SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DRIVING LIGHT EMITTING DIODES
BACKGROUND
[0001] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to systems and methods
for driving light emitting diodes.
[0002] A light emitting diode (LED) is a photoelectric conversion device, which
is operable to emit light in response to electrical current or voltage supplied thereto.
Generally, the LED has an N-type semiconductor and a P-type semiconductor joined
together. The LED emits light through recombination of electrons and holes. Such an
LED is widely used for signaling, traffic light, backlighting, and general illumination
due to its high efficacy, energy saving, environmental friendliness and long lifetime.
[0003] When the LED is directly connected to an AC voltage source, the LED
may not continuously emit light in a full cycle. To solve this problem, a LED that can
be used while being connected directly to an AC voltage source has been disclosed in
PCT patent application publication No. WO2004/023568A1, entitled "Light-emitting
device having light-emitting elements" by Sakai et al. According to the disclosure of
Sakai et al., two LED arrays are connected to each other in reverse parallel. One LED
array operates in a first half cycle (or positive half cycle) of an AC voltage source,
and the other LED array operates in a second half cycle (or negative half cycle) of the
AC voltage source.
[0004] As disclosed by Sakai et al., the two LED arrays alternately cycle on and
off in response to a phase change of an AC voltage source. This results in some
operating issues for the LED. The first is that when the AC voltage from the AC
voltage source fluctuates, the current flowing through the LED changes accordingly.
Thus, stable and constant brightness of the LED may not be obtained. The second is a
poor power factor and total harmonic distortion (THD) because the LED begins to
emit light only when the AC voltage exceeds a threshold voltage. The third is that it's
difficult to perform dimming control of the LED in some applications. The fourth
relates to the flicker phenomenon, which although not observable with the naked eye,
will cause eye fatigue if the LEDS are used for illumination for a long period of time.
[0005] It is desirable to provide system and method of driving the light emitting
diodes to address the above-mentioned problems.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0006] In accordance with one embodiment disclosed herein, a system is
provided for driving light emitting diodes (LED). The system includes an AC driven
LED unit, an AC voltage regulator, and a controller. T e AC driven LED unit
includes a first LED and a second LED. The first LED and the second LED are
coupled in reverse parallel. The AC voltage regulator is coupled to the AC driven
LED unit and the controller. The AC voltage regulator is operable to receive AC
voltage originating from an AC voltage source. The controller is operable to monitor
AC voltage fluctuations and transmit control signals to the AC voltage regulator
according to a monitored result. The AC voltage regulator is further operable to
regulate the AC voltage from the AC voltage source in response to the control signals
and to apply a regulated AC voltage to the AC driven LED unit so as to allow the first
LED and the second LED to emit light according to the regulated AC voltage.
[0007] In accordance with another embodiment disclosed herein, a system is
provided for driving an alternating current (AC) driven LED unit with an AC voltage
originating from an AC voltage source. The AC driven LED unit includes a first LED
and a second LED arranged in reverse parallel. The system includes an alternating
current voltage regulator and a phase-cut dimming circuit. The AC voltage regulator
is operable to receive the AC voltage originating from the AC voltage source, and to
modulate the received AC voltage with pulse signals. A magnitude of the modulated
AC voltage is capable of being adjusted by varying a duty cycle of the pulse signals to
achieve a first dimming control of the first LED and the second LED. The phase-cut
dimming circuit is coupled to the AC voltage regulator. The phase-cut dimming
circuit is operable to change a conduction angle of the received AC voltage to achieve
a second dimming control of the first LED and the second LED.
[0008| In accordance with one embodiment disclosed herein, a method is
provided for driving an AC driven LED unit. The AC driven LED unit includes a
first LED and a second LED. The first LED and the second LED are coupled in
reverse parallel. The method includes at least the following steps of: receiving AC
voltage originating from an AC voltage source; monitoring fluctuations of a received
AC voltage by a controller; regulating the received AC voltage based on the
monitored fluctuations of the received AC voltage by a AC voltage regulator; and
applying the regulated AC voltage to the AC driven LED unit to drive the first LED
and the second LED to emit light.
DRAWINGS
0009} These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present
disclosure will become better understood when the following detailed description is
read with reference to the accompanying drawings in which like characters represent
like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:
[0010] FIG. 1 is a schematic circuit diagram of a system for driving light
emitting diodes in accordance with one embodiment.
{0011] FIG. 2 is a schematic circuit diagram of a system for driving light
emitting diodes in accordance with another embodiment.
]0012] FIG. 3 is a detailed circuit construction of a switch of the system
illustrated in FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment.
J0013] FIG. 4 illustrates a waveform of an AC voltage originating from the AC
voltage source illustrated in FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 5 illustrates various waveforms of regulated AC voltage from the
AC chopper illustrated in FIG. 2 in accordance with one embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a schematic circuit diagram of a system for driving light
emitting diodes in accordance with yet another embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 7 is a detailed circuit construction of switches of the system
illustrated in FIG. 6 in accordance with one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a schematic circuit diagram of a system for driving light
emitting diodes in accordance with still another embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 9 illustrates a voltage waveform and a corresponding current
waveform for driving a conventional light emitting diode.
