Control device for a lamp, programming device and method for configuring a control device

Abstract

Operating device (1; 100) for a lighting means (2), comprising a supply voltage input for receiving a supply voltage and a control device (14) for controlling the operating device (1; 100), wherein the control device (14) is arranged - to determine whether a load is connected to an output of the operating device (1; 100), and - to evaluate a voltage signal (51; 61; 71) present at the supply voltage input while no load is connected to the output of the operating device (1; 100) in order to set at least one operating mode for later operation.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an operating device for operating a light source. The invention particularly relates to operating devices that can be configured to provide different output currents, as well as devices and methods for configuring an operating device.

[0002] With the increasing popularity of light sources such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs), LED modules with multiple LEDs, or gas discharge lamps, control gear for operating such light sources is becoming increasingly important. Such control gear can, for example, be designed as LED converters that supply power to a light source with at least one LED. LED converters are typically designed as constant current sources. However, different light sources are often designed for different currents.

[0003] To enable a wide range of applications, it is desirable for the control gear to be able to provide different output currents. Various approaches can be used for this.

[0004] The control gear can be configured to perform load detection, for example, by measuring the impedance of the lamp. While such load detection provides reliable information about the lamp used, it is often only possible with a corresponding amount of circuitry complexity and additional costs.

[0005] The control gear can be manually programmable, for example, via DIP switches or another setting element provided on the control gear. This poses a risk of incorrect operation by the control gear installer. In particular, the association between different settings of the setting element and different output currents can lead to difficulties in configuring the control gear.

[0006] Operating devices for lamps and methods for configuring or programming such operating devices are known, for example, from DE 10 2011 089 833 A1, WO 2005 / 084 085 A1, WO 2010 / 150 169 A1 or US 2012 / 0274 225 A1.

[0007] The invention is based on the object of providing devices and methods with which an operating device for a lighting device can be easily configured. In particular, the invention is based on the object of providing such devices and methods with which the operating device can be configured before installation without requiring a separate interface on the operating device for this purpose.

[0008] An operating device for operating a light source, a system comprising a programming device and an operating device, and a method having the features specified in the independent claims are provided. The dependent claims define embodiments of the invention.

[0009] According to embodiments of the invention, an operating device is programmed for subsequent operation via its supply voltage connection. The supply voltage connection is available as an interface before the operating device is connected to a supply voltage source to apply a voltage signal with which one or more configuration parameters are transferred to the operating device.

[0010] The configuration parameters can, for example, specify a nominal current amplitude that the control gear will provide during subsequent operation. The configuration parameters can include parameters for the operation of a converter, parameters for a control loop, or other parameters that are passed to the control gear during programming. Alternatively, an operating mode can be set for later operation.

[0011] The operating device has a control device that detects when a voltage signal other than the normal supply voltage is present at the supply voltage input. For example, phase control and / or phase shifts, altered polarities of half-waves of an alternating voltage, and / or a voltage signal frequency shifted relative to the supply voltage can be detected.

[0012] An operating device for a lighting device according to one embodiment comprises a supply voltage input for receiving a supply voltage. The operating device comprises a control device for controlling the operating device. The control device is configured to determine whether a load is connected to an output of the operating device and to evaluate a voltage signal present at the supply voltage input while no load is connected to the output of the operating device in order to determine at least one parameter for later operation or to set an operating mode for later operation. The control device is configured to control the operating device depending on the at least one parameter when a load is connected to the operating device.

[0013] The control device can be configured to selectively determine the at least one parameter only in a state in which no load is connected to the operating device.

[0014] The at least one parameter can specify a current amplitude of the output current of the operating device.

[0015] The at least one operating mode can define a variable current amplitude.

[0016] The operating device can comprise a memory configured to store the at least one parameter or operating mode in a non-volatile manner. The memory can be configured to store the at least one parameter or operating mode even when the supply voltage input is disconnected from a supply voltage source. The memory can be configured to store the at least one parameter or operating mode in a non-volatile manner such that the operating device is operated with the at least one parameter or operating mode each time it is repeatedly started, without the corresponding parameter or operating mode being transferred again via the supply voltage input.

