Current converter circuit for airport ground lighting

Abstract

Methods, devices, and systems for current converter circuits for airfield ground lighting are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a bidirectional switch, an inductor that stores energy in response to the bidirectional switch being turned on, and an output capacitor that releases power to an LED, wherein the bidirectional switch can be turned off in response to a voltage across the output capacitor being less than a threshold voltage to discharge the inductor to the output capacitor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to methods, apparatus, and systems for current converter circuits for airfield ground lighting. Background Art

[0002] Airports may include lighting systems that provide visual cues and / or signals for the airport. For example, an airport lighting system may include lamps to direct aircraft and / or other vehicles into and / or around the airport. In some cases, airport lighting systems may be mandated by regulatory agencies such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and / or the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Airport lighting systems may provide a safe and efficient way to regulate airport traffic.

[0003] Airport lighting may include light emitting diodes (LEDs) as light sources. For example, airport lighting may include LEDs to provide visual cues and / or signals to aircraft and / or other vehicles in and / or around approach areas, runways, taxiways, etc. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Figure 1 is an example of a system of a current converter circuit for airfield ground lighting according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0005] Figure 2 is an example of a current converter circuit for airfield ground lighting according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0006] Figure 3 is an example of an airfield ground lighting circuit of a current converter circuit for airfield ground lighting according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0007] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustration of a method for operating a current converter circuit for airfield ground lighting according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0008] Methods, devices, and systems for current converter circuits for airfield ground lighting are described herein. In some examples, one or more embodiments include a bidirectional switch, an inductor that stores energy in response to the bidirectional switch being turned on, and an output capacitor that releases power to an LED, wherein the bidirectional switch can be turned off in response to a voltage across the output capacitor being less than a threshold voltage to discharge the inductor to the output capacitor.

[0009] Airport lights may be located in and / or around an airport surface. As used herein, the term "airport light" refers to a lighting unit that includes an electric lamp and associated wiring. For example, an airport light may include an LED light source and may be located around an approach route, installed in a runway, taxiway, intersection, etc. in an airport surface.

[0010] Utilizing LEDs as light sources in airport lighting fixtures may allow the lighting fixtures to have longer operating lives and / or less maintenance relative to previous approaches. For example, LEDs may operate longer, be more energy efficient, and / or be replaced less frequently than halogen light sources. Thus, LEDs may allow for cost savings relative to previous approaches.

[0011] Airport lighting fixtures utilizing LED light sources may be solid-state devices and, therefore, may be more durable than halogen light sources. However, as solid-state devices, airport lighting fixtures including LED light sources may include certain operating conditions in order to operate in a manner similar to halogen light sources. For example, because LED light source airport lighting fixtures utilize active switches in the circuit, the power supply system for the LED light source may become unstable.

[0012] A current converter circuit for airport ground lighting according to the present disclosure can be used to reliably operate LED light sources in airport lamps. The current converter circuit can utilize an inductor and a bidirectional switch to allow the inductor to release stored energy to an output capacitor, which can provide stable power to the LED across the alternating current (AC) cycle of the AC source. Therefore, compared to previous approaches, the current converter circuit can provide a near-unity input power factor that is compatible with existing airport infrastructure (such as thyristor and insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) type power regulators) while providing simple and reliable performance in a compact form factor.

[0013] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof. The drawings show, by way of illustration, the manner in which one or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced.

[0014] These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to practice one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and process, electrical and / or structural changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0015] It should be understood that the elements shown in the various embodiments herein may be added, exchanged, combined and / or eliminated to provide multiple additional embodiments of the present disclosure. The proportions and relative sizes of the elements provided in the accompanying drawings are intended to illustrate embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be limiting.

[0016] The figures herein follow the following numbering convention: one or more first digits correspond to the figure number, and the remaining digits identify the element or component in the figure. Similar elements or components between different figures may be identified by using similar numerals. For example, 102 may refer to Figure 1 Component "02" in , and Figure 2 Similar elements in may be referenced as 202 .

[0017] As used herein, "a" or "several" things may refer to one or more such things, while "plurality" things may refer to more than one such things. For example, "a plurality of components" may refer to one or more components, while "plurality of components" may refer to more than one component.