[0019] FIG. 10 illustrates a voltage waveform and a corresponding current
waveform for driving the light emitting diodes shown in FIG. 8 in accordance with
one embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a schematic circuit diagram of a system for driving light
emitting diodes in accordance with still another embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 12 is a schematic circuit diagram of a system for driving light
emitting diodes in accordance with still another embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 13 is a schematic circuit diagram of a system for driving light
emitting diodes in accordance with still another embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving light emitting
diodes in accordance with one embodiment.
[0024] FIG. is a flowchart illustrating a method for driving light emitting
diodes in accordance with another embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a system and method for driving
light emitting diodes (LED). Unless defined otherwise, technical and scientific terms
used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of ordinary
skill in the art to which this invention belongs. The terms "first", "second", and the
like, as used herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are
used to distinguish one element from another. Also, the terms "a" and "an" do not
denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the
referenced items, and terms such as "front", "back", "bottom", and/or "top", unless
otherwise noted, are merely used for convenience of description, and are not limited
to any one position or spatial orientation. The use of "including," "comprising" or
"having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed
thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "mounted,"
"connected" and "coupled" are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect
mounting, connecting and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not
restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include
electrical connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect.
[0026] As used herein for purposes of the present disclosure, the term "LED"
should be understood to include any electroluminescent diode or other type of carrier
injection/junction-based system that is capable of generating radiation in response to
an electric signal. Thus, the term LED includes, but is not limited to, various
semiconductor-based structures that emit light in response to current, light emitting
polymers, electroluminescent strips, and the like.
[0027] In particular, the term LED refers to light emitting diodes of all types
(including semi-conductor and organic light emitting diodes) that may be configured
to generate radiation in one or more of the infrared spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum,
and various portions of the visible spectrum. Some examples of LEDs include, but
are not limited to, various types of infrared LEDs, ultraviolet LEDs, red LEDs, blue
LEDs, green LEDs, yellow LEDs, amber LEDs, orange LEDs, and white LEDs. It
also should be appreciated that LEDs may be configured to generate radiation having
various bandwidths for a given spectrum (e.g., narrow bandwidth, broad bandwidth).
[0028] For example, one implementation of an LED configured to generate
essentially white light (e.g., a white LED) may include a number of dies which
respectively emit different spectra of electroluminescence that, in combination, mix to
form essentially white light. In another implementation, a white light LED may be
associated with a phosphor material that converts electroluminescence having a first
spectrum to a different second spectrum. In one example of this implementation,
electroluminescence having a relatively short wavelength and narrow bandwidth
spectrum "pumps" the phosphor material, which in turn radiates longer wavelength
radiation having a somewhat broader spectrum.
[0029] It should also be understood that the term LED does not limit the
physical and/or electrical package type of an LED. For example, as discussed above,
an LED may refer to a single light emitting device having multiple dies that are
configured to respectively emit different spectra of radiation (e.g., that may or may
not be individually controllable). Also, an LED may be associated with a phosphor
that is considered as an integral part of the LED (e.g., some types of white LEDs). In
general, the term LED may refer to packaged LEDs, non-packaged LEDs, surface
mount LEDs, chip-on-board LEDs, T-package mount LEDs, radial package LEDs,
power package LEDs, LEDs including some type of encasement and/or optical
element (e.g., a diffusing lens), etc.
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for driving LEDs according to one
embodiment. Referring to FIG. 1, a system 10 includes an AC voltage source 12, a
controller 13, an AC voltage regulator 14, and an AC driven LED unit 16. In the
illustrated embodiment, the AC voltage regulator 14 is electrically coupled to the AC
voltage source 12 and the controller 13. The AC voltage regulator 14 is configured to
receive an AC voltage 122 from the AC voltage source 12. The AC voltage 122 from
the AC voltage source 12 may be a 60 Hz sinusoidal 110 VAC to 125 VAC signal as
is typically found in the United States. In other embodiments, the supplied frequency
and magnitude of the AC voltage 122 may vary, dependent on the power standards of
the region. For example, in some embodiments, the AC voltage 122 may be a 50 Hz,
sinusoidal 220 VAC signal as is typically found in the China.
[0031] The AC voltage regulator 14 is further configured to perform a direct
AC-AC power conversion with respect to the received AC voltage 122, and provide a
regulated AC voltage 1 2. As used herein, "direct AC-AC power conversion" refers
to a condition such that when the original AC voltage 22 from the AC voltage source
12 is a true sinusoidal signal, the regulated AC voltage 142 will also substantially be
sinusoidal signal. It wilt be understood that the AC voltage regulator 14 may regulate
waveforms of the AC voltage 122 in any shape. For example, the AC voltage 122
may include sine waves, triangular waves, square waves, or step function waves.
[0032] In one implementation, the AC voltage regulator 14 may be configured
to receive the AC voltage 122 from the AC voltage source 12, and regulate the
received AC voltage 122 according to required current flowing through the AC driven
LED unit 16 or according to required voltage applied to the AC driven LED unit 16.
The required current and required voltage may be preconfigured in the controller 13.
In operation, the controller 13 may be programmed to transmit corresponding control
signals 136 to the AC voltage regulator 14 to enable the AC voltage regulator 14 to
provide the regulated AC voltage 142 at a predetermined level corresponding to the
required current or the required voltage. The predetermined level of the regulated AC
voltage 142 may be the same as or different from that of the AC voltage 122.
