A lighting system for providing light, wherein the lighting system is arranged for determining the number of parallel connected lighting modules, as well as a corresponding method

Abstract

A lighting system for providing light, wherein said lighting system comprises a plurality of parallel connected lighting modules, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises a driver having one or more channels, one or more strings of a plurality of in series connected Light Emitting Diodes, LEDs, for providing said light, wherein each of said one or more strings is connected to one of said channels of said driver, and an impedance being connected in parallel to said corresponding plurality of in series connected LEDs, a current measurement circuit arranged for enabling measurement of a current drawn from said auxiliary power supply, a controller arranged for controlling said driver for determining a presence of said impedance, and for determining a total number of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules based on said determined presence.

Description

[0001] A lighting system for providing light, wherein the lighting system is arranged for determining the number of parallel connected lighting modules, as well as a corresponding method

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the field of lighting and, more specifically, to a lighting system having a plurality of parallel connected lighting modules, wherein the lighting system is able to determine the number of parallel connected lighting modules.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Light Emitting Diodes, LEDs, have revolutionized the lighting industry with their energy efficiency, longevity, and versatility. Unlike traditional incandescent bulbs, which produce light through the heating of a filament, LEDs generate light through the movement of electrons in a semiconductor material. This process consumes significantly less energy and produces less heat, making LEDs an ideal choice for various lighting applications.

[0006] LEDs offer precise control over, for example, colour temperature and brightness, allowing for customizable lighting solutions to suit different environments and preferences. Additionally, LEDs can be easily integrated into smart lighting systems, enabling remote control, automation, and synchronization with other devices.

[0007] A known prior art system represents an advanced ecosystem of connected LED lighting devices. This system comprises a multitude of light points, each possessing specific attributes related to light output, colour options, extendibility, and power consumption. These parameters are typically configured during installation, with some aspects, such as power settings, requiring dynamic adjustment for extendable systems.

[0008] Within such a system, lighting modules, each having LED strips or strings, are a common component. The lighting modules are connected in parallel, i.e. the lighting modules are powered in parallel but may be controlled in a cascaded architecture. The strips consist of multiple LEDs connected in series, forming a cascaded architecture. The number of LEDs in a light strip varies based on the specific requirements of the light effect to achieve, offering flexibility and scalability. Determining the number of lighting modules connected in parallel presents a significant challenge in the design of LED lighting systems. Traditional methods often rely on measurements of electrical parameters, such as voltage or current, to infer the configuration of the system.

[0009] One approach involves the use of a shunt resistor within the circuit. By measuring the voltage drop across this resistor, the system can infer the number of connected light segments. However, this method has drawbacks, particularly in terms of power consumption and efficiency.

[0010] The shunt resistor continuously dissipates power, leading to unnecessary energy loss and increased heat generation, detracting from the overall efficiency of the lighting system. The reliance on these traditional methods for determining the configuration of LED lighting systems presents several challenges, particularly concerning power consumption and efficiency. The continuous operation of shunt resistors contributes to energy waste and thermal issues, ultimately impacting the performance and longevity of the lighting infrastructure.

[0011] SUMMARY

[0012] It would be advantageous to achieve a lighting system for providing light, wherein the lighting system is arranged to determine the number of the plurality of parallel connected lighting modules in an efficient manner. It would further be advantageous to achieve a corresponding method.

[0013] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a lighting system for providing light, wherein said lighting system comprises: a plurality of parallel connected lighting modules, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises: a driver having one or more channels; one or more strings of a plurality of in series connected Light Emitting Diodes, LEDs, for providing said light, wherein each of said one or more strings is connected to one of said channels of said driver, and an impedance being connected in parallel to said corresponding plurality of in series connected LEDs; the lighting system further compsrising: a main power supply arranged for providing a main voltage to said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules, said main voltage being higher than a threshold voltage corresponding to said strings in said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules; an auxiliary power supply arranged for providing an auxiliary voltage to said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules, said auxiliary voltage being lower than said threshold voltage corresponding to said strings in said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules; a current measurement circuit arranged for enabling measurement of a current drawn from said auxiliary power supply; a controller arranged for controlling each driver in each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules, at least during a phase when said auxiliary power supply is activated, for determining a presence of said impedance, and for determining a total number of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules based on said determined presence.

