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

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 power supply arranged for providing a voltage to said bus capacitor, said bus capacitor arranged for supplying a voltage to said drivers, a controller arranged to enable one of said drivers to activate one of its channels to draw a current from said bus capacitor, during an absence of a voltage provision to said bus capacitor by said power supply, wherein said controller is further arranged to determine the number of lighting modules based on measuring a voltage decay of said bus capacitor caused by said current drawn from said bus capacitor.

Description

[0001] 2024PF80249

[0002] 1

[0003] A LIGHTING SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING LIGHT, WHEREIN THE LIGHTING SYSTEM IS ARRANGED FOR DETERMINING THE NUMBER AND TYPE OF PARALLEL CONNECTED LIGHTING MODULES, AS WELL AS A CORRESPONDING METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT

[0004] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0005] 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 and type of parallel connected lighting modules.

[0006] BACKGROUND

[0007] 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.

[0008] 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.

[0009] 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.

[0010] 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. 2024PF80249

[0011] 2

[0012] 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.

[0013] 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.

[0014] 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.

[0015] SUMMARY

[0016] 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.

[0017] 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 connected to a bus capacitor, and a power supply arranged for providing a voltage to said bus capacitor, said bus capacitor arranged for supplying a voltage to said drivers; a controller arranged to enable one of said drivers to activate one of its channels to draw a current from said bus capacitor, during an absence of a voltage provision to said bus capacitor by said power supply, 2024PF80249

[0018] 3 wherein said controller is further arranged to: determine the number of lighting modules based on measuring a voltage decay of said bus capacitor caused by said current drawn from said bus capacitor.

[0019] The inventors have found that the number of lighting modules can be determined by measuring the voltage decay of the bus capacitor. This is explained as follows. The bus capacitor will first be charged by the power supply. The result is that the bus capacitor is fully charged. Then, the provisioning of the voltage to the bus capacitor is disabled. The result thereof is that the bus voltage is only provided by the bus capacitor.

[0020] Then, or before that, the controller may enable one or more channels of the drivers. If a particular channel is enabled, a current will be drawn from the bus capacitor. This will deplete the bus capacitor at a certain rate. The voltage decay over the bus capacitor is then a measure for the amount of current that is drawn. More specifically, the voltage decay over the bus capacitor may determine whether a lighting module is present or not, and may determine the number of lighting modules that are present. This is the case when, for example, multiple channels of multiple drivers are enabled at the same time or subsequently in time.

[0021] In other words, The speed at which the bus capacitor is discharged represents the number, and / or type, of the lighting modules.

[0022] In an example, provisions may be in place to ensure that the voltage over the bus capacitor will never reduce to below the threshold voltage of the Light Emitting Diode, LED, string that is connected to the channel of the driver. This would prevent the LED strings from drawing current from the bus capacitor and would thus prevent providing illumination.

[0023] Alternatively, measures may be implemented, for example an impedance or the like, in parallel to the LED strings and connected to one or more channels of the driver. Alternatively, the measures may be implemented to a dedicated channel so that no light is output during the detection procedure. In these cases, the voltage over the bus capacitor may reduce to lower than the threshold voltage of the LED string, as the voltage over the resistor will ensure that a current is drawn from the bus capacitor.

[0024] The controller is arranged to control the driver, for example to activate on of its channels, for example the channel to which an impedance is connected. This will allow a current to flow from the capacitor, through the impedance, into the channel of the driver. As the behavior, i.e., speed, of the voltage decay is a measure of the connected load, it can be determined whether a lighting module is present. The voltage decay over time can also 2024PF80249

[0025] 4 represent the number of lighting modules or the type of lighting modules that are connected. This will be explained further below.

[0026] The lighting system is an arrangement designed to provide illumination through a series of parallel powered 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.

[0027] The lighting system comprises a power supply responsible for providing a voltage to the bus capacitor. This voltage may be 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.

[0028] It is noted that provisions may be implemented to ensure that the voltage over the bus capacitor does not reduce below a predetermined threshold voltage. It may be the case that the drivers themselves are fed from the bus capacitor. To ensure that the drivers have sufficient voltage supply, for proper operation of the drivers, it may be beneficial to implement measures to ensure that the voltage over the bus capacitor does not drop to below the predetermined threshold voltage. The predetermined threshold voltage is, for example, 2V or the like.

[0029] As such, the controller may also determine the absolute value of the voltage over the bus capacitor, and may reactive, or ensure, that the supply voltage will provide a voltage to the bus capacitor once the predetermined threshold is reached.

[0030] The lighting modules may comprise an impedance placed in parallel over the LED string. The power provided by the capacitor is then dissipated by, amongst other, the activated impedances of the specific light string.

[0031] 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 from the voltage decay to analyze the voltage decay of the bus capacitor. By interpreting this data, the controller can determine the total number of connected lighting modules connected to the system.

[0032] 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 2024PF80249

[0033] 5 power distribution and allocation as needed, minimizing energy wastage and maximizing the lifespan of the LEDs.

[0034] It is noted that the lighting system comprises a power supply which may be denied supply to the bus capacitor.

[0035] 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.

