WO2000035252A2 - Digital lamp ballast - Google Patents

Abstract

A power controller for fluorescent lamp dimming is disclosed, using all digital internal and external programmable controls. A specific ASIC is described. A gate array and microcomputer share parallel functions with fast sub-functions carried out by the gate array and slower sub-functions carried out by a micro-processor. Circuits are provided for automatic shut down when a high frequency ground fault is detected; for connecting the filaments of gas discharge lamps in a series/parallel circuit; for driving the load as close to resonance as possible but in an inductive mode; and for developing a dead time between high side and low side switches which is related to transformer current, switch current, bridge voltage or bridge voltage dv/dt.

Description

Title: DIGITAL POWER CONTROLLER

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to power controllers and more specifically relates to a power controller, using digital implementation with such stand-alone features as automatic shut down; dead time control, close to inductive side driving; and filament connections.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Power controllers are well known and normally employ analog techniques. Digital techniques are normally avoided where smooth control is desired, for example, in controlling the dimming gas discharge lamps such as fluorescent lamps in an electronic ballast.

The present invention provides a novel digital implementation for power control circuits, particularly for the control of fluorescent lamp dimming.

Some limitations on analog power control systems are :

I. Inflexible driving algorithm Optimal driving of power switches (MOSFETs, bipolar, transistors, thyristers, IGBTs and the like) requires complex algorithms based on non-linear multiple stage and variable functions, with a variety of predetermined parameters being chosen as the circuitry's physical parameters change.

For example, m the case of a fluorescent ballast power controller, flexible algorithms are desired to supply special loads when: a) a complex working regime for fluorescent lamps including the preheat startup operation is needed. b) Non-linear or special operation requirements for the fluorescent lamp complying to its V/I working curve, and as a function of the dimming decision table to provide the best operation at all light levels. c) Flexibility to enable use of different lamp configurations (types and numbers of lamps) and different mam voltages .

II. The number of electronic circuits increases as number of control function increases If silicon implementation is feasible, it requires a large silicon overhead.

III. No decision tables

An analog solution does not provide "IF-THEN" decisions. It only provides "YES - NO" decisions using analog comparators and only linear predetermined algorithms. For example- voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) for frequency modulation

^•2- (FM) or pulse width modulation (P M) zero to max. , pulse control, etc.

IV. No parameters set tables This has to do with different lamp configurations, m the case of a fluorescent lamp ballast, but also with many other decisions made by the controller in every state of its operation. One specific example is the time response of the lamp current loop being different at high level or low level as well as during transient or at steady state operation.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention provides a number of novel improvements which can be integrated into a simple system, or, in some cases can be used singly in a stand- alone circuit. These improvements are:

I. Programmable predetermined fixed internal parameters can be programmed by the designer, by means of simple MKI, adapting control loops to the desired operation regimen and power circuit, while protecting the power circuit from damage if running it under "non-legal" settings. This technique allows on-the-spot matching of control to power circuit, instead the tedious and costly procedure commcn in digital signal processing (DSP) devices that requires programming of dedicated software and back and forth adapting of control to power.

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SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET RULE26 The predetermined fixed internal parameters above refer to a set of numbers and tables intended for: limits, constants ,. parameters and signed coefficients included in the control loop algorithm; and addressing/identification; etc.

Examples of the above are: 1. to normalize to "real" signals; 2. to create the limits for the "IF - THEN" algorithm. 3. to adapt to the designed configuration and the work regimen of the ballast.

II. Programmable predetermined parameter internal power configuration tables are provided.

III. An externally programmable new parameters table is provided that can be set for a specific application that cannot use the already existing tables (for example: an EEPROM function).

IV. Software substitutes may be used for analog circuits .

V. An application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) handles, in principle, an indefinite quantity of functions with an insignificant amount of silicon. Thus, all possible components/circuits/algorithms are integrated on the same silicon. This provides a simple low cost and enhanced solution with all the flexibility provided by software. The integration provides high noise immunization, eliminates intercircuit interfacing components, shares circuitry elements and allows dramatic space reduction. 5

VI. A gate array is provided which includes the fast algorithms or the fast portion of them, like:

1. Center Tap;

2. Zero, minimum and maximum current of the C power factor corrector (PFC) ;

3. Generation of driver pul'ses .

VII. A microcomputer and the gate array share functions that are being carried out in parallel. 5

VIII. A very low-end microprocessor processes all the jobs by time-sharing instead of using the superscalar processor used in DSPs.

0 IX. A gate array carries out all of its assignments in parallel. Functionally, the assignments operate m parallel and require separate gate array sections or blocks for each one.

5 X. The microprocessor manages the gate array operation, among others.

XI. The gate array receives input from monitoring nets and operates the immediate algorithm C protections. In the case of fluorescent lamp dimming, the job is done by using all the main ASIC elements A/D, microprocessor, and gate array. In the embodiment described, the gate array also carries out watchdog functions.

XII. The microprocessor monitors protections being operated and takes care of long term actions.

XIII. In general, the functions constructed by fast and slow sub-functions are handled as follows:

The algorithm implemented in the gate array carries out the fast sub-functions which include fast pulses or actions. The sub-functions which require processing or actions that can be carried out during a slower mode, are carried out by the microprocessor. The novel structure and process of the invention provide a programmable integrated digital control module which can be used for a dimming fluorescent ballast. The control module features are :

a) Combines the Integrated Digital Control

Dimmable Electronic Ballast (DEB) ASIC on a programmable printed circuit board product for new lighting ballast designs and evaluation suitable for low to medium volume production.

b) A large number of "on board" programmable, for example, 14, parameters define preheat, absolute ligh -level and dimming range.

c) An EEPRO enables the control parameters described above to use a single hardware platform for multiple lamps, diverse operation regimens and applications . d) Integrated software defaults predefined parameters to a 2-lamp 32w/36w lamp drive for 120/230V a-c line/mains .

e) Incorporates all dimming ballast controls, including power conversion, into a single digital ASIC with multi-mode closed-loop control and pulse-by-pulse bridge protection.

f) A modified critical -mode boost PFC control achieves lowest total harmonic distortion (THD) at all light levels.

g) A series resonant lamp inverter control achieves less than 1% current-level control as required for architectural dimming fluorescent ballasts.

h) Module flexibility speeds product redesign and field testing in advance of custom ASIC software specification suitable for high-volume ballast products.

A large number of other features can be incorporated into the novel system of the invention, as integral parts of the system, or as stand alone features which could be incorporated into any ballast control circuit. These include:

1. A novel shut down circuit for turning off power to ballast in response to the sensing of a common mode high frequency current which exceeds a given value . In particular, an added winding is wound on the common mode choke to sense a high frequency ground fault current and turn off power to the ^ballast in response thereto.

2. A^'■•novel circuit for connecting two or more filaments of two or more gas discharge lamps, particularly fluorescent lamps, in parallel so that removal of any lamp breaks that circuit while permitting the voltage applied to the lamp to be reduced for dimming. In particular, a series/parallel circuit is provided which enables energization of the lamp filaments with a half wave rectified DC.

3. A control arrangement for DC to AC inverters for driving non-linear loads such as electronic ballasts for high pressure and low pressure gas discharge lamps, resonant power supplies and laser power supplies and the like, wherein the control scheme employs both variable pulse width and frequency modulation, driving the load as close to resonance as possible but en the inductive side of resonance. Both the high side and low side switches of the bridge (half or full wave) are independently controlled in this arrangement.

4. A novel protection circuit for a bridge connected (half or full wave) inverter which supplies a resonant load such as a resonant electronic ballast for gas discharge lamps, which forces a dead-time during which no switch is driven in conduction without limiting the performance of the circuit . The point at which a dynamic dead-time begins is sensed by sensing the point where current collapses to zero in a capacitive timed circuit case. The sensing circuits may sense inductor current using a current transformer or shunt resistor, by sensing the current through the switching devices, by sensing the bridge v ltage or by sensing the bridge voltage dv/dt .

