Abstract: In a scanning backlight for an LCD display, several backlights (101, 102, 103, 10n) provide a precisely positioned dimming pulse corresponding to a transition point of the LCD screen. The dimming pulse must be variable with video synchronization frequency and dimming duty cycle, which is a performance intensive calculation. One microcontroller performing this operation is limited in scope. By using several ballast controllers (141, 142, 143, 14n), the solution is scalable, in that it is flexible if the number of backlights (101, 102, 103, 10n) changes. Additionally, by using several controllers (141, 142, 143, 14n), added functions can be performed by the ballast controllers (141, 142, 143, 14n).

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate switching a lamp ballast between DALI and analog control states as a function of control state information stored prior to the ballast being powered of and control information received by an interface circuit for the ballast circuit. A depolarization circuit is coupled to the interface circuit and ensures consistent polarity across a rectifier circuit regardless of the polarity of two control wires coupled to a miswiring protection circuit in the interface circuit. In this manner, a single interface circuit provides dual 0-10V analog and DALI control for dimming a lighting device regardless of whether a wall-mounted controller coupled to the interface circuit is an analog or a DALI type controller, thereby mitigating a need to switch out a ballast circuit coupled to the lighting device when changing between DALI and analog type controllers.

Abstract: The present application discloses a method and apparatus for providing an isolated set point from an input signal. The set point can control the amount of power applied to a lamp via a lamp ballast. An AC output signal from the ballast powers a dimming circuit. The AC signal is coupled across an isolation transformer and subsequently converted into a DC signal. This DC signal is loaded by a variable resistor, which creates a voltage differential across the resistor. This voltage differential is then seen across DC input terminals of the ballast, and it is across the DC input terminals that the set point is created. By varying the value of the resistor, the ballast set point is varied ultimately changing the power that is applied to the lamp by the ballast.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed that facilitate switching a lamp ballast between DALI and analog control states as a function of control state information stored prior to the ballast being powered of and control information received by an interface circuit for the ballast circuit. A depolarization circuit is coupled to the interface circuit and ensures consistent polarity across a rectifier circuit regardless of the polarity of two control wires coupled to a miswiring protection circuit in the interface circuit. In this manner, a single interface circuit provides dual 0-10V analog and DALI control for dimming a lighting device regardless of whether a wall-mounted controller coupled to the interface circuit is an analog or a DALI type controller, thereby mitigating a need to switch out a ballast circuit coupled to the lighting device when changing between DALI and analog type controllers.

Abstract: A lamp assembly comprises a light source and an electrical base configured to connect with an associated power source. An electrical assembly is in electrical communication with the light source and the electrical base. The electrical assembly is configured to condition power received from the associated power source to operate the light source. A housing is formed of an overmolding material. The overmolded housing at least partially encapsulates the electrical assembly and is connected with the light source and the electrical base.

Abstract: The embodiment disclosed herein relates to a lighting system that includes an auxiliary lighting circuit for use with an electronic HID ballast. The lighting system comprises a power supply configured to provide power to a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp via an electronic ballast and a ballast power sensing component configured to determine the amount of power drawn by the electronic ballast and to convert this power drawn by the electronic ballast to a scaled voltage that is representative of the power drawn by an HID ballast. A lamp driver component is configured to provide power to an auxiliary lamp via the same power supply when the scaled voltage reaches a triggering threshold. A voltage regulation component is configured to regulate the power delivered to the auxiliary lamp such that the auxiliary lamp power stays within a predefined range.

Abstract: In a scanning backlight for an LCD display, several backlights (101, 102, 103, 10n) provide a precisely positioned dimming pulse corresponding to a transition point of the LCD screen. The dimming pulse must be variable with video synchronization frequency and dimming duty cycle, which is a performance intensive calculation. One microcontroller performing this operation is limited in scope. By using several ballast controllers (141, 142, 143, 14n), the solution is scalable, in that it is flexible if the number of backlights (101, 102, 103, 10n) changes. Additionally, by using several controllers (141, 142, 143, 14n), added functions can be performed by the ballast controllers (141, 142, 143, 14n).

Abstract: A buck converter generates a direct current (DC) bus voltage at a buck converter output. An inverter circuit is coupled to the buck converter and configured to receive the generated DC voltage and convert the DC voltage into an alternating current (AC) voltage to drive a lamp. A power control circuit is coupled to the buck converter output and configured to provide a control voltage signal to the buck converter so that the buck converter generates the DC voltage and current of a predetermined value. A crest factor reduction circuit is coupled (a) to the buck converter output to sense a rate of change in the generated DC bus voltage, and (b) to the power control circuit to modify the control voltage signal based on the sensed rate of change in the DC bus voltage.

Abstract: A lamp ballast starting circuit and method for a gas discharge lamp is disclosed. The ballast starting circuit includes the inputs of the starting circuit connected to an inverter circuit, the starting circuit generating a pulse at the leading edge of each alternating half cycle of the inverter circuit output, the polarity of the pulse being the same as the polarity of each alternating half cycle of the inverter circuit output. The output of the starting circuit starts a gas discharge lamp.