[0036] In an example, each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules further comprises an impedance and a switch connected in series with said impedance. The combination of the switch and the impedance may, for example, be connected in parallel over the LED string.

[0037] The switch may be controlled by the controller or may be a voltage controlled switch. The switch will ensure that the corresponding impedance is activated or deactivated.

[0038] In accordance with the present disclosure, three stages may be identified. In a first stage the power supply will charge the bus capacitor, with a voltage that is below or above the threshold voltage of the LED string. Both options are viable in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0039] In the second stage, the bus capacitor is being discharged (and the power supply is disabled) which allows the lighting system to determine the number and / or the type of lighting modules.

[0040] Multiple options exist during such a process in case it is not desired to activate the LEDs during the first and second stage. First, impedances may be used on dedicated channels, such that by activating those channels the LEDs are not activated. Second, an impedance may be implemented in parallel to the LED string. In the second case, the voltage over the LED strings may be kept sufficiently low, i.e. below the threshold voltage of the LED string, to ensure that the LEDs will not start to emit light.

[0041] The capacitor will provide power that is consumed, or dissipated, by - amongst other - the impedances, i.e. the impedances that are connected in parallel to the LED strings. The voltage decay is then a measure of whether an impedance is connected and, in some instances, also how many impedances are connected.

[0042] In a third stage, the power supply is enabled again and is increased to above the threshold voltage. This stage allows for normal operation. The main voltage is above the threshold voltage of the LED string, allowing the LEDs to provide light. 2024PF80249

[0043] 6

[0044] 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.

[0045] In another example, the multi-channel drivers of said corresponding plurality of parallel connected lighting modules are connected in a daisy-chain.

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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.

[0049] In an example, the 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.

[0050] In an example, the voltage decay of said bus capacitor measured by the controller is a measure for any of: a number of lighting modules a type of lighting module connected.

[0051] In an example, the power source comprises a deactivation means, wherein said deactivation means are arranged to deactivate the voltage provision to said bus capacitor.

[0052] The power source may be deactivated or denied supply to the circuit by a deactivation means, which may be a simple switch or a Field Effect Transistor or any other suitable alternative. When the voltage provision is deactivated, the bus capacitor will commence its voltage discharge, starting the voltage decay. 2024PF80249

[0053] 7

[0054] 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 bus capacitor and are connected, at a second end different to said first end, to a channel of said multi-channel driver.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 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.

[0060] The inventors have found multiple possible methods to determine the number of lighting modules in the lighting system.

[0061] 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 bus capacitor will discharge to the circuit and the power supply will be switched off. The determined voltage decay may be compared to a voltage decay of a single load, which then allows for the determining of the total number of connected lighting modules.

[0062] A second one relates to subsequently enabling a single channel at the same time. Then, each time the voltage decay may be compared to that of a single lighting module, 2024PF80249

[0063] 8 wherein this may be repeated multiple times until the number of lighting modules are determined.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] In yet another example, the impedances of each of said corresponding lighting modules have a same value.

[0067] 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 impedance value.

[0068] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a lighting system in accordance with any of the examples provided above, 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 voltage decay associated with each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules.

[0069] In an example, each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises an impedance connected to a channel of said driver and connected to said bus capacitor; wherein said method comprises the step of: enabling, by said controller, one of said drivers to activate the channel to which said impedance is connected to draw a current from said bus capacitor, during an absence of a voltage provision to said bus capacitor by said power supply.

[0070] In a further example, each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules further comprises a switch connected in series with said impedance.

[0071] In another example, impedances of same types of lighting modules within said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules have the same resistance values, and said 2024PF80249

[0072] 9 impedances of different types of lighting modules within said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules have different resistance values.

[0073] In yet a further example, the voltage decay of said bus capacitor measured by the controller is a measure for any of: a number of plurality of parallel connected lighting modules; a type of lighting module connected in said daisy chain.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] The above and other aspects of the disclosure will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the examples described hereinafter.

[0077] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0078] Fig. 1 discloses an electric diagram illustrating the basic principle of a lighting system in accordance with the present disclosure;

[0079] Fig. 2 discloses an example of a method in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0080] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 2024PF80249

[0083] 10 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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 2024PF80249

[0087] 11 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.

[0088] Reference is made to figure 1. Figure 1 discloses a first example of the lighting system, wherein the impedance 107 is connected in parallel over the LED strings.

[0089] During a first phase of the lighting system, the power source 101 is activated, charging the bus capacitor 103. The bus capacitor is charged with a supply voltage. The supply voltage may surpass the threshold voltage of the LED strings 104, 105 or may be below the threshold voltage of the LED strings 104, 105.

[0090] During this phase, the switch 102 is closed, allowing a current to flow to the further system. The impedance 107 connected in parallel over LED 104 strings can be toggled between an active and inactive state by the microcontroller 106, via the driver 108.

[0091] The microcontroller communicates, for example, with the driver 108 to command the activation or deactivation of a channel 109, 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 107. This feature provides flexibility in power management strategies, allowing users to optimize energy usage according to specific requirements.

