circuit to which a DC voltage is fed and which provides a supply voltage for the at least one light-emitting diode (LED) by means of a coil (L | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090278465 | POWER CONVERSION UNIT FOR LED LIGHTING - A power conversion unit converts an AC voltage into substantially constant DC current. The power conversion unit can be placed into an end cap of an LED lighting unit, to power LED modules. The power conversion unit uses capacitors and a bridge rectifier to perform the power conversion. The capacitors and bridge rectifier are selected to configure the power conversion and to produce the desired variable voltage substantially constant DC current. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090284161 | LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICES - Light-emitting devices, and related assemblies, systems and methods are described. Specifically, at least some of the embodiments relate to light-emitting devices including proximate switching element(s). The switching element(s) control the current, or power, supplied to the light-emitting devices. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090284162 | METHOD FOR DRIVING A FLUORESCENT LAMP, AND LAMP BALLAST - A method for driving a fluorescent lamp and lamp ballast is disclosed. In one embodiment, an excitation AC voltage having an excitation frequency is applied to the series resonant circuit using a half-bridge circuit, having an output, to which the series resonant circuit is coupled, and having a first and a second switch, which are driven in the on state and in the off state with a fundamental frequency predetermined by a frequency signal or with an increased frequency. The switches are driven with the fundamental frequency or with the increased frequency with respect to the fundamental frequency in a manner dependent on a temporal change in the resonant circuit current between two temporally spaced-apart evaluation instants lying within a switched-on duration of one of the switches. | 11-19-2009 |
| 20090289562 | LIGHT-EMITTING APPARATUS AND DIMMING METHOD - A light-emitting apparatus applied with a power switch includes a light-emitting unit and a dimming driving unit. The light-emitting unit has at least one light-emitting element. The dimming driving unit is electrically connected with the light-emitting unit and controls the light-emitting element to emit a first brightness or a second brightness, which are both nonzero, according to a switching frequency or a switching interval of the power switch during a specific time range when the power switch is turned on. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090295299 | Switch-Off Time Regulation System for an Inverter for Driving a Lamp - The present invention relates to an electronic ballast for operating a lamp (L) which has a Class E converter (T | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090295300 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR A DIMMABLE BALLAST FOR USE WITH LED BASED LIGHT SOURCES - Methods and apparatus for powering a dimmable ballast operating with LED light source(s) are provided. In one embodiment, the ballast circuit includes sections comprising: power input, full wave bridge rectifier, voltage regulator, integrated circuit driver, switching transistors, bypass capacitor, resonant circuit, rectifier diodes, and an LED light source. The resonant circuit receives energy from the voltage source and the bypass capacitor every switching cycle, and provides current to the rectifier diodes and one or more LEDs for generating light. Further, because the current flowing into the resonant circuit is substantially sinusoidal and in line with the input voltage, the circuit exhibits a desirable power factor. The ballast circuit can also effectively dimmed over a wide range using a phase angle dimmer, allowing further energy savings. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090302773 | Electronic reactive current oscillation-reducing ballast - An electronic ballast presenting an input capacitor (C) and including a step-up converter (LH, DH, SH, CH) for operating a load, for example a discharge lamp (CFL), on a phase control dimmer (DIM) having an integrated or parasite inductance (L). According to the invention, excessive voltage after connection with a phase control can be reduced by adjusting currents via of the step-up converter (LH, DH, SH, CH). | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090302774 | CONTROL CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR REGULATING AVERAGE INDUCTOR CURRENT IN A SWITCHING CONVERTER - A switching power converter has an input voltage source. An output load is coupled to the input voltage source. An inductive element is coupled to the load. A switch is coupled to the inductive element. A current reference input is provided. A control circuit is coupled to the switch and the current reference input for activating and deactivating the switch. The inductive element receives power from the input voltage source when the switch is activated and conducting continuous current. The control circuit deactivates the switch after a controlled delay time when the current in the inductive element and the switch exceeds the current reference input so that an average current in the inductive element is determined by a magnitude of the current reference input. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090309506 | Method for Controlling a Driving Circuit of a Light-Emitting Device and Related Electronic Device and Light Source System - A method for controlling a driving circuit of a light-emitting device is disclosed. The driving circuit is utilized for transforming an input power into a driving power for the light-emitting device according to a plurality of state values. The method includes receiving the input power, outputting a first state value of the plurality of state values to the driving circuit, and outputting a second state value of the plurality of state values to the driving circuit according to variation of the input power. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090309507 | METHOD FOR POWERING A CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR A GAS DISCHARGE LAMP DURING PRE-HEATING OF SAID LAMP, AND A DEVICE FOR PERFORMING SAID METHOD - The method according to the present invention relates to controlling a gas discharge lamp during a pre-heating period of said lamp, wherein a first terminal of a control circuit is connected with a first electrode of the lamp and a second terminal of a control circuit is connected with a second electrode of the lamp, and wherein means are provided, suitable for connecting the first terminal and the second terminal with each other, thus providing a conducting path, and suitable for disconnecting the first terminal and the second terminal. Furthermore the method comprises the use of a chargeable and dischargeable power buffer, for powering control circuitry for operating the switching means. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20100007284 | DEVICE FOR DRIVING A GAS DISCHARGE LAMP | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100072906 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DRIVING DISCHARGE LAMPS - Methods and apparatus for driving discharge lamps are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a method for driving a discharge lamp includes generating a switching signal to drive a discharge lamp, monitoring a working status of the discharge lamp, and determining whether the discharge lamp is operating abnormally based at least in part on the monitored working status. The method also includes decreasing a duty cycle of the switching signal when the discharge lamp is determined to operate abnormally. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100148682 | LIGHT SOURCE DEVICE, IMAGE DISPLAY APPARATUS, AND METHOD OF GENERATING TIME-DIVISION COLOR-SEPARATED LIGHT - A light source device includes: a discharge lamp provided with two electrodes; a discharge lamp lighting section adapted to light the discharge lamp by supplying the discharge lamp with electrical power while alternately switching a polarity of one of the electrodes of the discharge lamp with respect to the other of the electrodes; and a time-division color separation section adapted to receive light emitted from the discharge lamp in a lighted state and sequentially emit light beams with colors different from each other, wherein the discharge lamp lighting section switches the polarity in sync with a change in the color of the light beam emitted from the time-division color separation section, and provides, as retentive periods in which a duty ratio, which is a ratio of a positive polarity period with the polarity kept positive to a period of the polarity switching, is retained at a constant value over a predetermined period of time, a first retentive period and a second retentive period different in the duty ratio from the first retentive period, thereby modulating the duty ratio. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100156305 | FIELD EMISSION DEVICE - Provided is a field emission device having a simple structure and capable of pulse driving and local dimming. The field emission device turns a current flowing from each cathode electrode block on or off in response to a switching control signal having a very low voltage ranging from 0 to 5 V while a constant voltage is applied to an anode electrode and a gate electrode to control a field emission current. Compared with a conventional field emission device, the field emission device having a simple structure is capable of pulse driving and local dimming without using a separate pulse driving high voltage power source. | 06-24-2010 |
| 20100176736 | METHOD OF DRIVING A LIGHT SOURCE, LIGHT SOURCE ASSEMBLY FOR PERFORMING THE METHOD, AND LIQUID CRYSTAL DISPLAY APPARATUS HAVING THE SAME - A method of driving a light source includes; converting an externally supplied direct current voltage into a first alternating current voltage, boosting the first alternating current voltage to a second alternating current voltage having a higher voltage than the first alternating current voltage, turning on the light source using the second alternating current voltage, detecting an arc noise detection voltage by adding arc noise generated from a high voltage terminal of the light source and arc noise generated from a low voltage terminal of the light source, and blocking the high voltage from being provided to the light source based on the detected arc noise detection voltage. | 07-15-2010 |
