LED module for uniform light
The LED module design addresses the issue of non-uniform light output and power loss by allowing flexible configuration to adapt to operating conditions, ensuring uniformity and efficiency in long linear lighting fixtures.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- JP2025518552
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2022-11-29
- Filing Date
- 2023-09-20
- Publication Date
- 2025-09-29
AI Technical Summary
Existing LED modules face challenges in achieving uniform light output due to wire resistance, which leads to power loss and inefficiency, especially in long linear lighting fixtures.
The solution involves an LED module design that allows for flexible configuration to either bypass or utilize additional wire resistance based on operating conditions, ensuring uniform light output or high efficiency by adjusting the connection paths of the LED modules.
This design achieves uniform light output across the entire length of the fixture while optimizing energy efficiency, adapting to different requirements by dynamically reconfiguring the connection paths based on brightness and power loss tolerances.
Smart Images
Figure 2025532303000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
[Technical Field]
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of interconnected LED modules. [Background technology]
[0002] In office or commercial applications, long / linear lighting fixtures are often required. The fixture lengths can range from 8 ft to 16 ft or even longer. However, LED modules are rarely manufactured as single pieces in 8 ft to 16 ft lengths because LED modules of this length as a single piece are difficult to manufacture, stock, transport, and install. Often, LED modules are made into 2 ft or 1 ft long LED module subassemblies, and multiple LED subassemblies are strung together to achieve the required length.
[0003] A common approach to electrically connecting multiple LED module subassemblies is daisy-chaining between boards, as shown in FIG. 1. A daisy-chain is a wiring scheme in which multiple devices are wired together in a sequential or circular fashion, resembling a garland of daisy flowers. More specifically, each of LED module subassemblies #1-#N has a pair of positive interfaces and a pair of negative interfaces. One interface of the positive interface pair is coupled to the positive output of the driver, either directly or through the positive interface of the previous LED module subassembly, and the other interface of the positive interface pair is coupled to one interface of the positive interface pair of the next LED module subassembly. Similarly, one interface of the negative interface pair is coupled to the negative output of the driver, either directly or through the negative interface of the previous LED module subassembly, and the other interface of the negative interface pair is coupled to one interface of the negative interface pair of the next LED module subassembly. Within each LED module subassembly, a positive wire connects the pair of positive interfaces, and a negative wire connects the pair of negative interfaces. The LED arrangement is located between the positive and negative wires. The two interfaces in each interface pair are located on opposite sides of the LED module subassembly, and respective wires also extend along the length of the LED module subassembly.
[0004] However, in actual products, the LED module subassemblies are long linear structures, so the resistance of the wires in each LED module assembly should not be ignored but should be taken into consideration. Figure 2 shows an equivalent circuit with resistance R at the interconnection between two LED module subassemblies, where resistance R indicates the resistance of the wires in the LED module subassembly upstream of the interconnection. Arrow I1 indicates the current through the first LED module subassembly #1, and arrow I Nindicates the current through the last LED module subassembly #N. The output of the LED driver is usually a voltage source. In the last LED module subassembly #N, the extra resistance of the wire is in series with the last LED module subassembly, and thus the current is smaller than the current through the first LED module subassembly #1. Figure 3 shows a schematic of the brightness of the LED module subassemblies decreasing from the driver side connected to the driver to the opposite side furthest from the driver.
[0005] CN209511674U discloses an LED light strip that can provide uniform light output from the head to the tail of the light strip. This prior art LED light strip is a cuttable standalone product and is not intended to be assembled with other LED light strips. CN109982487A discloses a similar technology.
[0006] WO2018100502A1 discloses a lighting system formed by an assembly of a plurality of lighting modules. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]
[0007] Although the prior art CN209511674U and CN109982487A can achieve uniform light output along the entire length of the LED light strip, they have unavoidable power loss due to the addition of wire resistance. As energy efficiency becomes increasingly important, there is still a need to provide energy-efficient products. [Means for solving the problem]
[0008] The invention is defined by the claims.
