EP1562408B1 - Electronic ballast with timer-based correction - Google Patents

Electronic ballast with timer-based correction Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1562408B1
EP1562408B1 EP05000613A EP05000613A EP1562408B1 EP 1562408 B1 EP1562408 B1 EP 1562408B1 EP 05000613 A EP05000613 A EP 05000613A EP 05000613 A EP05000613 A EP 05000613A EP 1562408 B1 EP1562408 B1 EP 1562408B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
light
correction
electronic ballast
time
external signal
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EP05000613A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1562408A1 (en
Inventor
Andreas Huber
Wolfgang Dr. Langgassner
Shokrollah Norali-Ghasemi
Axel Pilz
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Osram GmbH
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Osram GmbH
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    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B41/00—Circuit arrangements or apparatus for igniting or operating discharge lamps
    • H05B41/14—Circuit arrangements
    • H05B41/26—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc
    • H05B41/28—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters
    • H05B41/282—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters with semiconductor devices
    • H05B41/2825—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters with semiconductor devices by means of a bridge converter in the final stage
    • H05B41/2828—Circuit arrangements in which the lamp is fed by power derived from dc by means of a converter, e.g. by high-voltage dc using static converters with semiconductor devices by means of a bridge converter in the final stage using control circuits for the switching elements
    • H—ELECTRICITY
    • H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • H05B—ELECTRIC HEATING; ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; CIRCUIT ARRANGEMENTS FOR ELECTRIC LIGHT SOURCES, IN GENERAL
    • H05B47/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light sources in general, i.e. where the type of light source is not relevant
    • H05B47/10—Controlling the light source
    • H05B47/175—Controlling the light source by remote control
    • H05B47/18—Controlling the light source by remote control via data-bus transmission