Abstract: The embodiment disclosed herein relates to a lighting system that includes an auxiliary lighting circuit for use with an electronic HID ballast. The lighting system comprises a power supply configured to provide power to a high intensity discharge (HID) lamp via an electronic ballast and a ballast power sensing component configured to determine the amount of power drawn by the electronic ballast and to convert this power drawn by the electronic ballast to a scaled voltage that is representative of the power drawn by an HID ballast. A lamp driver component is configured to provide power to an auxiliary lamp via the same power supply when the scaled voltage reaches a triggering threshold. A voltage regulation component is configured to regulate the power delivered to the auxiliary lamp such that the auxiliary lamp power stays within a predefined range.

Abstract: A method of assembling a coil includes forming a ferrite core having a top end, a bottom end, an inner opening extending from the top end to the bottom end, a cylindrical outer surface, and a step portion formed near the bottom end, the step portion extending past the outer surface. A first high dielectric material is applied on the outer surface of the ferrite core, then a conductive wire is wound onto the high dielectric material, whereafter a second high dielectric material is applied over the conductive wire.

Abstract: A lamp securing device for securing a lamp (120) to a housing (110) including a retainer (130) including a peripheral portion that bounds an opening (300) of sufficient size for receiving a neck (170) of the lamp (120). The retainer (130) includes a plurality of flanges (310, 320) along the opening (300) which engage the neck (170) of the lamp (120) to securely attach the retainer (130) to the lamp (120).

Abstract: A ballast circuit operable with a triac based controller circuit, the ballast circuit (100) includes a rectifier (115) configured for operative connection with an associated triac based circuit (110) for converting AC current to DC current, a capacitor assembly (137) coupled to the rectifier (115), a first connection (150) between the rectifier and the capacitor assembly (137), a converter (153) coupled to the rectifier (115) for converting the DC current to AC current, a gate drive arrangement coupled to the converter for controlling the converter (153), a resistance-inductance circuit (163) coupled to the converter (153), and a second connection (165) between the capacitor assembly (137) and the resistance-inductance circuit (163). The converter (153) induces AC current in the resistance-inductance circuit (163).

Abstract: A lamp securing device for securing a lamp (120) to a housing (110) including a retainer (130) including a peripheral portion that bounds an opening (300) of sufficient size for receiving a neck (170) of the lamp (120). The retainer (130) includes a plurality of flanges (310, 320) along the opening (300) which engage the neck (170) of the lamp (120) to securely attach the retainer (130) to the lamp (120).

Abstract: A coil assembly includes a cylindrical ferrite core having a top end, a bottom end, an inner opening extending from the top and to the bottom end, a cylindrical outer surface, and a stepped portion formed at the bottom end, where the stepped portion extends past the outer surface of the cylindrical core. A first high dielectric material is located over at least a substantial portion of the surface of the cylindrical core by use of a coating process. A length of conductive wire is wound around the first high dielectric material located over the outer surface of the cylindrical ferrite core. The winding of the wire around the core forms a coil having a first end and a second end. A second high dielectric material is then located over the coil, not including the first end and second ends. A coil holder is formed including a base portion having a base opening formed substantially at a centered area of the coiled holder.

Abstract: An interface circuit 10 for coupling a power supply 12 that includes a triac phase modulator 18 with a compact fluorescent lamp converter and lamp load 14. The circuit 10 rectifies the modulated power supply signal with a rectifier 24. A current flowing through a current limiting inductor 112 goes through either a reverse current blocking diode 114 to power the fluorescent lamp or through a transistor 116 to reset/discharge the triac phase modulator 18. Transistor 116 is controlled by an R-S flip-flop. The reset 120 of the R-S flip-flop is connected through a current threshold sensor formed by a pair of resistors 144, 146 and a transistor 142. A high duty cycle oscillator is connected to the set 124 of the R-S flip-flop. Large current variations in the triac phase modulator 18 are prevented by current flowing through transistor 116 when the current no longer flows through the diode 114.

Abstract: Provided is a lighting circuit (10, 100, 160) which includes a line voltage source 12 used to supply a full wave signal 72 to circuit 10. A ballast 14 is connected to the line voltage source 12, and a lamp 16. Further included in the circuit (10, 100, 160) is an electronic starter (18, 102, 159) which is connected across the lamp 16. Electronic starter (18, 102, 159) includes a pulse generating circuit ((60, 62, 64) (108, 110, 112, 152, 154)), a switch (30, 120) which is connected to provide a cathode current pulse 74 to first and second cathodes (22, 26) of the lamp 16, generated by the pulse generating circuit. The pulse generating circuit and switch operate in such a manner that the pulse generating circuit limits the duration of the cathode current pulse 74 which is delivered to cathodes 22 and 26. A feedback or pulse timeout circuit (116, 118, 120, 121, 128, 130) may also be used to sense a current delivered to cathodes 122, 126 by cathode current pulse 74.

Abstract: A fill wave electronic starter 10 includes an input circuit 12 which delivers a rectified voltage to charging capacitor 28. During a first state, voltage on charging capacitor 28 is used to turn on switching circuit 30, whereby current is delivered to cathodes 56 and 58. When voltage on capacitor 28 reaches a breakdown voltage of diode 46, latch circuit 50 is placed in an on state causing capacitor 28 to discharge, turning off transistor 32. This action delivers a high-voltage lamp ignition pulse 62 to lamp 60 causing it to start. Current flowing through input circuit 12 maintains conduction of latch circuit 50, rendering a low impedance state which maintains MOSFET transistor 32 off, and starter 10 in a disabled state after initial pulse 62.