[0009] The basic idea of the present invention is to provide an alternation between using additional wire resistance to provide uniform lumen output and not using additional wire resistance. The latter case can be activated depending on the operating conditions. As an example, the operating conditions may relate to energy / power efficiency. More specifically, if energy efficiency is required and non-uniform lumen output can be tolerated, the additional wire resistance can be bypassed / not used, and if uniform lumen output is required and energy / power loss can be tolerated, the additional wire resistance can be used. This provides a more adaptable / flexible technology.
[0010] In a first aspect of the present invention there is provided an LED module adapted to be connected to one other LED module to form a string having a driver side connected to a driver and an opposing side, the LED module extending along a length of the LED module, - LED lighting arrangement and - a first interconnect pair and a first wire connecting the first interconnect pair that spans the length of the LED module, the first interconnect pair and the first wire being adapted to couple to a first output of the driver and to a first interconnect pair of another LED module; - a second interconnect pair and a second wire connecting the second interconnect pair that spans the length of the LED module, the second interconnect pair and the second wire being adapted to couple to the second interconnect pair of another LED module and to a second output of the driver; - a third interconnect pair and a third wire connecting the third interconnect pair along the length of the LED module, the third interconnect pair and the third wire being adapted to couple to the third interconnect pair of another LED module; Including, An LED module is provided, the LED lighting unit being connected to one of the first wire and the second wire, and the LED module further including a selection circuit adapted to select, depending on operating conditions, whether the LED lighting configuration is connected to the third interconnected pair of other LED modules, whereby each LED module in the string is coupled to the driver via the other LED modules and the remaining LED modules to the opposite side, or to the other of the first wire and the second wire within the LED module, whereby each LED module is coupled to the driver without via the other LED modules or the remaining LED modules to the opposite side.
[0011] This aspect of the invention proposes LED modules that are connectable and cooperative with each other, such that each LED module is connected to the driver via other LED modules and via a connection in the last LED module. In this way, the wire length between the driver and each LED module is substantially the same, and thus the wire resistance for each LED module is the same, and the light output of each LED module is the same and uniform. Furthermore, flexibility is provided to configure the LED modules in either the proposed new configuration, which provides uniform light output at the expense of efficiency, or the traditional configuration, which provides high efficiency at the expense of uniformity in light output, especially when requirements for the lighting fixture are different.
[0012] By directly connecting the LED lighting configuration to the other of the first and second wires in the LED module, the current goes directly to the driver without going to other LED modules, which adapts the LED module to suit applications where the uniformity of light output is acceptable but the power loss on the wires of other LED modules is severely limited. This embodiment provides a versatile LED module that can meet different requirements by flexibly reconfiguring the LED module in real time.
[0013] In one embodiment, the LED module is an LED module subassembly, and the interconnect pair is an interface pair. When the LED module subassembly is the last one on the opposite side, the LED module subassembly is adapted to form a connection between a third wire and the other of the first wire and the second wire, whereby each LED module subassembly in the string is coupled to a driver via the other LED module subassemblies and remaining LED module subassemblies up to the opposite side and connections on the opposite side.
[0014] In one embodiment, the third wire is adapted to couple the LED lighting unit from the first wire to the third wire, and if the LED module is the last one on the opposite side, the LED module is adapted to form a connection from the third wire to the second wire.
[0015] In this embodiment, the third wire and the second wire of the other LED module are used to balance the difference in wire length between the LED module and the driver via the first wire and the second wire.
[0016] In an alternative embodiment, the third wire is adapted to couple the LED lighting unit from the third wire to the second wire, and if the LED module is the last one on the opposite side, the LED module is adapted to form a connection from the first wire to the third wire.
[0017] In this embodiment, the third wire and the first wire of the other LED module are used to balance the difference in wire length between the LED module and the driver via the first wire and the second wire.
[0018] In one embodiment, the first interconnect pair is adapted to couple to a positive voltage output of the driver, and the second interconnect pair is adapted to couple to a negative voltage output of the driver.
[0019] In this embodiment, the first wire and first interconnect pair is the current flowing-in end, and the second wire and second interconnect pair is the current flowing-out end.
[0020] In one embodiment, the LED module further includes a jumper terminal between the third interconnect pair and one of the first interconnect pair and the second interconnect pair, the jumper terminal adapted to receive a jumper to form the connection between the third wire and the other of the first wire and the second wire.
