Input Voltage Sensing for Switching Power Converters and Triode-Based Dimmers

Abstract

Described herein is an electronic lighting system and method for controlling energy provided to electronic lighting devices, such as one or more light emitting diodes (LEDs) and / or compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs), of the electronic lighting system. AC triode based dimmers will phase cut the line voltage supplied to the electronic lighting system. Controllers for electronic lighting systems utilize detection systems to overcome the characteristics of triode-based dimmers to allow the controller to detect and sense line voltage. To reduce power consumption, the controller periodically or intermittently detects the triac-based dimmer output voltage instead of detecting every cycle of the triac-based dimmer output voltage.

Description

[0001] Cross References to Related Applications [0002] This US patent application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to US Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 503,357, filed June 30, 2011, which is hereby incorporated by reference. This application is also claimed under 35 U.S.C. §120 and 37 C.F.R. §1.78 of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 539,004 filed June 29, 2012 and entitled "Input Voltage Sensing For A Switching Power Converter And A Triac-Based Dimmer ”, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference. [0003] This U.S. patent application is a continuation-in-part and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of: [0004] 1. U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 194,531, entitled "POWERING HIGH-EFFICIENCYLIGHTING DEVICES FROM A TRIAC-BASED DIMMER," filed July 29, 2011; [0005] 2. U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 217,174, entitled "MULTI-MODE DIMMER INTERFACING INCLUDING ATTACH STATE CONTROL," filed August 24, 2011, inventors: Eric J. King and John L...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Therefore, without interference, the electronic lighting equipment can draw less than the holding current, causing the triode to prematurely connect the load and disconnect the input voltage during the phase cut period when it should remain non-conductive.

Also, some circuits can cause the triac to disconnect prematurely after a phase cut of the input voltage

[0014] Improper operation of triode-based dimmers can make it difficult to detect input voltage zero crossings

Improper detection or failure to detect input voltage zero crossings can disrupt the normal operation of the controller controlling electronic lighting equipment

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