[0014] The inventors have found that it may be beneficial to introduce an impedance that is connected in parallel over the lighting modules. If the auxiliary power supply is enabled, and - at the same time - the main power supply may be disabled, then the supply voltage would be sufficient to ensure that the driver is able to operate. The supply voltage is low enough to ensure that the threshold voltage of the LED strings is not exceeded. This would prevent the LED strings from providing light.

[0015] The controller is arranged to control the driver, for example to activate the channel to which the impedance is connected. This will cause a current to flow from the auxiliary power supply, through the impedance, into the channel of the driver. Detecting this current, or indirectly by detecting a voltage drop, over the current measurement circuit, caused by this current, would enable the controller to detect the presence of the lighting module.

[0016] The lighting system is an arrangement designed to provide illumination through a series of parallel connected lighting modules. Each module comprises a string of Light Emitting Diodes, LEDs, connected in series. This setup allows for the efficient distribution of light across the desired area while offering flexibility in configuration and scalability. Each module may comprise multiple strings of LEDs connected in parallel.

[0017] The lighting system comprises a main power supply responsible for providing a main voltage to the parallel connected lighting modules, for example via a voltage bus. This main voltage is regulated to ensure it surpasses a threshold voltage specific to the strings of LEDs within the modules. By maintaining a voltage level above this threshold, the system guarantees the proper activation and operation of the LED strings, ensuring conditions for consistent and reliable illumination.

[0018] Further, an auxiliary power supply is responsible for providing an auxiliary voltage to the parallel connected lighting modules, for example via the same voltage bus. Means may be implemented, for example using a controller, to prevent the activation of both the main power supply and the auxiliary power at the same time.

[0019] By maintaining a voltage level below a threshold of the string of LEDs, by activating the auxiliary power supply, the system ensures that the LEDs are not activated, such that no light is being provided. The voltage may still be sufficient to power the drivers of the light modules.

[0020] The auxiliary power supply is provided to feed the impedances. Each of the lighting modules comprises an impedance placed in parallel over the LED string. The power provided by the auxiliary power supply is then dissipated by, amongst other, the activated impedances of the specific light string.

[0021] To monitor and manage the electrical load imposed by the lighting modules, a current measurement circuit is integrated into the system. This circuit enables the measurement of the current drawn from the auxiliary power supply, i.e. by the impedances. By recognizing the current flow, the system gains insight into the power consumption, thereby enabling the determination of the number of lighting modules.

[0022] A component of the lighting system is the controller, which serves as the central processing unit responsible for coordinating various functions and operations. The controller utilizes data collected by the current measurement circuit to analyze the current drawn from the auxiliary power supply. By interpreting this data, the controller can determine the total number of parallel connected lighting modules connected to the system.

[0023] This determination enables the controller to effectively manage and control the lighting infrastructure, ensuring optimal performance and energy efficiency. By accurately assessing the number of lighting modules in operation, the controller can, for example, adjust power distribution and allocation as needed, minimizing energy wastage and maximizing the lifespan of the LEDs.

[0024] The above may also be described as follows:

[0025] The inventors have found a beneficial way in determining the number of lighting modules comprised by the lighting system. This insight is based on the concept of introducing an impedance to each of the lighting modules. The impedance is placed in parallel to the LED string.

[0026] To isolate the impedance from the LEDs, it was found to introduce an auxiliary power supply. The auxiliary power supply provides for an auxiliary voltage that is below the threshold voltage of the LED string. As such, the corresponding LED string will not be “activated” such that no light will be provided.

