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METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SYNCHRONOUS SINE WAVE DIMMING OF LUMINARIES

  • US 20130181634A1
  • Filed: 07/26/2011
  • Published: 07/18/2013
  • Est. Priority Date: 07/27/2010
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. An apparatus for reducing the amplitude of voltage provided by an alternating current power source comprising:

  • an input terminal for receiving an alternating current from a power source;

    a common terminal for receiving an alternating current from at least one of a neutral conductor and a return current from a load;

    a bi-directional buck switch comprising a first port for receiving alternating current received by means of the input terminal and a second port for distributing the alternating current when the bi-directional buck switch is on;

    a bi-directional freewheel switch comprising a first port for receiving alternating current received by means of the common terminal and a second port for distributing the alternating current when the bi-directional freewheel switch is on;

    a buck inductor comprising a first port for receiving an alternating current distributed by at least one of the bi-directional buck switch and the bi-directional freewheel switch said buck inductor further comprising a second port for distributing alternating current received by the first port of said inductor;

    an output terminal for conveying the alternating current distributed by the inductor to a load; and

    a current sensor disposed that generates a direction signal according to the direction of current flow in the inductor;

    a power controller for controlling in a complimentary manner according to a duty factor and according to the direction signal the bi-directional buck switch and the bi-directional freewheel switch by partially disabling the freewheel switch so as to allow current flow substantially in one direction then waiting a period of time and then;

    partially enabling the buck switch so as to allow current flow substantially in one direction then waiting a period of time and then;

    disabling the freewheel switch so as to substantially prevent the flow of current through said freewheel switch then waiting a period of time and then; and

    enabling the buck switch so as to substantially allow current to flow in both directions.

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