Driver extension module for retrofitting a driver

Abstract

Driver extension module (50) for retrofitting a driver (8) with at least one adjustable output parameter, comprising: a. an interface (51) for connecting the driver extension module (50) to the driver (8), and b. a control unit (53), wherein the control unit (53) is configured to send a control signal to a control input of the driver (8) in order to adjust the at least one output parameter of the driver (8), and wherein the driver extension module (50) is configured such that an output current of the driver (8) can flow through the driver extension module (50), and wherein the driver extension module (50) is configured to communicate with another driver extension module (50') for exchanging data and / or signals, wherein the communication with another driver extension module (50') can take place via a network interface of the driver (8) for connecting the driver (8) to a base module of a network setup (1).

Description

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to electrical drivers. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to driver expansion modules for retrofitting a driver.

[0002] Electrical drivers are known for providing an output current or output voltage, particularly for driving an electrical load. For some driver control applications, particularly LED drivers, precise control of the output current or output power is required. For example, relatively small deviations in the output parameters of LED drivers can impair the quality of the light generated by an LED light engine. Particularly in applications that require precise color mixing of light generated by multi-colored LEDs, such as museum lighting, these deviations in the output parameters of drivers, as well as aging processes and manufacturing tolerances in LEDs, can lead to a noticeable deterioration in the quality of the light. To achieve precise color mixing despite this, high-precision adjustable drivers are used, although this is usually not possible.is associated with high costs.

[0003] The document US 2019 / 0 166 673 A1 describes a test device for a lighting system, wherein the test device comprises a microcontroller and a voltage regulator for regulating the output voltage. The document DE 20 2015 104 940 U1 describes a connection terminal for the electrical connection of bus-capable operating devices for lamps, wherein the connection terminal comprises input and output connections and a voltage conditioning unit. The document DE 10 2010 003 597 A1 describes an operating device for operating a lamp, wherein the operating device has an interface for connection to a bus line and a transmission branch coupled to the interface. The document EP 2 194 762 A1 describes a method for controlling and monitoring an emergency and safety lighting system with a luminaire connected to a central station and a monitoring and control module assigned to the luminaire.

[0004] An object of embodiments of the present disclosure is to provide a cost-effective way to control output parameters of electrical drivers.

[0005] To achieve this object, according to a first aspect, a driver extension module is provided for retrofitting a driver or a driver module with at least one adjustable output parameter. The driver extension module comprises an interface for connecting the driver extension module to the driver, and a control unit or logic, wherein the control unit is configured to send control signals to a control input of the driver in order to adjust the at least one output parameter of the driver.The driver extension module is configured such that the output current of the driver can flow via the driver extension module, and wherein the driver extension module is configured to communicate with another driver extension module for exchanging data and / or signals, wherein the communication with another driver extension module can be performed via a network interface of the driver for connecting the driver to a base module of a network structure.

[0006] The control unit can, in particular, comprise a microcontroller with a processor for data processing, with a memory unit for storing data and machine-readable code for the processor, and with an interface for connecting the control unit to the communication bus. The control unit or the microcontroller can further comprise one or more additional interfaces, in particular for configuring digital inputs and outputs and / or for translating measurement signals. Configuring the control unit to execute specific actions means, in this context, that corresponding data and / or machine-readable instructions for the processor are stored in the memory unit of the control unit to execute these actions.

[0007] The driver can be designed in particular as an LED driver, in particular for driving an LED light engine. The at least one output parameter of the driver can comprise an output current and / or an output voltage or output power of the driver. The data stored in the memory unit can in particular contain LED-specific data, such as aging data of the LEDs used in an LED light engine. With the driver extension module, the at least one output parameter of the driver, which can in principle be designed as a standard driver, can be adapted taking into account the LED-specific data of the LED light engine or taking into account the aging processes of the LEDs, without having to replace the driver with a special high-quality driver. By subsequently adapting the at least one output parameter, subsequent passive control orCorrection of at least one output parameter of the driver can be achieved on the basis of the data stored in the memory unit.

[0008] In particular, the driver extension module can be designed to be connected to an output side of the driver, in such a way that the at least one output parameter, in particular the output current and / or output voltage, is passed on by the driver extension module to the consumer or to the LED light engine.

[0009] In some embodiments, the driver extension module may comprise a sensor or measuring device for detecting or monitoring a current value of the at least one output parameter, wherein the control unit may be configured to adjust the at least one output parameter of the driver based on the detected current value.

[0010] With the driver extension module, a driver that does not itself have a device for monitoring its output parameters and / or adjusting them can be easily expanded to include these functions, in particular monitoring or actively adjusting or correcting output parameters. Monitoring the driver output or at least one output parameter of the driver can also be used to compensate for any offsets that may arise, in particular, due to component tolerances. Thus, drivers that do not originally provide for compensation of this offset can be easily retrofitted with offset correction using the driver extension module. By retrofitting the driver with the driver extension module, the driver can be upgraded to meet the requirements applicable to higher product classes.The development of own variants of drivers for any additional functions can be avoided by the driver extension module, as the additional functions are provided by the driver extension module connected to a standard driver.

