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 connected to at least one of said channels of said driver and connected to a supply voltage, 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, a measurement circuit arranged for enabling measurement of a presence of said impedance, a controller arranged for controlling said driver for determining a presence of said impedance by activating said at least one of said channels to which said impedance is connected, 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, 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 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 connected to at least one of said channels of said driver and connected to a supply voltage, 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; a measurement circuit arranged for enabling measurement of a presence of said impedance; a controller arranged for:

[0014] - controlling said driver of each of the plurality of parallel connected lighting modules to activate said at least one of said channels to which the impedance of each of the plurality of parallel connected lighting modules is connected such that a respective current flows in said impedance;

[0015] - determining a presence of said impedance by detecting said respective current, said detection being enabled by said measurement circuit, and

[0016] - determining a total number of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules based on said determined presence.

[0017] The inventors have found that it may be beneficial to introduce an impedance that is connected to at least one of the channels of the driver and to a supply voltage. A current may be drawn from that supply voltage whenever the corresponding channel of the driver is activated. This enables the controller to measure that current, or to measure something similar related to the flow of that current (like a voltage drop). This allows the controller to determine the presence of the lighting module.

[0018] The supply voltage may be the same as the main voltage of the main power supply, but may also be any other voltage. For example, a down-converted voltage to a certain operating level may suffice as well.

[0019] In other words: 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 supply voltage, through the impedance, into the channel of the driver. Detecting this current, or indirectly by detecting a voltage drop caused by this current, would enable the controller to detect the presence of the lighting module.

[0020] In an example, each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules further comprises a switch connected in series with said plurality of impedances.

[0021] The switch enables the lighting system to disable and enable the corresponding impedances.

[0022] For example, multiple phases may be implemented. In a first phase, the controller may activate the switch to determine a presence of a lighting module. In a second phase, i.e. during normal operation, the switch may be disabled such that the lighting system is operating under normal conditions.

[0023] In a further 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 power supply and are connected, at a second end different to said first end, to a channel of said multi-channel driver.

[0024] 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.

[0025] 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.

[0026] 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.

[0027] 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 and that this channel may be used, in a second stage, for lighting purposes using the LED string connected thereto.

[0028] In another example, the multi-channel drivers of said corresponding plurality of parallel connected lighting modules are connected in a daisy-chain.

[0029] 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.

[0030] 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.

[0031] 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.

[0032] In an example, the impedance comprises one or more diodes. The advantage hereof is that the current may flow in one direction, i.e. from the supply voltage through the impedance into the channel of the multi-channel driver.

[0033] The advantage of using one or more diodes is that, during normal operation of the lighting system, the light modules or LED strings do not interfere with one another. This is, for example, for the situation wherein the impedance shares a channel of the driver with a corresponding LED string.

[0034] In this case, the one or more diodes may be connected to the controller via a signal line.

[0035] The lighting system may, for example, comprise a pull-up resistor connected between said one or more diodes and a supply voltage, wherein said controller is arranged to control said driver for activating said channel corresponding to said one or more diodes, such that said signal line is pulled down to a lower voltage.

[0036] This provides a beneficial example for detecting the presence of a lighting module. The controller may activate a particular channel of the driver, i.e. the channel to which the impedance is connected. This will cause a current to flow through the pull-up resistor, effectively reducing the voltage at the signal line between the controller and the impedance. The reduced voltage may be detected by the controller and the controller will then conclude that a lighting module is present.

[0037] In an example, the lighting system further comprises: 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.

[0038] The inventors have found that it may be beneficial if an auxiliary power supply is provided that provides for a voltage that is lower than the threshold voltage of the LED string.

[0039] Here, the lighting system comprises a first 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 consistent and reliable illumination.

[0040] Further, an auxiliary power supply may be provided that 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. By maintaining a voltage level below this threshold, the system ensures that the LEDs are not activated, such that no light is being provided.

[0041] The controller may control the activation and deactivation of the auxiliary power supply, i.e. to control whether the auxiliary power supply will provide power to the lighting modules. The controller itself may be powered from the auxiliary power supply or may be powered by an independent power supply. The impedance can be connected to the independent power supply or to the auxiliary power supply.

[0042] To monitor and manage the electrical load imposed by the lighting modules, a measurement circuit may be integrated into the system. This circuit enables, for example, the measurement of the current drawn from the supply voltage, i.e. by the impedances. By monitoring the current flow, the system gains insight into the power consumption in realtime, thereby enabling the determination of the number of lighting modules.

[0043] 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 supply voltage, or the voltage drop when using a pull-up resistor as will be explained later. By interpreting this data, the controller can determine the total number of parallel connected lighting modules connected to the system.

[0044] 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.

[0045] The above may also be described as follows:

[0046] 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. To isolate the impedance from the LEDs, it was found that it may be beneficial 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.

[0047] The auxiliary voltage may be provided to each of the load 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.

[0048] Alternatively, an independent voltage may be connected to a single load impedance (for example pull-up resistor) of which the other end is connected to the impedances, i.e. the diodes.

[0049] In accordance with the present disclosure, the load impedance could comprise any of a pull-up resistor, load resistors, for example one per connected driver channel. These can be used for light module type identification by using a unique resistor value per type. Further, the load impedance could comprise resistors or diodes, for example one per connected driver channel. Finally, the load impedance could be any combination of the ones specified above.