[0033 In one implementation, as indicated by dashed line 132 shown in FIG. 1,
the controller 13 may be coupled to the AC voltage source side to provide feedback
control in a first manner. When the controller 13 is coupled to the AC voltage source
side, the controller 13 is configured to monitor the AC voltage 122 from the AC
voltage source 12. When the AC voltage 122 fluctuates, the controller 13 provides
control signals indicating the fluctuations of the AC voltage 122. In response, the AC
voltage regulator 14 regulates the AC voltage 122 according to the control signals to
maintain the regulated AC voltage 142 at a predetermined level.
[0034) In another implementation, as indicated by dashed line 134 shown in
FIG. 1, the controller 13 may be coupled to the AC driven LED side to provide
feedback control in a second manner. When the controller 13 is coupled to the AC
driven LED side, the controller 13 is configured to monitor the regulated AC voltage
142 provided by the AC voltage regulator 14. When the regulated AC voltage 142
fluctuates, the controller 13 provides control signals indicating the fluctuations of the
regulated AC voltage 142. In response, the AC voltage regulator 14 regulates the AC
voltage 122 according to the control signals to maintain the regulated voltage 142 at a
predetermined level. It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the controller 13
may be coupled both to the AC voltage source side and the AC driven LED side to
provide feedback control by monitoring both the AC voltage 122 and the regulated
AC voltage 142.
[0035] In the illustrated embodiment of the system 10, the AC driven LED unit
16 includes a first LED 162 and a second LED 164. The first LED 162 and the
second LED 164 are coupled in reverse parallel between a first node 166 and a second
node 168. More specifically, the first LED 162 is arranged between the first node 166
and the second node 168 along a first path, and the second LED 164 is arranged
between the first node 166 and the second node 168 along a second path. It should be
understood that, in other embodiments, more than one first LED 162 may be
connected in series between the first node 166 and the second node 68 along the first
path. In other embodiments, more than one second LED 164 may be connected in
series between the first node 166 and the second node 168 along the second path. In
these embodiments, the first path and the second path may be arranged with LED
arrays.
[0036] In the illustrated embodiment of the system 10, the AC voltage source 12
is shown as a part of the system 0. It should be noted that, in other embodiments, the
AC voltage source 12 may be configured as a removable portion of the system 10. In
this condition, the system 10 can be constructed so as to not include the AC voltage
source 12.
[0037] In the illustrated embodiment of the system 10, the AC voltage source 12
and the AC voltage regulator 14 are directly coupled. As will be understood by those
skilled in the art, a variety of other electrical elements or components may be added to
the system 10. For example, a switch (either mechanical or electrical type) may be
coupled between the AC voltage source 12 and the AC voltage regulator 14 for
enabling or disabling the system 10 by controlling the switch. It should also be
understood that a transformer may be further coupled following the AC voltage
source 12 for stepping up or down the AC voltage 122 from the AC voltage source 12
according to specific requirements.
[0038] In the illustrated embodiment of the system 10, the controller 13 and the
AC voltage regulator 14 are shown as independent elements for description. It should
be understood that the controller 13 and the AC voltage regulator 14 may be
integrated together as a single element, e.g. a semiconductor chip. The AC voltage
regulator 14 and the controller 13 may be implemented in a variety of ways, such as
in analog or digital hardware or software, or combinations thereof, as well as other
structurally equivalent forms known to those skilled in the art.
0039 In operation of the system 10, the AC voltage source 12 may output an
AC voltage 122 having sinusoidal waveform. When the AC voltage 122 fluctuates,
for example, the AC voltage 122 may swell. The controller 13 may sense swelling of
the AC voltage 122 and provide a control signal reflecting the swelling to the AC
voltage regulator 14. The AC voltage regulator 14 regulates the AC voltage 122 to
reduce a magnitude o f the regulated AC voltage 142 according the control signal,
such that the voltage level of the regulated AC voltage 142 is maintained at a
predetermined level. The first LED 162 and the second LED 164 alternates emitting
light according to the regulated AC voltage 164. Because the regulated AC voltage
142 is maintained substantially at a predetermined level, constant brightness of the
first LED 1 2 and the second LED 164 can be achieved.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrates a system in accordance with another embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 2, a system 20 includes an AC voltage source 22, a controller 23, an
AC chopper 24, and an AC driven LED unit 26. The controller 23, the AC voltage
source 22, and the AC driven LED unit 26 are substantially the same as those shown
in FIG. 1, thus, for the purpose of simplicity, a detailed description of the AC voltage
source 22, the controller 23, and the AC driven LED unit 26 are omitted here. For
example, the controller 23 may be either coupled to the AC voltage source side by a
first electrical connection 232 or the AC driven LED side by a second electrical
connection 234 to provide feedback control.
10041] In the illustrated embodiment of the system 20, the AC chopper 24
includes a switch 242. A first terminal of the switch 242 is electrically coupled to one
terminal of the AC voltage source 22, a second terminal of the switch 242 is
electrically coupled to the AC driven LED unit 26, and a third terminal of the switch
242 is electrically coupled to the controller 23. The switch 242 is turned on and off in
response to control signals transmitted from the controller 23 for modulating the AC
voltage 222. In particular, the switch 242 is configured for chopping at least a portion
of the AC voltage 222 from the AC voltage source 22. As used herein, "chopping"
refers to an electrical operation with respect to the AC voltage 222 for adjusting a
magnitude thereof. By such an electrical operation, at a predetermined time interval,
the AC voltage 222 is prohibited from being transferred to the AC driven LED unit 26.
