EP3138368B1 - Circuit arrangement and method for operating leds - Google Patents

Circuit arrangement and method for operating leds Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3138368B1
EP3138368B1 EP15721618.5A EP15721618A EP3138368B1 EP 3138368 B1 EP3138368 B1 EP 3138368B1 EP 15721618 A EP15721618 A EP 15721618A EP 3138368 B1 EP3138368 B1 EP 3138368B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
current
led
led assembly
leds
operating device
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EP15721618.5A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP3138368A1 (en
Inventor
Cristian OLARIU
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Zumtobel Lighting GmbH Austria
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Zumtobel Lighting GmbH Austria
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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
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/10—Controlling the intensity of the light
    • 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
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/40—Details of LED load circuits
    • 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
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/50—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDs; responsive to LED life; Protective circuits
    • 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
    • H05B45/00—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED]
    • H05B45/50—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDs; responsive to LED life; Protective circuits
    • H05B45/56—Circuit arrangements for operating light-emitting diodes [LED] responsive to malfunctions or undesirable behaviour of LEDs; responsive to LED life; Protective circuits involving measures to prevent abnormal temperature of the LEDs

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an arrangement for operating a plurality of LEDs, which are arranged in LED circuits to be operated with constant current, preferably connected in the context of a number of so-called serial-parallel arrays.
  • the invention further relates to a method for operating LEDs.
  • LEDs are displacing more and more classic light sources in modern lighting technology.
  • a wide variety of LED types are available, which differ in terms of their output and in terms of the color or color temperature of the light emitted.
  • suitable LEDs are used depending on the area of application of a luminaire in which the LEDs are used.
  • Figure 1 thus shows a circuit variant known from the prior art, in which all LEDs are supplied by a common operating device 200.
  • a single LED array 210 in each case consists of a plurality of LED strands 220 connected in parallel, in each of which a plurality of LEDs 225 are in turn connected to one another in series.
  • several such LED arrays 210 can also be connected in series to one another and then again in parallel, the operating device 200 then supplying the overall arrangement with a correspondingly suitable constant current I BALLAST .
  • the in Figure 1 Circuit arrangement shown known from the prior art can be modified in various ways.
  • the number of LEDs used within a single array and the type of LEDs can be changed.
  • the number of LED arrays can be changed and it can be varied how many of these arrays are connected in series and how many LED array strings resulting therefrom are in turn arranged in parallel to one another.
  • the operating device 200 must then provide a suitable current. The same also applies in the event that only a single LED array is supplied with power by the operating device.
  • the required supply current results.
  • the circuit arrangement must therefore be designed in such a way that it is ensured that the operating device actually provides a suitable current for the LEDs.
  • the following procedures for solving this problem are already known from the prior art.
  • the operating device can be parameterized accordingly during manufacture or during commissioning, so that it permanently outputs the suitable current specified at the beginning.
  • this then means that it is not possible to adapt the current to changing conditions during later operation.
  • an adjustment could be necessary, for example, if some of the LED arrays fail and / or defective LED arrays are replaced by new arrays equipped with other LEDs.
  • the resistance can only be assessed with a relatively low accuracy. Further In this case, only a single LED array can then be identified by the operating device, and this must assume that the circuit arrangement has all identical arrays. In particular, however, the operating device does not show how many LED arrays are present in total and how they are interconnected.
  • the WO 2013/186655 A2 shows an LED-based lighting unit in which an LED module is electrically connected to an operating device via connections.
  • the operating device is used to provide a supply current for the LEDs of the LED module, which furthermore has an identification element in the form of a current source in order to provide a suitable supply current for the LEDs.
  • each LED module with a memory element in which information relating to the required supply current is stored digitally.
  • the operating device must then read this memory and adapt the output current based on it.
  • the present invention is therefore based on the object of enabling an operating device which supplies LED circuit arrangements to adapt the output current supplied to the actual requirements of the circuit arrangement in a simple manner.
  • the solution according to the invention is based on the idea of assigning an arrangement of LEDs to an identification element in the form of a so-called current sink. This is connected to the operating device separately from the actual power supply circuit via a parallel so-called feedback circuit, so that the operating device can determine the current flow in the feedback circuit resulting from the current sink. This current flow in turn characterizes the LED arrangement such that the operating device is able to provide a suitable supply current.
  • a circuit arrangement for operating LEDs with at least one - preferably serial-parallel - LED arrangement and an operating device for providing a supply current for the LEDs is proposed, the LED arrangement being assigned an identification element in the form of a current sink, which is connected via a Feedback circuit is connected to the operating device, and wherein the operating device is designed to provide a suitable supply current for the LEDs on the basis of a current flow resulting from the feedback circuit.
  • a protective mechanism is assigned to the LED arrangement, which, in the event of a detected fault condition, bridges the LED arrangement or interrupts a current flow through the LED arrangement, the protective mechanism influencing the associated current sink in the same way.
  • a method for operating at least one - preferably serial-parallel - LED arrangement in which an identification element in the form of a current sink is assigned to the LED arrangement and is connected to an operating device via a feedback circuit, based on a a suitable supply current for the LEDs is made available to the current flow resulting from the feedback circuit.
  • a protective mechanism is assigned to the LED arrangement, which, in the event of a detected fault condition, bridges the LED arrangement or interrupts a current flow through the LED arrangement, the protective mechanism influencing the associated current sink in the same way.
  • each LED arrangement is assigned a corresponding identification element in the form of a current sink, these current sinks then being connected to one another in the context of the feedback circuit.
  • this is separate from the supply circuit, its structure is exactly the same.
  • the current sinks are connected to one another in the same way, depending on the number of LED arrangements connected in series or in parallel.
  • This has the advantage that the overall current flow in the feedback circuit in turn allows a simple conclusion to be drawn about the total supply current required by all LEDs. It is preferably provided that the current sinks result in only a very small current flow in the feedback circuit, which is, however, connected to the actually required current via a known proportionality factor.
  • the solution according to the invention thus allows the total current required to be determined in a simple manner, independently of the interconnection of the LED arrangements, and accordingly to operate the LED arrangement in a suitable manner.
  • the current sinks that is to say the identification elements, not only allow conclusions to be drawn about the required current but also about the required voltage for operating the LEDs.
  • each current sink also causes a fixed voltage drop in the feedback circuit. If this voltage drop caused by the current sink is known to the operating device, it can be determined from the total voltage drop resulting across the entire feedback circuit how many LED arrangements are connected in series with one another.
  • the voltage drop caused by the current sink corresponds to a predetermined integer fraction of the required forward voltage of the LED arrangement. In the event that this gain factor is known to the operating device, it can then in turn provide a suitable supply voltage. However, the number of LED arrangements connected in series cannot be deduced directly here.
  • the protection mechanism makes it possible to take defects of individual LEDs into account in the circuit arrangement. Different variants are known from the prior art for reacting to corresponding LED defects. This is necessary because defective LEDs can lead to a strong imbalance in the distribution of the current within the circuit arrangement, the imbalance then propagating in such a way that further LEDs are damaged. Various protection mechanisms are therefore known which either detect the current flow through the associated LED arrangement or bridge it when appropriate defects are detected.
  • Protection mechanisms of this type then also affect the associated identification current sinks in the same way. This means that if a protective mechanism bridges the associated array or the associated arrangement due to a detected LED defect, this also occurs in the same way for the current sink within the feedback circuit. If, on the other hand, the current flow is interrupted, the associated branch in the feedback circuit is also interrupted. These measures have to As a result, the current in the feedback circuit automatically adjusts to the changed supply current required if protective measures so require. This further optimizes the operation of the LEDs as a whole.
  • FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment of an LED module, generally provided with the reference numeral 10, which is designed in the manner according to the invention.
  • the LED module 10 initially contains a serial-parallel LED array 15, which is formed from a plurality of LED strands 16 connected in parallel with one another. Within each LED strand 16, a plurality of LEDs 17 are connected in series with one another, ideally the number of LEDs 17 in the strands 16 is identical.
  • the LED module 10 has 15 connections LED + and LED at the input and at the output of the LED array, which are used to connect one
  • Enable supply circuit that leads to an operating device for the power supply of the LEDs.
  • the invention is described on the basis of serial-parallel LED arrays which, as mentioned, represent a particularly advantageous circuit variant for operating LEDs.
  • the concept according to the invention can be used in a much more general manner and can also be used in LED arrangements in which the LEDs are connected in a different way.
  • the module 10 requires a certain constant supply current I MODULE and a suitable supply voltage.
  • I MODULE constant supply current
  • the LED module 10 itself enables the operating device to determine the amount of current required.
  • the LED module 10 has an identification element in the form of a so-called current sink 20, which is connected to the operating device via a so-called feedback circuit.
  • the LED module 10 has two further connections FB + and FB-, which are formed separately from the connections for the power supply circuit LED + and LED-. This means that the feedback circuit is fundamentally separate but - as described in more detail below - is implemented in parallel with the power supply circuit.
  • I MODULE denotes the current required by the LED array 15, while I SET denotes the current flow caused by the current sink 20.
  • the proportionality factor F C must therefore be known to the operating device in this case, so that after evaluating the current flow resulting from the feedback circuit it knows what level the current output via the supply circuit must have.
  • the amplification factor F C could be 100, so that at a current level of 3 mA caused by the current sink, the operating device provides a supply current for the LEDs of 300 mA.
  • the concept according to the invention has advantages in particular if the overall arrangement is not just an LED array as in FIG Figure 2 has shown, but consists of several LED arrays, as exemplified in Figure 3 is shown.
  • n ⁇ m LED modules 10, each containing an LED array 15, are connected to one another, this being done in n parallel strands, each of which has m LED modules 10 connected in series.
  • each LED module 10 has the identifying current sink 20, which are now connected to one another in a feedback circuit 25, which likewise leads to the operating device 50 and is here connected to an internal control unit 51.
  • the feedback circuit 25 is designed separately from the power supply circuit 5, but is designed in parallel or in an identical manner with regard to its structure. This means that the individual current sinks 20 of the LED modules 10 are connected to one another in the same way as is the case for the LED arrays 15. This automatically results in a corresponding total current I FEEDBACK in the feedback circuit 25, which in turn corresponds to the total current required by the LED arrangement via the known proportionality factor F C and is then output in a corresponding manner by the operating device 50.
  • the LED arrays 15 of the individual LED modules 10 could even be designed differently. This means that the modules themselves could even require different supply currents, since this effect automatically - if the above relationship applies, according to which the current flow caused by the current sink represents a predetermined fraction of the required current - affects that in the feedback circuit resulting current flow affects. Ideally, however, the modules are designed to be as similar as possible or even identical, since this generally results in advantages with regard to uniform light emission.
  • the previous considerations relate to the amount of current that is provided by the operating device 50 for the LED modules 10.
  • the concept can also be used to adapt the voltage output by the operating device in a corresponding manner or to identify the number of LED modules 10 connected in series.
  • the current sink 20 has a specific voltage drop V SINK (see Fig. 2 ) causes that is fixed and known to the operating device 50. From the resulting voltage drop V FEEDBACK via the feedback circuit, the information can then be derived as to how much - in the exemplary embodiment shown by Figure 3 So m - LED modules 10 are connected in series.
  • V SINK f V ⁇ V LED
  • the operating device 50 can automatically determine the total voltage required for the LED arrangement, but can no longer determine how many modules are connected in series. In this case, the proportionality factor f V must of course be known to the operating device 50.
  • the minimum required voltage V SINK of the current sink can be kept very low, in particular less than 1 volt. Combined with a high amplification factor F C and thus a low current flow, which is caused by the current sink, the result is that the power loss, which is caused by the measures according to the invention, is extremely small. At the same time, however, as described above, significant advantages are achieved with regard to the automatic adjustment with regard to the supply current.
  • FIG. 4 shows a first protective mechanism 30 which has a switching element 31 which interrupts the current flow through the entire array 15 in certain situations. This can be the case, for example, if an excessively high current flow results due to individual defective LEDs, which possibly leads to a further one Damage to all LEDs can result.
  • protective mechanisms are already known from the prior art.
  • the interruption of the current flow through the array 15 naturally also affects the amount of current required by the LED arrangement.
  • the current sink 20 of the LED module 10 is treated in the same way by the protective mechanism 30.
  • a switch 32 is also assigned to the current sink 20 in the feedback circuit, which switch is controlled in an identical manner by the protective mechanism 30. If the current flow through the LED array 15 is interrupted, this also applies in the same way to the branch with the current sink 20.
  • FIG. 5 shows an alternative protection mechanism 40 which, in the event of the detection of a problem with the aid of a switch 41, short-circuits or bridges the LED array 15.
  • the current sink 20 is treated identically.
  • the feedback circuit now has a switch 42 parallel to the current sink 20, which is controlled by the protective mechanism 40 in the same way as the switch 41.
  • the interruption or bridging of an LED module is also automatically taken into account in the feedback circuit and the output of the supply current can be adapted accordingly by the operating device. This results in an even better adaptation of the power supply for the LEDs.
  • FIG. 7 An alternative possibility for designing a current sink is in Figure 7 shown. Again, this is based on the implementation or connection of two transistors Q 1 and Q 2 and two resistors R 1 and R 2 , but now using additional components, in particular the further transistors Q 3 and Q 4 and the resistor R 3, the current sink in you are able to independently create a corresponding preload. In this case, the current sink must actually only be connected to the connections of the feedback circuit FB + and FB, and a coupling to the power supply circuit for the LEDs is not necessary. In this case, however, a higher voltage V SINK is required, which can optionally be obtained again using the Zener diode D Z.
  • a temperature-dependent resistor R TH which is part of a corresponding resistor network with the resistors R BASE , R P and R S, is used here to compensate for thermal fluctuations in the base-emitter voltage. This ensures that the supply current remains constant even at higher temperatures.
  • the present invention has the advantage that, for the power supply of more complex LED circuits, the corresponding operating device is able to automatically adapt the supply current to the corresponding needs of the circuit. Not only are failures or bridging of individual LED arrangements due to defects automatically taken into account, but also the replacement or replacement of an LED module with a new one that places different demands on the supply current is automatically taken into account.