[0021] This embodiment provides a manual way to make the connections: the installer or maintainer of the LED modules can conveniently place the connections on the last LED module.
[0022] In an alternative embodiment, the connection is formed in an electrical and automatic manner. More specifically, the LED module further includes a circuit connecting the third wire to the other of the first wire and the second wire, the circuit including a detector adapted to detect whether the LED module is the last LED module on the opposite side, and a first switch adapted to be triggered by the detector and to electrically connect the third wire to the other of the first wire and the second wire.
[0023] This embodiment does not require manual human action and is robust to human error.
[0024] In a further embodiment, a specific implementation form for a detector is provided in which the LED module includes a fourth terminal connected to a reference voltage, and the detector is adapted to be connected to the fourth terminal of another module or to float if the LED module is the last LED module on the opposite side, and the detector is adapted to determine whether the LED module is the last LED module on the opposite side by detecting whether the voltage at the detector corresponds to the reference voltage.
[0025] In this embodiment, the fourth interconnect pair is used to distinguish the last LED module from the other LED modules, which simplifies the implementation of the detector. Note that there are other implementations for the detector.
[0026] Furthermore, the inventors have found that the non-uniform light output is not significant in a high-brightness mode at a high operating current, while the power loss in the high-brightness mode is substantial, and thus, in an improved embodiment, the reconfiguration depends on the high / low brightness of the lighting fixture. More specifically, the selection circuit includes a current detection circuit adapted to detect a current through the LED lighting configuration as an operating condition, and a second switch connected between the LED lighting configuration and the other of the first wire and the second wire, the second switch adapted to be triggered to close and connect the LED lighting configuration in the LED module to the other of the first wire and the second wire when the detected current is greater than a threshold, and to open to leave the LED lighting configuration connected to the third interconnected pair of the other LED module when the detected current is less than the threshold.
[0027] In this embodiment, the LED module can be automatically adapted according to the operating current, providing high efficiency in high brightness mode while achieving negligible power difference.
[0028] In a further embodiment, the LED lighting arrangement comprises a plurality of LED units distributed along the length of the LED module.
[0029] This embodiment provides a linear light emission.
[0030] In a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an LED lighting assembly comprising a plurality of the LED modules as described above, the plurality of LED modules being adapted to be connected in a daisy chain.
[0031] In a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an LED lighting fixture comprising an LED lighting assembly according to the second aspect and a driver adapted to connect to and supply power to the LED module via the first interconnect pair and the second interconnect pair.
[0032] These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter. [Brief explanation of the drawings]
[0033] For a better understanding of the present invention, and to show more clearly how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings in which: [Figure 1] 1 illustrates a conventional topology of daisy-chained LED module subassemblies. [Figure 2] The equivalent circuit of the conventional topology of FIG. [Figure 3] 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the brightness difference of LED module subassemblies in the conventional topology of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] 1 shows an LED module subassembly according to a basic embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 5] 5 illustrates an equivalent topology of the LED module subassemblies of FIG. 4 assembled in a daisy chain. [Figure 6] 1 illustrates an LED module subassembly according to an improved embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 7] 7 illustrates multiple LED module subassemblies of FIG. 6 assembled in a daisy chain. [Figure 8] 10 shows an LED module subassembly according to another improved embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 9] 9 illustrates multiple LED module subassemblies of FIG. 8 assembled in a daisy chain. [Figure 10] 10 illustrates an LED module subassembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 11 shows multiple LED module subassemblies of FIG. 10 assembled in a daisy chain. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0034] The present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings.
[0035] It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the devices, systems, and methods, are for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the devices, systems, and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, the appended claims, and the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the drawings are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used to denote the same or similar parts throughout the drawings.