[0018] Figure 1 1 is an example of a system 100 of a current converter circuit for airfield ground lighting according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The system 100 may include an alternating current (AC) source 102, an input capacitor 104, a bidirectional switch 106, an inductor 108, an output capacitor 110, a controller 112, a light emitting diode (LED) driver 114, an LED 116, and a diode 124.

[0019] like Figure 1 As shown, the bidirectional switch 106 may be coupled to the inductor 108 and controlled by the controller 112. As used herein, the term "bidirectional switch" refers to a device that allows bidirectional current flow when turned on and blocks bidirectional current flow when turned off. For example, the bidirectional switch 106 may allow current to flow through the bidirectional switch 106 in both directions when turned on (e.g., by the controller 112), and block current from flowing through the bidirectional switch 106 when turned off (e.g., by the controller 112).

[0020] Although for the sake of clarity and so as not to obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 1 Although not shown in the figure, the bidirectional switch 106 may include a first metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) and a second MOSFET. For example, the bidirectional switch 106 may utilize the first MOSFET and the second MOSFET to allow current to flow through the bidirectional switch 106 in both directions when turned on, and to prevent current from flowing through the bidirectional switch 106 when turned off, such as in combination with Figure 2 Further described.

[0021] AC source 102 can provide current to system 100. As used herein, the term "AC source" refers to a point of origin of current where the direction of flow of electrons switches back and forth in a regular cycle. AC source 102 can be used to power airport lighting fixtures at an airport. For example, LED 116 can be included in an airport lighting fixture, and AC source 102 can provide current to power LED 116, as further described herein. Although not described herein for the sake of clarity and to not obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 1 1, but an AC source regulator may be connected between the AC source 102 and the input capacitor 104 to maintain a constant current in the range of 2.8 amperes (A) to 6.6 A, thereby regulating the light intensity of the LED 116, such as in combination with Figure 3 Further described.

[0022] As used herein, the term "LED" refers to a semiconductor light source that emits light when current flows through it. For example, LED 116 may be a semiconductor light source included in an airport light fixture. When current flows through LED 116, LED 116 may emit visible light. The light emitted from LED 116 may provide visual cues and / or signals for the airport.

[0023] like Figure 1 As shown, inductor 108 may be coupled to input capacitor 104, bidirectional switch 106, and diode 124. As used herein, the term "inductor" refers to an electrical device that stores energy in a magnetic field when current flows through it. For example, inductor 108 may store energy in response to bidirectional switch 106 being turned on and current (e.g., from AC source 102) flowing through inductor 108.

[0024] like Figure 1 As shown, output capacitor 110 can be coupled to diode 124 and LED driver 114. As used herein, the term "capacitor" refers to an electrical device that stores electrical energy in an electric field. Output capacitor 110 can receive energy from inductor 108 and can release the stored energy to power LED 116, as further described herein.

[0025] The system 100 may include a controller 112. The controller 112 may monitor various characteristics of the current converter circuit and control the operation of various components of the current converter system. For example, the controller 112 may monitor the voltage across the output capacitor 110. In addition, the controller 112 may control the operation of the bidirectional switch 106 and the LED driver 114.

[0026] The bidirectional switch 106 may be turned off in response to the voltage across the output capacitor 110 being less than a threshold voltage to discharge the inductor 108 to the output capacitor 110. For example, the controller 112 may monitor the voltage across the output capacitor 110. In response to the monitored voltage across the output capacitor 110 being less than the threshold voltage, the controller 112 may switch the bidirectional switch 106 from being turned on (e.g., a state in which the bidirectional switch 106 may allow current to flow bidirectionally through the bidirectional switch 106) to being turned off (e.g., a state in which the bidirectional switch 106 may prevent current from flowing through the bidirectional switch 106). As a result of the bidirectional switch 106 being turned off, energy stored in the inductor 108 may be released to the output capacitor 110.

[0027] like Figure 1 As shown, diode 124 may be coupled to inductor 108 and output capacitor 110. As used herein, the term "diode" refers to an electrical device that conducts current primarily in one direction. Diode 124 may include multiple diodes and / or refer to multiple diodes, and may direct energy released from inductor 108 to output capacitor 110 based on the input cycle of AC source 102, such as in combination with Figure 2 Further described.