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Description

Die vorliegende Erfindung betrifft eine Anordnung zum Betreiben einer Vielzahl von LEDs, welche in mit Konstantstrom zu betreibenden LED-Schaltungen angeordnet, vorzugsweise im Rahmen mehrerer so genannter seriell-paralleler Arrays verschaltet sind. Ferner betrifft die Erfindung ein Verfahren zum Betreiben von LEDs.The present invention relates to an arrangement for operating a plurality of LEDs, which are arranged in LED circuits to be operated with constant current, preferably connected in the context of a number of so-called serial-parallel arrays. The invention further relates to a method for operating LEDs.

LEDs verdrängen in der modernen Beleuchtungstechnologie mehr und mehr klassische Lichtquellen. Es sind unterschiedlichste LED-Typen verfügbar, welche sich hinsichtlich ihrer Leistung sowie hinsichtlich der Farbe oder Farbtemperatur des abgegebenen Lichts unterscheiden. Abhängig von dem Anwendungsgebiet einer Leuchte, bei der die LEDs zum Einsatz kommen, werden dabei entsprechend geeignete LEDs verwendet.LEDs are displacing more and more classic light sources in modern lighting technology. A wide variety of LED types are available, which differ in terms of their output and in terms of the color or color temperature of the light emitted. Depending on the area of application of a luminaire in which the LEDs are used, suitable LEDs are used.

Aus verschiedenen Gründen werden dabei bevorzugt nicht einige wenige Hochleistungs-LEDs verwendet, sondern es kommen stattdessen LEDs mittlerer oder niedriger Leistung zum Einsatz, welche in größeren Schaltungsanordnungen miteinander verbunden sind. Beispiele sind in WO 2013/186655 A2 und WO 2010/091619 A1 offenbart. Zum einen sind derartige LEDs geringerer Leistung deutlich kostengünstiger herzustellen, zum anderen kann mit Hilfe derartiger Anordnungen besser eine großflächige Lichtabgabe erzielt werden, was im Hinblick auf die Tatsache, dass LEDs im Wesentlichen punktförmige Lichtquellen darstellen, einen nicht unbeträchtlicher Vorteil darstellt. In der Praxis hat sich dabei durchgesetzt, LEDs in den oben erwähnten seriell-parallelen Arrays anzuordnen, wie dies schematisch in Figur 1 dargestellt ist.For various reasons, it is preferred not to use a few high-power LEDs, but instead to use medium or low-power LEDs which are connected to one another in larger circuit arrangements. Examples are in WO 2013/186655 A2 and WO 2010/091619 A1 disclosed. On the one hand, low-power LEDs of this type are significantly cheaper to produce, and on the other hand, with such arrangements, it is better to achieve large-area light emission, which is a not inconsiderable advantage in view of the fact that LEDs are essentially point-shaped light sources. In practice, it has become common practice to arrange LEDs in the above-mentioned serial-parallel arrays, as is shown schematically in Figure 1 is shown.

Figur 1 zeigt also eine aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Schaltungsvariante, bei der alle LEDs von einem gemeinsamen Betriebsgerät 200 versorgt werden. Ein einzelnes LED-Array 210 besteht dabei jeweils aus mehreren parallel geschalteten LED-Strängen 220, in denen wiederum jeweils mehrere LEDs 225 in Serie miteinander verschaltet sind. Entsprechend der Darstellung von Figur 1 können dabei mehrere derartige LED-Arrays 210 auch in Serie zueinander und dann wiederum parallel verschaltet werden, wobei das Betriebsgerät 200 die sich insgesamt ergebende Anordnung dann mit einem entsprechend geeigneten Konstantstrom IBALLAST versorgt. Figure 1 thus shows a circuit variant known from the prior art, in which all LEDs are supplied by a common operating device 200. A single LED array 210 in each case consists of a plurality of LED strands 220 connected in parallel, in each of which a plurality of LEDs 225 are in turn connected to one another in series. According to the representation of Figure 1 In this case, several such LED arrays 210 can also be connected in series to one another and then again in parallel, the operating device 200 then supplying the overall arrangement with a correspondingly suitable constant current I BALLAST .

Wie bereits erwähnt zeichnet sich ein entsprechender Einsatz von LEDs in den dargestellten seriell-parallelen Arrays durch den verhältnismäßig einfachen Aufbau, die damit verbundenen geringen Kosten und der trotz allem damit erzielbaren hohen Effizienz aus.As already mentioned, a corresponding use of LEDs in the serial-parallel arrays shown is characterized by the relatively simple structure, the associated low costs and the high efficiency that can be achieved despite everything.

Offensichtlich kann die in Figur 1 dargestellte, aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Schaltungsanordnung in verschiedenster Weise abgewandelt werden. Insbesondere kann die Anzahl der innerhalb eines einzelnen Arrays zum Einsatz kommenden LEDs sowie der Typ der LEDs verändert werden. Ferner kann die Anzahl der LED-Arrays verändert werden und es kann variiert werden, wie viele dieser Arrays in Serie geschaltet sind und wie viele sich hieraus ergebende LED-Array-Stränge wiederum parallel zueinander angeordnet werden. Abhängig von der Ausgestaltung der Schaltungsanordnung muss dann das Betriebsgerät 200 einen geeigneten Strom zur Verfügung stellen. Gleiches gilt auch für den Fall, dass lediglich ein einziges LED-Array von dem Betriebsgerät mit Strom versorgt wird. Auch hier ergibt sich abhängig von der Anzahl und Verschaltung der zum Einsatz kommenden LEDs ein benötigter Versorgungsstrom.Obviously, the in Figure 1 Circuit arrangement shown, known from the prior art can be modified in various ways. In particular, the number of LEDs used within a single array and the type of LEDs can be changed. Furthermore, the number of LED arrays can be changed and it can be varied how many of these arrays are connected in series and how many LED array strings resulting therefrom are in turn arranged in parallel to one another. Depending on the configuration of the circuit arrangement, the operating device 200 must then provide a suitable current. The same also applies in the event that only a single LED array is supplied with power by the operating device. Here too, depending on the number and wiring of the LEDs used, the required supply current results.

Die Schaltungsanordnung muss also derart ausgestaltet sein, dass sichergestellt ist, dass durch das Betriebsgerät tatsächlich ein geeigneter Strom für die LEDs zur Verfügung gestellt wird. Aus dem Stand der Technik sind bereits die nachfolgenden Vorgehensweisen zur Lösungen dieses Problems bekannt.The circuit arrangement must therefore be designed in such a way that it is ensured that the operating device actually provides a suitable current for the LEDs. The following procedures for solving this problem are already known from the prior art.

Zum einen kann das Betriebsgerät bereits bei Herstellung bzw. bei Inbetriebnahme entsprechend parametrisiert werden, so dass es dauerhaft den zu Beginn vorgegebenen, geeigneten Strom ausgibt. Dies bedeutet dann allerdings, dass eine Anpassung des Stroms an sich ändernde Verhältnisse während des späteren Betriebs nicht möglich ist. Eine Anpassung könnte allerdings beispielsweise erforderlich sein, wenn einzelne der LED-Arrays ausfallen und/oder defekte LED-Arrays durch neue, mit anderen LEDs bestückte Arrays ersetzt werden. Diese Situationen können sich auf den insgesamt von der LED-Anordnung benötigten Strom auswirken und sollten idealerweise von dem Betriebsgerät berücksichtigt bzw. erkannt werden, da andernfalls ein zuverlässiger Betrieb nicht gewährleistet ist.On the one hand, the operating device can be parameterized accordingly during manufacture or during commissioning, so that it permanently outputs the suitable current specified at the beginning. However, this then means that it is not possible to adapt the current to changing conditions during later operation. However, an adjustment could be necessary, for example, if some of the LED arrays fail and / or defective LED arrays are replaced by new arrays equipped with other LEDs. These situations can affect the total current required by the LED arrangement and should ideally be taken into account or recognized by the operating device, since otherwise reliable operation cannot be guaranteed.

Alternativ zu der oben beschriebenen Vorprogrammierung der Betriebsgeräte ist aus dem Stand der Technik auch bekannt, LED-Module, welche die LEDs beinhalten, durch einen Widerstand zu charakterisieren, der von dem Betriebsgerät ausgewertet wird. Der Widerstand charakterisiert beispielsweise die Höhe des von dem LED-Modul benötigten Stroms und erlaubt es dem Betriebsgerät, nach Auswertung des Widerstands die Höhe des ausgegebenen Versorgungsstroms entsprechend anzupassen.As an alternative to the preprogramming of the operating devices described above, it is also known from the prior art to characterize LED modules which contain the LEDs by means of a resistor which is evaluated by the operating device. The resistance characterizes, for example, the level of the current required by the LED module and, after evaluating the resistance, allows the operating device to adjust the level of the output supply current accordingly.

Problematisch ist in diesem Zusammenhang allerdings, dass das Bewerten des Widerstands nur mit einer verhältnismäßig geringen Genauigkeit erfolgen kann. Ferner kann in diesem Fall dann lediglich ein einziges LED-Array durch das Betriebsgerät identifiziert werden und dieses muss davon ausgehen, dass die Schaltungsanordnung insgesamt lauter identische Arrays aufweist. Insbesondere jedoch ist durch das Betriebsgerät nicht erkennbar, wie viele LED-Arrays insgesamt vorhanden sind und in welcher Weise diese miteinander verschaltet sind.It is problematic in this context, however, that the resistance can only be assessed with a relatively low accuracy. Further In this case, only a single LED array can then be identified by the operating device, and this must assume that the circuit arrangement has all identical arrays. In particular, however, the operating device does not show how many LED arrays are present in total and how they are interconnected.

Die WO 2013/186655 A2 zeigt eine LED-basierte Beleuchtungseinheit, bei der ein LED-Modul mit einem Betriebsgerät über Anschlüsse elektrisch verbunden ist. Das Betriebsgerät dient dem Bereitstellen eines Versorgungsstroms für die LEDs des LED-Moduls, welches ferner ein Identifizierungselement in Form einer Stromquelle aufweist, um einen geeigneten Versorgungsstrom für die LEDs zur Verfügung zu stellen.The WO 2013/186655 A2 shows an LED-based lighting unit in which an LED module is electrically connected to an operating device via connections. The operating device is used to provide a supply current for the LEDs of the LED module, which furthermore has an identification element in the form of a current source in order to provide a suitable supply current for the LEDs.

Schließlich ist aus dem Stand der Technik auch noch bekannt, jedes LED-Modul mit einem Speicherelement zu versehen, in dem eine Information bezüglich des benötigten Versorgungsstroms digital hinterlegt ist. Das Betriebsgerät muss dann diesen Speicher auslesen und darauf basierend den ausgegebenen Strom anpassen.Finally, it is also known from the prior art to provide each LED module with a memory element in which information relating to the required supply current is stored digitally. The operating device must then read this memory and adapt the output current based on it.

Bei diesem digitalen Auslesen der Informationen wird zwar im Vergleich zum Bewerten eines Identifizierungswiderstands eine höhere Genauigkeit erzielt, allerdings sind die entsprechenden Mittel hierfür deutlich komplexer und kostenintensiver. Ferner ergibt sich wiederum das bereits oben geschilderte Problem, dass nämlich das Betriebsgerät in der Regel nur ein einziges LED-Modul identifiziert und wiederum keine Kenntnis darüber vorliegt, in welcher Weise wie viele LED-Arrays miteinander verschaltet sind.With this digital reading of the information, a higher accuracy is achieved compared to the evaluation of an identification resistance, but the corresponding means for this are significantly more complex and cost-intensive. Furthermore, there is again the problem already described above, namely that the operating device generally only identifies a single LED module and there is again no knowledge of how and how many LED arrays are interconnected.

Die oben geschilderten Probleme ergeben sich im Übrigen auch denn, wenn die LEDs in anderer Weise als in den dargestellten parallel-seriellen Arrays verschaltet sind. Auch in diesem Fall muss sichergestellt sein, dass die LEDs mit einem geeigneten Strom versorgt werden.The problems described above also arise if the LEDs are connected in a different way than in the parallel-serial arrays shown. In this case too, it must be ensured that the LEDs are supplied with a suitable current.