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method of operating a light-generating device, in particular a lamp.
  • the Laid-Open JP 2001-015276 discloses an electronic ballast for a discharge lamp with means for correcting the internal timing.
  • the Laid-Open Publication EP 0 681 413 A2 describes a lighting system with a luminous intensity control for the lamp and a motion detector.
  • Patent US 5,519,289 discloses an electronic ballast for discharge lamps with a lamp current correction device.
  • the publication ES 2 153 314 A1 discloses an electronic ballast for discharge lamps with an optimized system of energy transfer.
  • the US 5,344,068 discloses a dynamically controlled environmental control system that enables the control of temperature, ventilation and lighting of many small zones by means of a plurality of controllers each having its own timer.
  • the DE 198 27 208 A1 describes an optical printer having a correction circuit that enables a reduced memory capacity and a high-speed processing time.
  • the EP 1 307 040 A1 discloses an imaging apparatus having a synchronization detection sensor for detecting a plurality of optical beams and outputting synchronization signals.
  • the invention is based on the technical problem of providing an improved method of operation and an improved electronic ballast in which an internal timer is used.
  • the invention is based on correcting the internal timing of the ballast with the aid of timing information received in an external signal. This is based on the observation of the inventors, that it can lead to problems with inaccurate internal timers in a combination of electronic ballasts with other technical devices, such as other ballasts or sensors or control devices. This applies, for example, to the evaluation of signals relative to one Reference time or reference frequency, the timed operation of a plurality of ballasts with each other and other situations.
  • the inventors propose to continue to work with an internal timer, but to make corrections.
  • the ballast retains a degree of autonomy and can also be operated completely independently of other devices.
  • accuracy-promoting measures are not excluded in the invention. Rather, the invention only allows to omit such measures in a particular case, because it has a lower dependence on the accuracy of the internal timer result.
  • a correction is preferred by calculating and storing a correction value.
  • the oscillator on which the internal timer is based, should continue to run unchanged.
  • the invention also includes solutions in which this oscillator is changed, that is readjusted or tuned.
  • the mentioned preferred solution with correction values is in many cases more pragmatic and simpler and at the same time equally effective.
  • the external signal may be a control signal, preferably a digital control signal, with which a control unit controls the electronic ballast as part of a lighting system.
  • control signals according to the so-called DALI protocol, but also digital control signals of other communication protocols may be considered.
  • the time information may be digitally encoded in such digital control signals, but is preferably included in the digital data rate, ie Bit frequency or comparable sizes.
  • the time information is determined by the time interval of pulse edges, particularly preferably first pulse edges of a digital word (bytes).
  • the time information can be obtained by the time interval of the first same-direction, ie the first falling or the first rising, edges of a byte.
  • First flanks can of course be the first opposing flanks. In some cases, depending on the value of the bit (s) associated with those edges, a correction will have to be taken into account because the time interval may depend on the bit value. Reference is made to the embodiment and the local correction by a factor of 1.5.
  • the outer signal in which the time information is included, can also come from a sensor.
  • This can also be a digital signal and also a digital signal within the DALI protocol. But there are also analog signals into consideration.
  • applications beyond lighting devices controlled by control devices are also possible here, for example when individual or a small number of ballasts communicate with a sensor without jointly forming a lighting system in the sense of a common control.
  • the sensor can be a light value sensor which supplies the ballast with information about the brightness of a region to be illuminated or illuminated.
  • the ballast can be designed so that it controls or regulates the lamp brightness with the aid of an automatic dimming function depending on the light information supplied by the sensor.
  • a frequency coding is present in the external signal supplied by the sensor, that is to say, for example, the information about the light value is expressed by the frequency of the signal or a frequency within the signal.
  • the senor can also be a motion detector whose signal is used to and turning off the light-generating device, in particular a lamp, is used.
  • the sensor signal in addition to the frequency coding or instead of the frequency coding, there may be a time duration coding in the sense of a coding over the duration of certain signal parts or pulse trains.
  • a time duration coding in the sense of a coding over the duration of certain signal parts or pulse trains.
  • Particularly preferred is a combination of light value sensor and motion detector, in which the light value information with a frequency encoding and in contrast motion detection signals with a fixed frequency, but a certain minimum time duration, are transmitted.
  • the electronic ballast preferably has a dimming function, for example a dimming function that can be automatically operated via a light sensor signal.
  • the dimming function is controllable via a control input of the electronic ballast, in particular via the application of supply voltage pulses to the control input. It is preferred that relatively short pulses (in a time-duration coding) mean switching on and off commands and mean relatively longer pulses depending on their length dimming commands.
  • the signals of the internal timer are used for the evaluation and the invention can bring about an improvement of the described functions by correction.
  • This correction can also take place in that the timer signals are used unchanged for evaluation or control, but in the circuit parts of the electronic ballast which are responsible for this evaluation or control, the corresponding correction values are taken into account only during the evaluation or control itself.
  • the oscillator signal itself or derived therefrom purely temporal signals are not corrected but the correction only at the Application of the temporal information for control or evaluation is made.
  • timing in this sense is not to be regarded as limited to the oscillator and any subsequent timers but also includes the components in which the temporal information is used for evaluation or control. However, a correction of the timer (including derived timer) is preferred.
  • simple and inexpensive internal timers ie in particular those containing simple RC oscillators.
  • These may also be on-chip oscillators, that is, in a control circuit, such as a microcontroller, integrated oscillators.
  • FIG. 1 schematically shows one of a variety of electronic ballasts and connected lamps and partly u. U. even without ballasts operated lamps and sensors existing lighting system.
  • This SG is a central digital control unit and ECG one of the ballasts referred to, which is a ballast according to the invention.
  • a operated by the electronic ballast electronic ballast low pressure discharge lamp is denoted by L.
  • the remaining outgoing from the control unit SG lines to symbolize the plurality of other elements of the lighting system.
  • the control unit SG controls the ballast electronic ballast with built-up according to the DALI protocol digital control signals in FIG. 3 are shown schematically. There, the beginning of a first upper and a second lower signal is shown in each case. These are so-called biphase-coded signals. This means that the logical 1 and the logic 0 do not correspond to the electrical low level or high level or vice versa, but to a predetermined level change. For example, an ascending level jump means a logical 0 and a falling level jump means a logical 1. This has the advantage that the presence of a bit can be uniquely recognized. For reference, reference is made to the EP 1 069 690 ,
  • FIG. 3 shows the beginning of a word (frames), wherein a left first start bit with rising edge, so logical 0, is located. This is followed by a most significant bit No. 15 and further bits with the numbers 14 - 0, of which only the bit No. 14 is drawn. Already the bit number 15 can assume different values, like the two word beginnings superimposed on each other in FIG. 3 illustrate.
  • the electronic ballast uses the time interval of the first two falling edges, which is denoted by T M in the figure, as time information.
  • this time interval in the lower case is one and a half times as long as in the upper case and the upper time interval corresponds to the bit rate.
  • FIG. 4 Illustrates the functional sequence within the electronic ballast in the context of a flowchart FIG. 1 .
  • the determined time T M is received via two signal paths, one of which provides a multiplication by a factor of 1.5. Depending on the value of the most significant bit (MSB) no. 15, a switch is made between these two signal paths, so that in each case there is the 1.5-fold bit rate behind the symbolic switch labeled MSB.
  • the time T M is measured by means of the ballast's internal timer and therefore carries its error.
  • the 1.5-fold bit rate is compared with a nominal data rate stored in the ballast EVG, from which a correction value is calculated.
  • this correction value may alternatively be supplied to the oscillator of the timer itself in order to readjust it, or may be given to the timer supplied by the oscillator.
  • the lower variant is performed, ie that the oscillator in the ballast ECG continues uncorrected.
  • the bit rate serves as the time reference of the ECG's internal timing.
  • FIG. 2 A second example shows FIG. 2 , There is the same ballast electronic ballast as in FIG. 1 used in a different way. It is a use in a single lamp with a lamp L and a light sensor S.
  • the ballast ECG is, as symbolically shown below, supplied with a supply voltage, such as the usual household mains voltage. This is supplied via a button T to another control input of the ballast EVG.
  • the light sensor S has a function as a light value sensor for detecting the brightness of a space illuminated by the lamp L as well as the function of a motion detector for detecting movements in this room.
  • the ballast EVG turns on or off the lamp L depending on whether movement in the room is detected and reported by the light sensor S, or if no movement has been reported for an adjustable time, say 15 minutes. This can be achieved on the one hand, that the light turns on automatically when the room is entered by a person, and on the other hand to avoid that the light is operated unnecessarily and thus consumes energy when the room is not used.
  • the light sensor S detects the brightness of the illuminated space, which may vary depending on the use of other lights or depending on the daylight.
  • a dimming function of the electronic ballast automatically adjust the power of the lamp L, so in particular the lamp power back when the morning light increases in the morning, and start again when in the course of late afternoon and evening daylight decreases.
  • the aforementioned control input of the electronic ballast can be used via the T button.
  • a short touch means a manual on or off command. Prolonged probing causes the ballast ECG to cyclically increase the lamp L and then to dim it down again once the maximum power has been reached, and to dim it up again once the minimum dimming output has been reached.
  • the user can manually set a desired lamp power by holding down the button T, which is then readjusted depending on the other light value information from the light sensor S.
  • FIG. 5 schematically shows a transmitted from the light sensor S to the ballast EVG signal over the time axis.
  • the individual blocks as shown in the section in the upper area, stand for a respective sequence of individual pulses. At the same time there is an encoding over the duration as well as the frequency of the signals.
  • the relatively short Blocks are transmitted at constant intervals and form a reference signal within the meaning of the time correction as a result of the respectively present pulse frequency within the blocks. It is therefore tapped the same standard time period T M as based on the Figures 3 and 4 explained, and, however, without distinction between different bit states, in the same way as based on FIG. 4 explained used for correction. This is in FIG. 6 shown.
  • the light sensor S interrupts this sequence of regular reference signals when it has sensed a movement by a motion signal.
  • This signal is in FIG. 5 in the middle and differs from the reference signals in that it exceeds a certain minimum duration.
  • a motion signal leads to switching on or maintaining the operation of the lamp L.
  • a simple on-chip RC oscillator can be used in the electronic ballast electronic ballast without disadvantages arising from its inaccuracy.
  • the dispersion between different oscillators in different electronic ballasts leads to functional deviations.
  • typical tolerances of about ⁇ 4% may result in deviations between a dimming time of, for example 16.6 s in one ballast and 15.4 s in another.
  • This difference of 1.2 s is clearly visible and disturbs the actually intended parallelism of the dimming processes. The same applies, of course, to deviations occurring due to temporal shifts, temperature drift and the like.

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  • Circuit Arrangement For Electric Light Sources In General (AREA)
  • Electrophonic Musical Instruments (AREA)
  • Circuit Arrangements For Discharge Lamps (AREA)
  • Electric Clocks (AREA)

Abstract

The method involves operating the light generating device with an electronic voltage adapter with an internal time generator and receiving an external signal from the electronic voltage adapter that contains time information (TM), correcting the internal time generation using the time information and controlling operating functions of the light generating device with the aid of the time generation.. An independent claim is also included for an electronic voltage adapter for implementing the inventive method.

Description

Technisches GebietTechnical area

Die vorliegende Erfindung bezieht sich auf ein Verfahren zum Betreiben einer Licht erzeugenden Vorrichtung, insbesondere einer Lampe.The present invention relates to a method of operating a light-generating device, in particular a lamp.