[0017] The control device may be configured to read out a sequence of data bits encoded in the voltage signal, which indicates the at least one parameter or operating mode.

[0018] The control device can be configured to detect whether consecutive half-waves of the voltage signal have the same polarity in order to read out at least one data bit. This allows the at least one parameter or operating mode to be encoded by selectively reversing half-waves of an alternating voltage and transferred to the operating device.

[0019] The control device can be configured to detect a phase angle and / or a phase offset of at least one half-wave of the voltage signal in order to read out at least one data bit. This allows the at least one parameter or operating mode to be encoded using phase angles and / or phase offsets and transferred to the operating device.

[0020] The control device can be configured to determine a length of the phase angle and / or the phase angle in order to read out the at least one data bit.

[0021] The control device can be configured to determine, for several half-waves of the voltage signal, which of the half-waves have a phase angle and / or a phase angle in order to read out the at least one data bit. A phase angle and / or phase angle need not be present for every half-wave, but can, for example, be selectively present only for half-waves with positive polarity or for half-waves with negative polarity in order to encode a data bit.

[0022] The control device can be configured to determine a frequency of the voltage signal in order to read out the at least one data bit.

[0023] The control gear can be an LED converter. The control gear can be designed as a constant current source.

[0024] The control gear can be designed to be dimmable or non-dimmable. The control gear can be designed to allow color control or not.

[0025] A lighting system according to one embodiment comprises the operating device according to one embodiment and a light source connected to the operating device.

[0026] The illuminant may comprise at least one light-emitting diode (LED). The illuminant may be an LED module.

[0027] According to a further embodiment, a system is specified which comprises the operating device and a programming device for configuring at least one parameter or operating mode of the operating device.

[0028] The programming device comprises an interface configured to be detachably connected to a supply voltage input of the operating device. The operating device comprises a circuit arrangement for providing a voltage signal to the supply voltage input of the operating device, wherein the circuit arrangement is configured to encode the at least one parameter or operating mode in the voltage signal.

[0029] The at least one parameter or operating mode may specify a nominal or variable current amplitude of the operating device.

[0030] The programming device may include a user interface for custom setting the at least one parameter or operating mode.

[0031] The circuit arrangement may be configured to encode a sequence of the data bits indicating the at least one parameter or operating mode in the voltage signal.

[0032] The circuit arrangement may be configured to selectively adjust a polarity of half-waves of the voltage signal depending on the at least one parameter or operating mode.

[0033] The circuit arrangement can be configured to set a phase angle and / or a phase section of at least one half-wave of the voltage signal depending on the at least one parameter or operating mode.

[0034] The circuit arrangement can be configured to adjust a frequency of the voltage signal depending on the at least one parameter or operating mode.

[0035] According to a further embodiment, a method for configuring an operating device for a lighting device is specified. The operating device has a supply voltage input for receiving a supply voltage. The method comprises determining whether a load is connected to an output of the operating device and evaluating a voltage signal present at the supply voltage input before installation of the operating device, while no load is connected to the output of the operating device. At least one parameter or operating mode for subsequent operation of the operating device is determined depending on the evaluated voltage signal. The operating device is controlled depending on the at least one parameter or operating mode when a load is connected to the operating device.

[0036] The method can be carried out automatically by the operating device according to one embodiment.

[0037] Further features of methods according to embodiments correspond to the further features of the operating device according to embodiments.

[0038] The control gear can be configured to set a specific output current. The output current can be programmed depending on the lamp to which the control gear is connected after programming. The output current can be a nominal or variable current amplitude, which is output by the control gear continuously over time or, in pulsed operation, in each pulse.