[0027] The auxiliary voltage may be provided to each of the impedances. This will cause a current to be drawn from the auxiliary power supply. The current measurement circuit enables the measurement of that particular current. As such, the controller is able to detect that current is drawn from the auxiliary power supply and can conclude, based on the measured current, how many lighting modules are comprised by the lighting system. Specific details of embodiments of the present disclosure are elucidated in more detail further below.

[0028] It is noted that the lighting system comprises a main power supply and an auxiliary power supply. In accordance with the present disclosure, this also encompasses a single power supply that is able to provide at least two voltages. A first voltage being the main voltage and a second voltage being the auxiliary voltage.

[0029] The controller can take various forms, such as an integrated circuit, IC, a microcontroller, or a dedicated digital signal processor, DSP, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, ASICs, Field Programmable Gate Array, FPGA, or anything alike.

[0030] In an example, each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules further comprises a switch connected in series with said corresponding impedance.

[0031] The switch will ensure that the corresponding impedance is activated or deactivated.

[0032] In accordance with the present disclosure, two stages may be identified. In a first stage, the auxiliary power supply is activated (and the main power supply is disabled) which allows the lighting system to determine the number of lighting modules. In this first stage, the LEDs will not be activated as the voltage over the LED strings is not sufficient, i.e. below the threshold voltage.

[0033] As such, the auxiliary power supply will provide power that is consumed, or dissipated, by - amongst other - the impedances. The current drawn from the auxiliary power supply is then a measure of whether an impedance is connected and, in some instances, also how many impedances are connected. In a second stage, the main power supply is enabled (and the auxiliary power supply is disabled). This stage allows for normal operation. The main voltage is above the threshold voltage of the LED string, allowing the LEDs to provide light.

[0034] The switch, that is connected in series with the impedance, may be under control by the controller. The controller may thus control the activation and deactivation of the switch. In another example, the switch is a voltage-controlled switch. Based on the voltage provided to the lighting modules, the switch is either enabled or disabled. In other words, if the main voltage is provided, then the switch may be disabled. If the auxiliary voltage is provided, then the switch may be enabled (to enable the impedance).

[0035] In an example, each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises a multi-channel driver and comprises multiple strings, wherein each of said strings are connected, at a first end, to said first and auxiliary power supply and are connected, at a second end different to said first end, to a channel of said multi-channel driver.

[0036] A multi-channel driver is a device used to control multiple channels or outputs simultaneously. One of the features of a multi-channel driver is its ability to independently manipulate and regulate each channel, allowing for precise control of the corresponding LED string connected to that channel.

[0037] In the context of LED lighting, a multi-channel driver is particularly useful for managing different colors or zones of LEDs within a single lighting fixture. Each channel of the driver may correspond to a specific colour or group of LEDs, enabling dynamic colour mixing, brightness adjustment, and special effects. This flexibility allows for the creation of customizable lighting displays for various environments and applications.

[0038] In an example, the impedances of each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules are connected to a channel of said corresponding multi-channel driver.

[0039] The inventors have found that the impedances do not need to be connected to a “unique” channel. The impedances may be connected to a channel that is also utilized for an LED string. The main reason is that this channel may be used, in a first stage, for determining the number of lighting modules using the auxiliary power supply and that this channel may be used, in a second stage, for lighting purposes using the LED string connected thereto.

[0040] In another example, the multi-channel drivers of said corresponding plurality of parallel connected lighting modules are connected in a daisy-chain.

[0041] In a daisy chain configuration, multiple multi-channel drivers are linked together in a linear fashion, with the output of one driver connected to the input of the next. This setup enables seamless communication between the drivers, allowing for coordinated control of all channels across the entire chain.

[0042] The daisy chain topology simplifies the wiring and connectivity between the drivers, reducing the complexity of the overall system layout. It also facilitates scalability, as additional drivers can be easily added to the chain to expand the number of controllable channels without requiring extensive rewiring or modifications.

[0043] Furthermore, daisy chaining offers efficient data transmission between the drivers, as signals propagate along the chain from one device to the next. This approach minimizes signal degradation and latency, ensuring reliable and synchronized operation of all channels within the system.