Stand der TechnikState of the art

Es ist an sich bekannt, zum Betrieb von Lampen, insbesondere Entladungslampen, oder anderen Licht erzeugenden Vorrichtungen wie LEDs elektronische Vorschaltgeräte einzusetzen. Dieser Begriff meint dabei elektronische Betriebsgeräte verschiedenster Form und insbesondere solche, die etwa mit einem Wechselrichter aus einer Versorgungsspannung des Vorschaltgeräts eine hinsichtlich Spannung, Frequenz und/oder anderen relevanten Größen angepasste Versorgungsspannung für die Licht erzeugende Vorrichtung erzeugen. Ein wichtiger Anwendungsfall liegt bei elektronischen Vorschaltgeräten mit Wechselrichtern, die Entladungslampen, vor allem, aber nicht ausschließlich, Niederdruckentladungslampen, betreiben. Solche elektronischen Vorschaltgeräte sind in vielen Fällen mit Steuerungen ausgestattet, die einen internen Zeitgeber des Vorschaltgeräts benötigen. Aus dem Signal des internen Zeitgebers kann insbesondere die Betriebsfrequenz einer Entladungslampe abgeleitet werden.It is known per se to use electronic ballasts for the operation of lamps, in particular discharge lamps, or other light-generating devices such as LEDs. This term means electronic control gear of various forms and in particular those that produce about an inverter from a supply voltage of the ballast with respect to voltage, frequency and / or other relevant variables adapted supply voltage for the light-generating device. An important application is in electronic ballasts with inverters that operate discharge lamps, especially, but not exclusively, low pressure discharge lamps. Such electronic ballasts are often equipped with controls that require an internal timer of the ballast. In particular, the operating frequency of a discharge lamp can be derived from the signal of the internal timer.

Die Offenlegungsschrift JP 2001-015276 offenbart ein Elektronisches Vorschaltgerät für eine Entladungslampe mit einer Einrichtung zur Korrektur der internen Zeitgebung.The Laid-Open JP 2001-015276 discloses an electronic ballast for a discharge lamp with means for correcting the internal timing.

Die Offenlegungsschrift EP 0 681 413 A2 beschreibt ein Beleuchtungssystem mit einer Leuchtstärkeregelung für die Lampe und einem Bewegungsmelder.The Laid-Open Publication EP 0 681 413 A2 describes a lighting system with a luminous intensity control for the lamp and a motion detector.

Die Patentschrift US 5,519,289 offenbart ein Elektronisches Vorschaltgerät für Entladungslampen mit einer Lampenstromkorrektureinrichtung.The Patent US 5,519,289 discloses an electronic ballast for discharge lamps with a lamp current correction device.

Die Offenlegungsschrift ES 2 153 314 A1 offenbart ein Elektronisches Vorschaltgerät für Entladungslampen mit einem optimierten System des Energietransfers.The publication ES 2 153 314 A1 discloses an electronic ballast for discharge lamps with an optimized system of energy transfer.

Die US 5,344,068 offenbart ein dynamisch gesteuertes Umweltkontrollsystem, das die Steuerung von Temperatur, Belüftung und Beleuchtung vieler kleiner Zonen mittels einer Vielzahl von Controllern, die jeweils einen eigenen Timer besitzen, ermöglicht.The US 5,344,068 discloses a dynamically controlled environmental control system that enables the control of temperature, ventilation and lighting of many small zones by means of a plurality of controllers each having its own timer.

Die DE 198 27 208 A1 beschreibt einen optischen Drucker mit einer Korrekturschaltung, die eine reduzierte Speicherkapazität und eine Hochgeschwindigkeits-Verarbeitungszeit ermöglicht.The DE 198 27 208 A1 describes an optical printer having a correction circuit that enables a reduced memory capacity and a high-speed processing time.

Die EP 1 307 040 A1 offenbart eine Bilderzeugungsvorrichtung mit einem Synchronisationsdetektionssensor, um mehrere optische Strahlenbündel zu detektieren und Synchronisationssignale auszugeben.The EP 1 307 040 A1 discloses an imaging apparatus having a synchronization detection sensor for detecting a plurality of optical beams and outputting synchronization signals.

Darstellung der ErfindungPresentation of the invention

Der Erfindung liegt das technische Problem zugrunde, ein verbessertes Betriebsverfahren und ein verbessertes elektronisches Vorschaltgerät anzugeben, bei dem ein interner Zeitgeber verwendet wird.The invention is based on the technical problem of providing an improved method of operation and an improved electronic ballast in which an internal timer is used.

Diese Aufgabe wird durch ein Verfahren gemäß dem Anspruch 1 bzw. ein elektronisches Vorschaltgerät gemäß dem Anspruch 12 gelöst.This object is achieved by a method according to claim 1 or an electronic ballast according to claim 12.

Bevorzugte Ausgestaltungen der Erfindung sind in den abhängigen Ansprüchen angegeben und werden im Folgenden erläutert. Dabei wird zwischen dem Verfahrenscharakter und dem Vorrichtungscharakter der Erfindung nicht mehr im Einzelnen unterschieden. Die Merkmale sind jeweils für beide Aspekte der Erfindung wesentlich und als für beide Anspruchskategorien offenbart anzusehen.Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the dependent claims and are explained below. In this case, no distinction is made between the method character and the device character of the invention in detail. The features are essential to both aspects of the invention and are to be considered as disclosed for both categories of claims.

Die Erfindung geht davon aus, die interne Zeitgebung des Vorschaltgeräts mit Hilfe von Zeitinformationen zu korrigieren, die in einem äußeren Signal empfangen wurden. Dem liegt die Beobachtung der Erfinder zugrunde, dass es bei einer Kombination von elektronischen Vorschaltgeräten mit anderen technischen Geräten, etwa anderen Vorschaltgeräten oder Sensoren oder Steuergeräten, zu Problemen mit ungenauen internen Zeitgebern kommen kann. Dies betrifft beispielsweise die Auswertung von Signalen relativ zu einer Referenzzeit oder Referenzfrequenz, den zeitgesteuerten Betrieb einer Mehrzahl Vorschaltgeräte miteinander und andere Situationen.The invention is based on correcting the internal timing of the ballast with the aid of timing information received in an external signal. This is based on the observation of the inventors, that it can lead to problems with inaccurate internal timers in a combination of electronic ballasts with other technical devices, such as other ballasts or sensors or control devices. This applies, for example, to the evaluation of signals relative to one Reference time or reference frequency, the timed operation of a plurality of ballasts with each other and other situations.