According to the present invention, an electronic ballast for a gas discharge lamp s provided in wmch the electronic ballast has an input a-c circuit, a common mode inductor for connecting said input a-c circuit to a bridge connected rectifier, an inverter circuit including a high side switch and a low side switch which is coupled to the bridge connected rectifier, and a resonant circuit coupling the inverter circuit to and driving the gas discharge lamp. A monitor circuit is coupled to the common mode inductor for sensing a high frequency fault ground current, which has a frequency greater than the frequency of the input a-c circuit, to a- ground connection. A controller circuit is coupled to the monitor circuit for turning off the inverter circuit or the power to the inverter circuit when the high frequency ground current exceeds a given value .

As another aspect of the present invention, an electronic ballast for at least two parallel connected gas discharge lamps removably mounted m a fixture is provided m which there is an inverter circuit, a resonant coupling circuit and at least two gas discharge lamps . The gas discharge lamps have first and second filaments. The resonant coupling circuit includes an inductor and a capacitor connected in series with the first and second filaments. First and second windings are coupled to the inductor and first and second diodes are connected m series with the first and second windings respectively and tπe first and second diodes respectively, whereby the disconnection of the lamps and the filaments from their fixtures opens the output circuit from cή*e inverter circuit .

As another aspect of the present invention, an electronic ballast for a gas discharge lamp is provided in which there is an input a-c circuit. An a-c filter is connected to the input a-c circuit. A rectifier bridge is connected to the a-c circuit for producing an output d-c voltage from the a-c circuit input. An inverter circuit including a high side switch and a low side switch is connected in series at a node and connected across the output of the inverter circuit and a load circuit is connected to the node and includes the gas discharge lamp. The high side and low side switches each comprise MOSgated devices, and the like, having input control terminals energizable to turn them on and off and each has a parallel diode. A master control circuit applies suitably timed control signals for alternately turning the high side and low side switches on and off. A dynamic dead time control circuit in provided in the master control circuit for insuring only a short interval between the end of current conduction by either the high side and low side MOSgated devices, and the like, and the beginning of conduction by the other by the control of the application of controls signals to their control terminals. The dynamic dead time control circuit is coupled to and monitoring at least one of the current in the resonant load, the current in the first and second switches, the output voltage of the rectifier bridge or the rate of change dv/dt of the bridge voltages, and adjusts the application of turn on signals to the high side and low side switches for both capacitive and induqtive operations .

As still another aspect of the present invention, an electronic control module for controlling the operation of an electronic ballast for at least one lamp is provided in which the control module has an integrated circuit operable in accordance with control information to drive a first switch and a second switch to power the at least one lamp using a combination of pulse width modulation and frequency modulation. A first memory is coupled to the integrated circuit, the first memory storing a plurality of parameters tables, each parameters table having the control information for the integrated circuit . As yet another aspect of the present invention, an integrated circuit for controlling the operation of an electronic lamp ballast is provided in which a central logic supervisor controls the overall operation of the electronic lamp ballast. A dc/ac generator module is coupled to the central logic supervisor and provides drive signals for an inverter circuit, the inverter circuit having a first switch and a second switch. A power line communication module is coupled to the central logic supervisor and receives dimming control data across a power line. A power factor correction module is coupled to the central logic supervisor and controls power factor detection and correction for the electronic lamp ballast.

As another aspect of the present invention, a method for controlling the dimming operation of an electronic ballast is provided m which a current

11- through a load coupled to the electronic ballas£ is monitored and the current to maintain a dimming level is controlled.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figure 1 is a prior art electronic ballast circuit which presents a hazard in the presence of a high frequency, high voltage ground fault.

Figure 2 shows a novel circuit to provide high frequency hazard protection and is an improvement of the circuit of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a circuit diagram of a lamp ballast with a known serial connection of lamp filaments.

Figure 4 shows a circuit diagram of a lamp ballast with a known parallel connection of lamp filaments .

Figure 5 shows an improvement of the circuit of Figures 1 and 4 and is a novel circuit arrangement for a lamp ballast employing a novel series/parallel connection of filaments.

Figure 6 shows a known generic half -bridge ballast circuit operated in a near resonance operation.

Figure 7 shows the voltages and currents in the circuit of Figure 6 on a common time base for a reactive phase condition. Figure 8 shows the voltages and currents in the circuit of Figure 6 for a capacitive phase condition.

Figure 9 shows the circuit of Figure 6 adapted 5 with a novel current sense protection circuit.

Figure 10 shows the circuit of Figure 6 with a novel voltage sense protection circuit.

C Figure 11 shows the circuit of Figure 6 with a novel dv/dt sense protection circuit.

Figure 12 shows the curves of Figure S, using a novel continuous reactive load mode of operation. 5

Figure 13 shows the curves of Figure 12, modified by a novel use of predicted minimum dead time.

Figure 14 shows a novel voltage sense protection C circuit (Figure 10) for an. electronic ballast.

Figure 15 is a block diagram of a preferred ASIC which can be used to control the circuit of Figure 14.

5 Figure 16 is a block diagram of a full control module using the circuits of Figures 14 and 15.

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SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET RULE26 Figures 17 and 17A show the curves for the novel independent control of the high side and low side switches of a DC/AC bridge inverter.

Figure 18 is a block diagram of the silicon topology nl⁷ he ASIC of Figures 14 and 15.

Figure 19 shows relevant voltage and current curves produced by the ASIC of Figure 18.

Figure 20 is a diagram of light level versus current in which the curve is divided inl.o matched segments of the conventional non-linear curve.

Figure 21 is an interconnect diagram of a PLC Remote Controlled Dimmable Ballast.

Figure 21A is a schematic diagram of the ASIC used in Figure 20.

Figure 22 shows the ASIC pin assignment for

Figures 20 and 21.

Figure 23 is a Wall Control Unit schematic diagram for the diagram of Figure 21.

Figure 24 is a further electrical diagram of the ballast control, module of the invention.

Figure 25 is an electrical diagram of the ballast olatform with control module. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

There is next described the various novel features which can be combined with one another and/or can stand alone. These are described in Sections I through V hereinafter.

I . The High Frequency Hazard Protection Circuit

Referring to the drawings in which like reference numerals refer to like elements, Figure 1 schematically shows a prior art electronic ballast circuit in which an AC input line is connected to a full wave bridge connected rectifier circuit 30 through a common mode choke 31. The windings of the common mode choke or inductor 31 both have stray capacitances associated therewith as shown. The output of bridge 30 may be connected to a DC-to-DC power factor converter circuit 33 which has one output connected to the V_ss bus and another output to the V_cc bus.

A high side switching MOSFET (or other MOS controlled device such as an IGBT) Q, is connected to the V_cc bus and a low side switching MOSFET Q₂ is connected to the V_ss bus. MOSFETs Q_x and Q₂ are suitably controlled to alternately turn MOSFETs Q_x and Q₂ on and off with controlled frequency, duty cycle and/or phase delay.

Output node 35 is then connected to a resonant load, which, in Figure 1, consists of blocking capacitor 40, inductor 41, parallel capacitor 42 and fluorescent lamp 45 having filaments 43 and 44.

The line conductors in Figure 1 are connected to ground 46 through capacitors 47 and 48. A hazard exists if, because of a ground fault or the like an individual 50 is connected between the circuit and ground.

The hazard caused by the low frequency (50/60 Hz) is generally treated with a residual current sensor (not shown) . However, the high freσuency (20-100Khz) voltage used in electronic ballasts might be dangerous because the voltages are high (especially during the ignition period) and the gas in the tube behaves like a -_^ large capacitor.

Figure 2 shows the novel circuit for avoiding the above hazard problem. In Figure 2, those parts which are similar to those of Figure 1 have identical identifying numerals. A novel additional winding 60 is added to the common mode choke 31. Winding 60 is connected through diode 61 to a controller 62 which is adapted to sense a fault condition. If winding 60 senses a common mode high frequency current higher than a safe value, controller 62 applies a "shut-down" signal to converter 33, thereby shutting down the DC/AC power bridge. Details of a typical converter and DC/AC power bridge which could be used with this invention are later described herein. II. DC Filament Supply Circuit for Safe Parallel Lamp Operation.