[0039] The configuration of the operating device, in which at least one parameter or operating mode is transferred to the operating device, takes place while the operating device is not connected to a mains voltage at the supply voltage input. The configuration of the operating device, in which at least one parameter or operating mode is transferred to the operating device, can take place while the operating device is not yet connected to a load on the output side.

[0040] Devices and methods according to embodiments of the invention are designed such that the operating device can be configured via the supply voltage input. No additional interface is required to transfer specific parameters or operating modes to the operating device. No mechanical adjustment element is required to select between different output currents. The risk of configuration errors can be reduced.

[0041] The invention is explained below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, identical reference numerals designate identical elements. Fig. 1 shows a system according to an embodiment of the configuration of an operating device. Fig. Figure 2 shows the operating device according to an embodiment in operational mode, in which it supplies a lamp with energy. Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method according to an embodiment. Fig. 4 is a flowchart of a method performed by an operating device according to an embodiment. Fig. 5 shows an exemplary voltage signal in which, in one embodiment, data is encoded by adjusting a polarity of half-waves of an alternating voltage. Fig. 6 shows an exemplary voltage signal in which data is encoded by phase sections in one embodiment. Fig. 7 shows an exemplary voltage signal in which data is encoded by phase sections in another embodiment. Fig. 8 shows a block diagram of an operating device according to an embodiment.

[0042] Fig. 1 shows a diagram of a system comprising an operating device 1 for a lamp. Fig. In the situation shown in Figure 1, the operating device 1 is not yet installed, in particular the input side is not yet connected to a supply voltage source.

[0043] Fig. 1 shows a configuration phase in which a programming device 3 is connected to a supply voltage input of the operating device 1. The programming device 3 generates a voltage signal such that one or more parameters are encoded in the voltage signal. A control device 14 of the operating device 1 monitors the voltage at the supply voltage input. The control device 14 can evaluate the applied voltage signal to determine the parameter(s) encoded therein. After completion of the configuration phase, during a useful operation of the operating device 1, the control device 14 can control the operating device 1 depending on the parameter(s) encoded in the control signal.

[0044] Fig. Figure 2 shows a system according to an embodiment in which the operating device 1 is installed after completion of the configuration phase. The operating device 1 is connected to a source 4 at the supply voltage input. The source 4 provides an alternating voltage as the supply voltage. The source 4 can be a mains voltage source. The supply voltage applied to the supply voltage input can be a mains voltage.

[0045] During operation and after completion of the configuration phase, the operating device 1 is connected to a light source 2 at its output. The light source 2 can comprise at least one light-emitting diode (LED). The light source 2 can comprise multiple LEDs. The LEDs can be inorganic and / or organic LEDs. To supply the light source 2 with energy, the control device 14 controls the operating device 1 depending on the at least one parameter that was transferred to the operating device 2 by the programming device 3 via the supply voltage input during the configuration phase.

[0046] Various configurations of the at least one parameter are possible. The at least one parameter can specify an LED current for the light source 2. The control device 14 can regulate an output current of the operating device 1 in a control loop such that it is regulated to the desired LED current. The control device 14 can regulate an output current of the operating device 1 such that a nominal current amplitude is determined by the at least one parameter during pulsed operation or during operation with a continuous output current.

[0047] The at least one parameter may include settings for components of the operating device 1. For example, the at least one parameter may include a gain of an amplifier, a signal level of a reference signal, a timing for clocked switching of a controllable switching device, or other parameters that help define the operation of the operating device 1.

[0048] The control device 14 can be configured as an integrated circuit (IC). The control device 14 can be configured as a processor, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). The control device 14 can include a memory 15 or be coupled to a memory 15 in order to non-volatilely store the at least one parameter that is transmitted to the operating device 2 via the supply voltage input during the configuration phase.