Statt nun aber den internen Zeitgeber des Vorschaltgeräts durch einen zentralen Zeitgeber zu ersetzen, die zeitliche Taktung innerhalb des Vorschaltgeräts also grundsätzlich durch äußere Signale vorzunehmen, schlagen die Erfinder vor, weiterhin mit einem internen Zeitgeber zu arbeiten, jedoch Korrekturen durchzuführen. Damit behält das Vorschaltgerät eine gewisse Selbstständigkeit und kann auch völlig unabhängig von anderen Geräten betrieben werden. Andererseits entsteht nicht die Notwendigkeit der Verwendung technisch und finanziell aufwändiger genauer Zeitgeber, etwa von Quarz- oder Keramikoszillatoren, oder eines aufwändigen Individualabgleichs von Oszillatoren bei der Herstellung zur Vermeidung von Bauteilstreuungen. Solche genauigkeitsfördernden Maßnahmen sind bei der Erfindung jedoch nicht ausgeschlossen. Vielmehr erlaubt die Erfindung lediglich, solche Maßnahmen im Einzelfall wegzulassen, weil sie eine geringere Abhängigkeit von der Genauigkeit des internen Zeitgebers zur Folge hat.However, instead of replacing the internal ballast timer with a central timer, ie making the timing within the ballast basically by external signals, the inventors propose to continue to work with an internal timer, but to make corrections. Thus, the ballast retains a degree of autonomy and can also be operated completely independently of other devices. On the other hand, there is no need for the use of technically and financially complex accurate timers, such as quartz or ceramic oscillators, or a complex individual adjustment of oscillators during manufacture to avoid component scattering. However, such accuracy-promoting measures are not excluded in the invention. Rather, the invention only allows to omit such measures in a particular case, because it has a lower dependence on the accuracy of the internal timer result.

Bevorzugt ist eine Korrektur durch Errechnen und Abspeichern eines Korrekturwerts. Dabei soll der Oszillator, auf dem der interne Zeitgeber basiert, an sich unverändert weiterlaufen. Zur Erfindung gehören natürlich auch Lösungen, bei denen dieser Oszillator verändert, also nachgestellt oder gestimmt wird. Die erwähnte bevorzugte Lösung mit Korrekturwerten ist jedoch in vielen Fällen pragmatischer und einfacher und dabei gleichermaßen effektiv.A correction is preferred by calculating and storing a correction value. The oscillator, on which the internal timer is based, should continue to run unchanged. Of course, the invention also includes solutions in which this oscillator is changed, that is readjusted or tuned. However, the mentioned preferred solution with correction values is in many cases more pragmatic and simpler and at the same time equally effective.

Das äußere Signal kann ein Steuersignal, und zwar vorzugsweise ein digitales Steuersignal sein, mit dem ein Steuergerät das elektronische Vorschaltgerät als Bestandteil einer Beleuchtungsanlage ansteuert. In Betracht kommen insbesondere auch Steuersignale nach dem sog. DALI-Protokoll, aber auch digitale Steuersignale anderer Kommunikationsprotokolle.The external signal may be a control signal, preferably a digital control signal, with which a control unit controls the electronic ballast as part of a lighting system. In particular, control signals according to the so-called DALI protocol, but also digital control signals of other communication protocols may be considered.

Die Zeitinformation kann in solchen digitalen Steuersignalen digital codiert sein, ist vorzugsweise jedoch in der digitalen Datenrate enthalten, also der Bit-Frequenz oder vergleichbaren Größen. Vorzugsweise wird die Zeitinformation ermittelt durch den zeitlichen Abstand von Pulsflanken, und zwar besonders bevorzugter Weise von ersten Pulsflanken eines digitalen Worts (Bytes). Z. B. kann die Zeitinformation durch den Zeitabstand der ersten gleichsinnigen, also der ersten fallenden oder der ersten steigenden, Flanken eines Bytes gewonnen werden. Erste Flanken können natürlich auch die ersten gegensinnigen Flanken sein. In manchen Fällen wird je nach dem Wert des oder der mit diesen Flanken verbundenen Bits eine Korrektur berücksichtigt werden müssen, weil der Zeitabstand von dem Bit-Wert abhängen kann. Es wird auf das Ausführungsbeispiel und die dortige Korrektur mit dem Faktor 1,5 verwiesen.The time information may be digitally encoded in such digital control signals, but is preferably included in the digital data rate, ie Bit frequency or comparable sizes. Preferably, the time information is determined by the time interval of pulse edges, particularly preferably first pulse edges of a digital word (bytes). For example, the time information can be obtained by the time interval of the first same-direction, ie the first falling or the first rising, edges of a byte. First flanks can of course be the first opposing flanks. In some cases, depending on the value of the bit (s) associated with those edges, a correction will have to be taken into account because the time interval may depend on the bit value. Reference is made to the embodiment and the local correction by a factor of 1.5.

Das äußere Signal, in dem die Zeitinformation enthalten ist, kann zudem von einem Sensor stammen. Dabei kann es sich ebenfalls um ein digitales Signal und auch um ein digitales Signal innerhalb des DALI-Protokolls handeln. Es kommen aber auch analoge Signale in Betracht. Insbesondere kommen hier auch Anwendungen außerhalb von über Steuergeräte gesteuerten Beleuchtungsanlagen in Betracht, etwa wenn einzelne oder eine kleine Zahl von Vorschaltgeräten mit einem Sensor kommunizieren, ohne gemeinsam eine Beleuchtungsanlage im Sinne einer gemeinsamen Steuerung zu bilden. Der Sensor kann insbesondere ein Lichtwertsensor sein, der dem Vorschaltgerät Informationen über die Helligkeit eines zu beleuchtenden oder beleuchteten Bereichs liefert. Dabei kann das Vorschaltgerät so ausgelegt sein, dass es mit Hilfe einer automatischen Dimmfunktion abhängig von der von dem Sensor gelieferten Lichtinformation die Lampenhelligkeit steuert oder regelt.The outer signal, in which the time information is included, can also come from a sensor. This can also be a digital signal and also a digital signal within the DALI protocol. But there are also analog signals into consideration. In particular, applications beyond lighting devices controlled by control devices are also possible here, for example when individual or a small number of ballasts communicate with a sensor without jointly forming a lighting system in the sense of a common control. In particular, the sensor can be a light value sensor which supplies the ballast with information about the brightness of a region to be illuminated or illuminated. In this case, the ballast can be designed so that it controls or regulates the lamp brightness with the aid of an automatic dimming function depending on the light information supplied by the sensor.

Vorzugsweise liegt in dem von dem Sensor gelieferten äußeren Signal eine Frequenzcodierung vor, drückt sich also beispielsweise die Information über den Lichtwert durch die Frequenz des Signals oder eine Frequenz innerhalb des Signals aus.Preferably, a frequency coding is present in the external signal supplied by the sensor, that is to say, for example, the information about the light value is expressed by the frequency of the signal or a frequency within the signal.