A fluorescent lamp has two filaments at its two sides. Thus, in Figure 3, lamp 45 has filaments 43 and

44. These filaments must be heated before the lamp 45 can be ignited, and must remain heated if one wishes to operate lamp 45 at a "Low Light" or dimmed condition. There are two principal connections for lamp filaments used in electronic ballasts, a serial connection and a parallel connection. Figure 3 shows the serial connectio .

In this configuration the heating current flows through the resonance circuit formed by inductor 41 and capacitor 42. Prior to ignition and during a phase the voltage on the lamp should be low (under the ignition voltage) . Therefore the operating frequency should be significantly above resonance. At that frequency the current is determined by inductor 41 and might be too low to produce adequate filament heating. At and after ignition the current through the filament is adequate.

Figure 4 shows a prior art parallel connection of filaments 43 and 44. In this configuration the inductor 41 has additional windings 70 and 71 which are used a supply a heating voltage to filaments 43 and 44 (rather than a series) current. This circuit provides an adequate current through the full lamp operating mode, but it has a serious drawback. That is, when a lamp is taken out of its housing, current still flows through the resonance circuit 41 and 42 and might damage the ballast especially when it is used to drive two parallel lamps.

In accordance with the invention, and as shown in Figure 5, a novel series/parallel connection is provided. Thus, windings 70 and 71 of Figure 4 are reconnected as shown and are connected to filaments 44 and 43 respectively through diodes 75 and 76 respectively.

This approach applies parallel heating to the filaments and connects the lamp in such a manner that pulling it out of the housing will open the lamp circuit.

The result is a serial-parallel combination, the parallel segment feeding the lamp 45 with a half wave rectified DC wave form. The diodes 75 and 76 are connected in such a manner that whenever the lamp 45 is pulled out, current flow is blocked.

The connection of a second lamp 45 is shown in phantom lines in Figure 5. Under this arrangement, the removal of one of the lamps still allows the remaining lamp (or lamps where more than two lamps are driven) to operate. The removal of all lamps blocks the current flow.

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SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE 26) III. Protective Circuits for the Bridge Inverter.

Figure 6 shows a "generic" naif -oridge circuit for driving any desired resonant load, such as an electronic ballast. The half-bridge consists of the high side and low side MOSgated devices, and the like, such as MOSFETs Q_x and Q₂ respectively. MOSFETs Q, and Q₂ are snown with conventional parallel body diodes 80 and 81 respectively and load 82 can be any desired resonant load such as gas discharge lamp. Basically , the circuit of Figure 6 is a resonant topology and tne worκ regime is near resonance; that is, close to the resonant frequency of inductor 41 and capacitor 42. The invention to be described is suitable for any application in which a reactive current might flow through the bridge Q_1; Q₂. Note that everything described below applies to a full bridge topology as well as the half-bridge shown in Figure 6.

Figure 7 shows relevant voltages and currents in the circuit of Figure 6 on a common time axis when the excitation freσuency of MOSFETs Q_: and Q₂ is above the resonant frequency of inductor 41 capacitor 42 and load 82. In this condition the load is reactive. In Figure 7, line 100 is tne HO signal to Q_x and l ne 101 is the LO signal to Q₂ . The bridge voltage at node 35 is shown by line 102 and the bridge current is shown by line 103.

At tne end of each excitation cycle in Figure 7, the current 103 through the inductor 41 lags

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SUBSTLTUTE SHEET (RULE 26) behind the excitation voltage 102. When the upper switch Q_x is closed, a current flows into the inductor 41. When the upper switch"¹ Q_x opens or turns off, the current must continue flowing through the inductor 41 and does so by flowing through the lower switch integral diode 81 as shown by line 104 in Figure 7. When the lower switch Q₂ closes Q₂, the integral diode 81 recovers from conduction at a zero voltage by a recombination of carriers effect only.

The same behavior described above applies to the half cycle controlled by lower switch conduction line 105.

The following can be observed:

1. When upper switch Q_x is turned off, the inductive current is steered to the lower switch integral diode 81 and the voltage 102 at the bridge swings immediately from Vdd to Vss .

2. The current steered into the lower switch integral diode 31 collapses to zero while the lower switch Q₂ is closed.

3. Simultaneous conduction of both upper and lower branches Q_x and Q₂ and of the bridge is not possible.

The diagram of Figure 8 shows the behavior of the inverter bridge of Figure 6 when the excitation freσuencv is below resonance (and the load is therefore called capacitive) . The various traoes of Figure 8 have the same numerals as those of Figure 7.

At each excitation cycle the current through the inductor 41 leads the excitation voltage and reverses its direction before the excitation cycle ends. Thus at the end of the excitation cycle the current flows through the integral diode of the power switch Q_x or Q₂ which s turned on and which is about to close. When the upper switch C^ is closed, current still flows through its integral diode 80. When the lower switch Q₂ closes the current still flows through upper integral diode 80; therefore t recovers at a full DC bus voltage through a forced recovery process, which is harsh. This forced recovery process causes a momentary short circuit condition with a high current spike (labeled in line 105 of Figure 8) and may lead to a device failure.

The same behavior applies to the lower switch of Figure 6.

The following can be observed for a capacitance condition:

1. When upper switch Q₁ is driven "Off" the current through the inductor 41 flows into the upper switch integral diode 80 due to current direction reversal that occurs before the excitation ends.

2. The bridge will stay at Vdd level until the collapse of the current flowing from the inductor

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SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE26) 41 to the integral diode 81 or until the

Q₂ is driven into conduction.

3. If tne lower switch Q₂ is driven into

5 conduction while the upper switcn internal diode 80 is still carrying current, it will be driven into a narsh recovery which may damage the device.

4. The same phenomenon can be observed at the C lower switch Q₂ conduction period.

The problem of simultaneous conduction caused by a narsh recovery is commonly corrected by inserting an intentional dead time which is a period in the cycle m which none of the switches are driven into conduction.

The dead time should be long enough to provide protection for the switching devices, but, on the other hand, inserting a large dead time w ll deteriorate the performance of the bridge by limiting the duty cycle. It also limits the ability of the bridge to operate near resonance. Thus, the common solution is a compromise offering insufficient protection at the cost of limited performance .

In accordance with the invention, a variable dead time is provided that adapts itself to circuit needs. This dead time is termed a "dynamic dead time." The dynamic dead time is achieved by sensing the point where the current collapses to zero m a capacitive case. There are four variants:

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SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET RULE26 1. Sensing the current through the inductor 41 by a current transformer or a shunt resistor in series therewith.

2. Sensing the current through the switching devices Q_: and Q₂.

3. Sensing the bridge voltage.

4. Sensing the rate of rise (dv/dt) of the bridge voltage.

Figure 9 shows the use of a current sense protection circuit in which a current transformer 110 is provided to monitor the bridge current. Figure 9 also shows the control module 111 which provides the LO and HO outputs to MOSFETs Q₂ and Q_x respectively. This current measuring function can also be carried out by current transformers (not shown) in series with Q_: and Q₂ or by the shunt resistor 112 in the Vss Bus. These current measurement devices are then connected to comparator 113 in control module 111. Any "ringing" sensed by comparator 113 close to the end of the current conduction period can be controlled by a regenerative circuit such as a Schmidt trigger, a flip-flop or a bus-holder.

Figure 10 shows the circuits of Figures 6 and 9 modified for a voltage sense protection mode. Thus, in Figure 10, a connection is made from node 35, through resistor 115 to comparator 111.

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SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET RULE26 The operation of the circuit of Figure 10 is described m the following:

1. An inversion of the bridge voltage at node 35 occurs at the point tnat the current collapses to zero m a case of "capacitive" operation of the oridge (line 103 in Fiσure 8) .

2. That inversion is sensed by means of a voltage comparator (line 102, Figure 8) . A dead time is inserted from the period of the switcn being closed till the inversion of pridge voltage (line 102, Figure 8) .