Der vorliegenden Erfindung liegt deshalb die Aufgabenstellung zugrunde, ein Betriebsgerät, welches LED-Schaltungsanordnungen versorgt, in die Lage zu versetzen, in einfacher Weise den ausgegebenen Versorgungsstrom an die tatsächlichen Bedürfnisse der Schaltungsanordnung anzupassen.The present invention is therefore based on the object of enabling an operating device which supplies LED circuit arrangements to adapt the output current supplied to the actual requirements of the circuit arrangement in a simple manner.

Die Aufgabe wird durch eine Schaltungsanordnung mit den Merkmalen des Anspruchs 1 sowie durch ein Verfahren gemäß Anspruch 10 gelöst. Vorteilhafte Weiterbildungen der Erfindung sind Gegenstand der abhängigen Ansprüche.The object is achieved by a circuit arrangement having the features of claim 1 and by a method according to claim 10. Advantageous developments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

Die erfindungsgemäße Lösung beruht auf dem Gedanken, einer Anordnung von LEDs ein Identifizierungselement in Form einer sog. Stromsenke zuzuordnen. Diese ist getrennt von dem eigentlichen Stromversorgungskreis über einen parallelen so genannten Feedback-Kreis mit dem Betriebsgerät verbunden, so dass das Betriebsgerät den sich aufgrund der Stromsenke ergebenden Stromfluss in dem Feedback-Kreis ermitteln kann. Dieser Stromfluss wiederum charakterisiert die LED-Anordnung derart, dass das Betriebsgerät in die Lage versetzt wird, einen geeigneten Versorgungsstrom zur Verfügung zu stellen.The solution according to the invention is based on the idea of assigning an arrangement of LEDs to an identification element in the form of a so-called current sink. This is connected to the operating device separately from the actual power supply circuit via a parallel so-called feedback circuit, so that the operating device can determine the current flow in the feedback circuit resulting from the current sink. This current flow in turn characterizes the LED arrangement such that the operating device is able to provide a suitable supply current.

Erfindungsgemäß wird deshalb eine Schaltungsanordnung zum Betreiben von LEDs mit mindestens einer - vorzugsweise seriell-parallelen - LED-Anordnung sowie einem Betriebsgerät zum Bereitstellen eines Versorgungsstroms für die LEDs vorgeschlagen, wobei der LED-Anordnung ein Identifizierungselement in Form einer Stromsenke zugeordnet ist, welche über einen Feedback-Kreis mit dem Betriebsgerät verbunden ist, und wobei das Betriebsgerät dazu ausgebildet ist, auf Basis eines sich durch den Feedback-Kreis ergebenden Stromflusses einen geeigneten Versorgungsstrom für die LEDs zur Verfügung zu stellen. Des Weiteren ist der LED-Anordnung ein Schutzmechanismus zugeordnet ist, der im Falle eines erkannten Fehlerzustands die LED-Anordnung überbrückt oder einen Stromfluss durch die LED-Anordnung unterbricht, wobei der Schutzmechanismus in gleicher Weise Einfluss auf die zugehörige Stromsenke nimmt.According to the invention, therefore, a circuit arrangement for operating LEDs with at least one - preferably serial-parallel - LED arrangement and an operating device for providing a supply current for the LEDs is proposed, the LED arrangement being assigned an identification element in the form of a current sink, which is connected via a Feedback circuit is connected to the operating device, and wherein the operating device is designed to provide a suitable supply current for the LEDs on the basis of a current flow resulting from the feedback circuit. Furthermore, a protective mechanism is assigned to the LED arrangement, which, in the event of a detected fault condition, bridges the LED arrangement or interrupts a current flow through the LED arrangement, the protective mechanism influencing the associated current sink in the same way.

Ferner wird ein Verfahren zum Betreiben mindestens einer - vorzugsweise seriell-parallelen - LED-Anordnung vorgeschlagen, bei der der LED-Anordnung ein Identifizierungselement in Form einer Stromsenke zugeordnet und über einen Feedback-Kreis mit einem Betriebsgerät verbunden ist, wobei auf Basis eines sich durch den Feedback-Kreis ergebenden Stromflusses ein geeigneter Versorgungsstrom für die LEDs zur Verfügung gestellt wird. Auch hier ist der LED-Anordnung ein Schutzmechanismus zugeordnet ist, der im Falle eines erkannten Fehlerzustands die LED-Anordnung überbrückt oder einen Stromfluss durch die LED-Anordnung unterbricht, wobei der Schutzmechanismus in gleicher Weise Einfluss auf die zugehörige Stromsenke nimmt.Furthermore, a method for operating at least one - preferably serial-parallel - LED arrangement is proposed, in which an identification element in the form of a current sink is assigned to the LED arrangement and is connected to an operating device via a feedback circuit, based on a a suitable supply current for the LEDs is made available to the current flow resulting from the feedback circuit. Here too, a protective mechanism is assigned to the LED arrangement, which, in the event of a detected fault condition, bridges the LED arrangement or interrupts a current flow through the LED arrangement, the protective mechanism influencing the associated current sink in the same way.

Das erfindungsgemäße Konzept kann bereits bei Verwendung eines einzelnen seriell-parallelen LED-Arrays bzw. einer einzelnen LED-Anordnung zum Einsatz kommen, vorzugsweise weist die LED-Anordnung allerdings mehrere LED-Anordnungen auf. In diesem Fall ist dann gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung jeder LED-Anordnung ein entsprechendes Identifizierungselement in Form einer Stromsenke zugeordnet, wobei diese Stromsenken dann im Rahmen des Feedback-Kreises miteinander verbunden sind. Dieser ist zwar getrennt von dem Versorgungsstromkreis aber hinsichtlich seiner Struktur exakt in gleicher Weise ausgeführt. Das heißt, die Stromsenken sind je nach Anzahl der seriell oder parallel miteinander verschalteten LED-Anordnungen in gleicher Weise miteinander verbunden. Dies bringt den Vorteil mit sich, dass der sich insgesamt ergebende Stromfluss in dem Feedback-Kreis wiederum in einfacher Weise Rückschluss auf den von allen LEDs insgesamt benötigten Versorgungsstrom erlaubt. Dabei ist vorzugsweise vorgesehen, dass sich durch die Stromsenken insgesamt nur ein sehr geringer Stromfluss in dem Feedback-Kreis ergibt, der allerdings über einen bekannten Proportionalitätsfaktor mit dem tatsächlich benötigten Strom verbunden ist.The concept according to the invention can already be used when using a single serial-parallel LED array or a single LED arrangement, but the LED arrangement preferably has a plurality of LED arrangements. In this case, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each LED arrangement is assigned a corresponding identification element in the form of a current sink, these current sinks then being connected to one another in the context of the feedback circuit. Although this is separate from the supply circuit, its structure is exactly the same. This means that the current sinks are connected to one another in the same way, depending on the number of LED arrangements connected in series or in parallel. This has the advantage that the overall current flow in the feedback circuit in turn allows a simple conclusion to be drawn about the total supply current required by all LEDs. It is preferably provided that the current sinks result in only a very small current flow in the feedback circuit, which is, however, connected to the actually required current via a known proportionality factor.

Letztendlich erlaubt also die erfindungsgemäße Lösung, unabhängig von der Verschaltung der LED-Anordnungen untereinander in einfacher Weise den insgesamt benötigten Strom zu ermitteln und dementsprechend die LED-Anordnung in geeigneter Weise zu betreiben.Ultimately, the solution according to the invention thus allows the total current required to be determined in a simple manner, independently of the interconnection of the LED arrangements, and accordingly to operate the LED arrangement in a suitable manner.

Darüber hinaus kann gemäß einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform auch vorgesehen sein, dass die Stromsenken, also die Identifizierungselemente nicht nur Rückschluss auf den benötigten Strom sondern auch auf die benötigte Spannung zum Betreiben der LEDs ermöglichen.In addition, according to a preferred embodiment, it can also be provided that the current sinks, that is to say the identification elements, not only allow conclusions to be drawn about the required current but also about the required voltage for operating the LEDs.

Dabei kann gemäß einer ersten Variante vorgesehen sein, dass jede Stromsenke zusätzlich auch einen fest vorgegebenen Spannungsabfall in dem Feedback-Kreis bewirkt. Ist dieser von der Stromsenke hervorgerufene Spannungsabfall dem Betriebsgerät bekannt, so kann aus dem sich insgesamt über den gesamten Feedback-Kreis ergebenden Spannungsabfall ermittelt werden, wie viele LED-Anordnungen in Serie zueinander geschaltet sind.It can be provided according to a first variant that each current sink also causes a fixed voltage drop in the feedback circuit. If this voltage drop caused by the current sink is known to the operating device, it can be determined from the total voltage drop resulting across the entire feedback circuit how many LED arrangements are connected in series with one another.