[0036] Figure 4 shows an LED module subassembly according to a basic embodiment of the present invention. The LED module subassembly is adapted to be assembled with one other LED module to form a string having a driver side connected to a driver and an opposing side, such as that shown in Figure 5. The LED module subassembly extends along the length of the LED module subassembly and - LED lighting configurations D1 to D9 (FIG. 4 shows the LED lighting configurations as a 3×3 LED matrix (three parallel branches of three serially connected LED units), but it should be understood that any other arrangement of LED units is applicable); - a first interface pair X1, X5 on two opposite sides of the subassembly and a first wire 40 connecting the first interface pair X1, X5, the first wire running the length of the LED module subassembly, the first interface pair being adapted to be coupled to a first output + of the driver and to the first interface pair X1, X5 of another LED module subassembly, as shown in FIG. 5 below; - second interface pairs X4, X8 on two opposite sides of the subassembly and second wires 42 connecting the second interface pairs X4, X8 along the length of the LED module subassembly, the second interface pairs being adapted to be coupled to the second interface pairs X4, X8 of other LED module subassemblies and to a second output of the driver; - a third interface pair X2, X6 on two opposite sides of the subassembly and a third wire 44 connecting the third interface pair X2, X6 along the length of the LED module subassembly, the third interface pair and third wire being adapted to couple to the third interface pair X2, X6 of another LED module subassembly; Includes.
[0037] In the embodiment of Figures 4 and 5, the third wire 44 is adapted to couple the LED lighting units D1 to D9 and the first wire 40, in other words, the LED lighting units D1 to D9 are between the first wire 40 and the third wire 44.
[0038] Further, as shown in FIG. 5, for the last LED module subassembly #N on the opposite side of the string away from the driver, the LED module subassembly #N is adapted to form a connection 50 between the third wire 44 and the second wire 42.
[0039] In this manner, each LED module subassembly in the string is coupled to a driver via connections 50 on the other LED module subassemblies and on the last LED module subassembly on the opposite side.
[0040] More specifically, for the first LED module subassembly #1, current flows into the LED configuration from the positive + output of the driver and out of the first LED module subassembly #1 through the third wire 44, rather than through the second wire 42 as in the prior art of FIG. 1. The current then travels to the remaining LED module subassemblies via the third interface pair X2, X6 and the corresponding third wire 44 until the last LED module subassembly #N. The current then travels to the second interface pair X2, X6 of the last LED module subassembly #N via connection 50, and returns to the negative - output of the driver via the second interface pairs and second wires of all LED module subassemblies. The current flow is indicated by arrow I1. Along this path, there are three wire resistances R of the three third wires 44, among other wire resistances.
[0041] Then, for the last LED module subassembly #N, current flows from the positive + output of the driver, through the first interface pair X1, X5 and first wire 40 of the previous LED module subassembly, into the last LED module subassembly #N and the LED arrangement. The current then flows via connection 50 to the second interface pair X6, X8 of the last LED module subassembly #N, and back to the negative - output of the driver via the second interface pairs X6, X8 and second wire 42 of all LED module subassemblies. The current flow is indicated by arrow I N In this path, there is also, among other wire resistances, the three wire resistances R of the first wires 40. Notably, the three wire resistances R of the first wires 40 to the last subassembly #N are equal to the three wire resistances R of the third wires 44 to the first subassembly #1. Also, both the first subassembly and the last subassembly connect to the negative output of the driver through the same length of all second wires 42 of all subassemblies.
[0042] It can be seen that the total wire resistance is the same for the first LED module subassembly #1 and the last LED module subassembly #N. Based on the same principle, those skilled in the art can understand that the wire resistance is also the same for each LED module subassembly, such as #2 and #3, between the first and last LED module subassembly. Thus, each LED module subassembly is connected to the same voltage output of the driver with the same wire resistance, and each LED module subassembly emits uniform / same light.
[0043] For connection 50, the present application provides two embodiments, but is not so limited.
[0044] In the first embodiment, the connection is provided manually: each LED module subassembly includes a jumper terminal between one third interface X6 and one second interface X8, the jumper terminal being adapted to receive a jumper to form the connection 50 between the third wire and the second wire. The jumper can be inserted into the last LED module subassembly by an installer installing or maintaining the LED module subassemblies.
[0045] In a second embodiment, the connection is provided electrically and automatically. As shown in Figures 6 and 7, each LED module subassembly includes a circuit connecting the third wire 44 and the second wire 42, said circuit comprising: a detector X7 adapted to detect whether the LED module subassembly is the last LED module on the opposite side; a first switch U1 adapted to be triggered by the detector and to electrically connect the third wire 44 and the second wire 42; Includes.