Der Sensor kann anstelle eines Lichtwertsensors oder zusätzlich zu einem Lichtwertsensor auch ein Bewegungsmelder sein, dessen Signal zum Ein- und Ausschalten der Licht erzeugenden Vorrichtung, insbesondere einer Lampe, dient.Instead of a light value sensor or in addition to a light value sensor, the sensor can also be a motion detector whose signal is used to and turning off the light-generating device, in particular a lamp, is used.

Ferner kann in dem Sensorsignal zusätzlich zu der Frequenzcodierung oder statt der Frequenzcodierung eine Zeitdauercodierung im Sinne einer Codierung über die Zeitdauer bestimmter Signalteile oder Pulszüge vorliegen. Besonders bevorzugt ist eine Kombination aus Lichtwertsensor und Bewegungsmelder, bei der die Lichtwertinformation mit einer Frequenzcodierung und im Unterschied dazu Bewegungsmeldungssignale mit einer festliegenden Frequenz, jedoch einer bestimmten zeitlichen Mindestdauer, übertragen werden. Es wird auf das Ausführungsbeispiel verwiesen.Furthermore, in the sensor signal, in addition to the frequency coding or instead of the frequency coding, there may be a time duration coding in the sense of a coding over the duration of certain signal parts or pulse trains. Particularly preferred is a combination of light value sensor and motion detector, in which the light value information with a frequency encoding and in contrast motion detection signals with a fixed frequency, but a certain minimum time duration, are transmitted. Reference is made to the embodiment.

Es wurde bereits erwähnt, dass das elektronische Vorschaltgerät vorzugsweise eine Dimmfunktion aufweist, etwa eine über ein Lichtsensorsignal automatisch betreibbare Dimmfunktion. Bei der Erfindung ist auch bevorzugt, dass die Dimmfunktion über einen Steuereingang des elektronischen Vorschaltgeräts steuerbar ist, und zwar insbesondere über das Anlegen von Versorgungsspannungspulsen an den Steuereingang. Bevorzugt ist dabei, dass relativ kurze Pulse (in einer Zeitdauercodierung) Ein- und Ausschaltbefehle bedeuten und relativ längere Pulse abhängig von ihrer Länge Dimmbefehle bedeuten.It has already been mentioned that the electronic ballast preferably has a dimming function, for example a dimming function that can be automatically operated via a light sensor signal. In the invention, it is also preferred that the dimming function is controllable via a control input of the electronic ballast, in particular via the application of supply voltage pulses to the control input. It is preferred that relatively short pulses (in a time-duration coding) mean switching on and off commands and mean relatively longer pulses depending on their length dimming commands.

Bei den verschiedenen erwähnten Codierungen, also der Frequenzcodierung oder Zeitdauercodierung, werden die Signale des internen Zeitgebers zur Auswertung herangezogen und kann die Erfindung durch Korrektur eine Verbesserung der beschriebenen Funktionen bewirken. Diese Korrektur kann auch dadurch erfolgen, dass die Zeitgebersignale unverändert zur Auswertung oder Steuerung herangezogen werden, jedoch in den für diese Auswertung oder Steuerung zuständigen Schaltungsteilen des elektronischen Vorschaltgeräts die entsprechenden Korrekturwerte erst bei der Auswertung oder Steuerung selbst berücksichtigt werden. Es kann also Ausführungsformen geben, bei denen das Oszillatorsignal selbst oder davon abgeleitete rein zeitliche Signale nicht korrigiert werden sondern die Korrektur erst bei der Anwendung der zeitlichen Information zur Steuerung oder Auswertung vorgenommen wird. Der Begriff "Zeitgebung" ist in diesem Sinn nicht als auf den Oszillator und eventuelle nachfolgende Timer beschränkt anzusehen sondern umfasst auch die Bestandteile, in denen die zeitliche Information zur Auswertung oder Steuerung verwendet wird. Bevorzugt ist jedoch eine Korrektur des Zeitgebers (einschließlich abgeleiteter Timer).In the case of the various codings mentioned, that is to say the frequency coding or time duration coding, the signals of the internal timer are used for the evaluation and the invention can bring about an improvement of the described functions by correction. This correction can also take place in that the timer signals are used unchanged for evaluation or control, but in the circuit parts of the electronic ballast which are responsible for this evaluation or control, the corresponding correction values are taken into account only during the evaluation or control itself. There may thus be embodiments in which the oscillator signal itself or derived therefrom purely temporal signals are not corrected but the correction only at the Application of the temporal information for control or evaluation is made. The term "timing" in this sense is not to be regarded as limited to the oscillator and any subsequent timers but also includes the components in which the temporal information is used for evaluation or control. However, a correction of the timer (including derived timer) is preferred.

Da die Erfindung Korrekturmöglichkeiten vorschlägt, ist es bevorzugt, einfache und preiswerte interne Zeitgeber einzusetzen, also insbesondere solche, die einfache RC-Oszillatoren enthalten. Dabei kann es sich auch um On-Chip-Oszillatoren, also in einer Steuerschaltung, etwa einem Mikrocontroller, integrierte Oszillatoren handeln.Since the invention proposes correction possibilities, it is preferred to use simple and inexpensive internal timers, ie in particular those containing simple RC oscillators. These may also be on-chip oscillators, that is, in a control circuit, such as a microcontroller, integrated oscillators.

Kurze Beschreibung der ZeichnungenBrief description of the drawings

Die Erfindung wird im Folgenden anhand eines Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert.The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an embodiment.

Im Einzelnen zeigt:

Figur 1
ein schematisches Diagramm einer Beleuchtungsanlage mit einem erfindungsgemäßen Vorschaltgerät.
Figur 2
ein schematisches Diagramm eines mit einem Sensor eingesetzten erfindungsgemäßen Vorschaltgeräts.
Figur 3
eine schematische Darstellung von digitalen Signalen in der Beleuchtungsanlage aus Figur 1.
Figur 4
ein Flussdiagramm zur Erläuterung des Ablaufs des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens in dem Vorschaltgerät aus Figur 1.
Figur 5
eine schematische Darstellung eines Signals des Sensors aus Figur 2.
Figur 6
ein Flussdiagramm zur Erläuterung des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens in dem Vorschaltgerät aus Figur 2.
In detail shows:
FIG. 1
a schematic diagram of a lighting system with a ballast according to the invention.
FIG. 2
a schematic diagram of a ballast used with a sensor according to the invention.
FIG. 3
a schematic representation of digital signals in the lighting system FIG. 1 ,
FIG. 4
a flowchart for explaining the sequence of the inventive method in the ballast from FIG. 1 ,
FIG. 5
a schematic representation of a signal from the sensor FIG. 2 ,
FIG. 6
a flowchart for explaining the method according to the invention in the ballast from FIG. 2 ,