(0042] FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of the switch 242 illustrated in Fig. 2.
Referring to FIG. 3, the switch 242 is constructed as a bidirectional switch. As used
herein, "bidirectional" refers to a condition such that when the switch 242 is switched
on, both positive cycles and negative cycles of the AC voltage 222 can pass through
the switch 242. In particular, the switch 242 may be a semiconductor switch for ease
of manufacturing and integrating purposes. The switch 242 includes a switching
element 2430, a protection diode 2432, and four diodes 2422, 2424, 2426, and 2428.
As shown in FIG. 3, the switching element 2430 is a metal-oxide-semiconductor
field-effect transistor (MOSFET). It should be understood that any suitable switching
components that can be controllably turned on and off (e.g., IGBT, BJT, etc.) may be
utilized in the present disclosure. The switching element 2430 is coupled between
two opposed nodes of a bridge diode circuit constructed by the four diodes 2422,
2424, 2426, and 2428. The protection diode 2432 is coupled in parallel to the
switching element 2430 for protecting the switching element 2430. A gate terminal
2431 of the switching element 2430 (or the MOSFET) is configured to receive pulse
signals 2438. The pulse signals 2438 may be unipolar signals (positive relative to
ground), and can be provided by the controller 23. The switching element 2430 (or
the MOSFET) is turned on and off in response to the pulse signals 2438. Herein, a
proportion of time during which the switching element 2430 is switched on can be
defined as "duty cycle". By varying the duty cycle of the pulse signals 2438, the
voltage level of the regulated AC voltage 246 can be adjusted according to
predetermined requirements, which may be referred to as dimming control. Details of
the dimming control will be described hereinafter.
(0043) Referring to FIG. 4, a waveform of the AC voltage 222 is illustrated.
The AC voltage 222 is a sinusoidal signal having a peak voltage value of V0. Further
referring to FIG. 5, various waveforms of regulated AC voltage 246a, 246b, and 246c
are illustrated to indicate how the varying duty cycles are related to different voltage
levels. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, when the AC voltage 222 is regulated
according to the pulse signals 2438 having a duty cycle of D , the regulated AC
voltage 246a has a peak voltage value of V|, wherein Vi is smaller than V0. When the
AC voltage 222 is regulated according to the pulse signals 2438 having a duty cycle
of D2, the regulated AC voltage 246b has a peak voltage value of V2, wherein V2 is
larger than V and smaller than V0. When the AC voltage 222 is regulated according
to the pulse signals 2438 having a duty cycle of D3, the regulated AC voltage 246c
has a peak voltage value of V , wherein V is greater than V and smaller than V0.
Thus, when the regulated AC voltage 246a, 246b, and 246c are applied to the AC
driven LED unit 26, the AC driven LED unit 26 emits light with varying brightness.
Therefore, by varying the duty cycle of the pulse signals 2438, a voltage level of the
regulated AC voltage can be specified according to predetermined requirements.
Hence, a dimming control of the AC driven LED unit 26 can be realized.
(0044] FIG. 6 illustrates a system according to yet another embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 6, a system 30 includes an AC voltage source 32, a controller 33, an
AC chopper 34, a filter circuit 36, and an AC driven LED unit 38. The AC voltage
source 32, the controller 33, and the AC driven LED unit 38 are substantially the
same as those shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, thus, for the purpose of simplicity, a
detailed description of the AC voltage source 32, the controller 33, and the AC driven
LED unit 38 are omitted here. For example, the controller 33 may be either coupled
to the AC voltage source side by a first electrical connection 332 or the AC driven
LED side by a second electrical connection 334 to provide feedback control .
[00451 the illustrated embodiment of the system 30, the AC chopper 34 and
the filter circuit 36 are connected in series between the AC voltage source 32 and the
AC driven LED unit 38. Basically, the AC chopper 34 functions substantially the
same as the AC chopper 24 of FIG.2. The AC chopper 34 is configured to perform
direct AC-AC conversion with respect to AC voltage received from the AC voltage
source 32, chopping out at least a portion of the received AC voltage from the AC
voltage source 32. The AC chopper 34 may respond to pulse signals transmitted from
the controller 33 so as to provide regulated AC voltage with adjusted voltage level.
The filter circuit 36 is configured to filter high frequency noise signals generated by
the AC chopper 34 of the system 30.
[0046] In one implementation, the AC chopper 34 includes a first switch 342
and a second switch 344. The filter circuit 36 includes an inductor 362 and a
capacitor 364. T e inductor 362 and the capacitor 364 cooperate to filter high
frequency noise signals generated by switching operations of the first switch 342 and
the second switch 344. The first switch 342 and the inductor 362 are connected in
series to one terminal of the AC voltage source 32 and a first node 386 of the AC
driven LED unit 38. The second switch 344 is coupled between a first node 346 and a
second node 348. The first node 346 is a joint connection of one terminal of the first
switch 342 and one terminal of the inductor 362. The second node 348 is joint
connection of the other terminal of the AC voltage source 32 and one terminal of the
capacitor 364. The other terminal of the capacitor 364 is coupled to the other terminal
of the inductor 362 also to the first node 386 of the AC driven LED unit 38.
