CURRENT REGULATOR CIRCUIT FOR LED LIGHT
A regulator scheme for an LED light wherein the peak input current to the regulator and the regulator duty cycle produce a feedback signal which infers the average regulator output current. Both buck-boost and flyback type output circuits are disclosed.
1 . A method of controlling the output of a regulator feeding current to an LED-based light to produce a relatively constant light output comprising the steps of:
a. determining the peak input current to the regulator and the conduction duty time of the regulator;
b. constructing a signal based on the results of the foregoing step; and
c. using the signal in a feedback mode to control regulator output.
2 . Apparatus for controlling the light output of an LED-based light to produce a relatively constant light output comprising:
a regulator having a duty cycle and a line-voltage-related input current, and connected to feed current to the light;
a sample and hold circuit for producing a signal related to the peak input current to the regulator and the conduction duty cycle of the regulator; and
a feedback circuit connecting said signal to an input of the regulator.
3 . An LED light comprising:
at least one LED;
an input current circuit;
a switch-type regulator circuit having a duty cycle and being connected to said one LED;
an output inference circuit operable in a sample and hold mode and producing a signal related to peak regulator input current and the regulator circuit duty cycle; and
a feedback circuit connecting said signal to an input of the regulator.
4 . An LED light as defined in claim 3 wherein the output inference circuit is a buck-boost circuit.
5 . An LED light as defined in claim 3 wherein the output inference circuit is a flyback circuit.
6 . An LED light as defined in claim 3 wherein the regulator circuit includes a switching inductor.