Alternativ zu der oben beschriebenen Vorgehensweise könnte auch vorgesehen sein, dass der durch die Stromsenke bewirkte Spannungsabfall einem vorgegebenen ganzzahligen Bruchteil der benötigten Vorwärtsspannung der LED-Anordnung entspricht. Für den Fall, dass dieser Verstärkungsfaktor dem Betriebsgerät bekannt ist, kann dieses dann wiederum eine geeignete Versorgungsspannung zur Verfügung stellen. Allerdings kann hier dann nicht unmittelbar auf die Anzahl der in Serie verschalteten LED-Anordnungen rückgeschlossen werden.As an alternative to the procedure described above, it could also be provided that the voltage drop caused by the current sink corresponds to a predetermined integer fraction of the required forward voltage of the LED arrangement. In the event that this gain factor is known to the operating device, it can then in turn provide a suitable supply voltage. However, the number of LED arrangements connected in series cannot be deduced directly here.

Durch den Schutzmechanismus ist es möglich Defekte einzelner LEDs in der Schaltungsanordnung zu berücksichtigen. Aus dem Stand der Technik sind unterschiedliche Varianten bekannt, auf entsprechende LED-Defekte zu reagieren. Dies ist deshalb erforderlich, da defekte LEDs zu einem starken Ungleichgewicht in der Verteilung des Stroms innerhalb der Schaltungsanordnung führen können, wobei sich dann das Ungleichgewicht derart fortpflanzen kann, dass weitere LEDs beschädigt werden. Es sind deshalb verschiedene Schutzmechanismen bekannt, die bei Erkennen entsprechender Defekte entweder den Stromfluss durch die zugehörige LED-Anordnung unterbrechen oder dieses überbrücken.The protection mechanism makes it possible to take defects of individual LEDs into account in the circuit arrangement. Different variants are known from the prior art for reacting to corresponding LED defects. This is necessary because defective LEDs can lead to a strong imbalance in the distribution of the current within the circuit arrangement, the imbalance then propagating in such a way that further LEDs are damaged. Various protection mechanisms are therefore known which either detect the current flow through the associated LED arrangement or bridge it when appropriate defects are detected.

Derartige Schutzmechanismen betreffen dann in gleicher Weise auch die zugehörigen Identifizierungs-Stromsenken. Das heißt, sollte ein Schutzmechanismus aufgrund eines erkannten LED-Defekts das zugehörige Array bzw. die zugehörige Anordnung überbrücken, erfolgt dies in gleicher Weise auch für die Stromsenke innerhalb des Feedback-Kreises. Wird hingegen der Stromfluss unterbrochen, so wird auch der zugehörige Zweig in dem Feedback-Kreis unterbrochen. Diese Maßnahmen haben zur Folge, dass sich der Strom in dem Feedback-Kreis automatisch an den geänderten benötigten Versorgungsstrom anpasst, falls Schutzmaßnahmen dies erfordern. Der Betrieb der LEDs insgesamt wird hierdurch nochmals zusätzlich optimiert.Protection mechanisms of this type then also affect the associated identification current sinks in the same way. This means that if a protective mechanism bridges the associated array or the associated arrangement due to a detected LED defect, this also occurs in the same way for the current sink within the feedback circuit. If, on the other hand, the current flow is interrupted, the associated branch in the feedback circuit is also interrupted. These measures have to As a result, the current in the feedback circuit automatically adjusts to the changed supply current required if protective measures so require. This further optimizes the operation of the LEDs as a whole.

Nachfolgend soll die Erfindung anhand der beiliegenden Zeichnung näher erläutert werden. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
eine aus dem Stand der Technik bekannte Schaltungsanordnung von mehreren miteinander verschalteten parallel-seriellen LED-Arrays;
Figur 2
die erfindungsgemäße Ausgestaltung eines einzelnen LED-Arrays;
Figur 3
eine sich aus der Erfindung insgesamt ergebende Schaltungsanordnung zum Betreiben einer Vielzahl von LEDs;
Figur 4
eine erste vorteilhafte Weiterbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Konzepts;
Figur 5
eine zweite vorteilhafte Weiterbildung des erfindungsgemäßen Konzepts;
Figur 6
eine erste Möglichkeit zur Ausgestaltung einer erfindungsgemäß zum Einsatz kommenden Stromsenke;
Figur 7
eine zweite Möglichkeit zur Ausgestaltung der erfindungsgemäßen Stromsenke und
Figur 8
eine Möglichkeit zur weiteren Verbesserung der Stromsenke, bei der Temperatureffekte berücksichtigt werden.
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawing. Show it:
Figure 1
a known from the prior art circuit arrangement of several interconnected parallel-serial LED arrays;
Figure 2
the inventive design of a single LED array;
Figure 3
a circuit arrangement resulting from the invention as a whole for operating a plurality of LEDs;
Figure 4
a first advantageous development of the concept according to the invention;
Figure 5
a second advantageous development of the concept according to the invention;
Figure 6
a first possibility for designing a current sink to be used according to the invention;
Figure 7
a second way of designing the current sink according to the invention and
Figure 8
a way to further improve the current sink, taking temperature effects into account.

Figur 2 zeigt ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel eines allgemein mit dem Bezugszeichen 10 versehenen LED-Moduls, welches in erfindungsgemäßer Weise ausgestaltet ist. Das LED-Modul 10 beinhaltet dabei zunächst ein seriell-paralleles LED-Array 15, welches aus mehreren parallel zueinander verschalteten LED-Strängen 16 gebildet ist. Innerhalb eines jeden LED-Strangs 16 sind mehrere LEDs 17 in Serie zueinander geschaltet, wobei idealerweise die Anzahl von LEDs 17 in den Strängen 16 identisch ist. Das LED-Modul 10 weist dabei am Eingang und am Ausgang des LED-Arrays 15 Anschlüsse LED+ und LEDauf, welche das Verbinden mit einem Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of an LED module, generally provided with the reference numeral 10, which is designed in the manner according to the invention. The LED module 10 initially contains a serial-parallel LED array 15, which is formed from a plurality of LED strands 16 connected in parallel with one another. Within each LED strand 16, a plurality of LEDs 17 are connected in series with one another, ideally the number of LEDs 17 in the strands 16 is identical. The LED module 10 has 15 connections LED + and LED at the input and at the output of the LED array, which are used to connect one

Versorgungsstromkreis, der zu einem Betriebsgerät zur Stromversorgung der LEDs führt, ermöglichen.Enable supply circuit that leads to an operating device for the power supply of the LEDs.

Anzumerken ist, dass im dargestellten Fall die Erfindung anhand von seriell-parallelen LED-Arrays beschrieben wird, welche - wie erwähnt - eine besonders vorteilhafte Schaltungsvariante zum Betreiben von LEDs darstellen. Das erfindungsgemäße Konzept kann allerdings deutlich allgemeiner eingesetzt werden und auch bei LED-Anordnungen zum Einsatz kommen, bei denen die LEDs anderweitig verschaltet sind.It should be noted that in the case shown, the invention is described on the basis of serial-parallel LED arrays which, as mentioned, represent a particularly advantageous circuit variant for operating LEDs. However, the concept according to the invention can be used in a much more general manner and can also be used in LED arrangements in which the LEDs are connected in a different way.

Abhängig von dem Typ der verwendeten LEDs 17, der Anzahl von LEDs sowie der Anzahl der parallel miteinander verschalteten LED-Stränge 16 benötigt das Modul 10 einen bestimmten konstanten Versorgungsstrom IMODULE sowie eine geeignete Versorgungsspannung. In einem ersten Schritt ist dabei gemäß der vorliegenden Erfindung vorgesehen, dass das LED-Modul 10 selbst es dem Betriebsgerät ermöglicht, die Höhe des erforderlichen Stroms festzustellen.Depending on the type of LEDs 17 used, the number of LEDs and the number of LED strands 16 connected in parallel with one another, the module 10 requires a certain constant supply current I MODULE and a suitable supply voltage. In a first step, it is provided according to the present invention that the LED module 10 itself enables the operating device to determine the amount of current required.

Hierzu weist erfindungsgemäß das LED-Modul 10 ein Identifizierungselement in Form einer sog. Stromsenke 20 auf, die über einen so genannten Feedback-Kreis mit dem Betriebsgerät verbunden wird. Hierzu weist das LED-Modul 10 zwei weitere Anschlüsse FB+ und FB-, die getrennt von den Anschlüssen für den Stromversorgungskreis LED+ und LED- ausgebildet sind, auf. Das heißt, der Feedback-Kreis ist grundsätzlich getrennt aber - wie nachfolgend näher beschrieben - parallel zu dem Stromversorgungskreis ausgeführt.For this purpose, according to the invention, the LED module 10 has an identification element in the form of a so-called current sink 20, which is connected to the operating device via a so-called feedback circuit. For this purpose, the LED module 10 has two further connections FB + and FB-, which are formed separately from the connections for the power supply circuit LED + and LED-. This means that the feedback circuit is fundamentally separate but - as described in more detail below - is implemented in parallel with the power supply circuit.