[0047] FIG. 7 illustrates one embodiment of a bidirectional switch suitable for
use as the first switch 342 and the second switch 344 of FIG. 6. In the illustrated
embodiment, each of the bidirectional switches 342, 344 includes a first switching
element 3420 and a second switching element 3430. The first switching element 3420
is parallel coupled with a first diode 3424. The second switching element 3430 is
parallel coupled with a second diode 3426. The first diode 3424 and the second diode
3426 are configured to protect the first switching element 3420 and the second
switching element 3430 respectively. As shown in FIG. 7, the first switching element
3420 and the second switching element 3430 are MOSFET devices. It should be
understood, however, that any suitable switching components that can be controllably
turned on and off (e.g., IGBT, BJT, etc.) may be utilized in the present disclosure.
[00481 In one embodiment, the first switch 342 and the second switch 344 are
configured to operate in a complementary manner. That is, when the first switch 342
is turned on, the second switch 344 is substantially turned off. When the first switch
342 is turned off, the second switch 344 is substantially turned on. Zero voltage
switching can be realized by operating the first switch 342 and the second switch 344
in a complementary manner, thereby, high efficiency of the system 30 can be
achieved. Similar to the system 20, the first switch 342 and the second switch 344 are
turned on and off by supplying pulse signals 3425, 3427 thereto. Hence, by varying a
duty cycle of the pulse signals 3425, 3427 supplied to the first switch 342 and the
second switch 344, a dimming control of the AC driven LED unit 36 can also be
realized.
[0049| FIG. 8 illustrates a system in accordance with still another embodiment.
Referring to FIG. 8, a system 40 includes an AC voltage source 42, a controller 43, a
boost circuit 44, and an AC driven LED unit 46. The AC voltage source 42, the
controller 43, and the AC driven LED unit 46 are substantially the same as those
shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, and FIG. 6, and thus, for the purpose of simplicity, a detailed
description of the AC voltage source 42, the controller 43, and the AC driven LED
unit 46 are omitted here. For example, the controller 43 may be either coupled to the
AC voltage source side by a first electrical connection 432 or the AC driven LED side
by a second electrical connection 434 to provide feedback control.
[0050] In the illustrated embodiment of the system 40, the boost circuit 44 is
coupled to the AC voltage source 42, the controller 43, and the AC driven LED unit
46. In general, in addition to performing a direct AC-AC conversion with respect to
the AC voltage from the AC voltage source 42, the boost circuit 44 also boosts the
AC voltage. That is, the AC voltage provided by the boost circuit 44 is greater than
the AC voltage received by the boost circuit 44.
[0051] The boost circuit 44 includes an inductor 442, a first switch 444, a
second switch 446, and a capacitor 448. The inductor 442 and the second switch 446
are connected in series between one terminal of the AC voltage source 42 and a first
node 466 of the AC driven LED unit 46. The first switch 444 is coupled between a
first node 443 and a second node 445. The first node 443 is a joint connection of one
terminal of the inductor 442 and one terminal of the second switch 446. The second
node 445 is a joint connection of one terminal of the capacitor 464 and the other
terminal of the AC voltage source 42. The other terminal of the capacitor 464 is
coupled to the first node 466 of the AC driven LED unit 46.
[0052] In the illustrated embodiment of the system 40, the first switch 444 and
the second switch 446 can be constructed in the same manner as bidirectional
switches which can be found in the system 30 of FIG. 6. Furthermore, the first switch
444 and the second switch 446 are configured to operate in a complementary manner.
Similar to the system 30, the first switch 444 and the second switch 446 are turned on
and off by supplying pulse signals thereto. Hence, by varying a duty cycle of the
pulse signals supplied to the first switch 444 and the second switch 446, a dimming
control of the AC driven LED unit 46 can also be realized.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 9, a voltage waveform 922 and a corresponding current
waveform 924 for one full cycle in a conventional LED are plotted. During the
positive half cycle, the voltage across the LED rises from zero volts at time to, to
positive threshold value V, at time t|. The current remains zero ampere from time
to t|, because the voltage across the LED falls below the threshold value Vth . The
current starts to flow through the LED once the voltage surpasses the threshold value
v ,h.
[0054] Referring to FIG. 10, a voltage waveform 463 and a corresponding
current waveform 465 for one full cycle in the second LED 464 of the system 40 are
plotted. Because the AC voltage from the AC voltage source 42 is boosted by the
boost circuit 44, the voltage across the second LED 464 rises to the threshold voltage
Vth at time t , wherein t2 is smaller than t \ . Compared to conventional LEDs, because
t2 is smaller than j, it takes less time for the second LED 464 to conduct, and thus, the
power factor can be improved and the total harmonic distortion (THD) of current can
be reduced. Furthermore, during a full cycle, the light emission time of the second
LED 464 as well as the first LED 462 is prolonged, such that a flicker phenomenon of
the second LED 464 as well as the first LED 462 can be mitigated. It should be
understood that, in other embodiments, the boost circuit 44 may be configured to
double a frequency of the current in each half cycle of the AC voltage. As such, the
flicker phenomenon of the second LED 464 as well as the first LED 462 can be
further mitigated.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 1, a system 50 in accordance with still another
embodiment is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 50 includes an AC
voltage source 52, a controller 53, a buck-boost circuit 54, and an AC driven LED
unit 56. The AC voltage source 52, the controller 53, and the AC driven LED unit 56
are substantially the same as those shown in FIG. , FIG. 2, FIG. 6, and FIG. 8, and
thus, for the purpose of simplicity, a detailed description of the AC voltage source 52,
the controller 53, and the AC driven LED unit 56 are omitted here. For example, the
controller 53 may be either coupled to the AC voltage source side by a first electrical
connection 532 or the AC driven LED side by a second electrical connection 534 to
provide feedback control.