[0028] The output capacitor 110 can release energy to power the LED 116 via the LED driver 114. As used herein, the term "LED driver" refers to a device that converts a higher voltage AC current into a lower voltage direct current (DC) to power the LED. For example, the LED driver 114 can regulate the power provided to the LED 116 from the AC source 102 and the current converter circuit to prevent the LED 116 from being provided with power outside the rated operating parameters of the LED 116, which can prevent the LED 116 from being damaged or destroyed.

[0029] The controller 112 may use pulse width modulation (PWM) to control the intensity of the light emitted by the LED 116. As used herein, the term "PWM" refers to a method of reducing the average power delivered by an electrical signal by dividing the signal into discrete high and low portions within a specific time interval. For example, the controller 112 may reduce the power delivered by the LED driver 114 to the LED 116 by changing the high portion of the electrical control signal delivered to the LED driver 114 within a specific time interval, thereby controlling the intensity of the light emitted by the LED 116. As an example, controlling the intensity of the light output of the LED 116 may be used for different categories (CAT) of operating conditions (e.g., CAT-I, CAT-II, or CAT-III) for instrument landing system (ILS) operations at an airport.

[0030] Figure 22 is an example of a current converter circuit 220 for airfield ground lighting according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The current converter circuit 220 may include an AC source 202, an input capacitor 204, a bidirectional switch 206, an inductor 208, an output capacitor 210, an LED 216, and diodes 224-1, 224-2, 224-3, 224-4. The bidirectional switch 206 may include a first metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor (MOSFET) 222-1 and a second MOSFET 222-2.

[0031] like Figure 2 As shown, the first MOSFET 222-1 can be coupled to the inductor 208 and the diodes 224-1 and 224-3, and the second MOSFET 222-2 can be coupled to the inductor 208 and the diodes 224-2 and 224-4. As used herein, the term "MOSFET" refers to a device that is an insulated gate field effect transistor type used to switch electrical signals in a circuit. For example, the first MOSFET 222-1 and the second MOSFET 222-2 can be used in conjunction with each other to switch the bidirectional switch 206 from on to off and / or vice versa.

[0032] The first MOSFET 222-1 and the second MOSFET 222-2 may be connected to the input capacitor 204. For example, the input capacitor 204 may be connected to the source of the first MOSFET 222-1 and the source of the second MOSFET 222-2.

[0033] The input capacitor 204 may be connected to the AC source 202 and may be charged in response to the bidirectional switch 206 being turned on. The input capacitor 204 may be charged to a voltage equal to the on-state resistance of the first MOSFET 222-1 and the DC resistance of the inductor 208. The input capacitor 204 may buffer the current converter circuit 220 and maintain a predetermined ripple voltage for the current converter circuit 220.

[0034] Although the current converter circuit 220 Figure 2 200 is shown as including a single input capacitor 204, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the current converter circuit 220 may include a plurality of input capacitors 204 (eg, a group of input capacitors).

[0035] The inductor 208 may be connected between the first MOSFET 222-1 and the second MOSFET 222-2. For example, the inductor 208 may be connected between the drain of the first MOSFET 222-1 and the drain of the second MOSFET 222-2. Therefore, the inductor 208 may store energy in response to the bidirectional switch 206 being turned on. For example, when current flows through the first MOSFET 222-1, the inductor 208, and the second MOSFET 222-2, the inductor 208 may store energy.

[0036] Output capacitor 210 may be connected to inductor 208 and LED 216. Although not shown in the figure for the sake of clarity and so as not to obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 2 2, but the output capacitor 210 can be connected to the LED 216 via the LED driver. The output capacitor 210 can discharge to power the LED 216. The inductor 208 can release energy to the output capacitor 210, as further described herein.

[0037] Although the current converter circuit 220 Figure 2 2. The current converter circuit 220 is shown as including a single output capacitor 210, but the embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited thereto. For example, the current converter circuit 220 may include multiple output capacitors 210 (eg, a group of output capacitors) for discharging to power the LED 216.

