LED converter module and LED system

Abstract

LED converter module (100) for connecting between the output terminals (104) of an LED driver (101) and at least one LED module (102), comprising: - a first input interface (201) for wireless or wired control signals for an LED driver (101), - a first processing circuit (202) for changing the values ​​of the control signals, - a first output interface (203) for outputting the changed values ​​to the LED driver (101), - a second input interface (204) for connection to the output terminals of the LED driver (101), - a second processing circuit (205) for changing at least one electrical parameter of the electrical power received from the output terminals, and - a second output interface (206) for outputting the electrical power with a modified parameter to the LED module (102).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of operating LEDs by means of an LED driver, in particular an LED driver to which external dimming commands can be supplied. BACKGROUND

[0002] Smart LED drivers are essential components in modern lighting systems and play a crucial role in controlling and optimizing the performance of LED luminaires. Smart lighting controls combine advanced electronics and intelligent features to improve the efficiency, functionality, and overall user experience of LED lighting. However, in contrast to the solution proposed here, existing LED drivers are often completely replaced to achieve smart control. Some key technical aspects and advantages of smart LED drivers are listed below: Efficient energy management: Smart LED drivers are designed to efficiently manage and deliver power to LED arrays. They can adjust the current and voltage for the LEDs in real time, ensuring the lamps operate at their maximum efficiency. This not only saves energy but also extends the lifespan of the LEDs.

[0003] Dimming capability: One of the most important advantages of smart LED drivers is their ability to support dimmers. Whether using traditional methods like 0-10 V or PWM (pulse-width modulation) or more advanced methods like DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) or wireless protocols, these drivers enable precise control of light intensity. This is beneficial for creating different moods, saving energy, and adapting lighting to different tasks and preferences.

[0004] Color tuning: Some smart LED drivers offer the ability to adjust the color temperature of the light emitted by the LEDs. This feature is particularly valuable for applications where light quality is critical, such as retail, art galleries, or healthcare. Users can create warm or cool lighting depending on their needs and occasion.

[0005] Energy savings: By dynamically controlling light output and integrating with occupancy sensors and daylight harvesting systems, smart LED drivers can contribute significantly to energy savings. These drivers can respond to changing ambient conditions and occupancy levels, dimming or brightening the lighting accordingly to minimize energy consumption.

[0006] Remote control and automation: Smart LED drivers can be integrated into building management systems or remotely controlled via smartphones or dedicated lighting control platforms. This remote control capability facilitates centralized management, planning, and automation, making it easier to optimize lighting in a building or facility.

[0007] Diagnostic and monitoring features: Many smart LED drivers are equipped with diagnostic features that enable real-time monitoring of the LED luminaire's health and performance. This enables proactive maintenance, reducing downtime and maintenance costs.

[0008] Flicker-free lighting: Smart LED drivers can mitigate flicker problems that can cause discomfort and health issues, especially in applications where lighting quality is critical, such as offices and healthcare. Advanced drivers can ensure stable, flicker-free lighting.

[0009] Integration with IoT: As part of the broader Internet of Things (IoT) ecosystem, smart LED drivers can be connected to networks and cloud-based platforms. This connectivity opens up opportunities for data collection and analysis, enabling smarter decisions regarding lighting, energy efficiency, and space utilization.

[0010] A problem can arise if an LED driver receives external dimming commands that it cannot implement, or cannot implement reliably. This problem occurs particularly at low dimming values, which place high demands on the control electronics. SUMMARY

[0011] In view of the above, embodiments of the present invention aim to extend or stabilize the operation of an LED driver.

[0012] One particular objective is to retrofit an existing LED driver with an LED converter module in order to implement new functions, expand them, or stabilize existing functions. The combination of LED driver, LED converter module, and LED module then aims to achieve a functionally new, intelligent lighting control system without having to remove, replace, or dispose of the existing drivers. This technical problem is solved by an object having the technical features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0013] A first aspect relates to an LED converter module for interconnection between the output terminals of an LED driver and at least one LED module, comprising a first input interface for wireless or wired control signals for an LED driver, a first processing circuit for modifying values ​​of the control signals, a first output interface for outputting the modified values ​​to the LED driver, a second input interface for connection to the output terminals of the LED driver, a second processing circuit for modifying at least one electrical parameter of the electrical power received from the output terminals, and a second output interface for outputting the electrical power with modified parameters to the LED module.