Bevorzugte Ausführung der ErfindungPreferred embodiment of the invention

Figur 1 zeigt schematisch eine aus einer Vielzahl von elektronischen Vorschaltgeräten und angeschlossenen Lampen sowie zum Teil u. U. auch ohne Vorschaltgeräte betriebenen Lampen und Sensoren bestehende Beleuchtungsanlage. Darin ist mit SG ein zentrales digitales Steuergerät und mit EVG eines der Vorschaltgeräte bezeichnet, bei dem es sich um ein erfindungsgemäßes Vorschaltgerät handelt. Eine von dem elektronischen Vorschaltgerät EVG betriebene Niederdruckentladungslampe ist mit L bezeichnet. Die übrigen von dem Steuergerät SG ausgehenden Leitungen sollen die Vielzahl der übrigen Elemente der Beleuchtungsanlage symbolisieren. FIG. 1 schematically shows one of a variety of electronic ballasts and connected lamps and partly u. U. even without ballasts operated lamps and sensors existing lighting system. This SG is a central digital control unit and ECG one of the ballasts referred to, which is a ballast according to the invention. A operated by the electronic ballast electronic ballast low pressure discharge lamp is denoted by L. The remaining outgoing from the control unit SG lines to symbolize the plurality of other elements of the lighting system.

Das Steuergerät SG steuert das Vorschaltgerät EVG mit nach dem DALI-Protokoll aufgebauten digitalen Steuersignalen, die in Figur 3 schematisch dargestellt sind. Dort ist jeweils der Anfang eines ersten oberen und eines zweiten unteren Signals dargestellt. Es handelt sich um sog. biphasencodierte Signale. Dies bedeutet, dass die logische 1 und die logische 0 nicht dem elektrischen Niedrigpegel oder Hochpegel oder umgekehrt entsprechen sondern einem vorgegebenen Pegelwechsel. Beispielsweise bedeutet ein aufsteigender Pegelsprung eine logische 0 und ein abfallender Pegelsprung eine logische 1. Dies hat den Vorteil, dass das Vorliegen eines Bits eindeutig erkannt werden kann. Zur Veranschaulichung wird verwiesen auf die EP 1 069 690 .The control unit SG controls the ballast electronic ballast with built-up according to the DALI protocol digital control signals in FIG. 3 are shown schematically. There, the beginning of a first upper and a second lower signal is shown in each case. These are so-called biphase-coded signals. This means that the logical 1 and the logic 0 do not correspond to the electrical low level or high level or vice versa, but to a predetermined level change. For example, an ascending level jump means a logical 0 and a falling level jump means a logical 1. This has the advantage that the presence of a bit can be uniquely recognized. For reference, reference is made to the EP 1 069 690 ,

Figur 3 zeigt den Anfang eines Worts (Frames), wobei ein linkes erstes Startbit mit steigender Flanke, also logischer 0, eingezeichnet ist. Darauf folgt ein signifikantestes Bit Nr. 15 und weitere Bits mit den Nr. 14 - 0, von denen nur noch das Bit Nr. 14 eingezeichnet ist. Bereits das Bit Nr. 15 kann unterschiedliche Werte annehmen, wie die beiden übereinander eingezeichneten Wortanfänge in Figur 3 veranschaulichen. FIG. 3 shows the beginning of a word (frames), wherein a left first start bit with rising edge, so logical 0, is located. This is followed by a most significant bit No. 15 and further bits with the numbers 14 - 0, of which only the bit No. 14 is drawn. Already the bit number 15 can assume different values, like the two word beginnings superimposed on each other in FIG. 3 illustrate.

Das Vorschaltgerät EVG verwendet den zeitlichen Abstand der ersten beiden fallenden Flanken, der in der Figur mit TM bezeichnet ist, als Zeitinformation.The electronic ballast uses the time interval of the first two falling edges, which is denoted by T M in the figure, as time information.

Man erkennt, dass dieser zeitlichen Abstand im unteren Fall eineinhalb Mal so lang ist wie im oberen Fall und der obere zeitliche Abstand der Bit-Rate entspricht.It can be seen that this time interval in the lower case is one and a half times as long as in the upper case and the upper time interval corresponds to the bit rate.

Figur 4 veranschaulicht im Rahmen eines Flussdiagramms den Funktionsablauf innerhalb des Vorschaltgeräts EVG aus Figur 1. Die ermittelte Zeit TM wird über zwei Signalwege empfangen, von denen einer eine Multiplikation mit dem Faktor 1,5 vorsieht. Abhängig von dem Wert des signifikantesten Bits (MSB) Nr. 15 wird zwischen diesen beiden Signalwegen hin- und hergeschaltet, so dass in jedem Fall hinter dem mit MSB bezeichneten symbolischen Schalter die 1,5fache Bit-Rate vorliegt. Die Zeit TM wird mit Hilfe des internen Zeitgebers des Vorschaltgeräts EVG gemessen und trägt daher dessen Fehler. Die 1,5fache Bit-Rate wird verglichen mit einer in dem Vorschaltgerät EVG gespeicherten Nenndatenrate, woraus ein Korrekturwert berechnet wird. Der rechte Bereich der Figur 4 veranschaulicht, dass dieser Korrekturwert alternativ dem Oszillator des Zeitgebers selbst zugeführt werden kann, um diesen nachzustellen, oder an von dem Oszillator versorgte interne Timer des Zeitgebers gegeben werden kann. Bei dem Ausführungsbeispiel wird die untere Variante durchgeführt, d. h. dass der Oszillator in dem Vorschaltgerät EVG unkorrigiert weiterläuft. In beiden Fällen dient die Bit-Rate als Zeitreferenz der EVG-internen Zeitgebung. FIG. 4 Illustrates the functional sequence within the electronic ballast in the context of a flowchart FIG. 1 , The determined time T M is received via two signal paths, one of which provides a multiplication by a factor of 1.5. Depending on the value of the most significant bit (MSB) no. 15, a switch is made between these two signal paths, so that in each case there is the 1.5-fold bit rate behind the symbolic switch labeled MSB. The time T M is measured by means of the ballast's internal timer and therefore carries its error. The 1.5-fold bit rate is compared with a nominal data rate stored in the ballast EVG, from which a correction value is calculated. The right area of the FIG. 4 illustrates that this correction value may alternatively be supplied to the oscillator of the timer itself in order to readjust it, or may be given to the timer supplied by the oscillator. In the embodiment, the lower variant is performed, ie that the oscillator in the ballast ECG continues uncorrected. In both cases, the bit rate serves as the time reference of the ECG's internal timing.