[0044] In a further example, the controller is arranged for any of: transmitting to said multi-channel drivers a communication command for activating all channels of each of said multi-channel drivers at a same time; transmitting to said multi-channel drivers communication commands for subsequently in-time activating channels of each of said multi-channel drivers.

[0045] The inventors have found multiple possible methods to determine the number of lighting modules in the lighting system.

[0046] A first one relates to activating all channels at the same time, or at least the channels of the multi -channels drivers to which the impedances are connected. At the same time, the auxiliary power supply is enabled and the main power supply is disabled. The total amount of current drawn from the auxiliary power supply then equals the sum of all currents flowing through the different impedances of the lighting modules. The number of lighting modules may then be calculated by dividing the total measured current by the typical current encountered by a single lighting module.

[0047] A second one relates to subsequently enabling a single channel at the same time. When an increase in current is detected, it may be concluded that a particular lighting module is present for that particular activated single channel. Subsequently, a next channel may be enabled and an increase in current may be detected, etc. In this case, the quantity of the current is not per se relevant, it is detected whether there is an increase in current.

[0048] In a further example, same type of lighting modules within said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules are connected to a same channel number of said corresponding multi-channel driver.

[0049] For ease of implementation it may be beneficial to always use the same channel for connecting the impedance. For example, channel 1 of the multi-channel driver may be utilized for connecting the impedance. As such, it is not required for the controller to send commands related to other channels, as - per definition - it may be assumed that the impedances are connected to channel 1.

[0050] In yet another example, the impedances of each of said corresponding lighting modules have a same resistance value.

[0051] This is especially beneficial for the situation in which the total amount of current is the sum of the individual current flowing through each of the impedances. The total amount of current is thus a linear sum of these currents.

[0052] In yet another example, the impedances of a same type of lighting modules withing said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules have a same resistance value, and said impedances of a different type of lighting modules within said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules have a different resistance value.

[0053] In a further example, the current measurement circuit comprises a shunt resistor connected in series with an output of said auxiliary power supply.

[0054] In yet another example, the controller is arranged for controller activation and deactivation of said main power supply and said auxiliary power supply.

[0055] In a further example, each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises deactivation means, wherein said deactivation means are arranged for any of: deactivating said corresponding switch when current flows through said corresponding string; deactivating said corresponding switch when a voltage provided to said parallel connected lighting modules is higher than said threshold voltage of said corresponding strings.

[0056] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a lighting system in accordance with any of the previous examples, wherein said method comprises the steps of: activating, by said controller, said auxiliary power supply, and determining, by said controller, said total number of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules based on said measured current.

[0057] It is noted that the advantages as explained with reference to the first aspect of the present disclosure, being the lighting system comprising the plurality of lighting modules, are also applicable to the second aspect of the present disclosure, being the method of operating such a lighting system. In an example, each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises a multi-channel driver and comprises multiple strings, wherein each of said strings are connected, at a first end, to said first and auxiliary power supply and are connected, at a second end different to said first end, to a channel of said multi-channel driver, wherein said method comprises any of the steps of: transmitting, by said controller, to said multi-channel drivers a communication command for activating all channels of each of said multi-channel drivers at a same time; transmitting, by said controller, to said multi-channel drivers communication commands for subsequently in-time activating channels of each of said multi-channel drivers.

[0058] In an example, said multi-channel drivers of said corresponding plurality of parallel connected lighting modules are connected in a daisy-chain.

[0059] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a controller of a lighting system in accordance with any of the examples provided above, cause said controller to implement a method in accordance with any of the examples provided above.

[0060] In the appended figures, similar components and / or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0061] The above and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter.

