Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and apparatuses for providing dimming in a distributed solid-state lighting system are disclosed. An exemplary dimming signal generator is coupleable to a controller or a current generator for a plurality of LEDs, and includes a first resistive voltage divider to sense an input DC voltage; a current sensor to sense a current level of the plurality of LEDs; a first operational amplifier to compare the sensed input DC voltage to a reference voltage level and to provide a comparator output signal; and a current path to combine the comparator output signal with the sensed LED current level to provide a combined signal for current level feedback for control of the LED current level. The dimming signal generator may optionally include other components to generate a PWM signal and also to provide a resistive network to divert LED current in response to the comparator output signal.

Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and apparatuses for providing dimming in a distributed solid-state lighting system are disclosed. An exemplary dimming signal generator is coupleable to a controller or a current generator for a plurality of LEDs, and includes a first resistive voltage divider to sense an input DC voltage; a current sensor to sense a current level of the plurality of LEDs; a first operational amplifier to compare the sensed input DC voltage to a reference voltage level and to provide a comparator output signal; and a current path to combine the comparator output signal with the sensed LED current level to provide a combined signal for current level feedback for control of the LED current level. The dimming signal generator may optionally include other components to generate a PWM signal and also to provide a resistive network to divert LED current in response to the comparator output signal.

Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and apparatuses for a distributed solid-state lighting system are disclosed which are also compatible with legacy AC luminaires. An exemplary adapter apparatus includes a first coupling interface to receive a first DC input voltage having a first DC input voltage level; a converter circuit to generate a second DC voltage having a second DC voltage level; a regulator circuit to generate a pulse width modulated DC or AC voltage; and a second coupling interface to provide the pulse width modulated DC or AC voltage to such an AC luminaire, lamp, or bulb. In exemplary embodiments, the pulse width modulated DC or AC voltage has a duty cycle substantially linearly proportional to the first DC input voltage level, which corresponds to a user-selected light output brightness or dimming level.

Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and apparatuses for a distributed solid-state lighting system are disclosed. An exemplary apparatus includes a plurality of light emitting diodes; a plurality of first switches to switch a selected segment of light emitting diodes into or out of a series light emitting diode current path; a first terminal controller to control switching of corresponding segments of light emitting diodes into the series light emitting diode current path; a second switch coupled in series with each segment of light emitting diodes; and a second terminal controller to turn the second switch on and off at a frequency generally at least about four to one thousand times the AC line frequency or in response to a random or pseudo-random signal.

Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods and apparatuses for a distributed solid-state lighting system are disclosed. An exemplary system comprises a central power source, and one or more terminal lighting apparatuses. An exemplary central power source comprises: an AC/DC rectifier coupled to a DC/DC converter to convert an AC input power to a first DC voltage level; a central user interface to receive user input for a selected brightness level; and a central controller to provide a first control signal to the DC/DC converter to provide a second DC voltage level corresponding to the selected brightness level. A terminal lighting apparatus may comprise: a plurality of LEDs; a current (or power) source or regulator; and a terminal controller which, in response to the second DC voltage level, provides a second control signal to the current source or regulator to provide a selected current level of the LEDs corresponding to the selected brightness level.

Abstract: Exemplary systems, methods, apparatuses and articles of manufacture for a distributed solid-state lighting system are disclosed. An exemplary article of manufacture comprises a plurality of machine-readable data fields optically encoding a plurality of operational parameters utilized in a system comprising a central power source, and one or more terminal lighting apparatuses. An exemplary central power source includes an optical scanner for input of the operational parameters, and a central controller to provide a first control signal to a DC/DC converter to provide a DC voltage level corresponding to a selected brightness level. A terminal lighting apparatus may comprise: a plurality of LEDs; a current (or power) source or regulator; and a terminal controller which, in response to the DC voltage level, provides a second control signal to the current source or regulator to provide a selected current level of the LEDs corresponding to the selected brightness level.