(00561 the illustrated embodiment of the system 50, the buck-boost circuit 54
is coupled between the AC voltage source 52 and the AC driven LED unit 56. The
buck-boost circuit 54 is configured to receive the AC voltage from the AC voltage
source 52, and either buck or boost the AC voltage. That is, the AC voltage output
from the buck-boost circuit 54 can be smaller than or greater than the AC voltage
received by the buck -boost circuit 54. The buck-boost circuit 54 includes a first
switch 542, an inductor 544, a second switch 546, and a capacitor 548. The first
switch 542 and the second switch 546 are connected in series between one terminal of
the AC voltage source 52 and a first node 566 of the AC driven LED unit 56. The
inductor 544 is coupled between a first node 543 and a second node 545. The first
node 543 is a joint connection of one terminal of the first switch 542 and one terminal
of the second switch 546 The second node is a joint connection of the other terminal
of the AC voltage source 52 and one terminal of the capacitor 548. The other
terminal of the capacitor 548 is coupled to the first node 566 of the AC driven LED
unit 56.
[0057] In the illustrated embodiment of the system 50, the first switch 542 and
the second switch 546 can be constructed in the same manner as bidirectional
switches similar to those found in the system 30 of FIG. 6. Furthermore, the first
switch 542 and the second switch 546 are configured to operate in a complementary
manner. Similar to the system 30, the first switch 542 and the second switch 546 are
turned on and off by supplying pulse signals thereto. Hence, by varying a duty cycle
of the pulse signals supplied to the first switch 542 and the second switch 546, a
dimming control of the AC driven LED unit 56 can also be realized.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 12, a system 60 in accordance with still another
embodiment is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 60 includes an AC
voltage source 62, a controller 63, a dynamic voltage restorer (DVR) 64, and an AC
driven LED unit 66. The AC voltage source 62 and the AC driven LED unit 66 are
substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2, FIG. 6, FIG. 8, and FIG. 11,
and thus, for the purpose of simplicity, a detailed description of the AC voltage source
62, the controller 63, and the AC driven LED unit 66 are omitted here. For example,
the controller 63 may be either coupled to the AC voltage source side by a first
electrical connection 632 or the AC driven LED side by a second electrical
connection 634 to provide feedback control.
[0059) In the illustrated embodiment of the system 60, The DVR 64 includes a
pair of rectifying diodes 642 and 644, a pair of capacitors 646 and 648, a pair of
switching elements 650 and 652, and a pair of protection diodes 654 and 656. The
pair of rectifying diodes 642, 644 is jointly coupled to one terminal of the AC voltage
source 62. The pair of capacitors 646, 648 is jointly coupled to the other terminal of
the AC voltage source 62. The pair of protection diodes 654, 656 is connected in
parallel connected with the pair of switching elements 650, 652 respectively. In
addition, the DVR 64 includes a capacitor 657 and an inductor 659. The capacitor
657 and the inductor 659 functions as a low pass filter for filtering high frequency
noise signals generated by the pair of switching elements 650 and 652 of the system
60. In other embodiments, the capacitor 657 and the inductor 659 may be omitted
from the system 60.
[0060J A pair of gate terminals 653, 655 of the pair of switching elements 650,
652 is coupled to the controller 63 for receiving pulse signals from the controller 63.
In particular, the pulse signals are supplied to the pair of gate terminals 653, 655 of
the pair of switching elements 650, 652 to enable the pair of switching elements 650,
652 to be turned on and off in a complementary manner. Furthermore, by varying a
duty cycle of the pulse signals, the system 60 can be operated to provide conditioning
of the AC voltage applied to the AC driven LED unit 66. Hence, a dimming control
of the AC driven LED unit 66 can also be realized.
10061] Referring to FIG. 13, a system 70 in accordance with still another
embodiment is shown. In the illustrated embodiment, the system 70 includes an AC
voltage source 72, a controller 73, a phase- cut dimming circuit 74, an AC chopper 76,
and an AC driven LED unit 78. The AC voltage source 72, the controller 73, and the
AC driven LED unit 78 are substantially the same as those shown in FIG. , FIG. 2,
FIG. 6, FIG. 8, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, and thus, for the purpose of simplicity, a
detailed description of the AC voltage source 72, the controller 73, and the AC driven
LED unit 78 are omitted here. For example, the controller 73 may be either coupled
to the AC voltage source side by a first electrical connection 732 or the AC driven
LED side by a second electrical connection 734 to provide feedback control.