[0038] like Figure 2 As shown, the current converter 220 may include four diodes 224. A first diode 224-1 may be connected to the drain of the first MOSFET 222-1 and the output capacitor 210. A second diode 224-2 may be connected to the drain of the second MOSFET 222-2 and the output capacitor 210. A third diode 224-3 may be connected to the source of the first MOSFET 222-1. A fourth diode 224-4 may be connected to the source of the second MOSFET 222-2. The current path through the current converter circuit 220 and through the diodes 224 may be based on the period of the AC source 202, as further described herein.

[0039] Although for the sake of clarity and so as not to obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure, Figure 2 2 , the current converter circuit 220 may be connected to a controller. The controller may monitor the voltage across the output capacitor 210. In response to the voltage across the capacitor being less than a threshold voltage, the controller may switch the bidirectional switch 206 to open.

[0040] Since the bidirectional switch 206 is open, the inductor 208 can discharge to the output capacitor 210. The current path from the inductor 208 to the output capacitor 210 can be based on the cycle of the AC source 202. For example, the specific diode 224 that conducts the current from the discharge inductor 208 can depend on whether the bidirectional switch 206 is switched from on to off when the AC source 202 is in an input positive cycle or an input negative cycle, as further described herein.

[0041] As described above, the current path through converter circuit 220 and through diode 224 can be based on the cycle of AC source 202. During the input positive cycle of AC source 202 and when bidirectional switch 206 is turned on, the current from AC source 202 can be from point A (e.g., Figure 2 The current flows from the inductor 208 to the first MOSFET 222-1 (the point surrounded by a circle on the current converter circuit 220 shown), then to point B, then to point C through the inductor 208, and then back to the AC source 202 at point D. During the input positive cycle of the AC source 202 and when the bidirectional switch 206 is turned on, the inductor 208 can store energy.

[0042] In response to the bidirectional switch 206 being turned off (e.g., during an input positive cycle of the AC source 202), the inductor 208 may discharge to the output capacitor 210. In response to the inductor 208 discharging, the second diode 224-2 may direct current to the output capacitor 210, and the third diode 224-3 may direct current from the output capacitor 210 to the first MOSFET 222-1. Thus, during an input positive cycle of the AC source 202 and when the bidirectional switch 206 is turned off, current may flow from point C (e.g., in response to the inductor 208 discharging) through the second diode 224-2 to point E, then from point E to the output capacitor 210, then from the output capacitor 210 to point F, and then from point F through the third diode 224-3 to the first MOSFET 222-1. This current may flow to the internal diode 223-1 coupled to the first MOSFET 222-1.

[0043] During the input negative cycle of the AC source 202 and when the bidirectional switch 206 is turned on, the current from the AC source 202 may flow from point D to the second MOSFET 222-2, then to point C, then through the inductor 208 to point B, and then return to the AC source 202 at point A. During the input negative cycle of the AC source 202 and when the bidirectional switch 206 is turned on, the inductor 208 may store energy.

[0044] In response to the bidirectional switch 206 being turned off (e.g., during an input negative cycle of the AC source 202), the inductor 208 may discharge to the output capacitor 210. In response to the inductor 208 discharging, the first diode 224-1 may direct current to the output capacitor 210, and the fourth diode 224-4 may direct current from the output capacitor 210 to the second MOSFET 222-2. Thus, during an input negative cycle of the AC source 202 and when the bidirectional switch 206 is turned off, current may flow from point B (e.g., in response to the inductor 208 discharging) through the first diode 224-1 to point E, then from point E to the output capacitor 210, then from the output capacitor 210 to point F, and then from point F through the fourth diode 224-4 to the second MOSFET 222-2. This current may flow to the internal diode 223-2 coupled to the second MOSFET 222-2.

[0045] Figure 3 3 is an example of an airfield ground lighting circuit 340 of a current converter circuit for airfield ground lighting according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The airfield ground lighting circuit 340 may include an AC mains 352, a constant current regulator 342, airfield lamps 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, 302-4, 302-N, and series isolation transformers 344-1, 344-2, 344-3, 344-4, 344-N. The constant current regulator 342 may include a power transformer 346, an input filter 348, and a feedback control 350.