[0011] The driver extension module makes it possible to achieve precise output currents or voltages without changing the driver design. In particular, this eliminates the need for high-quality or highly intelligent drivers with special driver designs. This is particularly costly, especially in cases where only small quantities are expected, as such drivers must be specially developed and are typically more complex than drivers without this function. Precise calibration measurements or active driver correction on the production line, which are also associated with high costs, can also be avoided by retrofitting the drivers with the driver extension module.

[0012] In some embodiments, the control unit is configured to adjust or regulate the at least one output parameter both passively and actively. The driver extension module can be configured such that the two operating modes can be selected or switched between, depending on the application. In particular, switching between the operating modes can occur through user intervention or automatically, especially if the control unit does not receive the information required for active control, particularly about the load.

[0013] The driver extension module can be designed to operate drivers with multiple output channels or multi-channel drivers, so that the control or correction function can be performed for one, two, more than two, or all output channels of the multi-channel driver. In particular, the driver extension module can be designed to correct or stabilize only a portion of the driver or only a subset of all output channels of a multi-channel driver. For example, in a system, in particular in a lighting system or LMS (Light Management System), with more than one driver or more than one driver channel, the correction of at least one output parameter can be carried out independently of the number of driver channels, in particular in an application-specific or cost-optimized manner.

[0014] The control unit can be configured to determine or calculate a current value of a junction temperature (JT) or temperature of a semiconductor junction of an LED, in particular of an LED light engine, based on a driver output voltage detected by the sensor system, and to adjust the at least one output parameter of the driver based on the current JT value. By taking the JT of the LED into account, any temperature dependencies of LED parameters can be accounted for when controlling the LED light engine. In particular, LEDs can exhibit different temperature-related color shifts depending on the material class, phosphor combination, and CCT (Correlated Color Temperature).The information about the current values ​​of the LED's JT can be used to compensate for temperature-dependent color shifts in light engines with differently colored LEDs, which are driven, for example, by output currents of different output channels of the driver, by adjusting the output currents.

[0015] The driver extension module can be configured to communicate with another compatible, identical, or similar driver extension module for exchanging data and / or signals. In particular, the driver extension module can have a communication interface for wireless and / or wired communication, so that communication with the other driver extension module can take place via the communication interface. The ability to exchange data, signals, or messages with another driver extension module enables coordinated operation of multiple driver extension modules, particularly in a system with two or more drivers or a multi-driver system.

[0016] The driver extension module can be configured to communicate with another driver extension module via a network interface of the driver for connecting the driver, in particular via a communication bus, to a base module of a network structure. Thus, networks of such drivers retrofitted with driver extension modules can be provided, enabling coordinated cooperation between the drivers.

[0017] According to a second aspect, a driver with at least one adjustable output parameter is provided. The driver comprises an interface, in particular a control interface, for connecting a driver extension module, in particular according to the first aspect, so that the output current of the driver can flow via the driver extension module, and a control input for receiving a control signal from the driver extension module, wherein the driver is configured to adjust the at least one output parameter based on the control signal received from the driver extension module.

[0018] The driver comprises a network interface for connecting the driver to a base module of a network structure via a communication bus, in particular via an internal communication bus. The driver is configured such that the driver extension module can communicate with another driver extension module via the driver's network interface. The base module of the network structure can, in particular, comprise a logic unit or logic module configured to be connected to the communication bus, in particular to an internal communication bus of the network structure, for providing communication between the logic unit and one or more extension modules or peripherals, in particular one or more functional devices and / or communication modules, for expanding or providing the functions of the network structure.

[0019] The communication bus can be configured, in particular, to transmit data or signals between the logic unit and the expansion modules. In some embodiments, the communication bus is configured to supply one or more expansion modules with electrical power. The communication bus can, in particular, comprise signal lines for serial communication or transmission of messages and / or supply lines for supplying power to the expansion modules or peripherals. In some embodiments, the communication bus is configured as part of the base module. In particular, the communication bus can be configured to be connected to a plurality of functional devices and / or communication modules as expansion modules in order to provide desired functionalities.

[0020] The logic unit represents, in particular, the central building block or node of such a network structure, via which, in particular, all network communication within the network structure can take place. The logic or the logic unit therefore plays a central role in such a modular network structure. The logic unit can forward, process and / or modify information according to the intended operating scenarios. The logic unit can, in particular, comprise a microcontroller with a processor for data processing, with a memory unit for storing data and machine-readable code for the processor, and with an interface for connecting the logic unit to the communication bus. The logic unit or the microcontroller of the logic unit can further comprise one or more further interfaces, in particular for configuring digital inputs and outputs and / or for translating measurement signals.In this context, configuring the logic unit to perform specific actions means that corresponding machine-readable instructions for the processor are stored in the memory unit of the logic unit to perform these actions.

[0021] The logic unit can be configured such that communication via the communication bus between the logic unit and the expansion modules can take place, in particular exclusively, via a system-internal or proprietary communication protocol. The system-internal or proprietary communication protocol can, in particular, make unauthorized access to the communication bus of the network structure more difficult or impossible. In particular, the use of the system-internal or proprietary communication protocol can make it more difficult or impossible to connect non-certified or unauthorized expansion modules to the base module. Thus, the communication bus can serve as a protected, proprietary interface or ILB (Intra Luminaire Bus) for exchanging data or messages between the logic unit and the expansion modules or peripherals.

