RF Controlled Lamp Dimmer Compatibility via Bleeder Circuit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dimmers and electronic switches often cause issues with solid state lighting systems, such as LEDs, leading to low end dropout, triac misfiring, high end flicker, and light output steps, especially when used with RF-controlled lighting units that lack a neutral connection, resulting in undesirable flickering or glowing when in the off-state.
Innovation Solution
A modified RF-controlled lighting unit with a resistive bleeder circuit that extracts power to maintain functionality of the radio circuit and microprocessor, even during low dimming states or off-states, ensuring seamless operation and user-friendly interaction by providing a bias supply for continued wireless communication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a two-wire RF-controlled lighting unit is used without a neutral connection, then the device complexity is reduced and installation is simplified, but the radio circuit cannot function properly when the dimmer is in off-state or very low dimming state
Solution Approach 1:
A resistive bleeder circuit is introduced as an intermediary component connected in parallel with the LED lighting unit. This bleeder circuit provides a continuous current path through the dimmer switch even when the main lighting unit is off, enabling the radio circuit to receive power and function reliably without requiring a neutral wire connection.
2Use of energy by moving object
If conventional dimmers are used with LED lighting units, then energy efficiency is improved, but problems occur including low end dropout, triac misfiring, minimum load issues, high end flicker, and large steps in light output
Solution Approach 1:
The resistive bleeder circuit acts as a mediator between the dimmer switch and the LED lighting unit. By providing a continuous load current through the bleeder resistor, it ensures the dimmer operates within its reliable switching range, preventing triac misfiring and minimum load issues while maintaining smooth dimming control without flicker or dropout.
Solution Approach 2:
The bleeder circuit modifies the electrical parameters (current and voltage) seen by the dimmer switch by providing a parallel resistive load. This changes the operating conditions of the dimmer to maintain stable operation across the full dimming range, eliminating flicker and ensuring reliable switching.
3Loss of energy
If the lighting unit is completely disconnected when the dimmer is switched off, then energy saving is maximized, but the radio circuit loses power and cannot respond to control signals
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of complete disconnection, the bleeder circuit provides a partial current path that is sufficient to power the radio circuit but minimal enough to maintain energy efficiency. The bleeder resistor draws only the necessary current for RF communication functionality while the main LED lighting unit remains fully controllable and energy-saving when off.
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 ensures the lighting unit remains functional and responsive to control signals, preventing flickering or uncontrolled light output, while allowing the dimmer or electronic switch to remain operational, enhancing user experience and system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A resistive bleeder circuit is connected in parallel with a light emitting diode (LED) light source of the lighting unit, the resistive bleeder circuit applying a resistive load to the dimmer when the input mains voltage becomes inadequate to drive the LED light source
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier circuit configured to rectify the input mains voltage received from the dimmer or the electronic switch
Data Source
AI summary
An RF controlled lighting unit is provided, suitable for connection to at least one of a dimmer for adjusting a phase cut angle of input mains voltage in accordance with an adjustable dimming level or an electronic switch for selecting between on- and off-states. The lighting unit includes a solid state light source; a radio circuit for receiving a wireless control signal; a rectifier circuit for rectifying the input mains voltage received from the electronic switch or the dimmer; a first power converter for driving the solid state light source in response to the rectified input mains voltage and delivering power to the radio circuit; and a second power convertor for delivering power to the radio circuit when the rectified input mains voltage becomes inadequate for the first power converter due to the phase-cut angle of the rectified input mains voltage or the off-state of the electronic switch.