[0046] like Figure 3 As shown, the airport ground lighting circuit 340 may include airport lights 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, 302-4, 302-N. The airport lights 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, 302-4, 302-N may include LEDs that may be used to guide aircraft and / or other vehicles in and / or around an airport.

[0047] The airfield lights 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, 302-4, 302-N may be connected to the airfield ground lighting circuit 340 via series isolation transformers 344-1, 344-2, 344-3, 344-4, 344-N, respectively. As used herein, the term "series isolation transformer" refers to a device for transferring power from a power source to a load. For example, the series isolation transformers 344-1, 344-2, 344-3, 344-4, 344-N may transfer power from the AC mains 352 to each of the airfield lights 302-1, 302-2, 302-3, 302-4, 302-N, respectively.

[0048] like Figure 3As shown, the airfield ground lighting circuit 340 may be connected to an AC mains 352. As used herein, the term "AC mains" refers to a power source for providing power to the airfield ground lighting circuit 330. The AC mains 352 may provide 50 Hz / 60 Hz AC power in the range of 2.8 A to 6.6 A, but embodiments of the present disclosure are not limited to 50 Hz / 60 Hz AC power and / or the range of 2.8 A to 6.6 A.

[0049] The AC mains 352 may provide power to the airfield ground lighting circuit 340 via a constant current regulator 342. As used herein, the term "constant current regulator" refers to a device for regulating AC power. For example, the constant current regulator 342 may regulate the current from the AC mains 352 by providing a current in the range of 2.8A to 6.6A to the airfield ground lighting circuit 340, as well as provide isolation between the AC mains 342 and the rest of the airfield ground lighting circuit 340 in the event of a power surge.

[0050] The constant current regulator 342 may include a power transformer 346. The power transformer 346 may isolate the AC signal (eg, from the AC mains 352) from the airfield ground lighting circuit 340.

[0051] The power transformer 346 may be connected to an input filter 348. The input filter 348 may attenuate ripple that may occur due to the operation of the constant current regulator 342.

[0052] The constant current regulator 342 may include a feedback control 350. The feedback control 350 may include a controller (referred to herein for clarity and to not obscure the embodiments of the present disclosure). Figure 3 ), the controller may monitor the input current from the AC mains 352 to keep the input voltage and current of the AC signal in phase.

[0053] Figure 4 is a flowchart example of a method 426 for operating a current converter circuit for airfield ground lighting according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The method 426 may be performed by a current converter circuit (e.g., as previously described in conjunction with Figure 1 The current converter circuit 220) and the controller (eg, previously combined Figure 1 The controller 112) is executed.

[0054] At 428, method 426 may include shunting an input capacitor by a bidirectional switch including a first MOSFET and a second MOSFET in response to the bidirectional switch being turned on to provide current to an inductor connected between a drain of the first MOSFET and a drain of the second MOSFET. The input capacitor may be connected to an AC source. Shunting the input capacitor may allow current to flow through the inductor (e.g., when the bidirectional switch is turned on). As current flows through the inductor, the inductor may store energy.

[0055] As previously combined Figure 2 The AC source may include an input positive cycle and an input negative cycle. During the input positive cycle, current may be directed from the AC source, from the first MOSFET through the inductor, and then back to the AC source. During the input negative cycle, current may be directed from the AC source, from the second MOSFET through the inductor, and then back to the AC source.

[0056] At 430, method 426 may include: switching the bidirectional switch from on to off in response to the voltage across the output capacitor being less than a threshold voltage. For example, the controller may monitor the voltage across the output capacitor. In response to the voltage across the output capacitor being less than the threshold voltage, the controller may switch the bidirectional switch from on to off.

[0057] At 432, method 426 may include: releasing energy of the inductor to the output capacitor by the inductor in response to the bidirectional switch being turned off. As described above, the inductor may store energy when the bidirectional switch is turned on. The energy stored by the inductor may be released to the output capacitor in response to the bidirectional switch being turned off by the controller, and may be conducted by a diode of the current converter circuit, as further described herein.

[0058] During the input positive cycle of the AC source, the current released from the inductor can be guided to the output capacitor by the second diode, and the current from the output capacitor can be guided to the first MOSFET by the third diode. During the input negative cycle of the AC source, the current released from the inductor can be guided to the output capacitor by the first diode, and the current from the output capacitor can be guided to the second MOSFET by the fourth diode.