Die Stromsenke 20 ist nunmehr derart ausgeführt, dass sie gezielt einen definierten Stromfluss ISET in dem Feedback-Kreis hervorruft, wobei idealerweise der folgende Zusammenhang besteht: I MODULE = F C ∗ I SET

Figure imgb0001
The current sink 20 is now designed in such a way that it specifically causes a defined current flow I SET in the feedback circuit, ideally the following relationship exists: I. MODULES = F C. ∗ I. SET
Figure imgb0001

IMODULE bezeichnet hierbei den von dem LED-Array 15 benötigten Strom während ISET den durch die Stromsenke 20 hervorgerufenen Stromfluss bezeichnet. Der Proportionalitätsfaktor FC muss in diesem Fall also dem Betriebsgerät bekannt sein, so dass dieses nach Bewerten des sich durch den Feedback-Kreis ergebenden Stromflusses weiß, welche Höhe der über den Versorgungskreis ausgegebene Strom aufweisen muss. Beispielsweise könnte der Verstärkungsfaktor FC 100 betragen, so dass dann bei einer durch die Stromsenke hervorgerufenen Stromhöhe von 3mA das Betriebsgerät einen Versorgungsstrom für die LEDs in Höhe von 300mA zur Verfügung stellt.I MODULE denotes the current required by the LED array 15, while I SET denotes the current flow caused by the current sink 20. The proportionality factor F C must therefore be known to the operating device in this case, so that after evaluating the current flow resulting from the feedback circuit it knows what level the current output via the supply circuit must have. For example, the amplification factor F C could be 100, so that at a current level of 3 mA caused by the current sink, the operating device provides a supply current for the LEDs of 300 mA.

Das erfindungsgemäße Konzept bringt insbesondere dann Vorteile mit sich, wenn die Gesamtanordnung nicht nur ein LED-Array wie in Figur 2 dargestellt aufweist, sondern aus mehreren LED-Arrays besteht, wie dies beispielhaft in Figur 3 gezeigt ist.The concept according to the invention has advantages in particular if the overall arrangement is not just an LED array as in FIG Figure 2 has shown, but consists of several LED arrays, as exemplified in Figure 3 is shown.

In diesem Fall sind also insgesamt n∗m LED-Module 10, die jeweils ein LED-Array 15 beinhalten, miteinander verschaltet, wobei dies in n parallelen Strängen erfolgt, die jeweils m in Serie verschaltete LED-Module 10 aufweisen.In this case, a total of n ∗ m LED modules 10, each containing an LED array 15, are connected to one another, this being done in n parallel strands, each of which has m LED modules 10 connected in series.

Wie Figur 3 zeigt, weist dabei jedes LED-Modul 10 erfindungsgemäß die identifizierende Stromsenke 20 auf, welche nunmehr in einem Feedback-Kreis 25 miteinander verbunden sind, der ebenfalls zu dem Betriebsgerät 50 führt und hier mit einer internen Steuereinheit 51 verbunden ist. Wie hierbei erkennbar ist, ist der Feedback-Kreis 25 zwar getrennt von dem Stromversorgungskreis 5 ausgebildet, allerdings im Hinblick auf seine Struktur parallel bzw. in identischer Weise hierzu ausgeführt. Das heißt, die einzelnen Stromsenken 20 der LED-Module 10 sind in gleicher Weise miteinander verbunden, wie dies auch für die LED-Arrays 15 der Fall ist. Hierdurch ergibt sich automatisch ein entsprechender Gesamtstrom IFEEDBACK in dem Feedback-Kreis 25, der wiederum über den bekannten Proportionalitätsfaktor FC dem insgesamt von der LED-Anordnung benötigten Strom entspricht und dann in entsprechender Weise von dem Betriebsgerät 50 ausgegeben wird.How Figure 3 shows, each LED module 10 according to the invention has the identifying current sink 20, which are now connected to one another in a feedback circuit 25, which likewise leads to the operating device 50 and is here connected to an internal control unit 51. As can be seen here, the feedback circuit 25 is designed separately from the power supply circuit 5, but is designed in parallel or in an identical manner with regard to its structure. This means that the individual current sinks 20 of the LED modules 10 are connected to one another in the same way as is the case for the LED arrays 15. This automatically results in a corresponding total current I FEEDBACK in the feedback circuit 25, which in turn corresponds to the total current required by the LED arrangement via the known proportionality factor F C and is then output in a corresponding manner by the operating device 50.

Dies stellt einen besonders vorteilhaften Effekt der erfindungsgemäßen Lösung dar, da sich das Betriebsgerät 50 unmittelbar an die entsprechende Schaltungsanordnung anpassen kann und keine weiteren Informationen benötigt. Insbesondere muß die Topologie der Anordnung der LED-Module, also die Art und Weise, wie die Module miteinander verbunden sind, dem Betriebsgerät nicht bekannt sein.This represents a particularly advantageous effect of the solution according to the invention, since the operating device 50 can adapt directly to the corresponding circuit arrangement and does not require any further information. In particular, the topology of the arrangement of the LED modules, that is to say the manner in which the modules are connected to one another, need not be known to the operating device.

Dabei könnten die LED-Arrays 15 der einzelnen LED-Module 10 sogar unterschiedlich gestaltet sein. Das heißt, die Module selbst könnten sogar jeweils verschiedene Versorgungsströme benötigen, da dieser Effekt automatisch dann auch - sofern der obige Zusammenhang gilt, gemäß dem der durch die Stromsenke hervorgerufene Stromfluss einen vorgegebenen Bruchteil des benötigten Stroms darstellt - sich auf den in dem Feedback-Kreis resultierenden Stromfluß auswirkt. Idealerweise sind jedoch die Module möglichst gleichartig bzw. sogar identisch ausgeführt, da sich hierdurch in der Regel Vorteile hinsichtlich einer gleichmäßigen Lichtabgabe ergeben.The LED arrays 15 of the individual LED modules 10 could even be designed differently. This means that the modules themselves could even require different supply currents, since this effect automatically - if the above relationship applies, according to which the current flow caused by the current sink represents a predetermined fraction of the required current - affects that in the feedback circuit resulting current flow affects. Ideally, however, the modules are designed to be as similar as possible or even identical, since this generally results in advantages with regard to uniform light emission.

Die bisherigen Betrachtungen bezogen sich auf die Höhe des Stroms, der von dem Betriebsgerät 50 für die LED-Module 10 zur Verfügung gestellt wird. Ergänzend kann allerdings das Konzept auch dazu genutzt werden, die von dem Betriebsgerät ausgegebene Spannung in entsprechender Weise anzupassen bzw. die Anzahl der in Serie verschalteten LED-Module 10 zu identifizieren.The previous considerations relate to the amount of current that is provided by the operating device 50 for the LED modules 10. In addition, however, the concept can also be used to adapt the voltage output by the operating device in a corresponding manner or to identify the number of LED modules 10 connected in series.

Gemäß einer ersten Option kann hierbei vorgesehen sein, dass die Stromsenke 20 einen bestimmten Spannungsabfall VSINK (siehe Fig. 2) bewirkt, der fest vorgegeben und dem Betriebsgerät 50 bekannt ist. Aus dem sich insgesamt ergebenden Spannungsabfall VFEEDBACK über den Feedback-Kreis kann dann die Information abgeleitet werden, wie viele - im dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiel von Figur 3 also m - LED-Module 10 in Serie verschaltet sind.According to a first option, it can be provided here that the current sink 20 has a specific voltage drop V SINK (see Fig. 2 ) causes that is fixed and known to the operating device 50. From the resulting voltage drop V FEEDBACK via the feedback circuit, the information can then be derived as to how much - in the exemplary embodiment shown by Figure 3 So m - LED modules 10 are connected in series.

Gemäß einer zweiten Option könnte allerdings der Spannungsabfall VSINK auch einen Bruchteil der über das LED-Array abfallenden Spannung VLED (siehe Figur 2) darstellen. Das heißt, es gilt V SINK = f V ∗ V LED

Figure imgb0002
According to a second option, however, the voltage drop V SINK could also be a fraction of the voltage V LED falling across the LED array (see Figure 2 ) represent. That means it applies V SINK = f V ∗ V LED
Figure imgb0002

In diesem Fall kann das Betriebsgerät 50 automatisch die insgesamt benötigte Spannung für die LED-Anordnung feststellen, allerdings nun nicht mehr ermitteln, wie viele Module in Serie verschaltet sind. Der Proportionalitätsfaktor fV muss in diesem Fall selbstverständlich dem Betriebsgerät 50 bekannt sein.In this case, the operating device 50 can automatically determine the total voltage required for the LED arrangement, but can no longer determine how many modules are connected in series. In this case, the proportionality factor f V must of course be known to the operating device 50.