[0022] The functional devices or peripherals can in particular comprise sensors or various sensors, drivers, in particular LED drivers, push buttons and / or other devices. In the case of a luminaire, a functional device can be designed to detect or control the amount of light generated by the luminaire. A luminaire can in particular have one or more light sources. In particular, a luminaire can comprise a light source for generating indirect light, such as in a diffusely lit lighting device, and a light source for generating direct light, such as in a light spotlight. The amount of light can be controlled directly via the logic unit or via the LMS in which the luminaire is integrated. The functional devices can also be used to record and / or transmit data to the LMS. For example, the functional devices can comprise CO2 and / or temperature sensors that measure the current CO2 concentration orRecord or monitor the temperature value and provide the recorded data, for example, for the purpose of building maintenance. This information can also be used to optimize energy consumption or increase the efficiency of operational processes.

[0023] The one or more communication modules can comprise a module designed for wireless communication. The extension module can in particular comprise a ZigBee, Bluetooth or DALI interface. ZigBee® is a registered trademark of the ZigBee Alliance. Bluetooth® is a registered trademark of the Bluetooth Special Interest Group. DALI® (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a registered trademark of the international standardization consortium for lighting and building automation networks. By using standardized interfaces, functional devices connected to the communication module can be remotely controlled or integrated into an LMS using standard protocols. The communication module can in particular be designed to act as an interpreter between the logic unit and the LMS by communicating with the LMS using a standard protocol and via the internal or external LMS.A proprietary communication bus protocol communicates with the logic unit. An LMS enables customers to control different luminaires individually or in groups and define lighting scenes from simple to complex. An extension module can also be both a communication module and a functional device, for example, a ZigBee module with an integrated PIR (passive infrared) sensor.

[0024] Because the logic unit can be connected to one or more expansion modules via the communication bus, the network structure around the logic unit as a central unit or base module can be modularly and flexibly constructed or expanded. Thus, the base module can be used to create an intelligent luminaire bus system, allowing the customer to determine the functionality, complexity, and cost of control gear or luminaires and adapt them to their own needs. In particular, the base module represents a design platform that enables free and flexible use of functional devices, if necessary, in compliance with any norms, standards, and requirements in the desired device network or lighting management system.

[0025] The logic unit can be configured to search for an expansion module connected to the communication bus via the communication bus. This search function enables the logic unit to determine whether one or another expansion module has been connected to the communication module and to respond accordingly if necessary. The logic unit can be configured to configure an expansion module for the communication bus if the search reveals that the expansion module is connected to the communication bus. In particular, the logic unit can automatically configure a communication module connected to the communication bus as intended, so that, for example, configuring a communication module automatically initializes the network structure for an LMS.

[0026] The logic unit of the base module can have a further interface, in particular a plug-and-play interface, particularly for connecting a plug-and-play functional unit or a functional device that can be directly controlled by the logic unit via control signals. For example, an LED driver without microcontroller-based intelligence can be connected to the plug-and-play interface and directly controlled by the logic unit. In such a case, the LED driver's factory-set variables can be stored directly in the logic unit. Intelligent LED drivers with their own microcontrollers can be connected to the communication bus or ILB interface.

[0027] In addition to the base module, the network structure can comprise one or more expansion modules, in particular one or more functional devices and / or communication modules, for expanding the functions or providing the functions of the network structure, which can be connected to the communication bus to provide communication between the logic unit of the base module and the one or more expansion modules. The modular design of the network structure makes it possible to easily expand or retrofit the network structure with expansion modules. The network structure can comprise at least one light source, in particular at least one LED light source, and at least one driver, in particular an LED driver, for driving the at least one light source, wherein the at least one driver can be designed as a functional device that can be connected to the communication bus. In particular, the network structure can be designed as a light.Such a luminaire can be easily equipped with additional functions by connecting additional expansion modules, such as additional functional devices and / or communication modules, to the communication bus. The network structure can further comprise a plug-and-play LED driver that is connected to the plug-and-play interface of the logic unit and can be controlled directly by the logic unit. Thus, simple LED drivers that are not able to communicate with the logic unit via the system-internal communication bus can be controlled directly via the plug-and-play interface. The at least one expansion module can comprise at least one communication module for connecting the network structure to a network system or LMS, in particular via a standardized protocol.

[0028] In particular, the at least one communication module can be designed as a communication module for wireless communication with a network system or LMS.