Ein zweites Beispiel zeigt Figur 2. Dort ist das gleiche Vorschaltgerät EVG wie in Figur 1 in anderer Weise eingesetzt. Es handelt sich um einen Einsatz in einer einzelnen Leuchte mit einer Lampe L und einem Lichtsensor S. Das Vorschaltgerät EVG wird, wie darunter symbolisch dargestellt, mit einer Versorgungsspannung versorgt, etwa der üblichen Haushaltsnetzspannung. Diese wird über einen Taster T einem weiteren Steuereingang des Vorschaltgeräts EVG zugeführt.A second example shows FIG. 2 , There is the same ballast electronic ballast as in FIG. 1 used in a different way. It is a use in a single lamp with a lamp L and a light sensor S. The ballast ECG is, as symbolically shown below, supplied with a supply voltage, such as the usual household mains voltage. This is supplied via a button T to another control input of the ballast EVG.

Der Lichtsensor S hat sowohl eine Funktion als Lichtwertsensor zur Erfassung der Helligkeit eines von der Lampe L beleuchteten Raumes als auch die Funktion eines Bewegungsmelders zum Erfassen von Bewegungen in diesem Raum. Wenn die Leuchte grundsätzlich eingeschaltet ist, schaltet das Vorschaltgerät EVG die Lampe L abhängig davon ein oder aus, ob eine Bewegung in dem Raum von dem Lichtsensor S erfasst und gemeldet wird oder ob für eine einstellbare Zeit, etwa 15 min, keine Bewegung gemeldet wurde. Damit kann einerseits erreicht werden, dass die Leuchte sich selbsttätig einschaltet, wenn der Raum von einer Person betreten wird, und andererseits vermieden werden, dass die Leuchte unnötig betrieben wird und damit Energie verbraucht, wenn der Raum nicht genutzt wird.The light sensor S has a function as a light value sensor for detecting the brightness of a space illuminated by the lamp L as well as the function of a motion detector for detecting movements in this room. When the lamp is basically turned on, the ballast EVG turns on or off the lamp L depending on whether movement in the room is detected and reported by the light sensor S, or if no movement has been reported for an adjustable time, say 15 minutes. This can be achieved on the one hand, that the light turns on automatically when the room is entered by a person, and on the other hand to avoid that the light is operated unnecessarily and thus consumes energy when the room is not used.

Darüber hinaus erfasst der Lichtsensor S die Helligkeit des beleuchteten Raumes, die abhängig von dem Einsatz weiterer Leuchten oder auch abhängig von der Tageslichteinstrahlung variieren kann. Dadurch kann eine Dimmfunktion des Vorschaltgeräts EVG automatisch die Leistung der Lampe L anpassen, also insbesondere die Lampenleistung zurückfahren, wenn im Laufe des Vormittags die Tageslichteinstrahlung zunimmt, und wieder hochfahren, wenn im Laufe des späten Nachmittags und Abends die Tageslichteinstrahlung abnimmt.In addition, the light sensor S detects the brightness of the illuminated space, which may vary depending on the use of other lights or depending on the daylight. As a result, a dimming function of the electronic ballast automatically adjust the power of the lamp L, so in particular the lamp power back when the morning light increases in the morning, and start again when in the course of late afternoon and evening daylight decreases.

Zusätzlich kann über den Taster T der erwähnte Steuereingang des Vorschaltgeräts EVG benutzt werden. Ein kurzes Antasten bedeutet einen manuellen Ein- oder Ausschaltbefehl. Ein längeres Antasten lässt das Vorschaltgerät EVG die Lampe L zyklisch hoch- und nach Erreichen der maximalen Leistung wieder herunter- sowie nach Erreichen der minimalen Dimmleistung wieder hochdimmen. Damit kann der Nutzer durch Gedrückthalten des Tasters T manuell eine gewünschte Lampenleistung einstellen, die dann abhängig von den weiteren Lichtwertinformationen aus dem Lichtsensor S nachgeregelt wird.In addition, the aforementioned control input of the electronic ballast can be used via the T button. A short touch means a manual on or off command. Prolonged probing causes the ballast ECG to cyclically increase the lamp L and then to dim it down again once the maximum power has been reached, and to dim it up again once the minimum dimming output has been reached. Thus, the user can manually set a desired lamp power by holding down the button T, which is then readjusted depending on the other light value information from the light sensor S.

Figur 5 zeigt schematisch ein von dem Lichtsensor S an das Vorschaltgerät EVG übertragenes Signal über der Zeitachse. Dabei stehen die einzelnen Blöcke, wie die Ausschnittsdarstellung im oberen Bereich zeigt, für eine jeweilige Folge von Einzelpulsen. Hier liegt gleichzeitig eine Codierung über die Zeitdauer als auch über die Frequenz der Signale vor. Die relativ kurzen Blöcke werden in gleichbleibenden Abständen übertragen und bilden in Folge der jeweils vorliegenden Pulsfrequenz innerhalb der Blöcke ein Referenzsignal im Sinne der Zeitkorrektur. Es wird also die gleiche Normzeitdauer TM abgegriffen wie anhand der Figuren 3 und 4 erläutert, und, allerdings ohne Unterscheidung zwischen verschiedenen Bit-Zuständen, in gleicher Weise wie anhand von Figur 4 erläutert zur Korrektur verwendet. Dies ist in Figur 6 dargestellt. FIG. 5 schematically shows a transmitted from the light sensor S to the ballast EVG signal over the time axis. The individual blocks, as shown in the section in the upper area, stand for a respective sequence of individual pulses. At the same time there is an encoding over the duration as well as the frequency of the signals. The relatively short Blocks are transmitted at constant intervals and form a reference signal within the meaning of the time correction as a result of the respectively present pulse frequency within the blocks. It is therefore tapped the same standard time period T M as based on the Figures 3 and 4 explained, and, however, without distinction between different bit states, in the same way as based on FIG. 4 explained used for correction. This is in FIG. 6 shown.

Der Lichtsensor S unterbricht diese Folge von regelmäßigen Referenzsignalen dann, wenn er eine Bewegung wahrgenommen hat, durch ein Bewegungssignal. Dieses Signal ist in Figur 5 in der Mitte dargestellt und unterscheidet sich von den Referenzsignalen dadurch, dass es eine bestimmte Mindestdauer übersteigt. Ein Bewegungssignal führt, wie bereits erläutert, zum Einschalten bzw. Aufrechterhalten des Betriebs der Lampe L.The light sensor S interrupts this sequence of regular reference signals when it has sensed a movement by a motion signal. This signal is in FIG. 5 in the middle and differs from the reference signals in that it exceeds a certain minimum duration. A motion signal, as already explained, leads to switching on or maintaining the operation of the lamp L.