[0049] The further design of the operating device 1 may depend on the application for which the operating device 1 is designed. The operating device 1 may, for example, have a rectifier 10 for rectifying the supply voltage. The operating device 1 may have a power factor correction circuit 11. The power factor correction circuit 11 can reduce the return of harmonics to the supply network. Further voltage conversion can be achieved, for example, by a converter 12. The converter 12 can be designed as a resonant converter. Other converter circuits can be used, for example a flyback converter circuit. The converter 12 can have a transformer or other converter to achieve galvanic isolation between a primary side and a secondary side of the operating device 1. An output circuit 13 can be provided, for example, to smooth voltage ripples at the output.

[0050] In addition to evaluating the voltage signal used to transmit parameters to the operating device 1 via the supply voltage input, the control device 14 can perform various further functions. In particular, the control device 14 can perform a control and / or regulating function. The control device 14 can control the power factor correction circuit 11 and / or the converter 12. For this purpose, the control device 14 can control at least one controllable switching means of the power factor correction circuit 11 and / or the converter 12. The control device 14 can switch the at least one controllable switching means depending on the at least one parameter that was transferred during configuration such that an output current is provided to the illuminant 2 that corresponds to the desired LED current I LED of the lamp 2.

[0051] The Fig. The programming device 3 shown in Figure 1 has an interface 21 that can be conductively connected to the supply voltage input of the operating device 1. The interface 21 can have two conductors, each of which can be conductively connected to one of the supply terminals of the operating device 1. The interface 21 can also have at least one element for mechanically coupling to the supply voltage input of the operating device 1, for example, a connector.

[0052] The voltage signal Vp, which is provided by the programming device 3 to the supply voltage input of the operating device 1, can be controlled by a circuit arrangement 22 of the operating device. The circuit arrangement 22 can use different coding methods to encode the at least one parameter in the voltage signal. The circuit arrangement 22 can generate an alternating voltage. The circuit arrangement 22 can be configured to selectively change the polarity of half-waves of the alternating voltage so that at least two half-waves of the same polarity follow one another to encode a data bit. Alternatively or additionally, the circuit arrangement 22 can be configured to generate a phase angle and / or phase angle to encode at least one data bit. The circuit arrangement 22 can be configured to generate a sequence of phase angles and / or phase angles to encode a sequence of data bits.Alternatively or additionally, the circuit arrangement 22 may be configured to set a frequency of the voltage signal such that the frequency represents the at least one parameter or at least one data bit of a sequence of data bits indicating the at least one parameter.

[0053] The corresponding control of the circuit arrangement 22 can be performed by a logic unit 23. The logic unit 23 can comprise an integrated semiconductor circuit. The logic unit 23 can comprise at least one processor, microprocessor, controller, or microcontroller. The logic unit 23 can control at least one controllable switching element of the circuit arrangement 22 to selectively change the polarity of half-waves of the alternating voltage and / or to generate a phase control and / or phase cut-off.

[0054] The programming device 3 can have an interface 24 for receiving user input. Parameters of the lamp 2, which the operating device 1 is later to supply during operation, can be entered via the interface 24. The programming device 3 can have information stored for several different lamps in a memory 25. This can facilitate user-friendly operation, where, for example, only the type designation of the lamp needs to be selected. The parameter or parameters that are to be transmitted to the operating device 1 for the respective lamp in order to configure the operating device for use with this lamp can be stored in the memory 25.

[0055] The logic 23 can be connected to the interface 24 and / or to the memory 25 in order to read out the parameter(s) to be transmitted and to control the circuit arrangement 22 for generating the voltage signal.

[0056] The control device 14 of the operating device 1 can be configured to evaluate the voltage signal received at the supply voltage input. The control device 14 can be configured to detect whether the control voltage has at least two consecutive half-waves of the same polarity. Depending on this, a data bit can be read out from the control voltage. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 14 can be configured to detect a leading edge and / or trailing edge in order to detect at least one data bit. The control device 14 can be configured to detect a sequence of leading edges and / or trailing edge phases in order to detect a sequence of data bits. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 14 can be configured to determine a frequency of the voltage signal present at the supply voltage input.