[0014] In an embodiment of the first aspect, the first input interface and the first output interface use the same protocol or different protocols that are wireless or wired.

[0015] In a second embodiment of one of the preceding aspects, the changed values ​​are dimming value specifications, wherein the changes in the dimming value specifications are preferably increases

[0016] In a further embodiment of any of the preceding aspects, the first output interface outputs values ​​to the driver that are representable by the LED driver, and the second processing circuit transfers the electrical power to the LED module in a range that is not representable by the LED driver.

[0017] A second aspect is an LED converter module for interconnection between the output terminals of an LED driver and at least one LED module, comprising an input interface for connection to the output terminals of the LED driver, a circuit for evaluating the signal waveform present at the input interface, a processing circuit for modifying at least one electrical parameter of the electrical power received from the output terminals, and an output interface for outputting a control signal for the LED driver based on the result of the evaluation by the evaluation circuit.

[0018] In an embodiment of the second aspect, the LED converter module is designed to self-learningly detect a power irregularity at the input interface.

[0019] In an embodiment of the preceding aspect, the performance irregularity is one or more of driver-side malfunctions, power fluctuations, as well as overload, overcurrent, voltage spikes and electromagnetic interference.

[0020] In one embodiment of the three preceding aspects, the evaluation circuit of the LED converter module can additionally be connected to the LED module.

[0021] In one embodiment of the preceding aspect, the evaluation circuit of the LED converter module is designed to detect malfunctions of the LED module, such as open module circuit, short circuit, thermal overload, overcurrent, flickering, voltage spikes and / or leakage currents.

[0022] A second aspect is an LED system comprising an LED converter module according to one of the preceding claims, which is connected to the output terminals of an LED driver and preferably to at least one LED module.

[0023] In one embodiment of the preceding aspect, the LED converter module is controlled externally, wired or wirelessly via network or cloud.

[0024] In an embodiment of one of the two preceding claims, the LED converter module has an interface for a signal from a daylight sensor or a presence sensor.

[0025] In an embodiment of one of the three preceding claims, the evaluation unit is designed to measure and analyze the output and / or input current signal of the LED converter module.

[0026] In an embodiment of one of the four preceding claims, the LED converter module is designed to detect functionalities of the LED driver by input signals or external specifications and preferably to query characteristics of the LED driver in a database.

[0027] In an embodiment of any of the five preceding claims, the LED converter module extends the functionality of the LED driver over the network by programmable commands and stores the new functionality in the LED converter module.

[0028] In an embodiment of the preceding claim, the functionalities include refined dimming ranges, modulation of dimming, changing the switching speed, corridor function, time-controlled light automation, signal curves and value manipulation in input and output signals.

[0029] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and are described below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 shows a schematic structure of the LED converter module and wiring with LED driver and LED module. Fig. 2 shows a schematic diagram of an LED converter module for input and output value manipulation. Fig. 3 schematic view of an LED converter module for self-learning control. Fig. Figure 4 shows a schematic structure of an intelligent LED system. Fig. 5 shows a mechanical plug connection between LED driver and LED converter module. Fig. 6 shows a flow chart for the control of the LED dimming values ​​by the LED converter module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] Fig. 1 illustrates the structure of the LED converter module 100 and the interconnection with an existing LED driver 101 and LED module 102. The LED converter module 100 is interconnected between the output terminals of an LED driver 104 and the LED current signal input 105 of the LED module 102. The LED converter module 100 is also coupled into the LED driver communication 103. The driver communication 103 can be wired, using protocols such as those illustrated here, via DALI, SPI, or I2C, or wireless, for example, via NFC or WLAN.

[0031] Fig. Figure 2 illustrates an LED converter module 200 for value manipulation, comprising a first input interface 201 for driver communication, a first processing circuit 202, a first output interface 203, a second input interface 204 for LED current signals, a second processing circuit 205, and a second output interface 206. An incoming LED current signal 204 can be dimmed, for example, in terms of power, by the second processing circuit 205, while the first processing circuit 202 can also change the driver communication. By manipulating values ​​on the LED driver side and the LED module side, sub-threshold dimming ranges can be controlled, for example, that were previously not achievable by the LED driver. This expands the dimming capabilities of the LED driver.

[0032] The LED converter module therefore changes the values ​​of the driver communication. Additionally, it can optionally perform a protocol conversion.