| 20100188004 | DRIVING A LIGHT SOURCE - A method for driving a light source ( | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100194300 | DRIVING METHOD FOR IMPROVING LUMINOUS EFFICACY OF A LIGHT EMITTING DIODE - A driving method for improving luminous efficacy of a light emitting diode (LED), the method comprising: periodically switching a DC current supplied to the LED between a high current level l | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100244714 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO IMPROVE SWITCHING IN POWER SWITCHING APPLICATIONS - A circuit for improving the control of a change in state of a signal in an electronic device between a first state and a second state, wherein a first change in state occurs when the state changes from the second state to the first state and a second change in state occurs when the state changes from the first state to the second state and wherein the first and second changes in state have associated therewith a first and a second time delay over which the or each change in state occurs, characterized in that said circuit comprises a determining unit for measuring the first time delay and a calculator for calculating a common delay to replace one or more of the first and second delays to thereby improve the control of the change in state of the signal | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100277085 | DISCHARGE LAMP LIGHTING DEVICE, PROJECTOR, AND DISCHARGE LAMP LIGHTING DEVICE CONTROL METHOD - Provided is an electric discharge lamp lighting device ( | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100289417 | LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICE, METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING THE SAME, DISPLAY DEVICE, AND ELECTRONIC APPARATUS - A light-emitting device is provided which includes: a cathode; an anode; at least one light-emitting layer which is provided between the cathode and the anode and which emits light when a voltage is applied between the cathode and the anode; a cathode terminal which is provided at a portion not in contact with the anode and the light-emitting layer and which supplies electrons to the cathode; and an electron adjust layer which includes a material having insulating properties and which adjusts the amount of electrons supplied from the cathode terminal to the cathode, and in the light-emitting device described above, the cathode is connected to the cathode terminal with the electron adjust layer interposed therebetween. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20110006694 | DC/DC CONVERTER CONTROL CIRCUIT, AND POWER SUPPLY APPARATUS, LIGHT EMITTING APPARATUS AND ELECTRONIC DEVICE USING THE SAME - A control circuit is provided for a separately excited DC/DC converter which directly monitors output voltage to detect a short-circuit state, and performs overcurrent protection. A switching controller of the control circuit controls a switching operation of a switching transistor of the separately excited DC/DC converter. A voltage comparator compares the output voltage and a threshold voltage, to detect the short-circuit state. After a predetermined start-up time has elapsed after beginning start-up of the separately excited DC/DC converter, when the voltage comparator detects the short-circuit state, the switching controller halts the switching operation of the switching transistor, and makes detection of the short-circuit state by the voltage comparator non-operative before elapse of the start-up time. After detecting the short-circuit state and halting the switching operation of the switching transistor for a predetermined halt time, the switching controller begins start-up of the separately excited DC/DC converter once again. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110006695 | Device and Method for Generating an Ignition Voltage for a Lamp - A device for generating an igniting voltage for a lamp, comprising: a first resonant circuit that is connected to the lamp via a switch; and a second resonant circuit connected upstream of said first resonant circuit. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110037398 | Circuit Arrangement and Method for Starting a Discharge Lamp - A circuit arrangement for starting a discharge lamp, with a primary circuit, which comprises a series circuit comprising an inductance (L), a starting capacitor (C | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110089845 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING POWER CONSUMPTION OF LIGHT SOURCE IN MOBILE PROJECTOR - A method of controlling the power consumption of a light source in a mobile projector, including calculating power consumption of the light source, and comparing the calculated power consumption with a preset power value, and automatically adjusting current flowing to the light source according to a resultant value of the comparison. Calculating power consumption of the light source includes measuring a voltage applied to both terminals of the light source, measuring current flowing to the light source, and calculating power consumption of the light source by multiplication of the measured voltage and current. Adjusting the current flowing to the light source includes calculating a difference between the preset power value and the calculated power consumption of the light source, adding/subtracting the calculated difference value to/from a preset current value to output a resultant value, and changing the voltage output to the light source according to the resultant output value. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110089846 | LIGHTING APPARATUS, BACKLIGHT APPARATUS - A lighting apparatus includes: a lighting circuit; a dimming signal circuit; and a feedforward control circuit. The lighting circuit receives an output which is rectified and smoothed commercial power, and supplies power to a light source Lamp. The dimming signal circuit sends a timing signal to the lighting circuit, wherein the timing signal is a signal for switching an output of the lighting circuit periodically to an ON state and either of an OFF state and a dimmed state. The feedforward control circuit detects either of an input voltage of the lighting circuit and an input voltage of the smoothing circuit, and sends a control signal to the dimming signal circuit, wherein the control signal is a signal for correcting a lighting time so that a light output of the light source can become a desired value. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110109236 | Periodic lighting device - There is presented a detailed electronic method for simulation of a firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence and with light radiation functions similar to a real firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence. An illuminated artificial firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence can be placed on trees and shrubs in landscape, or at home to produce radiation, at night time, and blinking a gradually decaying light. More particularly it relates to a decorative type of device in the form of a firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence and with light radiation functions similar to a real firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence. The light is simulated by an electronics program that is a part of compact device with the form of a real firefly, other insects, or organisms producing bioluminescence. Short radiation pulses of microsecond-millisecond duration time in violet and ultraviolet range of radiation wavelengths can be utilized for scaring birds or other animals from undesirable or dangerous places of human activity, such as airports, contaminated ponds, wind turbines, electorized fences and antennas. | 05-12-2011 |
| 20110133661 | POWER SUPPLY SYSTEMS WITH CONTROLLABLE POWER - A power supply system includes a power converter, a switch, and a controller. The power converter is operable for providing power to a load. The switch is coupled to the power converter and is operable for adjusting the power to the load. The switch has a gate, a source and a drain. The controller is coupled to the switch and is operable for controlling a state of the switch. The controller has a first control terminal for providing a gate voltage to the gate of the switch, a second control terminal for providing a source voltage to the source of the switch, and an input terminal for receiving a supply voltage via the source of the switch. The controller is also operable for limiting the supply voltage within a predetermined maximum level by regulating the gate voltage to a preset level. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110187277 | LIGHT EMITTING ELEMENT DRIVING CIRCUIT - A light emitting element driving circuit for driving a light emitting element in accordance with a differential data signal for causing the light emitting element to turn on or turn off is provided. The circuit includes a first transistor, a first constant current source connected to a drain and gate of the first transistor and configured to supply a constant current through the drain and source of the first transistor, a second transistor configured to supply a certain current, and a control circuit configured to electrically connect or disconnect the gate of the first transistor to or from a gate of the second transistor via a first resistor. The control circuit may supply, to the gate of the second transistor, an intermediate potential in accordance with the other of the differential data signals, while the gate of the first transistor is electrically disconnected from the gate of the second transistor. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110193488 | LED DRIVE CIRCUIT, DIMMING DEVICE, LED ILLUMINATION FIXTURE, LED ILLUMINATION DEVICE, AND LED ILLUMINATION SYSTEM - An LED drive circuit in which an alternating voltage from a phase control dimmer is input and an LED is driven. The LED drive circuit comprises a phase angle detector for detecting the phase angle at which a phase control element inside the phase control dimmer switches from off to on; a switching power supply for feeding a current to the LED; a switching element connected in series to the LED; and a controller for controlling the switching power supply and the switching element in accordance with the output of the phase angle detector; wherein the controller places the switching element in an always-on state in a case in which the phase angle detected by the phase angle detector is equal to or less than a predetermined value, and the controller pulse-drives the switching element in a case in which the phase angle detected by the phase angle detector is greater than the predetermined value. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110210680 | HIGH-PRESSURE DISCHARGE LAMP LIGHTING DEVICE, HIGH PRESSURE DISCHARGE LAMP APPARATUS USING THIS, PROJECTOR USING THE HIGH-PRESSURE DISCHARGE LAMP APPARATUS, AND HIGH-PRESSURE DISCHARGE LAMP LIGHTING METHOD - The high-pressure discharge lamp lighting device and a high-pressure discharge lamp apparatus using this of the present invention are able to suppress the excessive drop in the lamp voltage in a high-pressure discharge lamp. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110227496 | CIRCUITS AND METHODS FOR DRIVING LIGHT SOURCES - A controller for controlling dimming of a light-emitting diode (LED) light source provides a pulse signal by comparing a sensing signal indicative of a current flowing through the LED light source to a reference signal. The controller controls the current through the LED light source according to the pulse signal during a first state of a pulse-width modulation signal and cutting off the current through the LED light source during a second state of the pulse-width modulation signal. The controller receives a dimming request signal indicative of an operation of a power switch coupled between an AC power source and a bridge rectifier and adjusts both a level of the reference signal and a duty cycle of the pulse-width modulation signal based on the dimming request signal. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110260634 | ELECTRONIC BALLAST CIRCUIT FOR FLUORESCENT LAMPS - Disclosed is a single switch integrated electronic ballast circuit for a fluorescent lamp, comprising an input for receiving a rectified DC voltage; a power factor correction portion for shaping the input line current to substantially a sinusoidal waveform and in phase with the rectified voltage, wherein the power factor correction portion includes capacitors; an energy storage portion for storing energy during dimming operations of the fluorescent lamp, wherein the capacitors also form part of the energy storage portion; an inverter with a resonant tank forming a resonant circuit for converting the DC voltage to an AC voltage to be delivered to the lamp; and a single switch for: 1) shaping the input line current to a substantially sinusoidal waveform as part of the power factor correction portion; and 2) providing a square voltage waveform across the input of the resonant circuit resulting in a substantially symmetrical waveform across the output of the resonant circuit. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110285303 | DIMMER CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR SELECTING BETWEEN STEP DIMMING MODE AND PHASE-CUT DIMMING MODE - The present invention relates to a dimmer control circuit ( | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110298384 | LED DRIVING DEVICE AND ELECTRICAL APPARATUS USING THE SAME - A LED driving device | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110298385 | ORGANIC LIGHT EMITTING DIODE DRIVER - Disclosed are controllable drive circuits for powering an organic light emitting diode (OLED) or other electronic load. According to one implementation, a circuit structure is provided that applies a pulse width modulated (PWM) drive current to an OLED. The time-average drive current to the OLED can be modulated in accordance with a periodically sampled control signal. In turn, the luminance of the OLED can be suitably varied over a control range. Circuit structures provided may be fabricated at least in part on a common substrate such that respective integrated circuit devices are defined. In one or more implementations, at least a portion of drive circuits may be fabricated within a 65 nanometer (or smaller) environment. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110309761 | LAMP TUBE WITH DETACHABLE POWER RECTIFIER MEMBER - A lamp tube includes a encapsulation and a power rectifier member. The power rectifier member includes a power rectifier to convert alternating current (AC) energy into direct current (DC) energy. A first holder defining a first cavity for receiving the power rectifier, and a second cavity for detachably receiving and electrically connecting with one end of the encapsulation; and a first side cover detachably connected to the first holder to cover the first cavity. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20120001561 | DIMMER-DISABLED LED DRIVER - A controller for use in a light emitting diode (LED) driver is disclosed. An example controller includes an input circuit coupled to receive an ac input signal from an ac source. A dimmer disabler circuit is included and is coupled to be responsive to the input circuit to detect an absence of a portion of an ac half cycle the ac input signal for one or more consecutive ac half cycles from the ac input signal. A regulator circuit is included and is coupled to control a switching of a switch to regulate a transfer of energy from the ac input signal to a LED load to be coupled to an output of the LED driver. The dimmer disabler circuit is coupled to disable the regulator circuit from switching the switch in response to the detection of the absence of the portion of the ac half cycle from the ac input signal for the one or more consecutive ac half cycles from the ac input signal. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120074858 | HIGH-PRESSURE DISCHARGE LAMP LIGHT-UP DEVICE, HIGH-PRESSURE DISCHARGE LAMP APPARATUS USING SAME, PROJECTOR USING HIGH-PRESSURE DISCHARGE LAMP APPARATUS, AND LIGHT-UP METHOD FOR HIGH-PRESSURE DISCHARGE LAMP - A high-pressure discharge lamp lighting device that suppresses deterioration and the expansion of inter-electrode distance in a pair of electrodes within a high-pressure discharge lamp, more effectively than conventional technology. The frequency of the AC current supplied to a high-pressure discharge lamp alternates between a first frequency and a second, higher frequency, while the magnitude of the AC current alternates between a first value and a second, higher value. The suppressing effect is realized by repeatedly alternating the frequency and repeatedly alternating between a first period at the first frequency and a second period at the second frequency, with the second, higher-magnitude current being used in the latter and the first current being used in the former. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120081019 | Fluorescent lamp circuit capable of being repaired and repeatedly used - The present invention is to provide a fluorescent lamp circuit capable of being easily repaired and repeatedly used even when one of filaments in a fluorescent light tube breaks because of age or defects, which will cause an electric arc between disconnected portions of the broken filament and generate a high resonant voltage and current in the resonant circuit. As soon as the resonant current flowing through a resonant capacitor exceeds an allowable current value of a circuit breaking element, the resonant current causes the circuit breaking element to form an open circuit, thereby promptly stopping the operation of the resonant circuit to prevent all the circuits and components in the fluorescent lamp circuit (except for the circuit breaking element) and plastic components that support the fluorescent light tube from burning which may otherwise result from an undue power demand of the resonant circuit and high heat generated by the electric arc. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120081020 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DRIVING FLUORESCENT LAMP - An apparatus and a method for driving a fluorescent lamp are provided. The apparatus submitted by the present invention includes a power switching circuit, an LC resonator and an automatic frequency tracing circuit. The power switching circuit is coupled between an input voltage and a ground potential, and is used for switching and outputting the input voltage and the ground potential in response to a ramp signal and a comparison voltage so as to generate a square signal. The LC resonator is used for receiving and converting the square signal to generate a sinusoidal driving signal for driving the fluorescent lamp. The automatic frequency tracing circuit is used for generating and adjusting the ramp signal according to a feedback signal related to the sinusoidal driving signal, so as to make a frequency of the sinusoidal driving signal automatically following a resonant frequency of the LC resonator. | 04-05-2012 |