3. Any "ringing" sensed by the comparator 113^" near the end of the current conduction period can be controlled by a regenerative device such as a Schmidt Trigger or flip-flop or a bus holder (not shown) .

4. When the bridge operates in an inductive zone (Figure 7) the inversion of the voltage occurs immediately after closing a switch; and therefore a dead time is not inserted.

Figure 11 shows a dv/dt sense protection scheme which provides a capacitor 117 coupled from node 35 to a logic gate 118 within control module 111. A control module connection is provided from resistor 119 to a node between diodes 120 and 121.

The circuit of Figure 11 is a modification of the voltage sensing control of Figure 10 and is suitable for digitally controlled DC/AC Bridges*. This embodiment uses a logic gate 118 instead of the comparator 113, which is basically an analog device.

As long as the voltage is rising a current flows through the sensing capacitor 117 and is clamped to VCC. At a failing voltage capacitor 117 is clamped to the control circui . When the voltage of the bridge does not rise or fall, the input of the logic gate 113 might float and, therefore, it is held to an appropriate value by the control logic.

It is possible to use a continuous reactive load protection arrangement in which the DC/AC bridge of Figure 6 is operated in a continuous capacitive regime, rather than providing protection only.

When the dead time is being determined automatically by the current or voltage commutation, the operation of the bridge tends to be irregular, which means that the bridge might be driven into asymmetrical operation and the current waveform will be irregular.

A simple case of such an irregularity is shown in the wave forms of Figure 12 which shows the curves of Figure 8 but containing the irregularity.

This irregular operation could be corrected by using the previous (measured) dead time to predict a minimum dead time for the cycles to come, and sense the current or voltage afterwards, as shown in Figure 13. Figure 14 shows a specific circuit diagram of a voltage sense protection system for a fluorescent lamp ballast (Figure 3^ and 10) in conjunction with a specific ASIC 130 for providing all control signals.

In Figure 14, the inversion of tne bridge voltage at node 35 is sensed by an internal voltage comparator (within ASIC 130) at Pin CT and is used by internal logic to expand the dead time.

Note that the voltage sensing method shown in Figure 14 overcomes delays caused by bus capacitance n tne capacitive lead detection circuits.

Figure 15 is a block diagram of the ASIC 130, which will later be more specifically described. Figure 16 shows the full control module, including the circuits of Figures 14 and 15.

IV. The DC to AC Inverter Bridge for Non-

Lmear Loads .

The following describes a novel process for operating the DC to AC inverter bridge of Figure 6, which drives a non-linear, resonant, and time varying load, for example, electronic ballasts for low-pressure and high pressure lamps, resonant power supplies, laser power supplies, and the like.

There are two common control methods m use; pulse width modulation (PWM) and frequency modulation (FM) control . Both methods provide only partial solutions for the problem that those power supplies

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SUBSTΓΓUTE S present. The problem arises when the control cjircuit tries to achieve a goal of low light level (for example, very low dimming)-, at a small current. Trying to reach a low current using a PWM circuit could drive the DC/AC bridge into the capacitive area and can lead to the destruction of the power switches Q_: and Q~ . On the other hand trying to do so by varying the frequency usually leads to an irregular light output (rings or snakes in fluorescent lamps) and instability.

Although not shown in Figure 16, the various modules in ASIC 130 are interconnected within the ASIC (see Figure 15) to a central logic supervisor. The central logic supervisor controls the overall operation of ASIC 130 by facilitating communications and passing data between modules .

According to the control method of the invention, both pulse width and freσuency modulation are employed and are constantly varied in order to dim the lamp and/or to maintain a high quality control regime. The goal is to work as close as possible to resonance but to be at the inductive behavior shown n Figure 7, under transients, lamp aging, malfunctions, use of a non- compatible lamps, etc. The novel method is combined with a center tap protection solution that prevents, "pulse by pulse", being accidentally reflected into the inverter's bridge as the capacitive load, shown m Figures 12 and 13.

The novel algorithm for controlling the bridge when used for dimmable electronic ballasts, controls the preheat, ignition and dimming control functions. In a particular case, at high light levels a constant width pulse is used for the lower switch Q₂ of the bridge, and a pulse of variable width is used for the upper switch Q_x . This control scheme is shown m Figure 17 which shows light level as a function of pulse width Ton for the high side and low side switches Q. and Q₂ in figures 6 and 14 to 16. At the present t me, low side curve 141 is employed for constant pulse 'width, but any of the alternates curves 142 can be used. Figure 17a further explains the high side switch behavior- shown in Figure 17. In Figure 17a, the terms shown are defined as fellows:

T - Full period of the half bridge Tl - High side switch reverse current time

T2 - High side switch "legal direction" conduction time T3 - Low side switch conduction time

As explained above, the aim of the half-bridge drive algorithm is to keep the half-bridge load inductive but close to resonance at all operation regimes.

The novel method is to drive the switches under reverse [parallel diode) conduction, when switch voltage is close to zero. For example, the high side drive rising edge must come during the Tl time frame.

The algorithm must keep time Tl short in order to be close to resonance but never zero or negative which is the expression of capacitive load to the half bridge.

Through all operation regimes, the algorithm provides high and low side drives that preserves a short fixed Tl . during steady state conditions. If however, during transients the Tl shortens and gets close to zero, then, the center tap mechanism will bring it back to a safe length or duration.

In addition, the dead time between upper and lower switch operation is controlled simultaneously. For low light levels, this method is too coarse and a method of variable width is simultaneously applied also to the lower switch Q₂ operation.

As a general rule, the novel method allows independent control of each one of the bridge switches Q_x and Q₂ (or pairs of switches in case of full bridge) in a zero voltage switching full protected mode.

The stability of the control is achieved by changing the time constant of the DC/AC bridge control through the different operation regimens. A small time constant is used (fast control) when the light level is changed en request and a larger time constant (slow control) is used at steady state (fixed) light control. This method avoids overshoots or undershoots and light fluctuations respectively.

The ASIC 130 of Figures 14, 15 and 16 carries out the control scheme described above. A further block diagram of the silicon topology that

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SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE26) controls switches Q_x and Q₂ of the bridge, including center tap protection is shown m Figure 18. Figure 19 shows tne control pulses produced by the circuit of Figure 18 on a common time base. 5

The following is a description of the operation of the block diagram of Figure 18 and the curves of Figure 19.

0 1. A lamp current sample is provided to microprocessor 160 through A/D converter 161 (also included m ASIC 130) .

2. Microprocessor 160 processes all 5 information and provides one DATA BUS 162 that includes all processed information (PLC, PFC, DC/AC) .

3. Selector 163 latches appropriate data into the appropriate LATCH 164 and 165. The rate of re- 0 latching is a decision or default of the software.

4. Counters "High Side PWM LOGIC" and "Low Side PWM LOGIC" togetner create the HIGH SIDE waveform (Figure 19) that can be described as a pulse train. The 5 pulse width is determined by "HS DATA" and "LS DATA" which determine the time between pulses.

5. The HS waveform is fed into AND1 gate 168. Fixed dead time and also variable dead time (determined by C the center tap input) is added to the waveform which then exits through the HSDV (High Side Driver) output 169.

-30-

SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE26) 6. The waveform is also inverted by* NOT3 gate 170 and fed to AND2 gate 171. Fϊ?_ed and variable dead time is added to the waveform which then exits through the LSD (Low Side driver) output.

7. NOT1 and NOT2 gates 173 and 174 respectively avoid the possibility of the 2 outputs HSD and LSD respectively being both "High" at the same time.

8. Description of center tap protection circuit :

The outputs of AND1 and AND 16S and 171 respectively, are monitored. If there is no overlapping with the original waveform (as getting out from HS PWM Logic) for 16 consecutive pulses, then the 16 tries counter 176 increases by 1, enabling 4 consecutive cycles with no interrupting. If the same phenomenon repeats itself the 16 tries counter 176 continues to increase. If the phenomenon disappears the 16 tries counter 176 is reset.

If the 16 tries counter 176 reaches 16 it sends an "Abnormal" message to the microprocessor 160 and enters an abnormal protection regime.