[0046] There are many implementations for the detector. This application shows an example in Figures 6 and 7. The first switch U1 is a MOSFET. The gate of the MOSFET U1 is connected to the first wire 40 via two resistors R1 and R2, which can drive the MOSFET. A fourth interface X7 is provided at the interconnection point between the resistors R1 and R2. The LED module subassembly has another fourth interface X3 that is pulled to a reference voltage, such as connected to the negative / second interface X4.
[0047] 7, when one LED module subassembly is not the last one but is connected to a downstream LED module subassembly, the fourth interface X7 is connected to the fourth interface X3 of the downstream LED module subassembly and pulled to the second interface X4, which is substantially zero voltage / negative output of the driver, thus the gate of the first switch U1 is pulled to zero, and the first switch U1 is not driven and is open. Therefore, the third wire 44 of this LED module subassembly is not connected to the second wire 42.
[0048] If one LED module subassembly #N is the last one, the fourth interface X7 is not connected to anything and is floating, and thus is not pulled to the second interface X4, which is the substantially zero voltage / negative output of the driver. Thus, the gate of the first switch U1 is pulled up by resistor R1 to the first wire 40, and switch U1 is driven to close. Therefore, the third wire 44 of this LED module subassembly #N is connected to the second wire 42, forming connection 50.
[0049] The inventors also noticed that, compared to the prior art of FIGS. 1 and 2, some additional wire resistance is added to the LED module subassemblies, especially at or near the driver side of the strings closest to the driver. Thus, there is some power loss caused by these additional wire resistances. Through experiments and field tests, the inventors found that when the linear lighting fixture is set to operate in high-brightness mode, the non-uniform light output is tolerable / negligible to some extent. This is because the output current is quite high in high-brightness mode, and the current difference caused by differences in wire resistance accounts for only a small portion at the high output current. On the other hand, in low-brightness mode, the output current is small, and the current difference caused by differences in wire resistance accounts for a significant portion at the low output current, and thus the non-uniformity cannot be ignored. However, at low brightness, the power loss is often acceptable. Thus, an improved embodiment of the present invention proposes to use a flexible selection circuit to switch the LED module subassemblies from a mode of routing current to the remaining LED module subassemblies as described above to a mode of routing current directly to the driver as in the prior art of Figures 1 and 2, in order to reduce power loss when non-uniform light output is acceptable. When non-uniform light output is not acceptable but power loss is acceptable, such as in a low brightness mode, the selection circuit keeps the LED module subassemblies in a mode of routing current to the remaining LED module subassemblies as described above.
[0050] More specifically, the LED module subassembly further comprises, in response to operating conditions, an LED lighting configuration: coupled to a third interface pair of another LED module subassembly, thereby providing connection through the other LED module subassembly and through a connection in the last LED module subassembly on the opposite side; or connected to the other of the first wire and the second wire in the LED module subassembly, so that each LED module subassembly is connected to a driver without going through a connection in another LED module subassembly or a last LED module subassembly on the opposite side; The selector circuit is adapted to select one of the following:
[0051] In one embodiment, the selection depends on the drive current supplied to the LED module subassembly, and the selection circuitry: a current detection circuit adapted to detect a current through the LED lighting arrangement as an operating condition; a second switch between the LED lighting arrangement and the other of the first wire and the second wire, the second switch adapted to be triggered to close and connect the LED lighting arrangement in the LED module subassembly and the other of the first wire and the second wire when the detected current is greater than a threshold, and to open when the detected current is less than the threshold; Includes.
[0052] As shown in Figure 8, the current detection circuit includes a resistor R6, a comparator U3, and a MOSFET U2 in series with the LED lighting components D1-D9. A second switch is implemented by a MOSFET U1. The negative input of the comparator U3 is connected to the resistor R6, and the positive input of the comparator U3 is coupled to the interface X3 of the next LED module subassembly and to the interface X7, which is coupled to a reference voltage VCC. The reference voltage VCC sets the thresholds mentioned above.