Die minimale benötigte Spannung VSINK der Stromsenke kann sehr gering, insbesondere kleiner als 1 Volt gehalten werden. Kombiniert mit einem hohen Verstärkungsfaktor FC und damit einem geringen Stromfluss, der durch die Stromsenke hervorgerufen wird, ergibt sich, dass der Leistungsverlust, der durch die erfindungsgemäßen Maßnahmen hervorgerufen wird, äußerst gering ist. Gleichzeitig werden allerdings wie oben beschrieben deutliche Vorteile hinsichtlich der automatischen Anpassung bezüglich des Versorgungsstroms erzielt.The minimum required voltage V SINK of the current sink can be kept very low, in particular less than 1 volt. Combined with a high amplification factor F C and thus a low current flow, which is caused by the current sink, the result is that the power loss, which is caused by the measures according to the invention, is extremely small. At the same time, however, as described above, significant advantages are achieved with regard to the automatic adjustment with regard to the supply current.

Wie bereits erwähnt sind aus dem Stand der Technik Schutzmechanismen bekannt, die im Falle eines LED-Defekts das zugehörige Array unterbrechen oder überbrücken. Figur 4 zeigt hierbei einen ersten Schutzmechanismus 30 der ein Schaltelement 31 aufweist, das in gewissen Situationen den Stromfluss durch das gesamte Array 15 unterbricht. Dies kann beispielsweise der Fall sein, wenn sich aufgrund einzelner defekter LEDs ein zu hoher Stromfluss ergibt, der gegebenenfalls zu einer weiteren Beschädigung aller LEDs führen kann. Wie bereits erwähnt sind derartige Schutzmechanismen aus dem Stand der Technik bereits bekannt.As already mentioned, protective mechanisms are known from the prior art which interrupt or bridge the associated array in the event of an LED defect. Figure 4 shows a first protective mechanism 30 which has a switching element 31 which interrupts the current flow through the entire array 15 in certain situations. This can be the case, for example, if an excessively high current flow results due to individual defective LEDs, which possibly leads to a further one Damage to all LEDs can result. As already mentioned, such protective mechanisms are already known from the prior art.

Die Unterbrechung des Stromflusses durch das Array 15 wirkt sich selbstverständlich dann auch auf die Höhe des insgesamt von der LED-Anordnung benötigten Stroms aus. Um dies bei der erfindungsgemäßen Vorgehensweise berücksichtigen zu können, ist vorgesehen, dass in gleicher Weise auch die Stromsenke 20 des LED-Moduls 10 durch den Schutzmechanismus 30 behandelt wird. Das heißt, auch in dem Feedback-Kreis wird der Stromsenke 20 ein Schalter 32 zugeordnet, der von dem Schutzmechanismus 30 in identischer Weise angesteuert wird. Wird also der Stromfluss durch das LED-Array 15 unterbrochen, so gilt dies in gleicher Weise auch für den Zweig mit der Stromsenke 20.The interruption of the current flow through the array 15 naturally also affects the amount of current required by the LED arrangement. In order to be able to take this into account in the procedure according to the invention, it is provided that the current sink 20 of the LED module 10 is treated in the same way by the protective mechanism 30. This means that a switch 32 is also assigned to the current sink 20 in the feedback circuit, which switch is controlled in an identical manner by the protective mechanism 30. If the current flow through the LED array 15 is interrupted, this also applies in the same way to the branch with the current sink 20.

Figur 5 zeigt einen alternativen Schutzmechanismus 40, der im Falle des Feststellens eines Problems mit Hilfe eines Schalters 41 das LED-Array 15 kurzschließt bzw. überbrückt. Auch in diesem Fall ist eine identische Behandlung der Stromsenke 20 vorgesehen. Das heißt, der Feedback-Kreis weist nunmehr parallel zur Stromsenke 20 einen Schalter 42 auf, der identisch wie der Schalter 41 von dem Schutzmechanismus 40 angesteuert wird. Figure 5 shows an alternative protection mechanism 40 which, in the event of the detection of a problem with the aid of a switch 41, short-circuits or bridges the LED array 15. In this case too, the current sink 20 is treated identically. This means that the feedback circuit now has a switch 42 parallel to the current sink 20, which is controlled by the protective mechanism 40 in the same way as the switch 41.

Bei beiden Varianten, die im Übrigen auch miteinander kombiniert werden könnten, wird also das Unterbrechen bzw. Überbrücken eines LED-Moduls automatisch auch in dem Feedback-Kreis berücksichtigt und die Ausgabe des Versorgungsstroms kann durch das Betriebsgerät in entsprechender Weise angepasst werden. Hierdurch wird eine nochmals bessere Anpassung der Stromversorgung für die LEDs erzielt.In both variants, which could also be combined with one another, the interruption or bridging of an LED module is also automatically taken into account in the feedback circuit and the output of the supply current can be adapted accordingly by the operating device. This results in an even better adaptation of the power supply for the LEDs.

Die Figuren 6 bis 8 zeigen schließlich drei Möglichkeiten, die Stromsenke, die erfindungsgemäß zum Identifizieren des LED-Arrays zum Einsatz kommt, auszugestalten. In diesem Zusammenhang ist allerdings zu bemerken, dass Stromsenken aus dem Stand der Technik bereits bekannt sind und in vielfacher Weise realisiert werden könnten. Die nachfolgenden Varianten stellen lediglich einige denkbare Beispiele dar.The Figures 6 to 8 finally show three options for designing the current sink that is used according to the invention to identify the LED array. In this context, however, it should be noted that current sinks are already known from the prior art and could be implemented in many ways. The following variants are just a few possible examples.

So ist bei der Variante gemäß Figur 6 eine sehr einfache Ausführungsform gebildet durch zwei Transistoren Q1 und Q2 und zwei Widerstände R1 und R2 vorgesehen, bei der aufgrund der dargestellten Verschaltung der Transistor Q1 einen vorgegebenen Stromfluss hervorruft. Zum Betreiben dieser Stromsenke wird eine geeignete Vorspannung VBIAS benötigt, die beispielsweise dadurch erhalten werden kann, dass der entsprechende Anschluss mit dem positiven Eingang des Versorgungsstromkreises für das LED-Modul verbunden wird. In diesem Fall funktioniert die Stromsenke also nur dann, wenn die LEDs des zugehörigen LED-Arrays auch tatsächlich mit Strom versorgt werden. Mit Hilfe einer optionalen Zener-Diode DZ kann der sich insgesamt ergebende Spannungsabfall VSINK angehoben werden, um beispielsweise die Genauigkeit bei der Detektierung der Anzahl der in Serie verschalteten LED-Module zu verbessern oder die Genauigkeit der insgesamt erforderlichen Vorwärtsspannung für die LEDs zu optimieren. Dies bringt Vorteile mit sich, da aufgrund einer verhältnismäßig starken Temperaturabhängig der Basis-Emitter-Spannung VBE des zweiten Transistors Q2 die Gefahr besteht, dass die Vorwärtsspannung über die Stromsenke zu stark variiert und dementsprechend keine genaue Erkennung mehr ermöglicht wird.This is the case with the variant Figure 6 a very simple embodiment formed by two transistors Q 1 and Q 2 and two resistors R 1 and R 2 is provided, in which the transistor Q1 causes a predetermined current flow due to the circuitry shown. A suitable bias voltage V BIAS is required to operate this current sink, which can be obtained, for example, by connecting the corresponding connection to the positive input of the supply circuit for the LED module. In this case, the current sink only works if the LEDs of the associated LED array are actually supplied with power. With the help of an optional Zener diode D Z , the resulting voltage drop V SINK can be increased, for example to improve the accuracy when detecting the number of LED modules connected in series or to optimize the accuracy of the overall forward voltage required for the LEDs . This has advantages because, due to a relatively strong temperature-dependent base-emitter voltage V BE of the second transistor Q 2, there is a risk that the forward voltage across the current sink will vary too much and accordingly no more accurate detection will be possible.

Eine alternative Möglichkeit zur Ausgestaltung einer Stromsenke ist in Figur 7 dargestellt. Wiederum basiert diese auf der Realisierung bzw. Verschaltung zweier Transistoren Q1 und Q2 und zweier Widerstände R1 und R2, wobei nunmehr allerdings mit Hilfe ergänzender Komponenten, insbesondere der weiteren Transistoren Q3 und Q4 sowie des Widerstands R3 die Stromsenke in die Lage versetzt wird, selbstständig eine entsprechende Vorspannung zu kreieren. In diesem Fall muss also die Stromsenke tatsächlich ausschließlich mit den Anschlüssen des Feedback-Kreises FB+ und FBverbunden werden und eine Kopplung mit dem Stromversorgungskreis für die LEDs ist nicht erforderlich. In diesem Fall ist allerdings eine höhere Spannung VSINK erforderlich, die gegebenenfalls wieder mit Hilfe der Zener-Diode DZ erhalten werden kann.An alternative possibility for designing a current sink is in Figure 7 shown. Again, this is based on the implementation or connection of two transistors Q 1 and Q 2 and two resistors R 1 and R 2 , but now using additional components, in particular the further transistors Q 3 and Q 4 and the resistor R 3, the current sink in you are able to independently create a corresponding preload. In this case, the current sink must actually only be connected to the connections of the feedback circuit FB + and FB, and a coupling to the power supply circuit for the LEDs is not necessary. In this case, however, a higher voltage V SINK is required, which can optionally be obtained again using the Zener diode D Z.

