Abstract: In order to control of dimming of solid state lighting devices (SSL) a driver circuit drives the SSL subject to an input voltage using a phase-cut dimmer. The driver circuit comprises a transistor operable in two modes, either alternating between on/off states or continuously controlling a current through the transistor. A power converter network provides a switched-mode power converter in conjunction with the transistor when operated in the first mode generating a drive voltage for the SSL. The control unit controls the transistor to selectively operate in one of the two modes; to control the transistor to determine that the input voltage exceeds an input voltage threshold; and to control a drive current through the SSL based on a measurement of a phase-cut angle thereby controlling an illumination level of the SSL device.

Abstract: Driver circuits which reduce or remove flicker of solid state lighting SSL devices, notably at relatively low dimming levels are presented. The driver circuit comprises a power converter to transfer energy from an input of the driver circuit to the SSL device. The energy at the input is derived from an AC mains voltage at a mains frequency. A controller determines a dim level for the SSL device. and operates the power converter continuously in a first operation mode for supplying energy to the SSL device at a first energy level, if the dim level is above a pre-determined dim level threshold. The controller operates the power converter in the first operation mode at a time duration of PWM pulses, and operates the power converter in a second operation mode at a time duration in-between the PWM pulses, if the dim level is below the pre-determined dim level threshold.

Abstract: A power efficient method and system for ensuring a reliable operation of dimmers in conjunction with solid state lighting devices such as LED or OLED assemblies is presented. A controller for a driver circuit of a solid state light bulb assembly is described. The solid state light bulb assembly comprises a solid state light source. The driver circuit comprises a switched-mode power converter. The controller is configured to receive an input voltage indicative of a mains electricity supply submitted to a dimmer; to determine that the dimmer is in an off-phase, based on the input voltage; and, if it is determined that the dimmer is in an off-phase, to generate a control signal for the switched-mode power converter to operate the switched-mode power converter in a switched mode for discharging one or more capacitances at an input of the switched-mode power converter.

Abstract: The present document relates to a method and system for dimming low power illumination devices, such as LED (Light Emitting Diode) assemblies. A controller for a driver circuit of a light source is described. The driver circuit controls a plurality of illumination states of the light source using a power converter, which converts power from an input voltage waveform of a mains power supply into a drive signal for the light source. The controller comprises an event detection unit; a state register to store an indication of a current state of the illumination states; a state processor to determine a target state of the illumination states, based on the detected event and based on the current state; and an output control unit controls the power converter of the driver circuit to provide a drive signal for the target state.

Abstract: In order to control of dimming of solid state lighting devices (SSL) a driver circuit drives the SSL subject to an input voltage using a phase-cut dimmer. The driver circuit comprises a transistor operable in two modes, either alternating between on/off states or continuously controlling a current through the transistor. A power converter network provides a switched-mode power converter in conjunction with the transistor when operated in the first mode generating a drive voltage for the SSL. The control unit controls the transistor to selectively operate in one of the two modes; to control the transistor to determine that the input voltage exceeds an input voltage threshold; and to control a drive current through the SSL based on a measurement of a phase-cut angle thereby controlling an illumination level of the SSL device.