It should be noted that the above technique is applicable to a full-bridge as well as a half bridge.

In order to achieve a smooth change of light output, a variable depth "dithering" technique is applied m the variable width pulse mechanism through the entire lamp dimming work line.

Thus, using a digital control fcr the upper or the lower switch pulse width by a simple FW procedure will cause the light to flicker. To smooth the steps of the light control, a dithering method can be used. Thus, a PWM of an average level which lies between PWM steps (defined by an integer number) is composed of a mixed sequence of pulses made from these two time steps.

Precise light level control is acnieved by measuring the lamp current only. This method is implemented by matching the current versus light -level non-linear curve into linear segments. Each segment enables a ratio between percentage of ligh -level and the lamp current, allowing a very precise light level control as shown in Figure 20. This technique avoids the need for a complex lamp power or current measurement algorithm for each type of lamp to characterize the above non-linear behavior. Light control accuracy can be further increased by adding additional linear segments to the matched current versus light-level non-linear curve.

This method is implemented by using a dedicated parameter table that can be set or defined by the user. The above ratio is between the light level and the current at certain points (the extremes of each segment) .

^•32-

SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE26) It is instructive to now summarize tiy≥ principles adopted m algorithms used m the control method of the DC/AC inverter bridge for extreme ncn-linear AC load Consider an extreme non- linear lead, particularly for a gas discharge lamp that cehaves like a negative impedance throughout most of its dimming range. Tnese lamps have a transfer function whose gam varies between wide limits and it is therefore difficult to attain f st and smooth control . There are two coτmon methods for controlling such a load througn an AC bridge: pulse width modulation (PWM) and frequency 'FM) Both are effective only within some sub-range of the load oemg controlled.

The control method described uses a PWM whose frequency and dead times are variable. It is applied m a half/full bridge topology: high side pulse width, low side pulse width with dead times between them are programmed and applied m a manner designed to achieve stable, smooth control loop throughout the whole range of no load to full load.

The method used suggests working near resonance at all loads but always keeping the load ust a little above resonance. This is done first by providing best open loop control behavior (minimum gam variation) at every point of the load regime. Pulse width and frequency are manipulated a manner that achieves a constant open loop gam (sometimes the PWM is used to increase load current and the frequency used to decrease it and vice versa) These manipulations are performed according to the load V/I characteristics.

■33-

SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE26) The following is an example of an embodiment in a ballast application. The control of dimmable discharge lamps over the full dimming range is based on a control range that is divided into three portions by two breaking points :

1. PWM control is used from minimum load to the first breaking point : the high side pulse increases and the low side pulse decreases. The total periodic time is kept at a fixed number. 2. Fix the low side and PWM the high side pulse from the first breaking point to, second breaking point . The duty cycle is increased and at the same time frequency is decreased.

3. Frequency control is used from the second breaking point to maximum load both high side and low side pulses increase.

This method creates an open loop work- line with minimum gain variation and minimum predetermined dead time between pulses. This will best control a predictable load (e.g., a lamp with normal operating behavior) . In order to prevent failures caused by unpredictable behavior of the load, the center-tap voltage of the bridge is sampled to ensure that switching is at zero voltage. Pulses are dynamically changed to protect against destructive currents. Dead time is increased dynamically to the zero voltage point. This feature of the method enables working at high frequencies with very short predetermined dead time for a lamp with normal operating behavior. In addition, its permits increasing the dead time in the event of transients and changes in load behavior, for example, as the discharge lamps age. V. A Digital Implementation of a Power Control Circui .

The following describes various techniques employed in the novel digital approach to power management controllers, in particular to a dimmable electronic ballast. Figure 21 shows the power line carrier (PLC) controlled dimmable ballast of layout Bi ilar to that shown in Figure 16. The ballast control ΛSIC 200 is shown within the solid line block 200 in Figure 20. PLC operation allows the ballast to receive dimming control information across the same power line bfting used to power the ballast. ASIC 200 is in turn schematically shown in Figure 21A. The ASIC Pin assignments are shown in Figure 22. The wall control unit (W.C.U.) schematics are also shown in

Figure 23. The techniques used in Figures 20, 21 and 22 are generally described as follows:

I. Feed Forward Dynamic Response

Adaptation Based on Energy Consumption Pre iction

The dynamic response of the control loop is "flexible". It will use a different "dumping factor" & loop response time for a number of pre-decided conditions. For example the following decisions table is applied m the case of the electronic ballast:

If DC bus voltage is within the limits of Vref+-1% then "no response"; If DC bus is within the limits of +- 3%>Vref>+-l% then "slow" response; If DC bus is within the limits of +-L %>Vref>+- 3% then "fast" response;

If step light level + if under 90% of desired then fast response; If input voltage step changed more than +-2% then fast response, etc.

If a large change of the light is desired, the desired light level is first given to the controller, as for example, going from full light to light off (transient mode) , then the PFC operation mode will be switched to fast response in order to avoid DC bus dips. At constant light (steady state) the PFC control switches to slow response mode preventing light flickering/glimmering.

Limits, dumping factors and response times are parameters listed in predefined designer programmable tables .

The control can be adjusted to handle all kinds of applications, including motor control, temperature control and manv others .

II . Proσrammable Parameter Tables

Tables of parameters are programmed for all possible regimes of the needed application. For example, in the electronic ballast case there are about 12 different regimes for the Dimmable Electronic Ballast, including:

DC bus soft start; Auxiliary build up; Lamp preheat ; Lamp ignition; Up going light level; Down going light level;

Step up light level; Step down light level; Steady state "high" load; Steady state "low" load; Abnormals - output power shut-down; and

Input voltage switched off - or "black outs . "

Every single regime has. its own specific parameters table that is chosen when entering a new regime .

Each parameter table contains all the special parameters for PFC control and DC/AC bridge control for each specific regime. The designer can program these parameters .

In order to maintain a stable DC bus and the best PFC at all regimes, a digital control using programmable look-up tables gives the best "treatment" to each different regime (i.e. in the DC/AC bridge inverter control case the response time changes according to the lamp regimen operation) .

With this approach, the more complicated the application, the more efficient the digital solution. III . Adaptive Loop Parameters

Static ^'and dynamic loop response adapt themselves to the inputs by getting feedback information from a number of digital and/or analog inputs chosen according to the right parameter tables, decision tables and addressed equations.

IV. Idle Periods Insertion to Change to Discontinuous Mode for Low Power Loads,

Keeping Frequency Within Desired Limits As loads get smaller, frequency gets very high and "ON" pulses have to be very short in order to preserve critical mode conduction. Under a certain load, critical mode becomes impractical. At this point the control changes to "Discontinuous" mode and it stops controlling the "ON" time and begins controlling the "OFF" time of the pulse. The "ON time" is fixed to a desired "minimum usable pulse" (programmable parameter) . "Off time" can change between none and "Discontinuous mode maximum dead time" (programmable parameter) .

V. A Method for Controlling the Converter at

No Load Conditions by Means of Implementing a Special "Stand By" PWM Regimen Mode Using

Dedicated Programmable Parameters Table

Special modes of operation can be "tailored" by using digital programmed control. All parameters, including: "pulse width", time between pulses, burst parameters and other parameters can be assigned for a specific task.

•38-

SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE26 One example of this ability is the "stand by" mode which we use for the electronic ballast.

This mode is operational any time the ballast output stage is inhibited and the PFC stage must carry en its operation in standby mode. At this mode the PFC stage has two tasks: first - to provide the auxiliary voltages 5V and 12V to the control and second - to keep the DC bus voltage within limits.

When the PFC stage has very small load, the DC bus capacitor will charge rapidly to a nominal limit and will inhibit PFC control pulses. Special parameters are used in order to allow the PFC stage to provide auxiliary voltages: minimum pulse width and fixed dead time between pulses. Another mode of operation is to change from controlling the DC bus (except for maximum) to controlling the auxiliary voltage to 12V.

VI. Protection Method by Combining Multiple

Parameter Levels Using Programmable Tables .