[0053] When the current through the LED lighting configuration, as sensed by resistor R6, is greater than reference voltage VCC, comparator U3 outputs a negative or zero voltage to the gate of MOSFET U2, turning MOSFET U2 off. VCC drives MOSFET U1 through resistors R1 and R2, turning MOSFET U1 on, so that LED lighting configurations D1-D9 are directly connected to second wire 42 within the LED module subassembly. Note that although LED lighting configurations D1-D9 are still connected to third interface pair X6, the impedance of third interface pair X2, X6 and third wire 33 in the subsequent LED module subassembly is higher than the resistance of second wire 42; thus, no current flows through the subsequent LED module subassembly; instead, current flows through second wire 42 back to the driver. In further embodiments, a switch can be added to third interface pair X6 to isolate LED lighting configurations D1-D9 from third interface pair X6.
[0054] When the current through the LED lighting arrangement, sensed by resistor R6, is less than the reference voltage VCC, comparator U3 outputs a positive voltage to the gate of MOSFET U2, turning MOSFET U2 on. The gate of MOSFET U1 is pulled low, turning MOSFET U1 off, so that LED lighting arrangements D1-D9 are isolated from the second wire 42 within the LED module subassembly and electrically connected to the subsequent LED module subassembly via the third interface pair X6. The entire lighting fixture operates similarly to Figures 4 and 5.
[0055] It should be noted that the selection can also depend on other operating conditions, such as real-time electricity prices or efficiency requests. If electricity prices are high or the system is required to operate in a high-efficiency mode, lower power loss is better, and thus the selection circuit will select the LED module subassemblies to operate in the traditional mode with high efficiency but lower uniformity. If electricity prices are low or the system can operate in a less efficient and high light output performance mode, the power loss can be accepted, and thus the selection circuit will select the LED module subassemblies to operate in the proposed new mode with higher uniformity.
[0056] The present application also proposes an LED lighting assembly including a plurality of LED module subassemblies assembled together, and an LED lighting fixture including the LED lighting assembly and a driver for driving the LED module subassemblies.
[0057] In the above embodiment, the third wire 44 is connected to the cathode of the LED lighting arrangement in each LED module subassembly and to the second wire 42 at the last LED module subassembly. This is merely one example. In an alternative embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10 and 11 , the third wire 44 is adapted to couple the LED lighting arrangement from the third wire 44 to the second wire 42; in other words, the LED lighting unit is coupled at its anode to the third wire 44 and at its cathode to the second wire 42. As shown in FIG. 11 , the third interface pair X6 of one LED module subassembly is connected to the third interface pair X2 of the next LED module subassembly, and the third interface pair X6 of the last LED module subassembly is connected to the first interface pair X5 of the last LED module subassembly to form connection 50. It will be appreciated that this embodiment essentially swaps the positive and negative power wires of the embodiments of FIGS. 4 and 5 .
[0058] Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood by those skilled in the art, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims, and can be implemented in practicing the claimed invention. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.
[0059] The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.
[0060] It should be noted that when the term "adapted to" is used in the claims or the specification, it is intended to be equivalent to the term "configured to." It should be noted that when the term "arrangement" is used in the claims or the specification, it is intended to be equivalent to the term "system," and vice versa.
[0061] Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.
Claims
1. an LED module adapted to be connected to one other LED module to form a string having a driver side connected to a driver and an opposing side, the LED module extending along a length of the LED module; LED lighting configuration, a first interconnect pair and a first wire connecting the first interconnect pair that spans the length of the LED module, the first interconnect pair and the first wire adapted to couple to a first output of the driver and to a first interconnect pair of the other LED module; a second interconnect pair and a second wire connecting the second interconnect pair that spans the length of the LED module, the second interconnect pair and the second wire adapted to couple to the second interconnect pair of the other LED module and to a second output of the driver; a third interconnect pair and a third wire connecting the third interconnect pair that spans the length of the LED module, the third interconnect pair and the third wire being adapted to couple to the third interconnect pair of the other LED module; Including, an LED lighting unit connected to one of the first wire and the second wire, and the LED module further configured to, depending on an operating condition, cause the LED lighting configuration to: connected to the third interconnect pair of the other LED modules, whereby each LED module in the string is coupled to the driver via the other LED module and any remaining LED modules to the opposite side; or connected to the other of the first wire and the second wire in the LED module, whereby each LED module is coupled to the driver without going through the other or remaining LED modules on the opposite side; a selection circuit adapted to select:
2. the LED module is an LED module subassembly, and the interconnect pair is an interface pair; 2. The LED module of claim 1, wherein when the LED module subassembly is the last one on the opposing side, the LED module subassembly is adapted to form a connection between the third wire and the other of the first wire and the second wire, whereby each LED module subassembly in the string is coupled to the driver via other LED module subassemblies and remaining LED module subassemblies up to the opposing side and the connection on the opposing side.