0062J In the illustrated embodiment of the system 70, the phase-cut dimming
circuit 74 and the AC chopper 76 are connected in series between the AC voltage
source 72 and the AC driven LED unit 78. The AC chopper 74 may be constructed
similarly to the AC chopper 24 shown in FIGS. 2-3 having a single controllable
switching element. The AC chopper 74 may also be constructed similarly to the AC
chopper 34 shown in FIGS. 6-7 having two controllable switching elements. The
phase-cut dimming circuit 76 can be operated to change a conduction angle of the AC
voltage output from the AC voltage source 72 to provide a first dimming control of
the AC driven LED unit 78. In particular, the AC chopper 74 may receive pulse
signals from the controller 73. By varying duty cycle of the pulse signals, a second
dimming control of the AC driven LED unit 78 can be provided.
[00631 Referring to FIG. 14, a flowchart of a method 1000 for driving light
emitting diodes in accordance with one embodiment is illustrated. For
implementation of the method 1000, various steps as described below of the method
1000 may be tied to various components of the various systems as describe above.
[0064] At step 1002, the method 1000 begins by receiving an AC voltage
originating from an AC voltage source. In one implementation, the step 1002 is tied
to the AC regulator 14 of the system 10 shown in FIG. 1. In particular, the AC
regulator 14 receives AC voltage 122 from the AC voltage source 12.
[0065] At step 1004, the method 1000 continues by monitoring voltage
fluctuations. In one implementation, as shown in FIG. 1, the controller 13 can be
coupled to the AC voltage source side to monitor fluctuation of the AC voltage from
the AC voltage source 12. In another implementation, the controller 13 can be
coupled to the AC driven LED side to monitor fluctuation of the AC voltage applied
to the AC driven LED unit 6.
[00661 At step 1006, the method 1000 continues by regulating the received AC
voltage. n one implementation, the step 1006 of the method 1000 is also tied to the
AC regulator 14 of the system 10. In particular, the AC regulator 14 regulates the AC
voltage received from the AC voltage source 12 by performing direct AC-AC
conversion to the received AC voltage. In addition, the AC regulator 14 of the system
10 may convert the AC voltage to have a predetermined voltage level according to
control signals transmitted from the controller 13 of the system 10, so as to maintain
the light emitted from the AC driven LED unit 16 at a predetermined level.
Furthermore, the duty cycle of the control signals can be varied to adjust the voltage
level of the regulated AC voltage, so as to achieve dimming control of the AC driven
LED unit 16.
[0067] In another implementation, the step 1006 of the method 1000 may be
tied to the boost circuit 44 of the system 40. The boost circuit 44 boosts the received
AC voltage from the AC voltage source 42 for improving power factor, reducing
THD, and mitigating flicker phenomenon. It should be understood that, in other
embodiments, the boost circuit 44 may be configured to double a frequency of the
current in each half cycle of the AC voltage. As such, the flicker phenomenon of the
second LED 464 as well as the first LED 462 can be further mitigated.
(0068] n yet another implementation, the step 1006 of the method 1000 may be
tied to the DVR 64 of the system 60. The DVR 64 provides voltage conditioning to
the received AC voltage, so as to maintain the light emitted from the AC driven LED
unit 66 at a predetermined level.
[0069} At step 1010, the method 1000 further continues by applying the
regulated AC voltage to the AC driven LED unit. In one implementation, the step
1010 of the method 1000 is also tied to the AC regulator 14. The AC regulator
applies the regulated AC voltage to the AC driven LED unit 16, such that the AC
driven LED unit 6 is capable of emitting light.
[0070] In the illustrated embodiment of the method 1000, four steps 02, 1004,
1006, and 0 0 are described above. It will be understood that, one or more steps
may be included in alternative embodiments.
[0071] For example, in one implementation, as shown in FIG. 15, the method
1000 further includes a step 1007. The step 1007 may be tied to the phase-cut
dimming circuit 76 of the system 70. The phase-cut dimming circuit 76 is operated to
change conduction angle of the AC voltage to provide a dimming control of the AC
driven LED unit 78.
[0072] For another example, as shown in FIG. 15, the method 1000 may further
include a step 1009. The method moves to step 1009 for filtering the regulated AC
voltage. In one implementation, the step 1009 may be tied to the filter circuit 36 of
the system 30. The filter circuit 36 filters high frequency noise signals due to
switching operations of the switch elements 342, 344 of the AC chopper 34.
[0073] While the invention has been described with reference to exemplary
embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes
may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without
departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be
made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention
without departing from the essential scope thereof. Therefore, it is intended that the
invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode
contemplated for carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include all
embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.
[0074] It is to be understood that not necessarily all such objects or advantages
described above may be achieved in accordance with any particular embodiment.
Thus, for example, those skilled in the art will recognize that the systems and
techniques described herein may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves
or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without
necessarily achieving other objects or advantages as may be taught or suggested
herein.
{0075] Furthermore, the skilled artisan will recognize the interchangeability of
various features from different embodiments. The various features described, as well
as other known equivalents for each feature, can be mixed and matched by one of
ordinary skill in this art to construct additional systems and techniques in accordance
with principles of this disclosure.