[0092] In a second phase of the lighting system 100, the power source 101 is turned off or turned to a lower voltage, or the switch 102 is open, thereby denying current to flow into the further system or reducing the current flowing into the system, and notably the bus capacitor 103. The absence or reduction of the voltage causes the bus capacitor to discharge to the further system. The current will flow through the load 107 - if the corresponding channel 109 of the driver 108 is activated. The discharge of the bus capacitor 103 causes the voltage over the bus capacitor 103 to decay, which can be measured by the microcontroller 106.

[0093] The rate of decay depends on the load connected to the bus capacitor 103, when a high load is connected, the rate of decay may be higher compared to a lower load. Each load may be associated with a LED string. Each load may or may not provide a distinct voltage decay, or it will in a certain way influence the decay, such that the difference in decay may be measured, allowing the measurement of the type and number of connected lighting modules.

[0094] The approach in accordance with the present disclosure to determine the number of lighting modules based on a voltage decay of the bus capacitor underscores the 2024PF80249

[0095] 12 system's adaptability and efficiency. By leveraging the inherent characteristics of the power supply and integrating intelligent control mechanisms, the lighting system achieves precise control, efficient power utilization, and seamless operation in various environments and applications.

[0096] Figure 2 discloses an example of a method 201 in accordance with the present disclosure. The method starts with stop providing supply voltage to the bus capacitor. This is indicated with reference numeral 202. In this case, the bus capacitor is fully charged to a particular supply voltage. Then, or before that, one or more channels of one or more drivers may be activated such that a current is drawn from the bus capacitor. This will cause the voltage over the bus capacitor to decay. This voltage decay is measured by the microcontroller. This is indicated with reference numeral 203. Finally, the number of lighting modules is determined based on the measured voltage decay. This is indicated with reference numeral 204.

[0097] 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

2024PF8024913CLAIMS:

1. A lighting system (100) for providing light, wherein said lighting system (100) comprises: a plurality of parallel connected lighting modules, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises: a driver (108) having one or more channels (109); one or more strings (104, 105) of a plurality of in series connected Light Emitting Diodes, LEDs, for providing said light, wherein each of said one or more strings (104, 105) is connected to one of said one or more channels (109) of said driver (108) and connected to a bus capacitor (103), the lighting system (100) further comprising: a power supply (101) arranged for providing a voltage to said bus capacitor (103); said bus capacitor (103), wherein said bus capacitor (103) is arranged for supplying a voltage to said drivers (108); a controller (106) arranged to enable one of said drivers (108) to activate one of its channels (109) to draw a current from said bus capacitor (103), during an absence of a voltage provision to said bus capacitor (103) by said power supply (101), wherein said controller (106) is further arranged to: determine the number of lighting modules based on measuring a voltage decay of said bus capacitor (103) caused by said current drawn from said bus capacitor (103).

2. A lighting system in accordance with claim 1, wherein said drivers of said corresponding plurality of parallel connected lighting modules are connected in a daisychain.

3. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises: an impedance connected to a channel of said driver and connected to said bus capacitor;2024PF8024914 wherein said controller is arranged to enable one of said drivers to activate the channel to which said impedance is connected to draw a current from said bus capacitor, during the absence of a voltage provision to said bus capacitor by said power supply.

4. A lighting system in accordance with claim 3, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules further comprises a switch connected in series with said impedance.

5. A lighting system in accordance with any of the claims 3 - 4, wherein impedances of same types of lighting modules within said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules have the same resistance values, and impedances of different types of lighting modules within said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules have different resistance values.

6. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein the voltage decay of said bus capacitor measured by the controller is a measure for any of: a number of plurality of parallel connected lighting modules; a type of lighting module.

7. A lighting system in accordance with any of the previous claims, wherein the power source comprises a deactivation means, wherein said deactivation means are arranged to: deactivate the voltage provision to said bus capacitor.

8. 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 bus capacitor and are connected, at a second end different to said first end, to a channel of said multi-channel driver.

9. A lighting system in accordance with claim 8, 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;2024PF8024915 transmitting to said multi-channel drivers communication commands for subsequently in-time activating channels of each of said multi-channel drivers.

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 number of lighting modules based on measuring the voltage decay of said bus capacitor caused by said current drawn from said bus capacitor.

11. A method in accordance with claim 10, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules comprises an impedance connected to a channel of said driver and connected to said bus capacitor; wherein said method comprises the step of: enabling, by said controller, one of said drivers to activate the channel to which said impedance is connected to draw a current from said bus capacitor, during an absence of a voltage provision to said bus capacitor by said power supply.

12. A method in accordance with claim 11, wherein each of said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules further comprises a switch connected in series with said impedance.

13. A method in accordance with any of the claims 11 - 12, wherein impedances of same types of lighting modules within said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules have the same resistance values, and impedances of different types of lighting modules within said plurality of parallel connected lighting modules have different resistance values.

14. A method in accordance with any of the claims 11 - 13, wherein the voltage decay of said bus capacitor measured by the controller is a measure for any of: a number of plurality of parallel connected lighting modules; a type of lighting module connected in said daisy chain or in a data bus topology.2024PF802491615. A computer program product comprising a computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon which cause a controller of a lighting system to implement a method in accordance with any of the claims 10 - 14.

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