[0050] Specific details of embodiments of the present disclosure are elucidated in more detail further below.

[0051] It is noted that the lighting system may comprise 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 two voltages. A first voltage being the main voltage and a second voltage being the auxiliary voltage.

[0052] This 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.

[0053] In an example, the controller is arranged for controlling said driver for determining a presence of said impedance when said auxiliary power supply is activated and said main power supply is deactivated.

[0054] In yet another 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.

[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: controlling, by said controller, said driver for determining a presence of said impedance by activating said at least one of said channels to which said impedance is connected, and determining, by said controller, said total number of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules based on said determined presence.

[0057] In an example, the impedance comprises one or more diodes.

[0058] In a further example, the lighting system comprises a pull-up resistor connected between said one or more diodes and said supply voltage, wherein said method comprises the step of: controlling, by said controller, said driver for activating said channel corresponding to said one or more diodes, such that said signal line is pulled down to a lower voltage.

[0059] In a further example, said lighting system further comprises 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.

[0060] 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. 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 illustrating 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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. 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 Detailed 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 impedance is implemented as diodes connected to a channel of the multi-channel driver.

[0071] During a startup phase or power cycle of the lighting system, an optional auxiliary power supply may be 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 diodes connected to each of the channels of the multi-channel driver may be activated by activating those particular channels, by the controller.

[0072] As such, the controller is then powered via the auxiliary power supply.

[0073] The microcontroller communicates, for example, with the driver to command the activation or deactivation of the impedances, 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 diodes. This feature provides flexibility in power management strategies, allowing users to optimize energy usage according to specific requirements.

[0074] In certain scenarios, enabling a designated output channel of the driver may introduce an extra load on the supply voltage, i.e. the supply voltage provided to the diodes. The resultant difference in current provided by the supply voltage, i.e. caused by this additional load, can be measured using a measurement circuit. Alternatively, a pull-up resistor may be used which, in that case, would result in a voltage drop at a signal line between the controller and the diodes as illustrated in Figure 1.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] In other words, the diodes may be connected to the controller via a signal line. The signal line is pulled to a higher voltage, for example the supply voltage being the same voltage at which the controller is fed, using the pull-up resistor. As such, the controller may thus detect the voltage at the supply line.

[0079] For detection purposes, the controller may activate the channel of the driver to which the one or more diodes are connected. This will cause a current to flow from the supply voltage, through the pull-up resistor, through the one or more diodes, into the driver. As such, the voltage at the signal line will drop. This voltage drop at the signal line may be detected by the controller and the controller may determine, based on the voltage drop at the signal line, that the driver, i.e. the lighting module, is present and thus that a lighting module is present.

[0080] Multiple diodes may be used. This allows for detecting the type of lighting module by using a combination of channels to which the diodes are connected.

[0081] Different types of impedances may be used to differentiate between the different types of lighting modules. The different types of impedances may cause different current levels or flow of currents, to occur and / or may cause different voltage drops to occur, which may be detected by the controller.

[0082] Figure 2 discloses a flow chart 101 in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0083] The flow chart comprises a first step 102 in that the controller is arranged to control the driver for determining a presence of the lighting module. This is accomplished by activating 103 those channels to which the impedances, i.e. the diodes, are connected - if known up front which channels they are. Alternatively, the controller may “cycle” through the channels to determine to which of the channels an impedance is connected. Finally, the total number of the plurality of parallel connected lighting modules is determined 104 based on step 103.

[0084] 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 comprising one or more diodes and connected to at least one of said channels of said driver and connected to a controller via a signal line, wherein a supply voltage is provided via the signal line, 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; a measurement circuit arranged for enabling measurement of a presence of said impedance; the controller arranged for:- controlling said driver of each of the plurality of parallel connected lighting modules to activate said at least one of said channels to which the impedance of each of the plurality of parallel connected lighting modules is connected such that a respective current flows in said impedance;- determining a presence of said impedance by detecting said respective current, said detection being enabled by said measurement circuit, and- 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 plurality of impedances.

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 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 any of the preceding claims, wherein said lighting system comprises: a pull-up resistor connected between said one or more diodes and said supply voltage, wherein said controller is arranged to control said driver for activating said channel corresponding to said one or more diodes, such that said signal line is pulled down to a lower voltage.

5. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said lighting system further comprises: 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.

6. A lighting system in accordance with claim 5, wherein said controller is arranged for controlling said driver for determining a presence of said impedance when said auxiliary power supply is activated and said main power supply is deactivated.

7. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims and at least claim 3, 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.

8. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims and at least 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.

9. 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.

10. 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 are connected to a same channel of said driver, and said impedances of different types of lighting modules within said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules are connected to different channels of said driver.

11. A method of operating a lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein said method comprises the steps of:- controlling, by said controller, said driver of each of the plurality of parallel connected lighting modules to activate said at least one of said channels to which the impedance of each of the plurality of parallel connected lighting modules is connected such that a respective current flows in said impedance;- determining a presence of said impedance by detecting said respective current, and determining, by said controller, said total number of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules based on said determined presence.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11, wherein said impedance comprises one or more diodes.

13. 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 - 10, cause said controller to implement a method in accordance with claim 11 - 12.

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