[0062] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0063] Fig. 1 discloses an electric diagram illustrating the basic principle of a lighting system in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0064] Fig. 2 discloses a flow chart of a method in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0065] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0066] It is noted that in the description of the figures, same reference numerals refer to the same of similar components performing a same of essentially similar function. A more detailed description is made with reference to particular examples, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings, such that the features of the present disclosure may be understood in more detail. It is noted that the drawings only illustrate typical examples and are therefore not to be considered to limit the scope of the subject matter of the claims. The drawings are incorporated for facilitating an understanding of the disclosure and are thus not necessarily drawn to scale. Advantages of the subject matter as claimed will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading the description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0067] The ensuing description above provides preferred exemplary embodiment s) only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the preferred exemplary embodiment(s) will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing a preferred exemplary embodiment of the disclosure, it being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements, including combinations of features from different embodiments, without departing from the scope of the disclosure.

[0068] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising," and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense, as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in the sense of "including, but not limited to." As used herein, the terms "connected," "coupled," or any variant thereof means any connection or coupling, either direct or indirect, between two or more elements; the coupling or connection between the elements can be physical, logical, electromagnetic, or a combination thereof. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application. Where the context permits, words in the Detailed Description using the singular or plural number may also include the plural or singular number respectively. The word "or" in reference to a list of two or more items, covers all the following interpretations of the word: any of the items in the list, all of the items in the list, and any combination of the items in the list.

[0069] These and other changes can be made to the technology considering the following detailed description. While the description describes certain examples of the technology, and describes the best mode contemplated, no matter how detailed the description appears, the technology can be practiced in many ways. Details of the system may vary considerably in its specific implementation, while still being encompassed by the technology disclosed herein. As noted above, particular terminology used when describing certain features or aspects of the technology should not be taken to imply that the terminology is being redefined herein to be restricted to any specific characteristics, features, or aspects of the technology with which that terminology is associated. In general, the terms used in the following claims should not be construed to limit the technology to the specific examples disclosed in the specification, unless the Description section explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the technology encompasses not only the disclosed examples, but also all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the technology under the claims.

[0070] Reference is made to Figure 1. Figure 1 discloses a first example of the lighting system, wherein the impedances are connected in parallel over the LED strings.

[0071] During a startup phase or power cycle of the lighting system, the auxiliary power supply is activated, which initiates the activation of each of the lighting modules. Despite this activation, the LEDs of the lighting modules do not emit light due to the fact that the auxiliary voltage is lower than the threshold voltage of the LED strings. This characteristic allows the system to identify the number (and type) of lighting modules even in the absence of visible light output. At the voltage level provided by the auxiliary power supply, the impedances connected in parallel over each LED string can be toggled between an active and inactive state by the microcontroller.

[0072] The microcontroller communicates, for example, with the driver to command the activation or deactivation of the impedance, facilitating precise control over each lighting module. Additionally, to further manage power consumption, particularly during normal operation, an optional switch can be utilized to turn off the impedance. This feature provides flexibility in power management strategies, allowing users to optimize energy usage according to specific requirements.

[0073] In certain scenarios, enabling a designated output channel of the driver may introduce an extra load on the VBUS power line. The resultant difference in VBUS current caused by this additional load can be measured using a current measurement circuit.

[0074] This measurement may serve a dual purpose: it helps determine the type of lighting module based on the observed difference in current, and it also aids in identifying which command the load responds to, effectively assigning a unique ID to each lighting module.

[0075] Alternatively, the type of lighting module can be determined using an additional wire in conjunction with the present disclosure. By employing this approach, the system gains further flexibility in identifying and categorizing different types of lighting modules within the installation. During normal operation, the current measurement circuit is not required, eliminating any potential impact on the system's efficiency and ensuring optimal performance. This is accomplished by placing the shunt resistor, i.e. part of the current measurement circuit, only at the output of the auxiliary power supply.

[0076] The approach in accordance with the present disclosure to power management and lighting module identification underscores the system's adaptability and efficiency. By leveraging the inherent characteristics of the auxiliary power supply and integrating intelligent control mechanisms, the lighting system achieves precise control, efficient power utilization, and seamless operation in various environments and applications.

[0077] Figure 2 discloses a flow chart 101 of a method in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0078] The method may start by the step 102 of activating the switches when the auxiliary power supply is activated. This allows the impedance to be fully connected to the auxiliary power supply.