Wie bereits erwähnt besteht das Problem, dass Temperaturschwankungen zu einer starken Abhängigkeit der Basis-Emitter-Spannung VBE des Transistors Q2 führen können. Dies könnte möglicherweise dazu führen, dass der über die Stromsenke hervorgerufene Stromfluss mit steigender Temperatur abfällt, was letztendlich bedeutet, dass die den LEDs zugeführte Leistung reduziert wird, wenn die Module wärmer werden. Ein derartiger Effekt könnte sogar einen entsprechenden Schutzmechanismus darstellen, durch den die LED-Leistung bei zu hohen Temperaturen automatisch reduziert wird.As already mentioned, there is the problem that temperature fluctuations can lead to a strong dependence of the base-emitter voltage V BE of the transistor Q 2 . This could potentially cause the current flow through the current sink to decrease with increasing temperature, which ultimately means that the power supplied to the LEDs will be reduced as the modules get warmer. Such an effect could even be a corresponding protective mechanism by which the LED output is automatically reduced if the temperature is too high.

Ist dies jedoch nicht gewünscht, so kann die Temperaturabhängigkeit durch die in Figur 8 dargestellte Ergänzung kompensiert werden. Ein temperaturabhängiger Widerstand RTH, der Bestandteil eines entsprechenden Widerstandnetzwerks mit den Widerständen RBASE, RP und RS ist, dient hierbei dazu, thermische Schwankungen der Basis-Emitter-Spannung zu kompensieren. Hierdurch wird sichergestellt, dass auch bei höheren Temperaturen der Versorgungsstrom konstant bleibt.However, if this is not desired, the temperature dependency can be determined by the in Figure 8 shown supplement can be compensated. A temperature-dependent resistor R TH , which is part of a corresponding resistor network with the resistors R BASE , R P and R S, is used here to compensate for thermal fluctuations in the base-emitter voltage. This ensures that the supply current remains constant even at higher temperatures.

Wie bereits erwähnt stellen die Figuren 6 bis 8 lediglich denkbare Varianten zur Realisierung einer Stromsenke dar. Selbstverständlich könnte diese auch anderweitig gebildet werden.As already mentioned, the Figures 6 to 8 are only conceivable variants for realizing a current sink. Of course, this could also be formed in some other way.

Insgesamt gesehen ergibt sich also mit Hilfe der vorliegenden Erfindung der Vorteil, dass für die Stromversorgung komplexerer LED-Schaltungen das entsprechende Betriebsgerät in die Lage versetzt wird, automatisch den Versorgungsstrom an die entsprechenden Bedürfnisse der Schaltung anzupassen. Hierbei werden nicht nur automatisch Ausfälle oder Überbrückungen einzelner LED-Anordnungen aufgrund von Defekten berücksichtigt, sondern auch der Wechsel bzw. Ersatz eines LED-Moduls durch ein neues, welches andere Anforderungen an den Versorgungsstrom stellt, wird automatisch berücksichtigt.All in all, the present invention has the advantage that, for the power supply of more complex LED circuits, the corresponding operating device is able to automatically adapt the supply current to the corresponding needs of the circuit. Not only are failures or bridging of individual LED arrangements due to defects automatically taken into account, but also the replacement or replacement of an LED module with a new one that places different demands on the supply current is automatically taken into account.

Claims (13)

  1. A circuit arrangement having at least one LED assembly (15) and an operating device (50) for providing a supply current (IBALLAST) for the LEDs (17) of the LED assembly (15),
    wherein the LED assembly (15) is assigned an identification element in the form of a current sink (20), which is connected to the operating device (50) via a parallel feedback circuit (25),
    wherein the operating device (50) is designed to provide a suitable supply current for the LEDs (17) on the basis of a current flow (IFEEDBACK) produced via the feedback circuit (25), and
    characterized in that
    the LED assembly (15) is assigned a protective mechanism (30, 40), which in the event of a detected error condition bridges the LED assembly (15) or interrupts a current flow through the LED assembly (15), wherein the protective mechanism exerts influence on the associated current sink (20) in the same way.
  2. The circuit arrangement according to Claim 1,
    characterized in
    that said circuit arrangement has a plurality of LED assemblies (15), which are connected to the operating device (50) via a supply current circuit (5),
    wherein each LED assembly (15) in each case is assigned a current sink (20) and the structure of the feedback circuit (5) is identical to that of the supply current circuit (25).
  3. The circuit arrangement according to Claim 1 or 2,
    characterized in
    that a current flow caused by the current sink (20) is proportional to the current required by the associated LED assembly (15).
  4. The circuit arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in
    that the operating device (50) is also designed to output a supply voltage for the LEDs as a function of a voltage drop in the feedback circuit (5).
  5. The circuit arrangement according to Claim 4,
    characterized in
    that the current sink (20) brings about a fixedly predetermined voltage drop (VSINK) or that a voltage drop (VSINK) caused by the current sink (20) is proportional to the required forward voltage of the associated LED assembly (15).
  6. The circuit arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims,
    characterized in
    that the LEDs of the LED assembly (15) or LED assemblies (15) are in each case arranged in the form of a serial-parallel array.
  7. An LED module (10) with an LED assembly (15) and connections (LED+, LED-) for connecting the module to an operating device (50) for providing a supply current (IBALLAST) for the LEDs (17) of the LED assembly (15),
    wherein the LED module also has an identification element in the form of a current sink (20), which can be connected via additional connections to the operating device (50), in order to enable said operating device to provide a suitable supply current for the LEDs (17), and
    characterized in
    that the LED assembly (15) is assigned a protective mechanism (30, 40), which in the event of a detected error condition bridges the LED assembly (15) or interrupts a current flow through the LED assembly (15), wherein the protective mechanism exerts influence on the associated current sink (20) in the same way.
  8. A method for operating at least one LED assembly (15) and an operating device (50) for providing a supply current (IBALLAST) for the LEDs (17) of the LED assembly (15),
    wherein the LED assembly (15) is assigned an identification element in the form of a current sink (20), which is connected via a parallel feedback circuit (25) to the operating device (50), and a suitable supply current for the LEDs (17) is provided on the basis of a current flow (IFEEBACK) produced via the feedback circuit (25), and
    characterized in
    that the LED assembly (15) is assigned a protective mechanism (30, 40), which in the event of a detected error condition bridges the LED assembly (15) or interrupts a current flow through the LED assembly (15), wherein the protective mechanism exerts influence on the associated current sink (20) in the same way.
  9. The method according to Claim 8,
    characterized in
    that the arrangement has a plurality of individual LED assemblies (15), which are connected via a supply current circuit (5) with the operating device (50),
    wherein each LED assembly (15) in each case is assigned a current sink (20) and the structure of the feedback circuit (5) is identical to that of the supply current circuit (25).
  10. The method according to Claim 8 or 9,
    characterized in
    that a current flow caused by the current sink (20) is proportional to the current required by the associated LED assembly (15).
  11. The method according to any one of Claims 8 to 10,
    characterized in
    that a supply voltage for the LEDS is output as a function of a voltage drop in the feedback circuit (5).
  12. The method according to Claim 11,
    characterized in
    in that the current sink (20) brings about a fixedly predetermined voltage drop (VSINK) or
    that a voltage drop (VSINK) caused by the current sink (20) is proportional to the required forward voltage of the associated LED assembly (15).
  13. The method according to any one of Claims 8 to 12,
    characterized in
    that the LEDs of the LED assembly (15) or LED assemblies (15) are arranged in each case in the form of a serial-parallel array.
EP15721618.5A 2014-04-30 2015-04-28 Circuit arrangement and method for operating leds Active EP3138368B1 (en)

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DE102014208190.4A DE102014208190A1 (en) 2014-04-30 2014-04-30 Circuit arrangement and method for operating LEDs
PCT/EP2015/059197 WO2015165898A1 (en) 2014-04-30 2015-04-28 Circuit arrangement and method for operating leds

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Citations (1)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2010091619A1 (en) * 2009-02-10 2010-08-19 Wong Wah Nam Method for automatically identifying current in led for illumination

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EP2147824B1 (en) * 2008-07-22 2011-10-26 Iveco Magirus Ag Circuit for controlling the presence of a trailer connected to a towing truck, via the control of the electric current flow in the rear led lamps of the trailer
KR20100002533U (en) * 2008-08-29 2010-03-10 박영범 Led lamp power control unit of car
DE202010003913U1 (en) * 2010-03-20 2010-07-15 Schott Ag LED light source assembly
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