[0029] An expansion module of the network structure can be configured by means of the logic unit, wherein the method comprises a search, in particular by the logic unit, for an expansion module connected to the communication bus. This search function enables the logic unit to determine whether one or another expansion module has been connected to the communication module in order to react accordingly if necessary. The method further comprises configuring an expansion module for the communication bus if the search reveals that the expansion module has been connected to the communication bus. Thus, the logic unit can automatically configure an expansion module connected to the communication bus as intended, so that, for example, by configuring an expansion module, the network structure can be automatically initialized for an LMS.The method can comprise querying whether the expansion module found during the search is a communication module, wherein the expansion module can be determined to represent a functional device present in the network structure by the communication module in a network if the query shows that the expansion module found during the search is a communication module. A communication module connected to the communication bus can thus, if appropriate, be automatically configured to connect the network structure to the network, in particular LMS. The representation can comprise notifying the communication module of the type of functional device present. If appropriate, the information about the type of functional device can thus be automatically passed on via the communication module to the network, in particular LMS. The method can further comprise sending network-relevant or-necessary factory settings of the functional device to the communication module. Thus, if necessary, information about the factory settings of the functional device can be automatically transmitted via the communication module to the network, especially the LMS.

[0030] In cases where the network setup includes an extension module configured as a luminaire, the network setup allows for subsequent calibration of the luminaires, particularly after proper installation. In particular, the calibration data can be recorded on a luminaire of the same type and transmitted to the network setup via an extension module configured as a communication module, particularly one with online capability. This allows such luminaires to be subsequently calibrated regardless of the installation and manufacturer.

[0031] According to a third aspect, a driver system is provided. The driver system comprises a first driver with at least one adjustable output parameter, wherein the first driver has an interface for connecting a first driver extension module, and a control input for receiving a control signal from the first driver extension module for setting the at least one output parameter. The driver system further comprises a second driver with at least one adjustable output parameter, wherein the second driver has an interface for connecting a second driver extension module and a control input for receiving a control signal from the second driver extension module for setting the at least one output parameter, wherein the first driver is designed to drive a first electrical load and the second driver is designed to drive a second electrical load.The first driver and the second driver each comprise a network interface for connecting the first driver and the second driver to a base module of a network structure, so that the driver extension module can communicate with another driver extension module via the network interface of the first driver and the second driver. The first driver extension module and the second driver extension module can be designed in particular according to the first aspect of the present disclosure described above. The first driver and the second driver can be designed in particular to control a first light engine and a second light engine, respectively. In particular, the first driver and the second driver can be designed as LED drivers for controlling a first LED light source or LED light engine and a second LED light source or LED light engine.The driver system thus allows simultaneous control of different LED light engines.

[0032] The first driver extension module and / or the second driver extension module can, in particular, each comprise a sensor system for detecting or monitoring a current value of at least one output parameter of the first or second driver, respectively. The first driver extension module or the second driver extension module can be configured to adapt the at least one output parameter of the first or second driver based on the detected current value of the at least one parameter. For drivers that do not themselves have a device for monitoring output parameters and / or adapting them, these functions can be easily expanded during retrofitting with the driver extension modules.

[0033] The first driver extension module and the second driver extension module can further be configured to communicate with each other for exchanging data and / or signals, in particular via an interface for wireless and / or wired communication. Due to the ability to exchange data, signals, or messages between the first driver extension module and the second driver extension module, the driver system allows the first driver and the second driver to be controlled in a coordinated manner.

[0034] The driver system can further comprise a network structure with a base module and with a communication bus, in particular an internal communication bus, in particular according to one of the network structures described above, wherein the first driver and the second driver are connected to the communication bus of the network structure, so that communication between the first driver extension module and the second driver extension module can take place via the first driver, via the second driver, and via the communication bus of the network structure. By connecting the drivers to the network structure, the network capability of the drivers can be improved, so that the drivers can be connected to an LMS with the network structure.

[0035] The first driver extension module can be configured to send a control signal to the second driver extension module, which causes the second driver extension module to control the second driver based on the control signal received from the first driver extension module. In particular, the first driver extension module can comprise a logic or driver system logic unit configured to control the second driver extension module. The driver system logic unit can, in particular, be part of the control unit of the first driver extension module or be implemented in software and / or hardware in the control unit.

[0036] The first driver extension module and the second driver extension module can each comprise a sensor system, wherein the second driver extension module can be configured to transmit the sensor data acquired by the sensor system of the second driver extension module to the first driver extension module, and wherein the first driver extension module can be configured to send control signals to the second driver extension module, which cause the second driver extension module to control the second driver based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor system of the first driver extension module and by the sensor system of the second driver extension module.

[0037] The ability to control the second driver extension module from the first driver extension module creates a clear hierarchical hierarchy between the driver extension modules, which can simplify coordinated collaboration between different drivers. The second driver extension module can also be less complex than the first driver extension module, as the majority of the computational power is handled by the first driver extension module. This allows for cost-optimized driver systems, particularly with a more powerful driver extension module (master module) and a less powerful module (slave module).

[0038] According to a further aspect, an LMS (Light Management System) is provided. The LMS comprises a first light source, in particular a first LED light source or LED light engine, a second light source, in particular a second LED light source or LED light engine, and a driver system according to one of the aspects described above, wherein the first driver of the driver system is designed to drive the first light source and the second driver of the driver system is designed to drive the second light source, and wherein the LMS comprises a network structure with a base module and a communication bus to which the first driver and the second driver are connected. Due to the ability to retrofit the drivers with the driver extension modules, such an LMS is characterized by high functionality and low costs.