Zwischen den bereits erläuterten Referenzsignalblöcken sind etwas länger andauernde Lichtwertsignalblöcke eingezeichnet, die im Prinzip wie das Bewegungssignal aufgebaut sind. Sie weisen jedoch eine davon abweichende Frequenz auf. Der Unterschied der Frequenz der Lichtwertsignale von der festgelegten Frequenz der Referenzsignale und Bewegungssignale stellt den erfassten Lichtwert dar und führt in dem Vorschaltgerät EVG zu einer hier nicht im Einzelnen dargestellten Auswertung und Ansteuerung der Dimmfunktion.Between the already explained reference signal blocks slightly longer lasting Lichtwertsignalblöcke are located, which are constructed in principle as the motion signal. However, they have a different frequency. The difference in the frequency of the light value signals from the specified frequency of the reference signals and motion signals represents the detected light value and leads in the ballast ECG to an evaluation and control of the dimming function not shown here in detail.

Mit Hilfe der Erfindung kann in dem elektronischen Vorschaltgerät EVG ein einfacher On-Chip-RC-Oszillator verwendet werden, ohne dass aus dessen Ungenauigkeit Nachteile erwachsen. Insbesondere wird bei der Beleuchtungsanlage gemäß Figur 1 vermieden, dass die Streuung zwischen verschiedenen Oszillatoren in unterschiedlichen elektronischen Vorschaltgeräten zu Funktionsabweichungen führt. Wenn beispielsweise durch einen bestimmten DALI-Befehl eine parallele Dimmung verschiedener Lampen über eine einheitliche Zeit durchgeführt wird, können typische Toleranzen von etwa ± 4 % beispielsweise zu Abweichungen zwischen einer Dimmzeit von 16,6 s bei einem Vorschaltgerät und 15,4 s bei einem anderen führen. Diese Differenz von 1,2 s ist deutlich sichtbar und stört die eigentlich beabsichtigte Parallelität der Dimmvorgänge. Analoges gilt natürlich für durch zeitliche Verschiebungen, Temperaturdrift und Ähnliches auftretende Abweichungen.With the aid of the invention, a simple on-chip RC oscillator can be used in the electronic ballast electronic ballast without disadvantages arising from its inaccuracy. In particular, in the lighting system according to FIG. 1 avoided that the dispersion between different oscillators in different electronic ballasts leads to functional deviations. For example, when a parallel Dimming of different lamps is performed for a uniform time by a particular DALI command, typical tolerances of about ± 4% may result in deviations between a dimming time of, for example 16.6 s in one ballast and 15.4 s in another. This difference of 1.2 s is clearly visible and disturbs the actually intended parallelism of the dimming processes. The same applies, of course, to deviations occurring due to temporal shifts, temperature drift and the like.

Bei der Anwendung gemäß Figur 2 wiederum könnten sich neben der vorstehenden Erläuterung entsprechenden Ungenauigkeiten Regelprobleme ergeben. Wenn beispielsweise eine thermische Drift des Oszillators in dem Vorschaltgerät EVG bei dessen zunehmender Erwärmung im Betrieb zu einer Veränderung der Referenzfrequenz für die Auswertung der Lichtwertinformationen führt, wird das Vorschaltgerät EVG ansprechend darauf die Dimmfunktion aktivieren. Die Temperaturdrift der Oszillatorfrequenz würde damit ohne die Erfindung zu einer Änderung der Gesamtlichtstärke im Raum bzw. zu einer temperaturdriftbedingten Drift der Lampenleistung führen. Wenn mehrere Vorschaltgeräte in dem Raum vorgesehen wären, würden in Folge der nun driftenden Gesamtlichtstärke in dem Raum andere Vorschaltgeräte ihrerseits nachregeln, so dass eine insgesamt instabile Regelsituation entstehen könnte.In the application according to FIG. 2 In turn, in addition to the above explanation corresponding inaccuracies rule problems could arise. If, for example, a thermal drift of the oscillator in the ballast ECG leads to a change in the reference frequency for the evaluation of the light value information during its increasing heating during operation, the ballast ECG will activate the dimming function in response thereto. The temperature drift of the oscillator frequency would thus lead without the invention to a change in the total light intensity in the room or to a drift in the temperature of the lamp power drift. If several ballasts were provided in the room, as a result of the now drifting total light intensity in the room other ballasts would in turn readjust, so that an overall unstable control situation could arise.

Claims (12)

  1. Method for operating a light-producing apparatus (L), in which the light-producing apparatus (L) is operated using an electronic ballast (EVG) which has an internal timing unit for internal timing purposes, an external signal, which contains time information, is received by the electronic ballast (EVG), operating functions of the light-producing apparatus (L) are controlled with the aid of the timing, and correction of the internal timing of the electronic ballast (EVG) is carried out with the aid of a time duration (TM) serving as reference, the time duration (TM) being determined from the time interval between the first two equidirectional pulse edges of the digital control signal, and a correction factor being taken into account depending on the bit value associated with the pulse edges.
  2. Method according to Claim 1, in which the correction of the timing takes place by calculating and storing a correction value whilst an oscillator itself, contained in the internal timing unit, remains unchanged.
    characterized in that the time duration (TM) is contained in the time information of the external signal, the external signal being a digital control signal of a control device (SG) driving the electronic ballast (EVG) in an illumination system, and
  3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the external signal is supplied by a sensor (S).
  4. Method according to Claim 3, in which the sensor (S) is a light value sensor which detects the brightness of a region which is illuminated or is to be illuminated by the light-producing apparatus (L).
  5. Method according to Claim 3 or 4, in which the external signal is frequency-encoded.
  6. Method according to Claim 3, 4 or 5, in which the sensor (S) is a movement sensor whose signal leads to the light-producing apparatus (L) being switched on.
  7. Method according to one of Claims 3 to 6, in which the external signal is duration-encoded.
  8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the electronic ballast (EVG) can be dimmed by means of duration-encoded supply voltage pulses at a control input.
  9. Method according to Claim 8, in which short supply voltage pulses are switch-on and switch-off commands.
  10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the internal timing unit has an RC oscillator.
  11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, in which the light-producing apparatus (L) is a lamp, in particular a discharge lamp.
  12. Electronic ballast (EVG) which has: an internal timing unit for controlling operating functions of the light-producing apparatus (L), and a time correction device which is designed to carry out a correction of the timing of the internal timing unit, characterized in that the time correction device is designed to carry out the correction of the timing with the aid of a time duration (TM) serving as reference which is contained in the time information of an external signal, in accordance with the method according to one of Claims 1 to 11.
EP05000613A 2004-02-06 2005-01-13 Electronic ballast with timer-based correction Active EP1562408B1 (en)

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US7193371B2 (en) 2007-03-20
ATE428293T1 (en) 2009-04-15
US20050174067A1 (en) 2005-08-11
EP1562408A1 (en) 2005-08-10
DE502005007022D1 (en) 2009-05-20
CA2495739A1 (en) 2005-08-06
DE102004006123A1 (en) 2005-08-25

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