CLAIMS:
. A system for driving light emitting diodes (LED), the system comprising:
an alternating current (AC) driven LED unit, the AC driven LED unit
comprising a first LED and a second LED, the first LED and the second LED being
coupled in reverse parallel;
an alternating current voltage regulator coupled to the AC driven LED unit;
and
a controller coupled to the AC voltage regulator, the controller for monitoring
AC voltage fluctuations and transmitting control signals to the AC voltage regulator
according to a monitored result,
wherein the AC voltage regulator is operable to receive an AC voltage
originating from an AC voltage source, and the AC voltage regulator is operable to
regulate the AC voltage from the AC voltage source in response to the control signals
transmitted from the controller, and to apply a regulated AC voltage to the AC driven
LED unit, allowing the first LED and the second LED to emit light according to the
regulated AC voltage.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the AC voltage regulator comprises an AC
chopper operable to selectively chop out at least a portion of the AC voltage from
the AC voltage source according to a desired AC voltage to drive the AC driven
LED unit so as to maintain the light emitted from the first LED and the second
LED at a constant level.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the AC chopper comprises a switch, the control
signals transmitted from the controller comprise pulse signals, and the switch is
capable of being turned on and off to regulate the AC voltage from the AC voltage
source in response to the pulse signals supplied thereto.
4. The system of claim 3, wherein a voltage level of the regulated AC voltage
applied to the AC driven LED unit is adjustable by varying a duty cycle of the
pulse signals supplied to the switch, so as to achieve a dimming control of the first
LED and the second LED.
5. The system of claim 2, wherein the AC chopper comprises a first switch and a
second switch, the first switch is coupled in series between the AC voltage source
and the AC driven LED unit, the second switch is coupled in parallel to the AC
driven LED unit, the control signals transmitted from the controller comprise
pulse signals, and the first switch and the second switch are turned on and off
substantially in a complementary manner in response to the pulse signals supplied
thereto.
6. The system of claim 5, further comprising a filter circuit, the filter circuit being
operable to filter high frequency noise signals generated due to switching
operations of the first switch and the second switch.
7. The system of claim 2, wherein the AC chopper comprises a boost circuit operable
to boost the AC voltage from the AC voltage source, to allow the regulated AC
voltage to be greater than the AC voltage so as to prolong light emission time of
the first LED and the second LED for reducing total harmonic distortion and
mitigating flicker phenomenon.
8. The system of claim 2, wherein the AC chopper comprises a buck-boost circuit
operable to buck or boost the AC voltage from the AC voltage source, to allow the
regulated AC voltage to be smaller or greater than the AC voltage from the AC
voltage source.
9. The system of claim 1, wherein the AC voltage regulator comprises a dynamic
voltage restorer (DVR), the DVR is operable to receive the AC voltage from the
AC voltage source, and provide conditioning of the AC voltage applied to the first
LED and the second LED.
10. The system of claim 1, further comprising a phase-cut dimming circuit coupled
between the AC voltage regulator and the AC driven LED unit, the phase-cut
dimming circuit is configured to provide a dimming control of the first LED and
the second LED.
1i . A system for driving an alternating current (AC) driven LED unit with an AC
voltage originating from an AC voltage source, the AC driven LED unit having a
first LED and a second LED arranged in reverse parallel, the system comprising:
an alternating current voltage regulator, the AC voltage regulator being
operable to receive the AC voltage originating from the AC voltage source, and to
modulate the received AC voltage with pulse signals, a voltage level of the modulated
AC voltage being adjusted by varying a duty cycle of the pulse signals to achieve a
first dimming control of the first LED and the second LED; and
a phase-cut dimming circuit coupled to the AC voltage regulator, the phase-cut
dimming circuit being operable to change a conduction angle of the received AC
voltage to achieve a second dimming control of the first LED and the second LED.
12. The system of claim , further comprising a boost circuit operable to boost the
AC voltage from the AC voltage source, to allow the modulated AC voltage to be
greater than the AC voltage from the AC voltage source, so as to prolong light
emission time of the first LED and the second LED for reducing total harmonic
distortion and mitigating flicker phenomenon.
13. A method for driving an alternating current (AC) driven light emitting diodes
(LED) unit, the AC driven LED unit comprising a first LED and a second LED,
the first LED and the second LED being coupled in reverse parallel, the method
comprising the steps of:
receiving an AC voltage originating from an AC voltage source;
monitoring fluctuations of a received AC voltage by a controller;
regulating the received AC voltage based on the monitored fluctuations of the
received AC voltage by an AC voltage regulator; and
applying regulated AC voltage to the AC driven LED unit to drive the first
LED and the second LED to emit light.
1 . The method of claim 13, further comprising changing a conduction angle of the
AC voltage originating from the AC voltage source by a phase-cut dimming
circuit, so as to achieve a first dimming control of the first LED and the second
LED.
15. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of regulating the received AC voltage
comprises selectively chopping out at least a portion of the received AC voltage
using an AC chopper.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the AC chopper comprises a switch and wherein
the step of chopping out at least a portion of the received AC voltage comprises
turning on and off the switch to regulate the received AC voltage in response to
pulse signals supplied to the switch.
17. The method of claim 16, further comprising varying a duty cycle of the pulse
signals supplied to the switch to adjust a voltage level of the regulated AC voltage
applied to the AC driven LED unit, so as to achieve a second dimming control of
the first LED and the second LED.
18. The method of claim 13, further comprising boosting the received AC voltage by
a boost circuit to allow the regulated AC voltage to be greater than the AC voltage
received from the AC voltage source.
19. The method of claim 13, wherein the AC voltage regulator comprises a dynamic
voltage restorer and wherein the method further comprises providing conditioning
of the AC voltage applied to the AC driven LED unit by the dynamic voltage
restorer.