[0057] The control device 14 can be configured to selectively adjust parameters from the AC voltage applied to the supply voltage input only in certain operating states in which it is ensured that the operating device 1 is not in normal operational mode. The control device 14 can determine whether the voltage at the supply voltage input is the normal supply voltage, for example, a mains-frequency sinusoidal voltage, or whether an abnormal voltage signal is present that differs from the supply voltage. The abnormal voltage signal can then be evaluated to determine at least one transmitted parameter therefrom. Alternatively or additionally, the control device 14 can determine whether a load is connected to the output of the operating device 1.A configuration of the control gear 1 for use with a lamp can be restricted in such a way that programming of the corresponding parameters into the control gear 1 can only be carried out while no load is connected to the output of the control gear 1.

[0058] The control device 14 can store one or more parameters determined from the voltage signal in the configuration phase in the memory 15. The memory 15 can be a non-volatile memory. The memory 15 is designed to continue storing the parameters stored therein even when the supply voltage input of the operating device 1 is connected neither to the programming device 3 nor to the supply source 4. During several time periods in which the operating device 1 operates the lighting device 2, operation can occur consistently with the stored parameters, even if no supply voltage is applied to the supply voltage input in the meantime.

[0059] Fig. 3 is a flowchart of a method 30 according to one embodiment. The method 30 can be executed with the operating device 1 and the programming device 3.

[0060] In step 31, the operating device is paired with a programming device before the operating device is installed. In particular, in step 31, the supply voltage input of the operating device is not yet connected to a supply voltage line, such as the mains line.

[0061] In step 32, at least one parameter of the operating device is configured via the supply voltage input. For this purpose, a sequence of data bits can be transmitted via the supply voltage input. The sequence of data bits can be encoded in an AC voltage signal generated as a voltage signal by the programming device. The sequence of data bits can be determined by the control device 14 and stored in a non-volatile memory. The at least one parameter depends on the illuminant being supplied with energy. The at least one parameter can define the current amplitude, i.e., the maximum output current delivered by the operating device 1 during useful operation.

[0062] In step 33, the control gear is installed. The programming device was previously disconnected from the supply voltage connector. Installing the control gear may include connecting the supply voltage connector to a power source, such as a mains voltage source. Installing the control gear may include connecting the control gear output to the lamp.

[0063] In step 34, the light source is supplied with power by the operating device. The operating device operates depending on the at least one parameter that was transmitted via the supply voltage input in step 32. The output current of the operating device can depend on the at least one parameter that was transmitted in step 32. The maximum current output by the operating device can depend on the at least one parameter that was transmitted in step 32. The nominal current amplitude of the operating device can depend on the at least one parameter that was transmitted in step 32. Useful operation in step 34 is only initiated after the configuration has been completed in step 32.

[0064] Fig. Figure 4 is a flowchart of a method 40 that can be executed by an operating device according to one embodiment. The method can be executed by the control device 14 of the operating device.

[0065] In step 41, a check is made to determine whether a load is connected to the control gear's output. If a load is detected, the control gear is controlled in step 42 based on the configuration parameters stored in the control gear. If no load is detected, the process continues with step 43.

[0066] In step 43, a check is made to determine whether a voltage signal is present at the supply voltage input that does not exhibit the waveform expected during operation. For this purpose, a check can be made to determine whether the voltage signal has consecutive half-waves of the same polarity. Alternatively or additionally, a check can be made to determine whether phase angles and / or phase lags are present. Alternatively or additionally, a check can be made to determine whether a frequency of the voltage signal differs from a frequency of the supply voltage. If no abnormal signal is present—for example, no voltage at all or only the normal supply voltage is present—the method returns to step 41. If an abnormal input signal is detected, the method continues at step 44.

[0067] In step 44, the at least one parameter is read out by evaluating the voltage signal. Reading out may include reading out a sequence of data bits. The data bits may be encoded in the polarity of half-waves of an alternating voltage and / or in phase angles and / or in phase segments and / or in a frequency of an alternating voltage.