[0039] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The same reference numerals are used throughout the figures for identical or equivalent parts. Fig. 1 shows schematically a network structure according to an embodiment, Fig. 2 shows schematically a network structure according to a further embodiment, Fig. 3 shows schematically a network structure according to another embodiment, Fig. 4 shows schematically a network structure according to another embodiment, Fig. 5 shows schematically a network structure according to another embodiment, Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for configuring an expansion module according to an embodiment, Fig. 7 shows a flowchart of a method for calibrating a luminaire, Fig. 8 shows a driver system according to an embodiment, Fig. 9 shows a dependence between temperature and forward voltage of an LED, and Fig. Figure 10 shows a relationship between temperature and color shift of an LED.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 schematically shows a network structure according to an embodiment. The network structure 1 comprises a base module 2 with a logic unit 3, a communication bus 4 and expansion modules 5, which are in a functional connection with the logic unit 3. In the embodiment of the Fig. 1, there are three expansion modules 5 connected to the logic unit 3. One expansion module 5 in the form of a Zigbee module 6 and one expansion module 5 in the form of a sensor module 7 are connected to the logic unit 3 via the communication bus 4. One expansion module 5 in the form of an LED driver 8 is connected to the logic unit 3 via an interface 9. Fig. 1 also shows a light source 10, which is electrically connected to the LED driver 8 and can be controlled by the LED driver 8. The Zigbee module 6 is designed to communicate with an LMS 20 (in Fig. 1 symbolically represented).

[0041] Fig. Figure 2 schematically shows a network structure according to another embodiment. The network structure 1 of Fig. 2 comprises a base module 2 with a logic unit 3 and expansion modules 5, which are functionally connected to the logic unit 3. The functional connection between the logic unit 3 and the expansion modules 5 is schematically represented by double-sided arrows. The expansion modules 5 can be both functional devices and communication modules. In this exemplary embodiment, the network structure 1 represents a standalone luminaire, with one of the expansion modules 5 being designed as an LED driver for controlling the luminaire's lighting.

[0042] The extension modules 5 are similar to Fig. 1 via a communication bus (in Fig. 2 not shown) is connected to the logic unit 3. The logic unit 3 can in particular be configured such that the functional connection or communication via the communication bus between the logic unit 3 and the expansion modules 5 can take place via a system-internal or proprietary communication protocol. In some embodiments, all expansion modules 5 are connected to the logic unit 3 exclusively via a proprietary communication bus. In some embodiments, the logic unit 3 has an additional interface, in particular a plug-and-play interface, to which in particular an LED driver can be directly connected. The plug-and-play interface can be designed as a protected proprietary interface, so that the use of unauthorized or unqualified LED drivers or other expansion modules can be prevented.In particular, the logic unit 3 can be configured such that an LED driver that does not have its own microcontroller-based intelligence can be connected directly to the plug-and-play interface. In such a case, any factory-set variables of the LED driver can be stored directly in the logic unit, so that the LED driver can be directly controlled by the logic unit 3. For the LED drivers or for further expansion modules 5 that have their own intelligence or their own microcontroller, connection to the logic unit 3 is possible via the communication bus 4. The logic unit 3 can be designed to search for expansion modules 5 or peripherals via the communication bus and, in a standalone mode, in particular without integrating the network structure 1 into an LMS, to receive, process, and send messages to peripherals via the communication bus.

[0043] Fig. Figure 3 schematically shows a network structure according to another embodiment. The network structure 1 of Fig. 3 essentially corresponds to the network structure 1 of the Fig. 2 and additionally has an expansion module in the form of a communication module 30, via which the network structure 1 can be connected to an LMS 20 (symbolically shown). The further expansion modules 5, which are designed as functional devices, are connected to the communication module 30 via the logic unit 3. The connection between the functional devices and the communication module 30 can be flexibly configured via the logic unit 3. In particular, the functional devices can be assigned to the communication module 30 via the logic unit 3 individually, in groups, or not at all. The logic unit 3 can in particular be configured, after detecting a communication module 30 connected to the communication bus 4, to configure it accordingly and to initialize it for participation in a corresponding LMS 20. The flowchart of the Fig. 6 below shows the corresponding process flow.

[0044] Fig. Figure 4 schematically shows a network structure according to another embodiment. The network structure 1 of Fig. 4 essentially corresponds to the network structure 1 of the Fig. 3 and additionally has a further communication module 30'. Thus, the network structure 1 of the Fig. 4 has a second communication module 30' in addition to a first communication module 30, wherein the network structure 1 can be connected to an LMS 20 (symbolically shown) via the first communication module 30 and the second communication module 30'. Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 4 corresponds in particular to the case where the number of functional devices reaches the limit of a communication module for proper operation in an LMS, after which another communication module of the same type is attached to the logic unit. The logic unit 3 can in particular be configured to be connected to a plurality of communication modules 30, 30' via the communication bus 4, so that proper operation of several functional devices in an LMS can be ensured. The logic unit 3 can in particular be configured to assign functional devices to the individual communication modules 30, 30', so that the network structure 1 can be easily scaled by incorporating further functional devices. For example, some expansion modules 5 or functional devices can be assigned to the first communication module 30 and other expansion modules 5' or functional devices can be assigned to the second communication module 30'.

