Lighting Control Circuit Single Conductor Phase Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lighting control devices are complex and not suitable for non-conventional lamps, requiring multiple lines for voltage supply and lacking simplicity in design for brightness and color control.
Innovation Solution
A device with a control circuit that modulates supply voltage using phase gating or phase chopping control, incorporating a switch and semiconductor components to generate control signals for brightness and color control, capable of operating with a single conductor connection, reducing installation complexity and power consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional control devices are used for lighting control, then brightness control is achieved, but the device complexity increases and installation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit combines multiple functions (brightness control, color control, power supply) into a single integrated device that communicates with the lighting device through a single conductor, eliminating the need for separate control lines and reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit is designed to work with various lamp types (LEDs, gas discharge lamps, incandescent bulbs) and performs multiple control functions including brightness regulation and color control through a universal interface that requires minimal installation complexity
2Reliability
If multiple lines are used for voltage supply to control circuit, then reliable power supply is ensured, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single conductor serves multiple purposes: it provides both power supply and control signal transmission, allowing the control circuit to reliably operate while simplifying installation to a single wire connection
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit uses the existing supply voltage conductor as an intermediary to transmit control signals, eliminating the need for separate dedicated control lines while maintaining reliable power and signal transmission
3Ease of operation
If control circuit is always powered, then control signals are always available, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is activated periodically or on-demand rather than continuously, consuming power only when control signals need to be transmitted, thus reducing overall power consumption while maintaining control availability when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The control circuit uses the existing supply voltage from the lighting device to power itself, eliminating the need for separate power supply lines and reducing overall system power consumption while maintaining operational capability
4Ease of operation
If phase gating control is used for brightness regulation, then brightness control is achieved, but supply voltage distortion occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit dynamically adjusts the phase gating angle and other control parameters to achieve the desired brightness level while minimizing voltage distortion, allowing flexible brightness control with reduced harmful effects on the supply voltage
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 brightness and color control of lighting devices with reduced installation complexity, low power consumption, and minimal distortion of the supply voltage, making it suitable for various lamp types including LEDs.
Implementation Method 1
The control circuit is configured to modulate control signals by phase gating control and/or phase chopping control as digitally encoded information items onto the supply voltage of the lighting devices
Implementation Method 2
the control circuit comprises a semiconductor component and is configured such that, on actuation of the switch, an operating current of the lighting device flows via the semiconductor component
Implementation Method 3
the control circuit can furthermore comprise a capacitor, which is coupled in parallel with the semiconductor component in order to be charged by the voltage drop across the semiconductor component
Data Source
AI summary
A device is provided for controlling an illumination device (50), including a control circuit (110) having an input (102) for coupling to a network voltage conductor (30) and an output (104) for coupling to a supply voltage conductor (40) of the illumination device (50). The control circuit (110) is designed to supply a supply voltage and control signals modulated onto the supply voltage to the illumination device (50) via the output (104). A button (120) influences the generation of the control signals. The control circuit (110) produces an internal supply voltage (Vint) from a voltage which reduces between the input (102) and the output (104) of the control circuit. In the non-actuated state, the button (120) bypasses the input (102) and the output (104) of the control circuit (110).