[0068] In step 45, at least one parameter is stored.

[0069] The process returns to step 41. After installing the control gear, it is detected that the control gear's output is connected to a lamp. In step 42, the control gear operates to supply energy to the lamp. An output current can be provided that depends on the parameter previously stored in step 45.

[0070] If the operating device 1 allows dimming, at least the output current output at a dimming value of 100%, i.e. at maximum brightness, can depend on the parameter previously stored in step 45.

[0071] Fig. 5 to Fig. 7 illustrate by way of example how the programming device 3 can encode parameters in the voltage signal and / or how the control device 14 of the operating device 1 can read out parameters from the voltage signal.

[0072] Fig. 5 shows a voltage signal 51. A voltage wave 52 has a half-wave with positive polarity and a half-wave with negative polarity. After a half-wave 53 with positive polarity, the programming device generates another half-wave 54 with positive polarity. In the graph shown, the half-wave 54 is flipped around the time axis. This allows a logical value, e.g. a logical "1", to be transmitted. After a half-wave 55 with positive polarity, the programming device again generates another half-wave 56 with positive polarity. This allows another logical "1" to be transmitted. After a half-wave 57 with positive polarity, the programming device then generates a half-wave 58 with negative polarity. This allows a logical "0" to be transmitted.

[0073] Other coding schemes can also be used to transmit a data sequence by selectively adjusting the polarity of half-waves of an alternating signal. For example, for a sequence of half-waves, a data bit can be transmitted in each half-wave, depending on whether the corresponding half-wave of the voltage has been changed in polarity compared to the normal phase position of an alternating voltage.

[0074] The control device 14 can detect and evaluate the polarity of the half-waves 53-58 to determine a sequence of data bits. The sequence of data bits specifies at least one parameter for the subsequent operation of the operating device 1.

[0075] Fig. 6 shows a voltage signal 61. The voltage signal 61 comprises a plurality of sinusoidal waves, but phase angles and / or phase segments 60 are generated for at least some of the half-waves 62, 63. A length of the phase segment 60 and / or a phase angle can encode one or more data bits.

[0076] Other codings can also be used to transmit a data sequence by selectively generating phase angles and / or phase angles. For example, phase angles and / or phase angles can be generated only once per full wave. This allows for the use of simpler circuits for generating and / or evaluating the voltage signal.

[0077] The control device 14 can detect and evaluate the length of the phase angles and / or phase sections 60 in order to determine a sequence of data bits therefrom.

[0078] Fig. 7 shows a voltage signal 71. The voltage signal 71 has several sinusoidal waves, but in a time interval 73, phase angles and / or phase angles are generated for at least some of the half-waves 81-88. After a period 72 of the voltage signal 71, the programming device begins generating phase angles and / or phase angles. A phase angle 91-94, 96, 98 is selectively generated for the half-waves 81-84, 86, 88. For the half-waves 85 and 87, no phase angle is generated, as shown at 95 and 97.

[0079] Data bits can be encoded by the presence and absence of phase angles and / or phase lags. For example, a phase lag can correspond to a logical "1" and the absence of a phase lag to a logical "0." A phase lag can correspond to a logical "0" and the absence of a phase lag to a logical "1."

[0080] Other codings can also be used to transmit a data sequence by selectively generating phase angles and / or phase angles. For example, phase angles and / or phase angles can be generated only once per full wave. This can be achieved using simpler circuits.

[0081] The control device 14 can detect and evaluate the presence or absence of the phase angles and / or phase sections during the time interval 73 in order to determine a sequence of data bits therefrom.

[0082] Fig. Figure 8 is a block diagram of a circuit arrangement 100 according to one embodiment. A regulator 103 is provided for adjusting the output current.

[0083] A signal evaluation function 101 determines a parameter from a received voltage signal. The parameter can, for example, be the output current I LEDto be provided to the lamp. The parameter can be stored non-volatilely in a memory 102. The corresponding output current I LED can be fed to the controller 103 as a setpoint.