| 20120098449 | ILLUMINATION DEVICE - An illumination device includes an organic EL panel having a light emission layer provided between a first electrode and a second electrode, a power source, a power switcher, a control circuit, and a plurality of power supply portions connected to the first electrode. The control circuit controls the power switcher in such a way that, when a first power supply portion of the plurality of power supply portions is connected to the power source, a second power supply portion is not connected to the power source. The power supply portions that supply power to the first electrode are switched sequentially at a high speed. Therefore, a user will feel as if the illumination device emits light without any unevenness of brightness two-dimensionally. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120098450 | LIGHTING DEVICE AND ILLUMINATION APPARATUS USING SAME - There is provided a lighting device usable in a space together with 3D glasses having shutters which alternately block respective translucent surfaces of a pair of lenses at one of a plurality of shutter frequencies. The lighting device includes: a lighting unit which outputs a direct current to a light source; and a dimming control unit which turns on/off supply of the direct current to the light source at a predetermined PWM frequency. Further, the PWM frequency is an integer multiple of the least common multiple of the plurality of shutter frequencies. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120133294 | LIGHT DIMMER AND METHOD - A method for controlling an output of a AC current fluorescent lamp, including the steps of predetermining a desired degree of lamp illumination, determining the zero crossing point of a waveform representing an input voltage to the fluorescent lamp, and correlating the desired degree of illumination in relation to the zero crossing point and a cycle position later than the zero crossing point. Input voltage is allowed to flow to the fluorescent lamp beginning at zero voltage and an output feedback load is generated by the fluorescent lamp. The optimized input voltage is prevented from flowing to the fluorescent lamp after the zero crossing point at the correlated position of the input current in relation to the zero crossing point based on the detected output feedback load generated by the fluorescent lamp. A dimmer for carrying out the method is also disclosed. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120194091 | USER CONTROL OF AN LED LUMINAIRE FOR A PHASE CUT DIMMER - A phase cut angle converter with range detection for a phase cut dimmer constituted of: a phase cut angle detector arranged to detect the phase cut angle presented by the phase cut dimmer blocking a portion of an alternating current mains power sine wave from reaching a power converter, and output a signal whose value is responsive to the detected phase cut angle; a storage functionality constituted of a memory in communication with the phase cut angle detector, the storage functionality arranged to detect each of a minimum value and a maximum value for the detected phase cut angle of the phase cut angle detector and store the minimum value and the maximum value on the memory; and a signal adjustment functionality arranged to convert the detected phase cut angle to a dimming signal responsive to the stored minimum value and the maximum value for the detected phase cut angle. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120217889 | ADAPTIVE FREQUENCY CONTROL TO CHANGE A LIGHT OUTPUT LEVEL - Systems and methods to change a light output level using adaptive frequency control are provided. A switched mode power converter is configured to switch output current to a light emitting diode (LED) module, which includes an LED lighting element, at a switching frequency. Control circuitry is configured to receive a dimming control input that corresponding to a desired light output level of the LED module. The control circuitry is also configured to provide a pulse width modulation (PWM) output configured to pulse width modulate the output current, the PWM output having a pulse width, a PWM frequency, and a PWM period corresponding to the PWM frequency. The control circuitry is also configured to adjust at least one of the PWM period and the switching period in response to a change in the dimming control input, such that a light output level of the LED module is appropriately changed. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120229043 | ELECTRICAL CONNECTOR FOR CONNECTING A LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED) TO A DRIVER - An electrical connector is provided for connecting a light emitting diode (LED) to a driver. The electrical connector includes a housing, a driver input contact held by the housing and configured to be electrically connected to a power output of the driver, and an LED output contact held by the housing and configured to be electrically connected to a power input of the LED. An electrical path is defined between the driver input contact and the LED output contact for supplying electrical power from the driver to the power input of the LED. The electrical connector includes a temperature monitor and control (TMC) module operatively connected to a temperature sensor for receiving a temperature associated with the LED. The TMC module is configured to control the flow of electrical power from the driver input contact to the LED output contact based on the temperature received from the temperature sensor. | 09-13-2012 |
| 20130033189 | DIMMING CONTROL DEVICE, LED DRIVING DEVICE, AND DIMMING CONTROL METHOD - The present invention relates to a dimming control device, an LED driving device, and a dimming control method. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a dimming control device including: a PWM signal generating unit for generating a PWM signal from a reference signal and an input voltage; a signal compensating unit for compensating the PWM signal output from the PWM signal generating unit using an internal clock signal; and a synchronization unit for synchronizing the compensated signal with an external clock signal to output a synchronized PWM control signal for dimming control is proposed. Further, an LED driving device and a dimming control method are proposed. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130076258 | POWER SUPPLY DEVICE AND LIGHT-EMITTING ELEMENT DRIVE DEVICE - A power supply device includes a converter and an arithmetic circuit. The arithmetic circuit calculates a present control command value at predetermined intervals based on a digital value, which reflects an output voltage of a converter, from a conversion circuit. The arithmetic circuit calculates the difference value between the present control command value and a previous control command value. Based on the difference value, it is determined whether a signal output circuit outputs a high-level signal toward a charge terminal or a low-level signal toward a discharge terminal. As a result, the number of output lines corresponds to at least the number of charge terminals and discharge terminals. The above features can be achieved with a simple circuit configuration by adding a discharge and charge circuit and without increasing the number of output lines. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130076259 | POWER SUPPLY DEVICE AND LIGHT-EMITTING ELEMENT DRIVE DEVICE - A power supply device includes a convertor and an arithmetic circuit. The convertor supplies electric power by performing an ON and OFF operation of a switching element. The arithmetic circuit calculates a control command value at predetermined intervals based on a digital value, which reflects an output voltage of the convertor, from a conversion circuit. Based on the control command value, a pulse signal generation circuit determines a duty ratio of a pulse signal to make the output voltage of the convertor stable. A driving signal with a finely adjusted duty ratio can be generated by an operation clock signal having a lower frequency than a conventional device. As a result, the number of output lines is appropriate if there is at least a single output line for the pulse signal from the pulse signal generation circuit. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130307430 | CONTROL CIRCUIT FOR A PHASE-CUT DIMMER AND A METHOD OF CONTROLLING A PHASE-CUT DIMMER - A control circuit is disclosed for lighting applications having a load and an AC leading-edge phase-cut dimmer comprising a phase-cutting switch, the circuit comprising: a detection circuit for detecting a deadlock state of the dimmer; and an activation circuit configured to, in response to the detection circuit detecting a deadlock state of the dimmer, supply a DC current to the dimmer to exit the deadlock state by activating the dimmer. A method of operating such a control circuit is also disclosed. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20140049177 | Method and Apparatus To Control Light Intensity As Voltage Fluctuates - A method and apparatus for generating a pulse width modulated voltage that has a duty cycle that is inversely proportional to a sensed battery voltage and using the generated pulse width modulated voltage to control a light emitting diode to maintain the intensity of light emitted as the battery voltage fluctuates. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140111109 | HIGH PRESSURE DISCHARGE LAMP LIGHTING DEVICE, PROJECTOR PROVIDED WITH THE SAME, AND HIGH PRESSURE DISCHARGE LAMP LIGHTING METHOD - A calculation processing sub-unit | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140139130 | Synchronized Light Source For Rolling Shutter Imagers - A lighting system adapted for use with a rolling shutter imagers. The system uniquely provides PWM-control of a light source in the context of an imager with a “rolling-shutter”-type exposure architecture that operates on a line-by-line basis rather than a frame-by-frame basis. The preferred embodiment comprises a lamp such as a LED, a drive circuit coupled to the lamp capable of energizing the lamp for switching the lamp on and off, and a lamp control circuit coupled to the drive circuit with a means for receiving a line timing signal from an imaging system, the lamp control circuit synchronously energizing the lamp with the line timing signal via the drive circuit, the line timing signal being based upon the horizontal line rate of the imager. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140175998 | LAMP DRIVING APPARATUS AND ILLUMINATION EQUIPMENT USING THE SAME - A lamp driving apparatus and an illumination equipment using the same are provided. The provided lamp driving apparatus is responsible for driving a lamp. When any one of two terminals of the lamp is opened or the lamp is over-voltage, the provided driving apparatus stops driving the lamp, and thus achieving the purpose of open lamp and over-voltage protection/detection. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140191680 | Backlight Dimmer Circuit and Backlight Dimming Method - The present invention relates to a backlight dimmer circuit and a backlight dimming method. The backlight dimmer circuit includes a PLL dimming module, which detects a rising edge of a 3D synchronous signal to generate multiple channels of 3D mode dimming signal in phase with the 3D synchronous signal; a phase delay module, which generates time-divided outputs of the multiple channels of 3D mode dimming signal according to a delay set value; an external dimming module, which receives an external dimming signal to generate a 2D mode dimming signal; and a trigger, which receives the 2D mode dimming signal and the multiple channels of 3D mode dimming signal and determines whether to output the 2D mode dimming signal or the multiple channels of 3D mode dimming signal according to a 2D/3D conversion signal. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140217911 | CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR FLICKER SUPPRESSION IN LIGHT EMITTING DIODES (LEDS) - A circuit for flicker suppression in a Light Emitting Diode (LED) has a latch. The latch has a first state set with a trailing edge of Pulse Width Modulated Dimming (PWMD) pulse, and a second state set delayed with respect to the PWMD trailing edge. A trigger circuit is coupled to the latch. The trigger circuit sends a signal to the latch to change to the second state when a decision point occurs during a time following a duty limit D | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140217912 | DIMMABLE LED ILLUMINATING SYSTEM, DRIVER OF THE ILLUMINATING SYSTEM, AND METHOD OF DRIVING THE ILLUMINATING SYSTEM - A dimmable LED illumination system includes a LED lamp, a switch, and a driver. The LED lamp receives electric signals to emit light; the switch is connected to a power source, and generates a pulse signal by being turned off and then on again in a predetermined time; the driver connects the switch to the LED lamp to convert electric power of the power source into the electric signals which are supplied to the LED lamp when the switch is turned on. In addition, the driver saves a setting luminance, a default illumination mode, and a luminance adjustment mode. When the driver receives the pulse signal, one of the two modes is selected to light the LED lamp. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140217913 | LED DRIVER - A LED driver system ( | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140320035 | ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH LED - An electronic device comprises a control unit, a power supply, a switch unit, a driving unit, and an illumination unit. The control unit generates a pulse width modulation (PWM) signal with a first level signal and a second level signal. The switch unit establishes a connection between the power supply and the driving unit or cuts off the connection in response to the PWM signal. The driving unit generates a variable driving voltage. The illumination unit emits light when the variable driving voltage is more than a first predetermine value, and the brightness of the illumination unit is gradually changed in response to the variable driving voltage. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140327370 | Gas Light System and Method - A writing gas light system has a gas tube with a first end and a second end. A first cathode is attached to a first end of the gas tube and a second cathode is attached to a second end of the gas tube. An isolated conductor runs along a length of the gas tube and is electrically attached to the second cathode. A light ballast is coupled to the first cathode and to the isolated conductor. In one embodiment, the system has a digitally controlled ballast. The gas discharge ballast has an output applied to the gas tube whose energy can be adjusted. The system has a balanced center tap transformer. The secondary of the transformer is tied to ground through a ground fault detection circuit. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140354168 | POWER SUPPLY AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A power supply includes an inputter including an input capacitor and configured to receive an input DC voltage, a converter including an output capacitor and configured to convert the input DC voltage and to output the converted DC voltage, and a controller configured to control the converter to output a voltage corresponding to a reference voltage. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20150042236 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING BRIGHTNESS OF LIGHT EMITTING DIODES - A circuit for driving a light emitting diode (LED) comprises: an alternating voltage power supply, comprising a triac dimmer having a firing angle and output terminals that provide power to the LED: a zero crossing detector that detects a polarity change of the alternating voltage provided by the alternating voltage power supply and provides a zero crossing output signal indicative of the zero crossing; a timer triggered by the zero crossing output signal that generates a timer output signal, during a time period of the timer; and LED power circuitry that reduces current to the light emitting diode based upon timing characteristics of the timer output signal. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150054418 | Multi-Mode Dimmer Interfacing Including Attach State Control - A system and method includes a controller that is configured to coordinate (i) a low impedance path for a dimmer current, (ii) attaching a dimmer to a power converter system at the leading edge of a phase-cut, rectified input voltage, (iii), control of switch mode power conversion, and (iv) an inactive state to, for example, reduce the dimmer current while allowing a dimmer to function normally from cycle to cycle of an alternating current (AC) supply voltage. In at least one embodiment, the dimmer functions normally when the dimmer conducts at a correct phase angle indicated by a dimmer input setting and avoids prematurely resetting while conducting. In at least one embodiment, by coordinating functions (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv) the controller controls a power converter system that is compatible with a triac-based dimmer. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150061527 | DRIVING DEVICE, LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICE, PROJECTION DEVICE AND CONTROL METHOD - A driving device is provided with: a power circuit in which it is possible to modify an output current value of an output terminal configured to have a load connected thereto; an output capacitor connected between the output terminal of the power circuit and a reference potential node; a switching element connected between the output terminal of the power circuit and the reference potential node; and a control unit that controls the output current value of the power circuit. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150069926 | LED CONTROLLERS FOR DIMMING AT LEAST ONE LED STRING - Disclosed are LED controllers for dimming. An LED controller includes a current driver, a pulse-width modulator, a feedback circuit, and a decoupling circuit. The current driver, selectively in response to a dimming signal, causes a driving current flowing through one LED string. The dimming signal is capable of defining a dimming ON period and a dimming OFF period. The pulse-width modulator generates a PWM signal to control a power switch, in order to buildup a driving voltage at a power node of the LED string. The PWM signal is generated in response to a compensation signal. The feedback circuit, based upon a feedback voltage from the light emitting device, drives a compensation capacitor to generate the compensation signal. The decoupling circuit defines a decoupling period at the start of the dimming ON period and causes the feedback circuit not driving the capacitor during the decoupling period. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150077006 | LOAD CONTROL DEVICE FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY LOADS - A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) is operable to control the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) and has substantially no minimum load requirement. The dimmer switch includes a bidirectional semiconductor switch, which is operable to be rendered conductive each half-cycle and to remain conductive independent of the magnitude of a load current conducted through semiconductor switch. The dimmer switch comprises a control circuit that conducts a control current through the load in order to generate a gate drive signal for rendering the bidirectional semiconductor switch conductive and non-conductive each half-cycle. The control circuit may provide a constant gate drive to the bidirectional semiconductor switch after the bidirectional semiconductor switch is rendered conductive each half-cycle. The bidirectional semiconductor switch may comprise, for example, a triac or two field-effect transistors coupled in anti-series connection. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150091467 | LOAD CONTROL DEVICE FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY LOADS - A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) includes a thyristor coupled between the source and the load, a gate coupling circuit coupled between a first main load terminal and the gate of the thyristor, and a control circuit coupled to a control input of the gate coupling circuit. The control circuit generates a drive voltage for causing the gate coupling circuit to conduct a gate current to thus render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a half cycle of the AC power source, and to allow the gate coupling circuit to conduct the gate current at any time from the firing time through approximately the remainder of the half cycle, where the gate coupling circuit conducts approximately no net average current to render and maintain the thyristor conductive. | 04-02-2015 |
