Luminaire Microcomputer Bidirectional Data Exchange via Ballast Cable

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lighting arrangements for lamps operating with AC voltage, particularly those used in rough field conditions, lack the capability for bidirectional data transmission and intelligent control, requiring additional conductors or complex cable technologies.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a microcomputer in both the ballast and the lamp with bidirectional digital data exchange via existing cable conductors, using data transmission circuits with high internal resistance and low-pass filters to manage interference, allowing for intelligent monitoring and control without additional conductors or complex shielding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If bidirectional data transmission is implemented in AC voltage lighting arrangements, then intelligent monitoring and control capabilities are improved, but additional conductors or complex cable technologies are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintelligent monitoring and control capabilityVSAvoidcable technology complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the existing cable conductors serve dual purposes: transmitting both operating voltage and digital data signals. The data transmission circuit uses the same conductors that carry AC voltage to the lamp, eliminating the need for separate data communication cables and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces data transmission and reception circuits as intermediary components that enable digital communication through the existing voltage conductors. These circuits modulate and demodulate signals, allowing bidirectional data exchange between the ballast and luminaire without requiring additional conductors or complex cable technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Loss of information

If data transmission circuits with high internal resistance are used, then data transmission capability is improved, but susceptibility to interference from operating voltage conductors increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transmission capabilityVSAvoidinterference susceptibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs low-pass filters that exploit the natural frequency characteristics of the system. The filters are designed to pass the low-frequency data signals while blocking high-frequency interference from the operating voltage conductors, effectively converting the interference problem into a solvable frequency separation task.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical parameters of the data transmission path by using high internal resistance in the data transmission circuit and low internal resistance with low-pass filters in the reception circuit. This parameter optimization enables reliable data transmission despite the presence of interference from voltage conductors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables efficient monitoring of lamp parameters and control measures, such as safety shutdowns, without the need for additional conductors or complex cable technologies, enhancing the usability and reliability of AC voltage-based lighting systems in harsh environments.

Implementation Method 1

data transmission circuits are designed as a current source with a high internal resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical Resistance: Electrical Resistance

Implementation Method 2

data reception circuits with low-pass filters

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLow-pass filtering: Filter (electronic)

Data Source

PatentEP3399843B1Lamp assembly with one ballast and a luminaire

Publication Date: 2022.04.06 B & S ELEKTRONISCHE GERATE

Figure 1
Figure 2a~3c
Figure 4a~8

AI summary

In a luminaire arrangement comprising a ballast (1) and at least one luminaire (2) connected to the ballast (1) via a cable (3), wherein the ballast (1) has at least two terminals for supplying an operating voltage to the luminaire (2), one terminal for a protective potential, one terminal for an ignition pulse, and two terminals of a sensor circuit for a safety shutdown, the luminaire (2) comprises a luminaire housing, a lamp (10), an ignition circuit (11), and at least one switch (15, 16) for the sensor circuit, as well as at least two terminals connected to the lamp (10) for supplying the operating voltage, one protective terminal connected to the luminaire housing, and two terminals connected to the at least one switch (15, 16), and the cable (3) connects the ballast (1) to the luminaire (2) with at least one number of conductors corresponding to the number of terminals.Improved usability can be achieved by the fact that the luminaire (2) has at least one sensor and a microcomputer (20), and the ballast (1) has a microcomputer (18), and that bidirectional digital data exchange is provided between the microcomputers (18, 20) via the cable (3), with a data transmission circuit (26) and a data reception circuit (30) in the ballast (1) and in the luminaire (2), respectively.