[0045] Fig. Figure 5 schematically shows a network structure according to another embodiment. The network structure 1 of Fig. 5 essentially corresponds to the network structure 1 of the Fig. 4. This refers to Fig. 5 refers to an application where the customer is given the option of representing the expansion modules 5, 5' or functional devices connected to the logic unit 3 alternatively or simultaneously in two LMS 20, 20'. For this purpose, according to the illustrated embodiment, two different communication modules 30, 30' are used, which can be configured by the logic unit 3. In this case, the logic unit 3 switches to multi-master mode operation, due to the simultaneous existence of two different LMS 20, 20'.

[0046] The Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 Network setups described above can be configured to retrofit a luminaire for more precise color control and optimized maintenance. For example, measurements can be performed on luminaires of the same type, and the calibration data can be made available to the existing installation as an online update. For this option, an extension module or peripheral is installed in the setup, or used if necessary, which has an "online update" capability (e.g., ZigBee peripheral). This calibration data can include, in particular, information about the warmest and coldest color temperature, the nominal luminous flux and the power of the luminaire, and / or a Color Rendering Index (CRI), as well as information about the manufacturer, etc. An implementation example of such a retrofit calibration is described in Fig. 7 is shown as a flow chart.

[0047] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of a method for configuring an expansion module according to an embodiment. Fig. The method 100 shown in Figure 6 for configuring an expansion module or peripheral can be used in particular in one of the network structures according to Fig. 1, Fig. 3, Fig. 4, and Fig. 5. According to the Fig. In the exemplary embodiment of the method 100 shown in Figure 6, after a start 105 of the method 100, a search is carried out in method step 110 for a peripheral or an expansion module 5 connected to the base module 2, in particular via the communication bus 4. In the subsequent step 115, the found peripheral or expansion module 5 is configured for the communication bus. By configuring the expansion module in method step 115, the expansion module 5 or peripheral is enabled to participate in communication via the communication bus 4. In a query step 120, a query is made as to whether the found expansion module or peripheral is a communication module.

[0048] If the query in step 120 indicates that the found expansion module 5 is a communication module, the communication module can be designated in method step 125 to represent a functional device already present in the network structure 1 in an LMS. In method step 130, the peripheral or communication module 30 is then notified of the type of functional device to be represented. In method step 135, the factory settings of the functional device required for participation in the LMS are then sent to the communication module 30. In method step 140, the peripheral or the found communication module is activated for participation in the LMS. The method 100 for configuring the expansion module is then terminated with method step 145.

[0049] If query step 120 reveals that the expansion module is not a communication module, the expansion module is identified as a functional device in method step 150. In the subsequent method step 155, the functional device is initialized, and the method is terminated with method step 145.

[0050] Fig. Figure 7 shows a flowchart of a method for calibrating a luminaire. Fig. The method 200 shown in Figure 7 can be carried out in particular for calibrating a luminaire having an internal architecture according to one of the Fig. 1 to 5. According to the Fig. In the exemplary embodiment of the method 200 shown in Figure 7, after a start 205 of the method 200, a query 210 is carried out by the logic unit 3 to determine whether a luminaire is present or connected to the communication bus. If the query 210 results in the presence of a luminaire, then in method step 215 a luminaire, in particular of the same luminaire type, is measured for calibration. In method step 220, data for calibration are acquired, and in method step 225 the acquired data are transmitted to an online-capable peripheral or communication module of the network structure for calibration. In the subsequent step 230, the logic unit 3 is informed of the received data, and the control, in particular the color control of the luminaire, is adjusted accordingly. In method step 235, the luminaire data is made available to the LMS, and the method is terminated with method step 240.If the query in step 120 shows that no luminaire, in particular no luminaire with the required luminaire type, is available, a luminaire is requested for measurement in method step 245.

[0051] This calibration option allows customers to minimize the logistical effort associated with commissioning an LMS. Typically, luminaires are calibrated individually with an LED driver at the factory. With the luminaires described here, the luminaires can be purchased flexibly, particularly from desired manufacturers, and calibrated subsequently, particularly according to the calibration procedure described above.

[0052] In addition to the possibility of subsequent, factory-independent calibration, the platform-based network structures described above offer a number of advantages. Such network structures or systems can, for example, be easily scaled up by connecting additional expansion modules, in particular functional devices and / or communication modules, to the communication bus. Furthermore, functional devices can be flexibly deployed, as required, in different networks or LMSs or in a standalone device or luminaire. Furthermore, due to the flexibility of the communication modules, different functional devices can be integrated into an LMS both individually and simultaneously. The modularity of the network structure simplifies the transition from one, for example, outdated, LMS to another, particularly future-proof, LMS, without having to discard the existing functional devices.In addition to immediate economic benefits, this can be of crucial importance for both luminaire manufacturers and customers, especially with regard to the circular economy and increasingly stringent environmental regulations. The ability to subsequently calibrate luminaires enables precise light color control and high-quality Human Centric Lighting (HCL), for example, by realistically simulating daylight.

[0053] Fig. 8 shows a driver system according to an embodiment. Fig. The driver system 40 shown in Figure 8 comprises a first driver 8 with a first driver extension module 50 and a second driver 8' with a second driver extension module 50'. The drivers 8 and 8' are designed as LED drivers with adjustable output voltage and adjustable output current, respectively.