| 20150102743 | Multi-Mode Portable Lighting Device - A portable lighting device, such as a flashlight, with a mechanical power switch and multiple operating modes is provided. The mechanical power switch is disposed in series with the controller for the lighting device and acts as the user interface to the controller to change modes of operation. Because the mechanical power switch is in series with the controller, the portable lighting device does not consume battery power when the mechanical switch is open. A state machine coupled to the controller is polled by the controller each time it is powered up to determine the operational mode of the lighting device. A regulating circuit is used to power a controller and light source. The regulating circuit converts between current regulation and voltage regulation. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150108913 | LOAD CONTROL DEVICE FOR HIGH-EFFICIENCY LOADS - A two-wire load control device (such as, a dimmer switch) for controlling the amount of power delivered from an AC power source to an electrical load (such as, a high-efficiency lighting load) includes a thyristor coupled between the source and the load, a gate coupling circuit coupled between a first main load terminal and the gate of the thyristor, and a control circuit coupled to a control input of the gate coupling circuit. The control circuit generates a drive voltage for causing the gate coupling circuit to conduct a gate current to thus render the thyristor conductive at a firing time during a half cycle of the AC power source, and to allow the gate coupling circuit to conduct the gate current at any time from the firing time through approximately the remainder of the half cycle, where the gate coupling circuit conducts approximately no net average current to render and maintain the thyristor conductive. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150123555 | LED DISPLAY SYSTEMS - An LED display system comprises an LED array and an LED driver circuit. An LED driver circuit comprises components including a phase lock loop, a pulse width modulation engine, a configuration register, a series of gain adjustable fast charge current sources, and a serial input/output interface. The components in this driver circuit may be integrated on a same chip. The LED array may be arranged in a common cathode configuration. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150130364 | DISPLAY APPARATUS AND METHOD OF DRIVING BACKLIGHT THEREOF - A method of driving backlight of a display apparatus and the display apparatus are provided. The method includes: generating a control pulse configured to drive a backlight unit, the control pulse including: a first high pulse section configured to turn on the backlight unit; and an afterimage removal section configured to remove a frame afterimage; and inputting the control pulse into the backlight unit to alternately turn on and off the backlight unit, wherein the afterimage removal section comprises at least one second high pulse section having smaller duty than duty of the first high pulse section. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150130365 | LIGHTING SYSTEM AND SIGNAL CONVERTING DEVICE THEREFOR - A lighting system includes a digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) master controller, a lighting driver, and a signal converter. The DALI master controller is connected to a management server. The lighting driver operates a lighting device including a light emitting diode (LED). The signal converter is connected to the DALI master controller by a DALI bus operating according to a DALI communication protocol, and is communicatively connected to the lighting driver via a wireless communication connection operating according to a wireless communication protocol. The signal converter inter-converts a signal transmitted and received from the DALI master controller according to the DALI communication protocol and a signal transmitted to and received from the lighting driver according to the wireless communication protocol so as to enable communication between the lighting driver and the DALI master controller. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150145429 | Electronic Ballast Circuit For Lamps - An electronic ballast circuit includes a power factor correction circuit, a control and amplifier circuit, a ballast controller circuit and a ballast driver circuit. The ballast driver circuit includes a resonant circuit that connects to a lamp and a strike voltage limiter circuit that regulates the behavior of the resonant circuit. An overcurrent sensor circuit may be included to indirectly the control the ballast controller circuit via the control and amplifier circuit. The strike voltage limiter circuit uses varistors to change the resonant frequency of the resonant circuit to limit the voltage to the lamp. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150296591 | CIRCUITS FOR PHASE-CUT ANALOG DIMMING OF SOLID STATE LIGHT SOURCES - Circuits to provide phase-cut analog dimming of solid state light sources are presented. Each circuit comprises an anchoring circuit to communicate with a dimming controller circuit, the anchoring circuit having a proportional direct current (DC) voltage input, a biasing voltage input, a connection to a ground reference, and an output in communication with a dimming controller circuit. The anchoring circuit provides a reference voltage to permit phase cut dimming to be operable at a plurality of line voltages. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150323588 | Isolation Device And System - An isolation device having first and second semiconductor is disclosed. The first semiconductor die may be adapted to transmit a first signal to the second semiconductor die that is electrically isolated. The first semiconductor die may have a transmitter coupled to a modulator that modulates the first signal. The second semiconductor die may have a receiver having a counter and a control circuit. The control circuit may be adapted to determine an indication of the first signal by using the counter. In addition, an isolation system and a DC-DC feedback regulation control system having such control circuit are disclosed. Likewise, a method for conveying a first signal across an isolation barrier is disclosed. The method may comprise counting a received signal based on internal clock and determining an indication of the first signal from the counter's count value. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150326127 | Isolation Device And System - An isolation device having first and second semiconductor is disclosed. The first semiconductor die may be adapted to transmit a first signal to the second semiconductor die that is electrically isolated. The second semiconductor die may have a receiver having a counter and a control circuit. Each of the first and second semiconductor dies may have a clock generator respectively adapted to generate substantially similar clock frequency in order to transmit or to receive the first signal. In addition, an isolation system and a DC-DC feedback regulation control system having such first and second clock generators are disclosed. Likewise, a method for conveying a first signal across an isolation barrier is disclosed. The method may comprise generating a first clock signal for transmitting the first signal and generating a second clock signal for receiving the first signal. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150366011 | LIGHT SOURCE CONTROLLERS - A controller includes current setting circuitry and voltage regulation circuitry. The current setting circuitry can selectively operate in different states that include a strobe state and an idle state. The current setting circuitry sets a current of a light source to a first current level in the strobe state such that the light source emits light, and sets the current to a second current level that is less than the first current level in the idle state such that the light source disables emission of light. The voltage regulation circuitry regulates an output voltage that powers the light source to be in a voltage range with the current at the first current level in the strobe state such that the light source emits light, and maintains the output voltage at a voltage level in the voltage range in the idle state. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150373818 | DRIVER CIRCUIT FOR A FLASH TUBE - The present invention relates to a driver circuit for a flash tube. The driver circuit comprises a first and a second output for an electronic flash tube, a capacitor, an inductor and a switch. The inductor and the switch being connected in series with the first and a second output across the capacitor. A component which only allows current flow in one direction connected across the first and the second output and the inductor, with a polarity opposite to a direction of energy supply from the capacitor to the first output. The driver circuit further comprises a controller for controlling the switch. The controller comprises receiving means for receiving parameters related to desired flash characteristics. The controller being configured to control said switch based on said parameters to obtain said desired flash characteristics. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20160044764 | DIMMER SWITCH HAVING DIMMER ACTUATOR OPERABLE FOR ACTUATING AN AIR-GAP SWITCH - A dimmer switch includes an air-gap switch for coupling to a power source, a power semiconductor switch electronically controlling power to a load connected in series with the air-gap switch, a dimmer module connected to the power semiconductor switch for coupling to the load to deliver an adjustable level of power to the load, and a dimmer actuator. The dimmer actuator is movable between an operational position and a disconnected position wherein the dimmer actuator is configured to act as a single control mechanism for selectively engaging either the dimmer module to adjust the level of power delivered to the load when in the operational position or the air-gap switch when in the disconnected position. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160049939 | Switch Driver Circuit And Associated Methods - A driver circuit for driving a switch includes a high output impedance driver circuit portion having a high impedance output node coupled to the control terminal of the transistor and a low output impedance driver circuit portion having a low impedance output node also coupled to the control terminal of the transistor. The slew rate of the control signal is established by at least one of the high impedance driver circuit portion and the low impedance driver circuit portion. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160050735 | DIMMING SYSTEM AND OPERATING METHOD THEREOF - A dimming system comprises a controller and an AC-to-DC converter. The controller outputs a control signal in response to a dimming signal. The controller comprises a frequency adjustment circuit and a duty cycle adjustment circuit. The frequency adjustment circuit adjusts the frequency of the control signal in response to the dimming signal. The duty cycle adjustment circuit adjusts the duty cycle of the control signal in response to the dimming signal. The AC-to-DC converter converts an external power and to output a DC signal in response to the control signal so as to drive a light source by the DC signal. When the controller is operated at a first mode, the control signal has a first frequency and a first duty cycle. When the controller switches to a second mode, the control signal has a second frequency and a second duty cycle. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160066370 | Filter for lamp - The invention is a lamp filter composed of reference, error amplifier, feedback and controlled component to remove ripple or noise from power supply to lamp. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160066395 | DIGITAL ADDRESSABLE LIGHTING INTERFACE SHORT PROTECTION CIRCUIT - A timing circuit may be enabled when a static signal disables communication through a communications bus, the timing circuit producing a threshold level after being enabled for a predetermined time period, and a switch controlled by the timing circuit is configured to disconnect the static signal when the timing circuit produces the threshold level. A static signal may be used to enable a timing circuit upon the static signal disabling communication through a communications bus, and communication may be allowed through the communication bus by disconnecting the static signal using a switch controlled by the timing circuit, after the timing circuit has been enabled for a predetermined period of time. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160078800 | LED DISPLAY APPARATUS AND LED PIXEL ERROR DETECTION METHOD THEREOF - A light emitting diode (LED) display apparatus, including: a plurality of LED lines including a plurality of LEDs; a plurality of switches connected to respective LED lines among the plurality of LED lines; a controller configured to sequentially supply power to the plurality of LED lines by sequentially turning on and off the plurality of switches; and an LED driver configured to detect an error state of an LED from the plurality of LEDs by estimating current flowing through the plurality of LED lines, and to provide the controller with a result of the detection. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160100473 | Low-Voltage Controller with Dimming Function and Method - A low-voltage controller (LVC) is configured to utilize a low-voltage signal to operate a high-voltage load, such as, for example, a lamp. The LVC is configured to receive a low-voltage step signal at a switch input. The LVC has a line input for connection to a source of power at a line voltage and a load output for connection to a first load, and a dimmer for setting an intensity of the first load. Subsequent step signals may alter the intensity of the load. A method for low-voltage control of a load is provided. A method includes the steps of receiving a first switch signal at a switch input of an LVC; setting a lamp to a first intensity; receiving a second switch signal at the switch input; and setting the lamp to a second intensity. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160156275 | BLEEDER CIRCUIT FOR A DIMMER OF A LIGHT NON-LINEAR LOAD | 06-02-2016 |
| 20160165704 | DISCHARGE LAMP LIGHTING APPARATUS - A discharge lamp lighting apparatus includes an inverter circuit supplying an AC voltage to a discharge lamp and a resonant circuit that increases a supply voltage supplied to the discharge lamp. The inverter circuit is driven using a first frequency including a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit during a first period in which breakdown and a glow discharge are generated, driven using a second frequency including a resonant frequency of the resonant circuit, lower than the first frequency, during a second period in which an arc discharge is generated, and driven using a third frequency lower than the second frequency, during a third period. Further, a dead time is set in which both of a high-side switching device and a low-side switching device are turned off so that the dead time is longer in the second period than in the first period and the third period. | 06-09-2016 |
| 20160174313 | LIGHT-EMITTING DEVICE AND CAMERA | 06-16-2016 |
| 20160181911 | CALIBRATION OF A LOAD CONTROL DEVICE FOR A LIGHT-EMITTING DIODE LIGHT SOURCE | 06-23-2016 |
| 20090184650 | IGNITION CIRCUIT AND METHOD FOR A DISCHARGE LAMP - An ignition circuit for generating high voltage pulses to a discharge lamp is provided with a switching element (SW | 07-23-2009 |
| 20110006693 | SYSTEM FOR ENERGY SUPPORT IN A CDI SYSTEM - This invention relates to a method and system for generating energy/power in a capacitive discharge ignition system, said system comprising at least one charge winding (L) which by means of a fly wheel and via a first rectifier device (D | 01-13-2011 |
| 20120013262 | IGNITION APPARATUS FOR PLASMA JET IGNITION PLUG AND IGNITION SYSTEM - An ignition apparatus for an ignition plug which uses a positive polarity power supply, which can cause the ignition plug to generate spark discharge while using its center electrode as a negative electrode, and which can adjust the timing of supply of electric energy to the ignition plug and the timing of charging of capacitors. The ignition apparatus is adapted to cause the ignition plug to generate spark discharge while using its center electrode as a negative electrode, and includes a positive power supply, and energy supply units. Each energy supply unit includes a capacitor connected at one end to the power supply and connected at the other end to the ignition plug; a switching unit for charging; and a switching unit for energy supply. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120169244 | IGNITION SYSTEM FOR PLASMA JET IGNITION PLUG - An ignition system for a plasma jet ignition plug that enables a reduction in production cost and provides excellent ignition performance through improvement of plasma formation efficiency. The ignition system includes a plasma jet ignition plug having a center electrode, a ground electrode, and a cavity surrounding at least a portion of a gap formed between the center electrode and the ground electrode to form a discharge space, and a voltage application section for applying voltage across the gap. The ignition system further includes a capacitance section having a capacitance and provided in parallel with the plasma jet ignition plug between the plasma jet ignition plug and the voltage application section. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20130093342 | IGNITION APPARATUS - When the first switch is on, the ignition capacitor is charged up to a voltage value whose absolute value is larger than an output voltage value of a DC power source, through resonance caused by a resonance coil and the ignition capacitor; when the second switch is on, the ignition capacitor supplies energy to the ignition coil device, and when the second switch is off, the energy is released and a high voltage is applied across electrodes of an ignition plug. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20150316018 | Capacitive Igniter with a Flameout Time-delay Function - A capacitive igniter with a flameout time-delay function is provided. A first terminal of a flameout time-delay circuit is electrically connected with a common connecting point of a charge-discharge circuit and a charging coil L1. A second terminal of the flameout time-delay circuit is electrically connected with a trigger circuit. A third terminal of the flameout time-delay circuit is grounded through a flameout switch S1. By means of the capacitive igniter with the flameout time-delay function, it can be guaranteed that an engine is stably and reliably shut down under the action of the flameout time-delay circuit when the engine needs to be shut down even if the flameout switch S1 is switched off in the flameout process, and the potential safety hazards that the engine works again due to the fact that the flameout switch S1 is switched off in the flameout process can be effectively avoided. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20090085491 | Starter auxillary electrode starting device with an arc gap - A device for operating or starting a high-pressure discharge lamp ( | 04-02-2009 |
| 20130033188 | IGNITION PLUG AND IGNITION APPARATUS - A technique for lowering power loss involved in supply of high-frequency electric power to an ignition plug. The ignition plug includes a tubular insulator having an axial bore extending therethrough; a center electrode disposed in the axial bore; a metal terminal disposed rearward of the center electrode in the axial bore, electrically connected to the center electrode, and supplied with high-frequency electric power from an external source; a metallic shell disposed to circumferentially surround the insulator; and a ground electrode electrically connected to the metallic shell and adapted to generate plasma in cooperation with the center electrode through supply of high-frequency electric power to the metal terminal. At least a portion of the inner surface of the axial bore is coated with metal coating. The center electrode and the metal terminal are in electrical contact with the metal coating. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20140070717 | CONNECTION DEVICE, IGNITER AND IGNITION SYSTEM - A connection device for connecting a first power supply and a second power supply to an ignition plug has a first power supply side line which establishes electrical connection between the ignition plug and the first power supply and which is electrically connected to the second power supply, and a second power supply side line which establishes electrical connection between the ignition plug and the second power supply. The first power supply side line includes a first diode which prevents a current inflow from the second power supply into the first power supply or a current inflow from the first power supply into the second power supply, and an inductor disposed between the first diode and the ignition plug. The inductor is disposed around the second power supply side line while being separated from the second power supply side line. Thus, noise can be suppressed. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20090174335 | HIGH-VOLTAGE LAMP-IGNITION PIEZOELECTRIC OSCILLATOR - The present invention discloses a high-voltage lamp-ignition piezoelectric oscillator, wherein a piezoelectric capacitor is connected to an LC resonance circuit in parallel to transform power. The LC resonance circuit is used to generate resonance. Voltage is applied to the piezoelectric capacitor to deform the piezoelectric material due to the inverse-piezoelectric effect and then generate electricity after deformation due to the piezoelectric effect. The combination of piezoelectric and inverse-piezoelectric effects generates additional charge and boosts the voltage. Thereby, the present invention decreases power consumption and reduces cost. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090174336 | PIEZOELECTRIC CASCADE RESONANT LAMP-IGNITION CIRCUIT - The present invention discloses a piezoelectric cascade resonant lamp-ignition circuit, which uses the intrinsic capacitors of a piezoelectric transformer as piezoelectric capacitors. One lamp is cascaded to one set of the piezoelectric capacitors. Several sets of the piezoelectric capacitors and a resonant inductor are cascaded to form a resonant lamp-ignition circuit. The lamp-ignition circuit of the present invention has advantages of low temperature, small leakage current, high breakdown voltage and high lamp ignition efficiency. When applied to drive several lamps, the present invention uses a fixed frequency to attain a fixed inner impedance of the equivalent circuit of the piezoelectric capacitor. Thereby, the currents of the lamps are balanced to have an identical value. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090021176 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - A control terminal is connected to an external resistor, and is connected to a time constant capacitor. A control unit compares a control voltage with a threshold voltage, and switches the function of a semiconductor device according to the comparison results. A charge/discharge circuit charges or discharges the time constant capacitor connected to the control terminal. The semiconductor device uses the voltage at the control terminal, which changes according to the charging operation or the discharging operation performed by the charge/discharge circuit, as a time constant voltage. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090121642 | Organic Light Emitting Diode Driver - Pulse width modulation (PWM) of a drive current to an organic light emitting diode (OLED) is performed by a circuit subjected to corresponding signaling. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20100052553 | Control of Lamp Striking Voltage and Recovery of Energy From Resonant Lamp Strike Circuits Used for Electronic High Intensity Discharge Lamp Ballasting and Other Lamp Ballasts - A system for controlling lamp striking voltage and recovery of energy from resonant lamp strike circuits used for electronic high intensity discharge lamp ballasting and other lamp ballasts is provided. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20110043119 | Method of Starting an HID Lamp and Ballast Incorporating Same - There is provided herein a method for starting a high intensity discharge lamp and a ballast incorporating the same. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: (a) obtaining a cumulative probability function of breakdown times, P(t), for the lamp at a voltage, V; (b) determining a minimum pulse length, T | 02-24-2011 |
| 20120104959 | IGNITION SYSTEM AND IGNITION METHOD - An ignition system including a plasma jet spark plug, a discharge power source, and an energy input portion. The spark plug includes a center electrode inserted and installed in the axis hole of an insulator, a ground electrode forming a clearance with the center electrode in between, and a cavity defined by an inner peripheral surface of the axis hole and a top end surface of the center electrode. A plasma is generated in the cavity as the discharge power source generates a spark discharge by applying a voltage to the clearance and the energy input portion inputs electric power into the clearance. The energy input portion inputs electric power into the clearance more than once in a single spark discharge. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120249006 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ARC FORMATION IN A CORONA DISCHARGE IGNTITION SYSTEM - A system and method for controlling an arc formation in corona discharge ignition system is provided. The system includes a corona igniter for receiving energy at a voltage and providing a corona discharge. An energy supply providing the energy to the corona igniter at a voltage. The system also includes a corona controller for initiating a decrease in the voltage of the energy provided to the corona igniter in response to the onset of arc formation. The voltage is decreased until the arcing is depleted, and then the voltage is increased again to resume the corona discharge. Controlling the arc formation provides improved energy efficiency during operation of the corona discharge ignition system | 10-04-2012 |
| 20140368121 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR APPLYING AN ELECTRIC FIELD TO A COMBUSTION VOLUME - A combustion system is provided, in which respective waveforms are applied to each of a plurality of electrodes positioned in a combustion volume, producing periodic electric fields between pairs of the electrodes. A safety circuit is configured to reduce or eliminate danger by grounding each of the plurality of electrodes or otherwise driving each of the electrodes to a safe state upon detection of a safety condition. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20150008838 | METHOD FOR OPERATING AN IGNITION DEVICE FOR AN INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE - An ignition device for an internal combustion engine has an ignition coil disposed as a transformer, a spark plug connected to the secondary winding of the ignition coil, an actuatable switching element connected in series with the primary winding of the ignition coil, and a control unit connected to the primary winding and to the control input of the switching element. After charging the ignition coil, building up an ignition spark through non-conductive switching of the switching element, and after renewed conductive switching of the switching element for operating the ignition coil in transformer operation, the supply voltage of the control unit is detected and if a pre-determined value, representing the presence of a surface gap, is exceeded, the switching element is once more switched non-conductive. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150084533 | IGNITER, IGNITER CONTROL METHOD, AND INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE IGNITION APPARATUS - An igniter is not provided with a depression IGBT and is configured such that a distance between a main IGBT and a sense IGBT is equal to or greater than 100 μm and equal to or less than 700 μm and preferably equal to or greater than 100 μm and equal to or less than 200 μm. The igniter is controlled such that, before the overcurrent of the main IGBT reaches a predetermined upper limit, a sense current of the sense IGBT is saturated. Therefore, it is possible to provide the igniter which has a small size and prevents the overshoot of a collector current of the main IGBT when a current is limited and an internal combustion engine ignition apparatus which includes the igniter, has a small size, and prevents an ignition error. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150108914 | HIGH-FREQUENCY DISCHARGE IGNITION APPARATUS - A high-frequency discharge ignition apparatus is obtained that can stably make a high-frequency current flow into a spark discharge path and efficiently forms large discharge plasma. The high-frequency discharge ignition apparatus is configured with an ignition plug, a spark discharge path generation device that generates a high voltage and supplies the generated high voltage to the ignition plug so as to form a spark discharge path in the gap of the ignition plug, a voltage boosting device that boosts the voltage of an AC current, and a high-frequency current supply apparatus that supplies an AC current to the spark discharge path formed in the gap by way of the voltage boosting device. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150372459 | IGNITION SYSTEM - An aspect according to this disclosure provides an ignition system having an ignition coil unit, an ignition plug and a voltage limiter. The ignition coil unit has a primary coil and a secondary coil which are magnetically coupled with each other. The ignition plug has a center electrode and a ground electrode, and generates discharge spark between the center and ground electrodes to which voltage is applied on the basis of the magnetic energy accumulated in the ignition coil unit. The voltage limiter limits an absolute value of the voltage applied to the electrodes of the ignition plug to a voltage limit value, the voltage limiter increasing the voltage limit value as cumulative usage time of the ignition plug increases, the applied voltage being caused by electrical energy supplied from the ignition coil. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20160032883 | SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE - Aspects of the invention include a semiconductor device that includes a voltage-controlled type semiconductor element connected to a primary side of an ignition coil for supplying a voltage to an ignition device of an internal combustion engine, a first resistor and a second resistor inserted in series in a supplying path of an input signal for controlling a gate of the voltage-controlled type semiconductor element and a current control circuit including a current limiting circuit for controlling current flowing through the voltage-controlled type semiconductor element. Aspects of the invention also include a first by-pass forming element that is connected in parallel to the second resistor and by-passes the second resistor in a turning ON process of the voltage-controlled type semiconductor element, and a second by-pass forming element that is connected in parallel to the first resistor and the second resistor. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160115935 | INTERNAL COMBUSTION ENGINE IGNITION COIL APPARATUS - In an internal combustion engine ignition coil apparatus, a high-voltage supplying portion has: a protector that is bonded to an ignition coil main body, an electrical conductor, and a resistor that is connected in series between the ignition coil main body and the electrical conductor, and that reduces conductive noise. An electromagnetic wave absorber that shields radiated noise that is generated in the high-voltage supplying portion is mounted to an engine block so as to surround the protector and the resistor. An end surface of the resistor near the ignition coil main body is disposed so as to be aligned with an end surface of the electromagnetic wave absorber near the ignition coil main body. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160201637 | IGNITION DEVICE | 07-14-2016 |