[0033] Preferably, the value change of the driver communication is reflected by the LED converter module in the power train between the LED driver and the LED module. Thus, the LED module is operated with the values ​​originally received externally, especially dimming values, while the LED converter is operated with different, preferably higher values.

[0034] Fig. Figure 3 shows an LED converter module for self-learning control, with input interface 301, evaluation circuit 302, processing circuit 303, a first output interface 304 for driver signal control 304, and a second output interface 305 for outputting the electrical power with modified parameters to the LED module. The evaluation circuit 302 can measure and analyze the applied signal curve from the driver and module sides. Malfunctions of the LED driver, such as power fluctuations, as well as overload, overcurrent, voltage spikes, and electromagnetic interference, can thus be detected and reduced by appropriately controlling the LED driver.

[0035] External specifications are not absolutely necessary here.

[0036] By connecting the LED module to the evaluation circuit, malfunctions of the LED module can be detected, such as open module circuits, short circuits, thermal overloads, overcurrents, flickering, voltage spikes, and / or leakage currents. The evaluation circuit 302 also allows the LED converter module, in this embodiment, to function as a control unit for data acquisition, analysis, and machine learning.

[0037] Fig. Figure 4 shows the structure of an LED system consisting of: LED converter module 400 and combination with LED driver 401 and LED module 402. The LED converter module 400 is coupled into the LED driver communication 403, connected to the LED current signal output of the LED driver 404, and the LED current signal input 405 of the LED module 402. The converter module 400 can be controlled externally and connected to the network or cloud 406. Furthermore, it is possible to integrate a daylight sensor 407 and a presence sensor 408. The external control and sensor technology is used to program and store time-controlled lighting automation and other functions in the LED system.

[0038] Fig. 5 illustrates a possible mechanical connection between an LED driver and the LED converter module by plugging the module onto the existing LED driver.

[0039] Fig. Figure 6 shows the dimming value control sequence of an LED system controlled by the LED converter module. The first step is to check whether a new dimming value is available. If this is not the case, the converter remains inactive. The next step is to check whether the dimming value can be represented by the driver, for example by comparing the target value with the queried driver characteristics. If it is representable, the dimming value is passed directly to the driver. If the dimming value cannot be represented, the target current is calculated in the LED converter module and, based on the driver characteristics, a minimum level that can still be represented by the driver is sent to the driver. By changing the electrical performance parameters in the LED converter module, it is possible, for example, to achieve a target level of 0.6% dimming, even if the original LED driver only supports dimming values ​​between 1% and 100%.

[0040] In a preferred form of extension, the dimming options are extended downwards by the LED converter module as in the process in Fig. 6. A non-displayable dimming command from the LED converter module is converted into a displayable dimming command by a first processing circuit and sent to the LED driver. The second processing circuit then changes the LED driver's current signal into a non-displayable, lower current signal through power conversion, such as heating the processing circuit. This makes it possible to achieve a sub-threshold target level of, for example, 0.6% dimming, even though the driver previously only supported dimming values ​​between 1% and 100%.

[0041] In a technically advantageous embodiment, not only the functionality is expanded, but also the stabilization and analysis of existing LED system functions is provided. In one possible embodiment, the evaluation circuit detects LED driver malfunctions such as power fluctuations, as well as overload, overcurrent, voltage spikes, and electromagnetic interference, and modifies the control and the LED output current signal via the processing circuits, thus stabilizing the LED light signal. In another embodiment, the evaluation circuit detects LED module malfunctions such as open module circuits, short circuits, thermal overload, overcurrent, flickering, voltage spikes, and / or leakage currents and, if necessary, modifies the module control via the processing circuit to deactivate the defective LEDs or stabilize the light level.

[0042] Furthermore, the implementation of self-learning LED control systems includes a technical process that enables autonomous lighting optimization as described below.