3. 3. The LED module of claim 2, further comprising a jumper terminal between a third interface pair and one of the first interface pair and the second interface pair, the jumper terminal adapted to receive a jumper to form the connection between the third wire and the other of the first wire and the second wire.
4. The LED module further includes a circuit connecting the third wire to the other of the first wire and the second wire, the circuit comprising: a detector adapted to detect whether the LED module is the last LED module on the opposite side; a first switch adapted to be triggered by the detector and to electrically connect the third wire to the other of the first wire and the second wire; The LED module of claim 1 , comprising:
5. the LED module includes a fourth terminal connected to a reference voltage, and the detector is adapted to be connected to the fourth terminal of the other module or to be floated if the LED module is the last LED module on the opposite side; 5. The LED module of claim 4, wherein the detector is adapted to determine whether the LED module is the last LED module on the opposite side by detecting whether a voltage at the detector corresponds to the reference voltage.
6. The selection circuit a current detection circuit adapted to detect a current through the LED lighting arrangement as the operating condition; a second switch connected between the LED lighting arrangement and the other of the first wire and the second wire, the second switch adapted to be triggered to close and connect the LED lighting arrangement in the LED module to the other of the first wire and the second wire when the detected current is greater than a threshold, and to open when the detected current is less than the threshold to leave the LED lighting arrangement connected to a third interface pair of the other LED module; The LED module of claim 1 , comprising:
7. 2. The LED module of claim 1, wherein the third wire is adapted to couple the LED lighting configuration from the first wire to the third wire, and when the LED module is the last one on the opposing side, the LED module is adapted to form a connection from the third wire to the second wire.
8. 2. The LED module of claim 1, wherein the third wire is adapted to couple the LED lighting configuration from the third wire to the second wire, and when the LED module is the last one on the opposing side, the LED module is adapted to form a connection from the first wire to the third wire.
9. 10. The LED module of claim 1, wherein a first interface pair is adapted to couple to a positive voltage output of the driver, and a second interface pair is adapted to couple to a negative voltage output of the driver.
10. 10. The LED module of claim 1, wherein the LED lighting arrangement comprises a plurality of LED units distributed along the length of the LED module.
11. 11. An LED lighting assembly comprising a plurality of LED modules according to any one of claims 1 to 10, said plurality of LED modules being adapted to be connected in a daisy chain.
12. 12. An LED lighting fixture comprising: the LED lighting assembly of claim 11; and a driver adapted to connect to and provide power to the LED module via the first interconnect pair and the second interconnect pair.
13. an LED lighting system comprising a driver and a plurality of LED modules connected in series to form a string having a driver side proximate the driver and an opposing side, each LED module extending along a length of the LED lighting system, each LED module comprising an LED lighting arrangement; The LED lighting system further comprises: anode and cathode bus lines extending along the length of the LED lighting system, the LED lighting arrangement straddling the anode and cathode bus lines and positioned along the length of the LED lighting system; a return line extending along the length of the LED lighting system; Depending on the operating conditions, the return line and one of the anode bus line and the cathode bus line connect to the driver on the driver side, and the other of the anode bus line and the cathode bus line connect to the return line on the opposite side, whereby each LED module in the string is coupled to the driver via the other of the anode bus line and the cathode bus line to the opposite side and the return line; or both the anode bus line and the cathode bus line connect to the driver on the driver side, so that each LED module in the string is coupled to the driver without going through a bus line and a return line to the opposite side; a selection circuit adapted to select An LED lighting system comprising:
14. 14. The LED lighting system of claim 13, wherein the selection circuit is adapted to select as the operating condition in response to one of the following: current in LED lighting systems, Optical output performance, Efficiency requirements.