[0084] An actual value of the output current, which is determined using a measuring component 104, can also be fed to the controller 103. The controller 103 can detect a deviation of the actual value from the setpoint I LED determine.

[0085] The controller can generate a control signal S, which is output to a converter 105 of the circuit arrangement, depending on the deviation of the actual value from the setpoint I LED The controller can switch a switching means 106 of the converter 105 in a clocked manner, wherein, for example, a ratio of on-time and off-time of the switching means 106 depends on the deviation of the actual value from the setpoint I LED depends.

[0086] The functions of blocks 101-104 can be executed by a control device 14. The control device 14 can be configured as an integrated circuit.

[0087] While embodiments have been described with reference to the figures, modifications may be implemented in further embodiments. For example, other types of coding may be used to store parameters via the supply voltage input in the operating device.

[0088] Devices and methods according to embodiments can generally be used for operating devices for lamps, in particular for an LED converter or an electronic ballast.

[0089] Alternatively, the operating device for a lamp 2, which has a supply voltage input for receiving a supply voltage and a control device 14 for controlling the operating device 1; 100, wherein the control device 14 is configured - to evaluate a voltage signal 51; 61; 71 applied to the supply voltage input, - to set at least one operating mode for later operation.

[0090] The voltage signal 51; 61; 71 can be a sequence of data bits.

[0091] The operating mode can be stored non-volatilely in a memory 15.

[0092] The programming device 3 can comprise, for setting the at least one operating mode of an operating device 1; 100 for a lighting device 2, an interface 21 which is configured to be detachably connected to a supply voltage input of the operating device 1; 100, and a circuit arrangement 22 for providing a voltage signal 51; 61; 71 to the supply voltage input of the operating device 1; 100, wherein the circuit arrangement 22 is configured to encode the setting of the operating mode in the voltage signal 51; 61; 71.

[0093] The programming device can set at least one operating mode that defines a variable current amplitude.

[0094] The programming device may include a user interface 24 for user-defined setting of the at least one operating mode.

[0095] The circuit arrangement 22 of the programming device can be configured to encode a sequence of the data bits indicating the at least one operating mode in the voltage signal 51; 61; 71.

[0096] The circuit arrangement 22 of the programming device can be configured to selectively set a polarity of half-waves 53-58 of the voltage signal 51 depending on the at least one operating mode.

[0097] The circuit arrangement 22 of the programming device can be configured to set a phase angle and / or a phase angle 60; 91-94, 96, 98 of at least one half-wave 62, 63; 81-84, 86, 88 of the voltage signal 51; 61; 71 depending on the at least one operating mode.

[0098] The operating device 1; 100 may comprise a method for configuring the operating device 1; 100 for a lighting means 2, wherein the operating device 1; 100 has a supply voltage input for receiving a supply voltage, wherein the method - evaluating a voltage signal present at the supply voltage input 51; 61; 71 before installing the operating device 1; 100, - Setting the operating mode for subsequent operation of the operating device 1; 100 depending on the evaluated voltage signal, - .and controlling the operating device 1; 100 depending on the set operating mode.

[0099] Possible operating modes that can be set include, for example, changing the operation from a non-variable current amplitude to a variable current amplitude, whereby the operation of the variable current amplitude corresponds to a dimming operation and the operation of a non-variable current amplitude corresponds to the non-dimmable operation of the operating device.

[0100] Furthermore, the dimming mode can be set. Possible modes include amplitude dimming (AM dimming), pulse modulation dimming (PM dimming), or a combination of the two.

[0101] Additionally or alternatively, the dimming range can be limited or changed, for example from 10% - 100% or 1% - 100%.

[0102] The operating mode setting can be done during the production process or during installation.

[0103] The advantage of this alternative is that the same control gear hardware can be used to offer customers a dimmable or non-dimmable control gear. The customer can then individually decide whether they want a dimmable or non-dimmable control gear.

Claims

[1] Operating device (1; 100) for a lighting means (2), comprising a supply voltage input for receiving a supply voltage and a control device (14) for controlling the operating device (1; 100), wherein the control device (14) is arranged - to determine whether a load is connected to an output of the operating device (1; 100), and - to evaluate a voltage signal (51; 61; 71) present at the supply voltage input while no load is connected to the output of the operating device (1; 100) in order to set at least one operating mode for later operation. [2] Operating device (1; 100) according to claim 1, wherein the applied voltage signal (51; 61; 71) represents a sequence of data bits. [3] Operating device (1; 100) according to claim 1 or claim 2, comprising a memory (15) which is arranged to store the setting of the operating mode in a non-volatile manner. [4] Operating device (1; 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device (14) is arranged to read out a sequence of data bits encoded in the voltage signal (51; 61; 71) which indicates the at least one operating mode. [5] Operating device (1; 100) according to claim 4, wherein the control device (14) is arranged to detect whether successive half-waves (53-56) of the voltage signal (51) have the same polarity in order to read out at least one data bit. [6] Operating device (1; 100) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the control device (14) is arranged to detect a phase angle and / or a phase section (60; 91-94, 96, 98) of at least one half-wave (62, 63; 81-84, 86, 88) of the voltage signal (61; 71) in order to read out at least one data bit. [7] Operating device (1; 100) according to claim 6, wherein the control device (14) is configured to determine a length of the phase angle and / or the phase section (60) in order to read out the at least one data bit. [8] Operating device (1; 100) according to claim 6, wherein the control device (14) is configured to determine for half-waves (81-84, 86, 88) of the voltage signal (61) which of the half-waves (81-84, 86, 88) have a phase angle and / or a phase section (91-94, 96, 98) in order to read out the at least one data bit. [9] Operating device (1; 100) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the operating device (1; 100) is an LED converter. [10] System comprising the operating device (1; 100) according to one of claims 1 to 9 and a programming device (3) for setting at least one operating mode of the operating device (1; 100), wherein the programming device (3) comprises: an interface (21) which is designed to be detachably connected to a supply voltage input of the operating device (1; 100), and a circuit arrangement (22) for providing a voltage signal (51; 61; 71) to the supply voltage input of the operating device (1; 100), wherein the circuit arrangement (22) is configured to encode the setting of the operating mode in the voltage signal (51; 61; 71). [11] The system of claim 10, wherein the at least one operating mode defines a variable current amplitude. [12] A system according to claim 10 or claim 11, wherein the programming device (3) comprises: a user interface (24) for user-defined setting of the at least one operating mode. [13] System according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the circuit arrangement (22) is arranged to encode a sequence of the data bits indicating the at least one operating mode in the voltage signal (51; 61; 71). [14] System according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the circuit arrangement (22) is arranged to selectively set a polarity of half-waves (53-58) of the voltage signal (51) depending on the at least one operating mode. [15] System according to one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the circuit arrangement (22) is arranged to set a phase angle and / or a phase section (60; 91-94, 96, 98) of at least one half-wave (62, 63; 81-84, 86, 88) of the voltage signal (51; 61; 71) depending on the at least one operating mode. [16] Method for configuring an operating device (1; 100) for a lighting device (2), wherein the operating device (1; 100) has a supply voltage input for receiving a supply voltage, the method comprising: Determining whether a load is connected to an output of the operating device (1; 100) Evaluating a voltage signal (51; 61; 71) present at the supply voltage input before installation of the operating device (1; 100), while no load is connected to the output of the operating device (1; 100), Setting an operating mode for later operation of the operating device (1; 100) depending on the evaluated voltage signal, and Control of the operating device (1; 100) depending on the set operating mode. [17] Method according to claim 16, which is carried out automatically by the operating device (1; 100) according to one of claims 1 to 9.

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