The parameter tables also contain some limits to provide part of the protections. For example: control pulses will be inhibited (pulse-by-pulse) in case of DC bus over-voltage (the pulses are inhibited if the DC bus is higher than 110%) . Also, if input voltage is above a certain predetermined limit, pulses will be inhibited. Input under-voltage is also monitored; the PFC control will go to power

-39-

SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE26) shutdown mode under a predetermined limit (over-voltage protection (OVP) in the present ASIC implementation) .

The PFC theory and parameters, are described as follows:

MinPFCParam Max. PFC Ton pulse for Max load at Min Input RMS voltage Ton=(255-n) /12MHz 100 1.29E-05 Sec

MaxPFCParam Minimum usable Pulse for PFC control 125 4.17E-07 Sec LowDelPrs Discontinuous mode Maximum Dead time. 0 2.13E-05 Sec HiσhDelPrs At Critical mode only.

When getting ZC signal, waits 83 more nsec to activate PFC switch.

254 8.33E-08 Sec

ShutHighPelPrs Fixed Dead time in Shut Down mode. 150 8.75Ξ-06 Sec DampingFactor

1 / Control Speed, control step={ [ (Vref-VDC) /n] +l}*83nsec 14

MaxVDC Software ShutDown PFC Ton pulse will go off when VDC crosses this reference. 245 43 9 . 5 Volt

VDCRef 2.19 Volt (A/D level) This is the normal VDC reference. 223 400 Volt VdcHvsl

Range of steady state. At VDCRef+/-n PFC Ton pulse will not change. 2 3.6 Volt

VdcHvsl Demand for ^'fast response, fast PWM at VDC+-VdcHysl or higher. hen error is between VdcHys and VdcHysl, there will be a slow response. PWM=Fast 14 25.1 Volt

PfcPWMPrs Slow PWM response factor. 20

PfcPWMlPrs Fast PWM response factor (0 when no PWM) . 0 MinPFCStartUp

Soft Start. Width of PFC Ton pulse when dc bus voltage climbs from zero to VDC. 253 1.67E-07 Sec

PFCTimerPRs "Slow" Loop response = lOOmSec. Every 10msec, counter increased by 1. 10

PFCLoopCounterPRs "Fast" Loop response = lmSec . Every 250usec, counter increased by 1. 4 Sampling rate of VDC

-Λ 1 - Fixed at 500usec.

Linkage between PFC and DC/AC : for step new light, PFC is^' "FAST" up to 90% of new light, and then becomes "SLOW" between 90% and 100% of new light. "90%" is not included as a parameter.

When changing the light by "UP" or "DOWN" PFC control is always "SLOW" .

DcAc Paramaters : *************************

DcAcHys Range for Fast/Slow response when Curr. Ref. is higher then 75. When Curr. Ref. is lower then 75, there is only slow response-. Under 2 there is no change in Ton pulse. 2 is not included as a parameter. 5 1.96%

SlowDcAcPrs Slow response PWM of 20 possible combinations of last and next Ton (HSD) . Pulse may change every 250usec. 20

FastDcAcPrs Fast response PWM of 5 combinations. Pulse may change every 250usec. 5 StartDcAcPrs

Response for DcAc Startup (PWM) climbing to start up light after ignition. 15 HSD Ton pulse changes always through all workline points. StartTon SD Ton Pulse for lamp ignition. 175 6.67E-06 Sec StartTonTi e Duration of HSD Ton Pulses for lamp. ignition=2*250usec=500usec 2 500 uSec Very fast Climbing to StartTon with NOPWM. AbPelayPrs Wait after shut down Shut Down period. 200 2 Sec

ShutTimerPrs Wait after shut down Shut Down period. 200 2 Sec

EBCurrentRef Lower Current reference for lower power dissipation on shunt resistor (EB) . 51 1 Volt

LiσhtLevel (6) Table for IR Light decoding =n/2

"0,2,30,80,150,200" "0,1,15,40,75,100"% LiαhtBasePrs (4) Fix points on lamp curve - 15,40,65,100% Lamp current must be provided for each percentage point . "

"30,80,130,200" "15,40,75,100"% CurrentBase4 Volt 100% Light REFERENCE for ALL LIGHT LEVELS 227 2.23

MaximumLightLevel Ballast Factor. 200 100 %

Accessories Parameters: ********************************

MaxLiσhtSensor If n=251 to 255 then occupancy switch closed. 250 2.45 Volt

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SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE26) MinStartDC

For DC control. If value is under 10(5%) then power shutdown

10 5 % PLC Parameters :

*************************

NoiseHysl Digital filter for PLC after summation stage. 10 GlobalZone

0

TrxFreq(4) PLC frequencies. F=3ee06/ (64-n) "33,34,35,36" "96.77,100,103.44, 107.13" kHz

The following is a lead assignment and function description for the ASICS of Figures 15 and 21 and the control module of Figure IS:

•44-

SUBSTΓΓUTE SHEET (RULE26) Λ

CΛ

H

Ά a w Λ a w LΠ

H

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W

CO

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W H r M

CΛ

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H

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H I dr

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CO

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CO

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The following is a description of operating voltages and the like for the ASIC 200 and

Control Module:

MAXIMUM RATINGS

RECOMMENDED OPERATION CONDITIONS

O O

H

M O in

H

ON

CO

CO

H a

H M

Co I a in w 03

H

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The following is an operation description which describes control module 111 and ASIC 200 settings:

Customer Selectable Parameters for D.E.B. Applications

The customer can influence ballast behavior by determining several ballast parameters. Software is used to determine the ballast parameters . The customer parameters below describe these parameters.

Customer Parameters Table

Parameters Tables Selection

The control module 111 contains 13 parameters tables in its PROM and one customer parameters table in its EEPROM. Only the manufacture can change the parameters of tables 0-12. The customer can program its own parameters in EEPROM Table 13 using a Parameter Development Kit (PDK) .

Tables 0-3: Versions for two T8-32 (parallel configuration) lamps (120V line application) . Tables 4- 12: Versions for two T8-36 (parallel -configuration) lamps (230V line application) .

Of course, customization of internal parameter tables is possible. A desired parameter table is selected by combination of micro-jumpers SO, SI, S2, S3 (connected to S0-S3 pins) to create a hexadecimal number. Insert jumper for a logic "0", and leave open for logic "1". The Parameter Tables Selection Table below defines the selection of the desired parameters table.

Parameters Tables Selection Table

Selected Ballast Configuration Options: Selected via A/D Input CNFG

Controϊ module 111 and ASIC 200 enable ballast operation in 5 different configurations as fellows :

PLC E.E.B. Ballast is remote controlled from Wall

Control Unit with Power Line Carrier (PLC; interface. In PLC configuration, the ballast can be designated as belonging to one of 7 different zones or as belonging ;o all zones. Ballast zone designation is selected via A/D input ZONE. (See PLC D.E.B. Section below) .

DC D.E.B. Ballast is controlled from DC Wall Control Unit via DC lines. (See LOCAL D.E.B. Section below) .

LOCAL D.E.B. Ballast is controlled from local infrared IR light & occupancy sensors. (See LOCAL D.E.B. Section below) .

Occupancy D.E.B. Ballast is controlled from local occupancy sensor. (See occupancy D.E.B. Section below) .

E.Ξ. Non Dimmable Electronic Ballast. (See Ξ.B,

Section) .

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SUBSTTTuTE SHEET (RULE 26) The Ballast Configuration Table shows,, ballast configuration selection via the CNFG pin. To get the required configuration, connect a resistor between CNFG pm and GND.

Ballast Configuranon Table

PLC D.E.B. Start up The ballast starts lamps at "last light level"

(saved on the EEPROM) . The light level stays in Last Light Level until a dimming command is sent from the wail Control Unit via PLC communication.

PLC Function

The ballast receives a 17 -bit string from the Wall Control Unit (W.C.U.) via PLC Remote Controlled Communication. Bit allocation is as follows:

1 bit Start

2 bits Control operation modes

3 bits 7 Selected zones 6 bits 64 light level

4 bits Check Sum 1 bit Spare

^■67-

SUBSTTT The rate of communication is 1 bit per line cyαle . PLC communication is synchronized to the l ne pnase .

