Integrated Illumination Driver Circuit with Leakage and Ballast Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing illumination driver circuits for LED lamps are large in size and have complex structures due to separate circuits for leakage detection and electronic ballast detection, which are not compatible with both AC mains supply and electronic ballast.

Innovation Solution

An integrated illumination driver circuit with a leakage protection module and constant current controller that detects input signals to control a main power switching transistor, allowing simultaneous detection of leakage and electronic ballast type, optimizing the circuit structure and reducing the need for additional switching transistors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate leakage detection circuit and electronic ballast detection circuit are used, then leakage protection function and compatibility with electronic ballast are achieved, but circuit structure becomes complex and system size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with electronic ballast and mains supplyVSAvoidcircuit structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the leakage detection circuit and electronic ballast detection circuit into a single integrated detection module. The detection module uses a capacitor and bridge rectifier to generate detection signals that can identify both leakage conditions and electronic ballast presence through unified signal processing, thereby reducing circuit complexity while maintaining dual functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection module is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects leakage current, identifies electronic ballast presence, and generates appropriate control signals for different power source types. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated circuits for each detection purpose, reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with electronic ballast and mains supplyVSAvoidcircuit board area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the leakage detection and electronic ballast detection circuits into a single integrated module, significantly reducing the occupied area on the circuit board. The shared capacitor, bridge rectifier, and signal processing components eliminate redundant space requirements compared to separate independent circuits

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual detection circuit with capacitor and bridge rectifier is used, then electronic ballast detection is achieved, but additional switching transistors and control circuits are needed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic ballast compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of switching transistors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The main power switching transistor is designed to serve dual purposes: it functions as both the power switching element and the control switch for electronic ballast operation. The constant current controller intelligently controls this single transistor to operate in different modes (through mode for electronic ballast, on/off mode for mains supply) based on detection signals, thereby eliminating the need for additional dedicated switching transistors

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution enables efficient detection and control of the main power switching transistor based on input signal recognition, minimizing circuit size and cost while ensuring safety and compatibility with both mains supply and electronic ballast.

Implementation Method 1

the leakage protection module is configured to detect a voltage signal of an input bus for leakage detection

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVoltage detection: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

the constant current controller is configured to control an on-off state of a main power switching transistor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical switching: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 3

the constant current controller is configured to detect an input signal of an input terminal to recognize the mains supply or the electronic ballast

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFrequency detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20250301545A1Illumination driver circuit compatible with electronic ballast and mains supply, and illumination device

Publication Date: 2025.09.25 JOULWATT TECH INC LTD

AI summary

An illumination driver circuit compatible with an electronic ballast and a mains supply are provided. By detecting a frequency of a signal of an input terminal, a constant current controller recognizes the mains supply and the electronic ballast. When the input terminal is an input of the mains supply, the constant current controller enables a detection result of a leakage protection module, and according to the detection result, the constant current controller controls a power switching transistor to work in an off mode or an on/off mode. When the input terminal is an input of the electronic ballast, the constant current controller controls the power switching transistor to work in a through mode. Through the illumination driver circuit, the detection of the electronic ballast and the detection of the leakage protection module can be performed at the same time.