[0059] The switching of the bidirectional switch may occur at a predetermined switching frequency. For example, the bidirectional switch may switch at 100 kilohertz (KHz) based on the AC source providing a current in the range of 2.8A to 6.6A. Such switching allows the inductor to store energy when the bidirectional switch is turned on, and allows the stored energy of the inductor to be released to the output capacitor when the bidirectional switch is turned off.

[0060] At 434, method 426 may include, in response to the inductor releasing energy to the output capacitor, powering the LED through the discharge of the output capacitor. For example, the output capacitor may provide energy to power the LED so that the LED may emit visible light. The light emitted from the LED may provide a visual cue and / or signal to the airport to guide aircraft and / or other vehicles in and / or around the airport.

[0061] The current converter circuit according to the present disclosure can be used to provide a compact, simple and reliable way to operate LED light sources in airfield luminaires located on an airfield. Using an inductor to store energy when the bidirectional switch is on allows the stored energy of the inductor to be released to an output capacitor when the bidirectional switch is off, wherein the output capacitor can power the LEDs in the airfield luminaire, which can provide stable power to the LEDs across the AC cycle of the AC source.

[0062] Although specific implementations have been illustrated and described herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that any arrangement calculated to achieve the same technique may be substituted for the specific implementations shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all modifications or variations of various implementations of the present disclosure.

[0063] It should be understood that the above description is given in an illustrative rather than limiting manner.By reading the above description, combinations of the above embodiments, as well as other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0064] The scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure includes any other applications using the above-described structures and methods.The scope of the various embodiments of the present disclosure should therefore be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

[0065] In the above detailed description, various features are grouped together in the exemplary embodiments shown in the drawings for the purpose of simplifying the disclosure. This method of disclosure should not be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the embodiments of the present disclosure require more features than are expressly recited in each claim.

[0066] Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive subject matter lies in less than all features of a single disclosed embodiment.Thus the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment.

Claims

1. A current converter circuit (220) for airport ground lighting, comprising: A bidirectional switch (106, 206) comprising a first metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor MOSFET (222-1) and a second MOSFET (222-2); an inductor (108, 208) configured to store energy from an alternating current (AC) power source in response to the bidirectional switch (106, 206) being turned on, wherein the current converter circuit (220) is configured to be connected to the AC power source (102, 202); Light emitting diode LED (116, 216); an output capacitor (110, 210) configured to discharge to power one of the LEDs (116, 216); A first diode (224-1) connected to the drain of the first MOSFET (222-1) and the output capacitor (110, 210) a second diode (224-2) connected to the drain of the second MOSFET (222-2) and the output capacitor (110, 210); a third diode (224-3) connected to the source of the first MOSFET (222-1); a fourth diode (224-4) connected to the source of the second MOSFET (222-2); as well as A controller (112) is configured to switch the bidirectional switch (106, 206) from on to off in response to a voltage across the output capacitor (110, 210) being less than a threshold voltage so as to discharge the inductor (108, 208) into the output capacitor (110, 210).

2. The current converter circuit (220) of claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to monitor the voltage across the output capacitor (110, 210).

3. The current converter circuit (220) of claim 1, wherein the current converter circuit (220) further comprises an input capacitor (104) connected to an AC power source and configured to charge to a voltage equal to an on-state resistance of the first MOSFET (222-1) and a direct current (DC) resistance of the inductor (108, 208).

4. The current converter circuit (220) of claim 3, wherein the input capacitor (104) is configured to buffer the current converter circuit (220) to maintain a predetermined ripple voltage.

5. The current converter circuit (220) of claim 1, wherein the output capacitor (110, 210) is configured to discharge to power the LED (116, 216) via an LED driver (114).

6. The current converter circuit (220) of claim 1, wherein the current converter circuit (220) further comprises a controller (112) configured to control the intensity of the LED (116, 216) using pulse width modulation.

7. The current converter circuit (220) of claim 1, wherein the bidirectional switch (106, 206) is configured to switch from on to off at a predetermined switching frequency.

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