[0054] The first driver extension module 50 and the second driver extension module 50' are designed for retrofitting the first driver 8 and the second driver 8', respectively, and each have an interface 51, 51' for connecting the first driver extension module 50 and the second driver extension module 50' to the first driver 8 and the second driver 8', respectively. The first driver extension module 50 and the second driver extension module 50' are each connected to the first driver 8 and the second driver 8', respectively, on the output side.

[0055] Fig. 8 further shows a first light engine 10 and a second light engine 10', which can be driven by the driver system or by the first driver 8 and the second driver 8'.

[0056] In the embodiment of the Fig. 8, the driver extension modules 50, 50' each have a sensor 52, 52' for detecting the output voltage of the first driver 8 and the second driver 8', respectively. The first driver extension module 50 also has a logic 53 or control unit.

[0057] Between the first driver 8 and the first driver extension module 50, between the second driver 8' and the second driver extension module 50' and between the first driver extension module 50 and the second driver extension module 50' there is a functional connection or data and / or signal communication, which in Fig. 8 is schematically represented by a double arrow. The logic 53 is designed to evaluate the data acquired by the sensors 52, 52' and to send control signals to a control input (not shown) of the first driver 8 or the second driver 8' for controlling the first driver 8 or the second driver 8'.

[0058] The logic 53 can be configured to determine a current value of a JT of an LED based on an output voltage of the driver detected by the sensors 52, 52' and to adjust the output current of the first driver 8 or the second driver 8' accordingly based on the current value of the JT.

[0059] Fig. Figure 9 shows the relationship between temperature and forward voltage of an LED. Fig. 9 shows the dependence between the temperature or JT of the LED and the forward voltage based on the relative change in the forward voltage ΔV F / V shows that there is a clear correlation between the forward voltage and the JT. If the forward voltage is measured during LED operation, the JT of the LED can be calculated from this, for example, using a look-up table stored in the memory unit, which contains this relationship between the forward voltage and the JT.

[0060] Fig. Figure 10 shows a relationship between temperature and color shift of an LED. Fig. 10 shows the relationship between the temperature or JT of the LED and the color shift based on the relative change of the color coordinates ΔC x and ΔC y The forward voltage shows that the color coordinate of the LED shifts at different temperatures. In the case of a light engine with warm and cool white LEDs for mixing a defined color temperature, this leads to a deviation from the target value. If the temperature and the color shift of both LED types are known, the control signal is adjusted, in particular with a two- or multi-channel driver or with a driver system according to Fig. 8, so that unwanted color shifts can be suppressed or reduced. Fig. 9 and Fig.The curves shown in Figure 10 can be found in the data sheets of the commercially available LED (GW JTLPS1.EM) from Osram. However, other LEDs also exhibit similar temperature dependencies of the forward voltage or color shift. These dependencies can be stored, in particular, in the memory unit of the logic or control unit, so that deviations occurring during LED operation can be actively corrected based on the current output voltage values ​​detected by the sensors.

[0061] The ability to retrofit drivers with driver extension modules results in cost savings. Drivers without driver extension modules can continue to be used, especially for applications with low driver functionality requirements. Furthermore, the driver extension modules are not limited to a specific driver type but can be used across different driver types.

[0062] By measuring the output voltage and / or output current of the drivers, information about the output power can also be obtained, which can be used, for example, for energy reporting or energy consumption monitoring and control. Furthermore, the information about the output voltage can be used to generate overtemperature protection for the light engine. In this case, the current is regulated down if the forward voltage measurement shows an excessively high LED temperature. The data analysis and control of the driver takes place in the additional module or driver extension module. The measurements can also be used for active and precise power derating or power throttling of the driver, whereby the maximum setpoint current is limited by the measured actual voltage value so that the nominal power of the driver is not exceeded.

[0063] Although at least one exemplary embodiment has been shown in the foregoing description, various changes and modifications may be made. The recited embodiments are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the present disclosure in any way. Rather, the foregoing description provides those skilled in the art with a road map for implementing at least one exemplary embodiment; numerous changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the appended claims and their legal equivalents. Furthermore, multiple modules or multiple products may be connected together in accordance with the principles described herein to obtain additional functions. List of reference symbols 1 Network setup 2 Basic module 3 Logic unit 4 Communication bus 5.5' expansion module 6 Zigbee module 7 Sensor module 8, 8' LED driver 9 Interface 10 Light source 20, 20' LMS 30, 30' communication module 40 driver system 50, 50' driver extension module 51, 51' interface 52, 52' Sensor technology 53 Logic 100 Procedures for Configuring an Expansion Module 105 Process step 110 Process step 115 Process step 120 process steps 125 process steps 130 process steps 135 Process step 140 process steps 145 Process step 150 process steps 155 Process step 160 process steps 200 Procedures for Calibrating a Luminaire 205 Process step 210 Process step 215 Process step 220 process steps 225 Process step 230 process step 235 Process step 240 process steps 245 Process step

