Methods and apparatus for simulating resistive loads
First Claim
1. An apparatus, comprising:
- at least one load having a nonlinear or variable current-to-voltage characteristic; and
a converter circuit coupled to the at least one load and configured such that the apparatus has a substantially linear current-to-voltage characteristic over at least some range of operation,wherein a first current conducted by the apparatus when the apparatus draws power from a power source is independent of a second current conducted by the load; and
wherein the apparatus has a terminal voltage VT and conducts a terminal current IT when the apparatus draws power from a power source, and wherein the converter circuit is configured such that the apparatus has an effective resistance of between approximately 0.1 (VT/IT) to 10.0(VT/IT) at least at a nominal operating point VT=Vnom in the at least some range of operation.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Methods and apparatus for simulating resistive loads, and facilitating series, parallel, and/or series-parallel connections of multiple loads to draw operating power. Current-to-voltage characteristics of loads are altered in a predetermined manner so as to facilitate a predictable and/or desirable behavior of multiple loads drawing power from a power source. Exemplary loads include LED-based light sources and LED-based lighting units. Altered current-to-voltage characteristics may cause a load to appear as a substantially linear or resistive element to the power source, at least over some operating range. In connections of multiple such loads, the voltage across each load is relatively more predictable. In one example, a series connection of multiple loads with altered current-to-voltage characteristics may be operated from a line voltage without requiring a transformer.
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Citations
32 Claims
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1. An apparatus, comprising:
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at least one load having a nonlinear or variable current-to-voltage characteristic; and a converter circuit coupled to the at least one load and configured such that the apparatus has a substantially linear current-to-voltage characteristic over at least some range of operation, wherein a first current conducted by the apparatus when the apparatus draws power from a power source is independent of a second current conducted by the load; and wherein the apparatus has a terminal voltage VT and conducts a terminal current IT when the apparatus draws power from a power source, and wherein the converter circuit is configured such that the apparatus has an effective resistance of between approximately 0.1 (VT/IT) to 10.0(VT/IT) at least at a nominal operating point VT=Vnom in the at least some range of operation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. An apparatus, comprising:
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at least one load having a nonlinear or variable current-to-voltage characteristic; and a converter circuit coupled to the at least one load and configured such that the apparatus has a substantially linear current-to-voltage characteristic over at least some range of operation, wherein a first current conducted by the apparatus when the apparatus draws power from a power source is independent of a second current conducted by the load; wherein the apparatus has a terminal voltage VT and conducts a terminal current IT when the apparatus draws power from a power source, and wherein the converter circuit is configured such that the apparatus has an effective resistance of between approximately 1.0(VT/IT) to 4.0(VT/IT) at a nominal operating point. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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Specification