Ballast Zone Identification

Designation of the ballast zone identity (0-7) is implemented py providing a voltage equal equidistant increments petween 0 to 2.5V to the zcne pir.. The Zone Selection Table is shown pelow.

Zone Selection Table

EEPROM Function When "Line Disappeared" is detected, (via the line pm) the present light is saved as "last light level" in the EEPROM. When the ballast is switched on it will revert to this "last light level". When "Table 15" (SO, SI, S2, S3 = "1") is selected, the EEPROM can be programmed to a desired parameters table. When Table 13 is selected, the parameters table is obtained from the EEPROM .

DC D.E.B Start Up The pallast starts the lamps according to the last lignt level from the EEPROM parameters table and tnen increases or decreases to the DC controlled light level present tne ZONE pin. This DC level is applied from the DC control unit. The light level is related to ZONE pin voltage according to the fallowing formula :

Light Level= (ZONE pin Voltage/2.23V) Maximum Light Level

The maximum light level is obtained when the ZONE pin Voltage is 2.23V (converted to 227) .

The lamp light goes to 0 when the ZONE pin voltage drops under HOmV. The Ballast starts -up when ZONE pin voltage exceeds 140mV.

LOCAL D.Ξ.S. Start Up

The ballast will start the lamps according to the last light level saved in the EEPROM parameters table.

Local IR Function The IR receiver output signal is connected to the IR pin.

The IR transmitter sends 8 codes: 5 Preset light levels, Up, Down and Off commands.

Light Sensor Function The ballast light level is controlled by a light sensor connected via the ZONE pin. The ZONE pin is feedback input converted to a digital number and compared to the sensor reference value.

The Sensor Reference value is set to the light sensor ZONE pin) value during reset initialization. In the case of constant voltag"e at the ZONE pm (open loop) , the light level stays at the last light level (no error detected - Sensor Reference = ZONE pm voltage, and no dimming UP or DOWN command is generated) .

The dimming command from the IR transmitter changes the sensor reference and changes the light level py a controlled close loop mechanism to get:

Light Sensor = New Sensor Reference. Light Sensor voltage range is 0.2V to 2.45V.

Occucancv Function (at Local Conf guration)

Two inputs serve the occupancy function:

The "Occupancy OFF" command uses the RCV pin. Logic "1" (open circuit) at the RCV pin detected as a "No Presence" and turns the ballast off. Logic "0" at the RCV pm s detected as "presence" and starts-up the ballast to last light value.

The ZONE analog input pin is also used as a "No Presence Inhibit". If ZONE pin Voltage > 2.5V then "No Presence" disabled. The ballast dims the light to the minimum light level.

After the occupancy sensor detects a presence the room, the ballast returns to the last light level. There is no delay time between "No Presence" detection (by the control module) and the dimming operation. Occupancy D.E.B. Start up

Ballast will start lamps according to last light level saved m the EEPROM parameters table.

Occupancy Function

The RCV p serves as a "Presence Detection" input. When "No Presence" detected (logic "High" -open circuit) at the RCV pm, the ballast dims the light to the defined "Dim Light Level" on the ZONE pm. The dim light level is saved at the "No Presence Detected" moment according to following formula:

Dim Light Level= [Maximum Light Level] x [ZONE Voltage at Initialization Time] 2.23V.

The ballast returns to the maximum light level after occupancy sensor detects a presence the room (logic "0" at ZONE p ) .

Note: There is no delay time between "No Presence" detection (by Control Module) and the dimming operation.

EB Start up

Ballast will start lamps to "Maximum Light Level" .

E.B. Function

The ballast operates only at the maximum light level. Dimming is not possible. As all other configurations, the lamp current is stabilized by closed loop control via the ILAMP feedback.*mput pm. The ILAMP p voltage is 0.5V at the maximum light level situation .

Housekeeping/Protection Circuits Four input pins of the control module 111 and

ASIC 200 are used for the protection functions of the ballast .

The CL input is used for current limit protection of PFC switch. The PFCD output pm (PFC Drive Pulse Signal) s pulse-by-pulse inhibited when the CL input exceeds 2.5V.

The VDC A/D input pin is used for closing the DC bus (PFC Output) loop and also as a hardware over- voltage protection sense input. (Input to analog comparator) .

The PFCD output is pulse-by-pulse inhibited when the VDC pin voltage exceeds 2.5V. Also, the VDC input is used for software over-voltage protection. Alternatively, the PFCD output s pulse-by-pulse inhibited (by software) when the VDC p voltage exceeds 2.4V.

The CT input is used to keep the half bridge at a zero voltage switching (ZVS) operation. If the load becomes capacitive, the CT input will partially block the HSD or LSD outputs (increase dead times order to keep ZVS operation . If the limitation causes total disappearance of HSD pulses 16 times, then 4 cycles are enabled without interfering with the CT input. This total cycle of 20 ι> 16+4 ) will repeat itself 16 times and if the malfunction does not? disappear, it will activate the abnormal function.

The SD input is used to sense catastrophic failures of the ballast . When the SD input exceeds the Schmidt Trigger positive going threshold (2.2V-3.5V) according to catastrophic ballast failure occurrence, then hardware immediately inhibits (shuts down) theHSD & LSD outputs and software activates the abnormal function. The controller will try to start-up the ballast again 2 ' seconds after shutdown. If no abnormal indication is detected 2 seconds after ignition of the lamps, the abnormal protection procedure automatically resets an internal failure counter. If the failure is still detected, the controller will try to start-up the ballast 10 times with 3 second intervals between attempts. After 10 tries, the HSD & LSD outputs will be permanently inhibited. CT protection is also monitored as a catastrophic failure.

An abnormal condition of CT protection initiates the same abnormal protection procedure.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An electronic ballast for a gas discharge lamp; said electronic ballast comprising an input a-c circuit; a common mode inductor for connecting said input a-c circuit to a bridge connected rectifier; an inverter circuit including a high side switch and a low side switch which is coupled to said bridge connected rectifier; and a resonant circuit coupling said inverter circuit to and driving said gas discharge lamp; and a monitor circuit coupled to said common mode inductor for sensing a high frequency fault ground current, which has a frequency greater than the frequency of said input a-c circuit, to a ground connection; and a controller circuit coupled to said monitor circuit for turning off at least one of said inverter circuit and power to said inverter circuit when

- O said high frequency ground current exceeds a given value.

2. The ballast of claim 1 which further includes a DC to DC PFC converter connected between said bridge connected rectifier and said inverter; said controller circuit having an output connected to said DC

5 to DC PFC converter.

3. The ballast of claim 1 wherein said monitor circuit includes an auxiliary winding on said common mode inductor, and diode means connected between said auxiliary winding and said controller.

4. An electronic ballast for at least two parallel connected gas discharge lamps removably mounted m a fixture, said ballast comprising an Inverter circuit, a resonant coupling circuit and at least two gas discharge lamps; said gas discharge lamps having first and second filaments; said resonant coupling circuit including an inductor and a capacitor connected m series with said first and second filaments; first and second windings coupled to said inductor; first and second diodes connected in series with said first and second windings respectively and said first and second diodes respectively, whereby the disconnection of said lamps and said filaments from their fixtures opens the output circuit from said inverter circuit.

5. The ballast of claim 4 wherein said resonant circuit furtner includes a second capacitor connected across said gas discharge lamp.

6. The ballast of claim 4 wherein said inverter circuit includes a series connected high side MOSgated device and a low side MOSgated device; and a control circuit for alternately turning on and off said high side and low side MOSgated devices; said series connected capacitor and inductor, said first and second filaments, and said low side MOSgated device connected m a closed series circuit.

7. The ballast of claim 6 wherein said resonant circuit further includes a second capacitor connected across said gas discharge lamp.