Claims

[1] Driver extension module (50) for retrofitting a driver (8) with at least one adjustable output parameter, comprising: a. an interface (51) for connecting the driver extension module (50) to the driver (8), and b. a control unit (53), wherein the control unit (53) is configured to send a control signal to a control input of the driver (8) in order to adapt the at least one output parameter of the driver (8), and wherein the driver extension module (50) is designed such that an output current of the driver (8) can flow via the driver extension module (50), and wherein the driver extension module (50) is configured to communicate with another driver extension module (50') for exchanging data and / or signals, wherein the communication with another driver extension module (50') can take place via a network interface of the driver (8) for connecting the driver (8) to a base module of a network structure (1). [2] Driver extension module (50) according to claim 1, wherein the driver extension module (50) further comprises a sensor (52) for detecting a current value of the at least one output parameter, and wherein the control unit (53) is configured to adapt the at least one output parameter of the driver (8) based on the detected current value. [3] Driver extension module (50) according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (53) is configured to determine a current value of a junction temperature (JT) of an LED based on an output voltage of the driver (8) detected by the sensor (52) and to adapt the at least one output parameter of the driver (8) based on the current value of the JT. [4] Driver extension module (50) according to claim 1, wherein the driver extension module (50) has a communication interface for wireless and / or wired communication, so that communication with the other driver extension module (50') can take place via the communication interface. [5] Driver (8) with at least one adjustable output parameter, wherein the driver (8) comprises an interface for connecting a driver extension module (50) so that the output current of the driver (8) can flow via the driver extension module (50), and a control input for receiving a control signal from the driver extension module (50), and wherein the driver (8) is configured to set the at least one output parameter based on the control signal received from the driver extension module (50), and wherein the driver (8) comprises a network interface for connecting the driver (8) to a base module of a network structure (1), wherein the driver (8) is configured such that the driver extension module (50) can communicate with another driver extension module (50') via the network interface of the driver (8). [6] Driver (8) according to claim 5, wherein the network interface is designed to connect the driver to a base module of a network structure (1) via a communication bus (4). [7] Driver system (40), comprising: a. a first driver (8) with at least one adjustable output parameter, wherein the first driver (8) has an interface for connecting a first driver extension module (50) and a control input for receiving a control signal from the first driver extension module (50) for setting the at least one output parameter, and wherein the driver extension module (50) is designed such that an output current of the first driver (8) can flow via the driver extension module (50), and b. a second driver (8') with at least one adjustable output parameter, wherein the second driver (8') has an interface for connecting a second driver extension module (50') and a control input for receiving a control signal from the second driver extension module (50') for setting the at least one output parameter, and wherein the driver extension module (50') is designed such that an output current of the second driver (8) can flow via the driver extension module (50'), wherein the first driver (8) is designed to drive a first electrical load (10) and the second driver (8') is designed to drive a second electrical load (10'), and wherein the first driver (8) and the second driver (8') each comprise a network interface for connecting the first driver (8) and the second driver (8') to a base module of a network structure (1), so that the first driver extension module (50) can communicate with the second driver extension module (50') via the network interface of the first driver (8) and the second driver (8'). [8] Driver system (40) according to claim 7, wherein the first driver extension module (50) and / or the second driver extension module (50') comprises a sensor system (52, 52') for detecting a current value of at least one output parameter of the first or second driver (8, 8'), and wherein the first driver extension module (50) or the second driver extension module (50') is configured to adapt the at least one output parameter of the first or second driver (8, 8') based on the detected current value of the at least one output parameter. [9] Driver system (40) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the first driver extension module (50) and the second driver extension module (50') are configured to communicate with each other to exchange data and / or signals. [10] Driver system (40) according to claim 9, further comprising a network structure (1) with a base module (2) and with a communication bus (4), wherein the first driver (8) and the second driver (8') are connected to the communication bus (4) of the network structure (1), so that communication between the first driver extension module (50) and the second driver extension module (50') can take place via the first driver (8), via the communication bus (4) of the network structure (1) and via the second driver (8'). [11] Driver system (40) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the first driver extension module (50) is configured to send a control signal to the second driver extension module (50') which causes the second driver extension module (50') to drive the second driver (8') based on the control signal received from the first driver extension module (50). [12] Driver system (40) according to claim 10, wherein the first driver extension module (50) and the second driver extension module (50') each comprise a sensor system (52, 52') and the second driver extension module (50'), respectively, and wherein the second driver extension module (50') is configured to transmit the sensor data acquired by the sensor system (52') of the second driver extension module (50') to the first driver extension module (50), wherein the first driver extension module (50) is configured to send control signals to the second driver extension module (50') which cause the second driver extension module (50') to control the second driver (8') based on the sensor data acquired by the sensor system (52) of the first driver extension module (50) and by the sensor system (52') of the second driver extension module (50'). [13] Light Management System (LMS) with a first light source (10), with a second light source (10') and with a driver system (40) according to one of claims 7 to 12, wherein the first driver (8) of the driver system (40) is designed to drive the first light source (10) and the second driver (8') is designed to drive the second light source (10'), and wherein the LMS (20, 20') comprises a network structure (1) with a base module (2) and a communication bus (4) to which the first driver (8) and the second driver (8') are connected.

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