Controlled power dissipation in a link path in a lighting system
First Claim
1. An apparatus comprising:
- an active circuit to dissipate excess power in a link path of a switching power converter when the switching power converter receives more energy during a period of time than an amount of energy to be provided to a load coupled to the switching power converter plus inherent energy losses, wherein the excess power comprises power received by the switching power converter to prevent a premature disconnection of a phase-cut dimmer.
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Accused Products
Abstract
In at least one embodiment, a lighting system includes a link path power dissipation circuit to actively and selectively control power dissipation of excess energy in a switching power converter of the lighting system. The link path power dissipation circuit dissipates power through a link path of the switching power converter by controlling a link current of the switching power converter. In at least one embodiment, the controller controls the link path power dissipation circuit to limit the link current with a current source and dissipate power in the current source. In at least one embodiment, the link path power dissipation circuit includes a switch to limit the link current and dissipate power in the link path.
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Citations
22 Claims
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1. An apparatus comprising:
an active circuit to dissipate excess power in a link path of a switching power converter when the switching power converter receives more energy during a period of time than an amount of energy to be provided to a load coupled to the switching power converter plus inherent energy losses, wherein the excess power comprises power received by the switching power converter to prevent a premature disconnection of a phase-cut dimmer. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 20)
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10. A method comprising:
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receiving excess power in a switching power converter, wherein the excess power comprises power received by the switching power converter to prevent a premature disconnection of a phase-cut dimmer; and actively dissipating the excess power in a link path of a switching power converter when the switching power converter receives more energy than an amount of energy to be provided to a load coupled to the switching power converter plus inherent energy losses. - View Dependent Claims (11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 21)
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18. An apparatus comprising:
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a load; a switching power converter coupled to the load; a controller coupled to the switching power converter, wherein the controller is configured to cause the switching power converter to receive excess power when an amount of power to be provided to the load plus inherent energy losses in the switching power converter is less than an amount of power received by the switching power converter that prevents a premature disconnection of a phase-cut dimmer; and an active circuit to dissipate the excess power in a link path of the switching power converter. - View Dependent Claims (19, 22)
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Specification