[0043] The LED system collects data in the evaluation circuit via input and output current signals and, if necessary, combines this with sensor data such as ambient conditions, ambient light, and occupancy. It compares the data with external control parameters provided by external control commands such as user interactions and system characteristics such as driver capabilities. Data analysis and machine learning techniques are then applied to derive insights and patterns, allowing user preferences to be taken into account. During an initial learning phase, the system adapts to user behavior and changes in the environment. The development of predictive algorithms and control logic is crucial for dynamically adjusting the lighting parameters through real-time control in the processing circuits.Continuous analysis, feedback, and adaptive user control are critical to ensuring system effectiveness. Prioritizing energy efficiency, system maintenance, and safety considerations complete the steps for creating smart and adaptive LED lighting environments. Furthermore, self-learning LED fault control is an advanced approach to ensuring the stability, reliability, and longevity of LED lighting systems. The LED system leverages machine learning and sensor data to proactively detect LED faults, such as individual LED chip malfunctions, module leakage, overload, flicker, driver issues, or thermal problems. By continuously monitoring the performance of the driver and each LED module and analyzing patterns in the data, the system can detect anomalies and predict potential failures before they occur.Once a failure is detected, the control system can independently take corrective actions, such as redistributing the load to functioning LEDs, stabilizing the load via the processing circuitry, adjusting dimming levels, or notifying maintenance personnel for timely repairs. This self-learning LED failure control not only increases system reliability but also reduces downtime, energy waste, and maintenance costs, making it a valuable addition to modern lighting management strategies.

[0044] All features explained in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the inventive subject matter to achieve simultaneously advantageous effects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the patent claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures.

Claims

[1] LED converter module (100) for interconnection between the output terminals (104) of an LED driver (101) and at least one LED module (102), comprising: - a first input interface (201) for wireless or wired control signals for an LED driver (101), - a first processing circuit (202) for changing values ​​of the control signals, - a first output interface (203) for outputting the changed values ​​to the LED driver (101), - a second input interface (204) for connection to the output terminals of the LED driver (101), - a second processing circuit (205) for modifying at least one electrical parameter of the electrical power received from the output terminals, and - a second output interface (206) for outputting the electrical power with changed parameters to the LED module (102). [2] The module of claim 1, wherein the first input interface (201) and the first output interface (203) use the same protocol or different protocols, which are wireless or wired. [3] Module according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the changed values ​​are dimming value specifications, wherein the changes are preferably increases. [4] Module according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first output interface (203) outputs values ​​to the driver which are representable for the LED driver (101), and the second processing circuit (205) transfers the electrical power to the LED module (102) in a range which is not representable by the LED driver (101). [5] LED converter module (100) for interconnection between the output terminals of an LED driver (101) and at least one LED module (102), comprising: - an input interface (301) for connection to the output terminals of the LED driver, - a circuit for evaluating (302) the signal waveform present at the input interface, - a processing circuit (303) for modifying at least one electrical parameter of the electrical power received from the output terminals, and - an output interface (304) for outputting a control signal for the LED driver based on the result of the evaluation of the evaluation circuit, a second output interface (305) for outputting the electrical power with changed parameters to the LED module. [6] The LED converter module according to claim 5, which is designed to self-learn to detect a power irregularity at the input interface. [7] The LED converter module according to claim 6, wherein the performance irregularity is one or more of driver-side malfunctions, power fluctuations, as well as overload, overcurrent, voltage spikes and electromagnetic interference. [8] LED converter module according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the evaluation circuit (302) is additionally connectable to the LED module. [9] LED converter module according to claim 8, wherein the evaluation circuit (302) is designed to detect malfunctions of the LED module, such as open module circuit, short circuit, thermal overload, overcurrent, flickering, voltage spikes and / or leakage currents. [10] LED system comprising an LED converter module (400) according to one of the preceding claims, which is connected to the output terminals of an LED driver (401) and preferably to at least one LED module (402). [11] The system of claim 10, wherein the LED converter module (400) is controlled externally, wired or wirelessly via network or cloud (406). [12] System according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the LED converter module has an interface for a signal from a daylight sensor (407) or a presence sensor (408). [13] System according to one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the evaluation unit (302) is designed to measure and analyze the output and / or input current signal of the LED converter module (400). [14] System according to one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the LED converter module (400) is designed to recognize functionalities of the LED driver (401) by input signals or external specifications and preferably to query characteristics of the LED driver (401) in a database (406). [15] The system of any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the LED converter module (400) extends the functionality of the LED driver via the network (406) by programmable commands and stores the new functionality in the LED converter module (400). [16] The system of claim 15, wherein the functionalities include refined dimming ranges, modulation of dimming, changing the switching speed, corridor function, time-controlled light automation, signal sequencing and value manipulation in input and output signals.

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