[0079] Then, the total number of lighting modules may be determined 103.

[0080] Finally, the switches may be deactivated 104 when the main power supply is activated to reduce power consumption during “normal” operating mode.

[0081] Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims. The provided figures and descriptions of the embodiments of the invention are illustrative and explanatory to the heart of the invention and should not be seen as limiting the invention thereto. 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. 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. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A lighting system for providing light, wherein said lighting system comprises: a plurality of parallel connected lighting modules, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises: a driver having one or more channels; one or more strings of a plurality of in series connected Light Emitting Diodes, LEDs, for providing said light, wherein each of said one or more strings is connected to one of said channels of said driver, and an impedance being connected in parallel to said corresponding plurality of in series connected LEDs; the lighting system further comprising: a main power supply arranged for providing a main voltage to said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules, said main voltage being higher than a threshold voltage corresponding to said strings in said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules; an auxiliary power supply arranged for providing an auxiliary voltage to said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules, said auxiliary voltage being lower than said threshold voltage corresponding to said strings in said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules; a current measurement circuit arranged for enabling measurement of a current drawn from said auxiliary power supply; a controller arranged for controlling each driver in each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules, at least during a phase when said auxiliary power supply is activated, for determining a presence of said impedance, and for determining a total number of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules based on said determined presence.

2. A lighting system in accordance with claim 1, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules further comprises a switch connected in series with said corresponding impedance.

3. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises a multi-channel driver and comprises multiple strings, wherein each of said strings are connected, at a first end, to said first and auxiliary power supply and are connected, at a second end different to said first end, to a channel of said multi-channel driver.

4. A lighting system in accordance with claim 3, wherein said multi-channel drivers of said corresponding plurality of parallel connected lighting modules are connected in a daisy-chain.

5. A lighting system in accordance with claim 4, wherein said controller is arranged for any of: transmitting to said multi-channel drivers a communication command for activating all channels of each of said multi-channel drivers at a same time; transmitting to said multi-channel drivers communication commands for subsequently in-time activating channels of each of said multi-channel drivers.

6. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said impedances of each of said corresponding lighting modules have a same resistance value.

7. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said impedances of same types of lighting modules within said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules have the same resistance values, and said impedances of different types of lighting modules within said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules have different resistance values.

8. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said current measurement circuit comprises a shunt resistor connected in series with an output of said auxiliary power supply.

9. A lighting system in accordance with claim 2, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises deactivation means, wherein said deactivation means are arranged for any of:deactivating said corresponding switch when current flows through said corresponding string; deactivating said corresponding switch when a voltage provided to said parallel connected lighting modules is higher than said threshold voltage of said corresponding strings; deactivating said corresponding switch triggered by activation of said corresponding switch.

10. A method of operating a lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said method comprises the step of: determining, by said controller, said total number of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules based on said detected presence of said impedances.

11. A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules further comprises a switch connected in series with said corresponding impedance, wherein said method comprises the steps of: activating, by said controller, said switches during a phase when said auxiliary power supply is activated, and deactivating, by said controller, said switches during a phase when said main power supply is activated.

12. A method in accordance with any of the claims 10 - 11, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises a multi-channel driver and comprises multiple strings, wherein each of said strings are connected, at a first end, to said first and auxiliary power supply and are connected, at a second end different to said first end, to a channel of said multi-channel driver.

13. A method in accordance with claim 12, wherein said multi-channel drivers of said corresponding plurality of parallel connected lighting modules are connected in a daisychain.

14. A method in accordance with claim 13, wherein said method further comprises the steps of:transmitting, by said controller, to said multi-channel drivers a communication command for activating all channels of each of said multi-channel drivers at a same time; transmitting, by said controller, to said multi-channel drivers communication commands for subsequently in-time activating channels of each of said multi-channel drivers.

15. A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon which, when executed by a controller of a lighting system in accordance with any of the claims 1 - 9, cause said controller to implement a method in accordance with any of the claims 10 - 14.

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