Converter for converting an AC power main voltage to a voltage suitable for driving a lamp
First Claim
1. A converter for converting an AC (alternating current) power main voltage to a voltage suitable for driving a lamp, the converter comprising:
- a rectifier circuit connectable to the AC power main, adapted to rectify the AC power main voltage and adapted to provide a DC (direct current) voltage;
a driver circuit adapted to receive the DC voltage from the rectifier circuit, and provide a driver output voltage and a driver output current and further adapted to receive an output current limiting signal;
a starter circuit for providing a starter signal that initiates oscillation at an operating frequency in the driver circuit;
a sensing circuit for sensing an output current of the driver circuit and providing the output current limiting signal in response to the sensed output current of the driver circuit; and
a transformer circuit for transforming the driver output voltage to a voltage suitable for driving the lamp.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An electronic converter converts high-voltage AC power main voltage, such as 120V, 240V or 277V, to a low-voltage suitable for driving a halogen lamp. The converter includes a rectifier circuit, starter circuit, a driver circuit, a current sensing circuit and a transformer circuit with an optional synchronous output rectifier. The current sensing circuit senses an output current of the converter. The sensed current is used to govern pulse-width modulation of the lamp drive voltage, to provide over-voltage protection. Temperature protection can also be provided to reduce drive current when the converter overheats. This enables reliable operation of the converter over an extended temperature range, and reduces the occurrence of converter component failures due to ground faults or overheating.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. A converter for converting an AC (alternating current) power main voltage to a voltage suitable for driving a lamp, the converter comprising:
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a rectifier circuit connectable to the AC power main, adapted to rectify the AC power main voltage and adapted to provide a DC (direct current) voltage;
a driver circuit adapted to receive the DC voltage from the rectifier circuit, and provide a driver output voltage and a driver output current and further adapted to receive an output current limiting signal;
a starter circuit for providing a starter signal that initiates oscillation at an operating frequency in the driver circuit;
a sensing circuit for sensing an output current of the driver circuit and providing the output current limiting signal in response to the sensed output current of the driver circuit; and
a transformer circuit for transforming the driver output voltage to a voltage suitable for driving the lamp. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification