Solid state LED bridge rectifier light engine

Abstract

A solid-state light engine comprised of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured into a bridge rectifier with a current limiting module coupled to the LED bridge rectifier. The light engine may be packaged for high temperature operation. Optionally, the LEDs comprise wavelength-converting phosphors with a persistence that is a multiple of the peak to peak current period, to smooth and mask ripple frequency pulsation of emitted light.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 685,680, filed May 27, 2005, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] Embodiments of the invention relate to a solid-state light engine that is directly compatible with alternating current (AC) input power, without the need for a separate rectification module, but that can also alternatively be powered by direct current (DC) input power. [0004] 2. Related Art [0005] In many lighting applications, solid-state light engines are superior to conventional incandescent lamps. Beneficially, solid-state light engines can, in certain circumstances, achieve an almost 20% improvement in efficiency and an extended lifetime (e.g. exceeding 50,000 hours) as compared to incandescent lamps. [0006] Traditional solid-state light engines are powered by a direct current or puls...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The invention is a solid state light engine that can be powered directly by an AC input line, without the need for separate power conditioning. It uses LEDs in a novel way by configuring them into a bridge rectifier to produce useful light directly from an AC power source. The light engine can be connected to a current limiting element and can be powered by either AC or DC power. The LEDs can emit any of a number of colors of light, depending on the type of LED used. The use of phosphors can further smooth any frequency pulsation or ripple of light emitted from the light engine. The light engine arrangement can be used as a solid-state replacement for conventional incandescent lamps or low-voltage halogen lamps, without compromising its increased useful life."

Problems solved by technology

Although full-wave bridge rectifiers are known in the art, they utilize non-light emitting diodes, and are used to convert AC current to DC current for use as a power source for external electronic components, not to produce useful illumination.

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