8. The ballast of claim 1 wherein said gas discharge lamp has first and second filaments; said resonant coupling circuit including an md cto:» and a capacitor connected series with said first and second filaments; first^hand second windings coupled to said inductor, first and second diodes connected m series with said first and second windings respectively and said first and second diodes respectively, whereby tne disconnection of said lamp and said filaments from its fixture opens the output circuit from said inverter circuit.

9. The ballast of claim 8 wherein said resonant circuit further includes a second capacitor connected across said gas discharge lamp.

10. The ballast of claim 9 wherein said inverter circuit includes a series connected high side MOSgated device and a low side MOSgated device; and a control circuit for alternately turning on and off said high side and low side MOSgated devices; said series connected capacitor and inductor, said first and second filaments, and said low side MOSgated device connected in a closed series circuit.

11. An electronic ballast for a gas discharge lamp, said ballast comprising: an input a-c circuit; an a-c filter connected to said input a-c circuit; a rectifier bridge connected to said a-c circuit for producing an output d-c voltage from said a-c circuit input; an inverter circuit including a hign side switch and a low side switch connected in series at a node and connected across the output of said inverter circuit and a load circuit connected to said node and including said gas discharge lame; said high side and low side switches each having input control terminals energizable to turn them on and off ana each having a parallels diode; a master control circuit for applying suitably timed control signals for alternately turning said high side and low side switches on and off; and a dynamic dead time control circuit in said master control circuit for insuring only a short interval between the end of current conduction by either said high side and low side devices and the beginning of conduction by the other by the control of the application of controls signals to their control terminals; said dynamic dead time control circuit being coupled to and monitoring at least one of the current in said resonant load, the current in said first and second switches, the output voltage of said rectifier bridge or the rate of change dv/dt of said bridge voltages and adjusting the application of turn on signals to said high side and low side switches for both capacitive and inductive operations.

12. The ballast of claim 11 which further includes a PFC stage coupled between said rectifier bridge and said inverter.

13. The ballast of claim 11 wherein said gas discharge lamp has first and second filaments; said resonant coupling circuit including an inductor and a capacitor connected in series with said first and second filaments; first and second windings coupled to said inductor; first and second diodes connected in series with said first and second windings respectively and said first and second diodes

^■77-

SUBSTHUTE SHEET (RULE 26) respectively, whereby the disconnection of said-lamp and said filaments from its fixture opens the output circuit from said . inverter circuit.

14. The ballast of claim 11 wherein said a-c filter includes a common mode inductor.

15. The ballast of claim 14, which further includes a monitor circuit coupled to said common mode inductor for sensing a high frequency. fault ground current, which has a frequency greater than the frequency of said input a-c circuit, to a ground connection; and a controller circuit coupled to said monitor circuit for turning. off the power to said inverter circuit when said-- high frequency ground current exceeds a given value .

16. The ballast of claim 15 wherein said gas discharge lamp has first and second filaments; said resonant coupling circuit including an inductor and a capacitor connected in series with said first and second filaments; first and second windings coupled to said inductor; first and second diodes connected in series with said first and second windings respectively and said first and second diodes respectively, whereby the disconnection of said lamp and said filaments from its fixture opens the output circuit from said inverter circuit.

17. The device of claim 11 wherein said dynamic dead time control circuit comprises a current transformer in series with said resonant load circuit to measure the current therethrough; and a comparator circuit for comparing the output of said current transformer to a reference value to generate a dead time interval having a small value.

18. The device of claim 11 wherein said dynamic dead time control circuit comprises a connection to said node for monitoring the voltage at said node and a comparator circuit for composing the output of said current transformer to a reference value to generate a dead time interval navmg a small value.

19. The device of claim 11 wherein said dynamic dead time control circuit comprises a dv/dt circuit coupled to said node for monitoring tne dv/dt at said node and a comparator circuit for comparing the output of said current transformer to a reference value to generate a dead time interval having a small value.

20. The oallast of Claim 11, wherein said ballast operates at least two gas discharge lamps connected m parallel, said gas discharge lamps each having first and second filaments; said resonant coupling circuit including an inductor and a capacitor connected in series with said first and second filaments; first and second windings coupled to said inductor; first and second diodes connected in series with said first and second windings respectively and said first and second diodes respectively, whereby the disconnection of all of said lamps and said filaments from their fixtures opens the output circuit from said inverter circuit.

21. The ballast of Claim 15, wherein said ballast operates at least two gas discharge lamps connected in parallel, said gas discharge lamps each having first and second filaments; said resonant coupling circuit including an inductor and a capacitor connected in series with said first and second filaments, first and second windings coupled to said inductor; first and second diodes connected in series with said first and second windings respectively and said first and second diodes respectively, whereby the disconnection of all of said lamps and said filaments from their fixtures opens the output circuit from said inverter circuit.

22. An electronic control module for controlling the operation of an electronic oallast for at least one lamp, said control module comprising: an integrated circuit, said integrated circuit operable in accordance with control information to drive a first switch and a second switch to power said at least one lamp using a combination of pulse width modulation and frequency modulation; and a first memory coupled to said integrated circuit, said first memory storing a plurality of parameters tables, each parameters table having said control information for said integrated circuit.

23. The electronic control module of claim 22, wherein at least one of said plurality of parameters tables is user programmable.

24. The electronic control module of* claim 22, wherein said electronic ballast is dimmable, said integrated circuit controls said dimming operation by varying the combination of pulse width modulation and frequency modulation applied to said first and second switches.

25. The electronic control module of claim 24, wherein said integrated circuit independently controls said first switch and said second switch to achieve zero voltage switching, fully-protected operation.

26. The electronic control module of claim 25, wherein said first switch and said second- switch are arranged in a half-bridge configuration, said integrated circuit controlling the operation of said first and second switches to maintain an inductive half-bridge load which operates approximately at resonance by driving a respective one of said first and second switches under reverse conduction when a voltage across said corresponding switch is approximately zero.

27. The electronic control module of claim 24, wherein current through said at least one lamp is monitored by said integrated circuit, said integrated circuit controlling said current to maintain a dimming level of said at least one lamp.

28. The electronic control module of claim 27, wherein at least one parameter in each of said at least one parameters tables is a linear representation of a segment of a non-linear portion of a light* level to lamp current curve .

29. The electronic control module of claim 22, wherein said control module further comprises a power line carrier interface and a direct current control, said control module being operable in at least one of the following modes: a dimmable electronic ballast controlled from a wall control unit via said power line carrier interface; a dimmable electronic ballast_^ controlled from a wall control unit via said direct current control interface; a dimmable electronic ballast controlled at least one infrared light and occupancy sensor; a dimmable electronic ballast controlled at least one occupancy sensor; a non-dimmable electronic ballast.

30. The electronic control module of claim 22, further comprising at least one protection circuit.

31. The electronic control module of claim 30, wherein said protection circuit comprises at least one of: a current limiting protection circuit, said current limiting protection circuit causing an inhibition of drive signals to said first and second switches when a predetermined amount of current is being drawn by said first and second switches;

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SUBSTHUTE SHEET (RULE 26) an abnormal shut down protection circuit, said abnormal shut down protection circuit shutting down drive signals to said first and second switches when a catastrophic failure of said ballast control module is detected; an over-voltage protection sense circuit, said over-voltage protection circuit causing an inhibition of drive signals to said first and second switches when a predetermined voltage drop is detected across said first and second switches; and a capacitive operation protection circuit, said capacitive operation protection circuit increasing a dead time interval in operating said first and second switches when a load on said electronic ballast becomes capacitive".

32. The electronic control module of claim 22, wherein said first memory is located within a same application specific integrated circuit as said integrated circui .

33. An integrated circuit for controlling the operation of an electronic lamp ballast, said integrated circuit comprising: a central logic supervisor controlling the overall operation of said electronic lamp ballast; a dc/ac generator module, said dc/ac generator module being coupled to said central logic supervisor and providing drive signals for an inverter circuit, said inverter circuit having a first switch and a second switch; a power line controller module, said power line controller module being coupled to said central

13- logic supervisor and receiving dimming control data across a power line; and, a power factor correction module, said power factor correction module being coupled to said central logic supervisor and controlling power factor detection and correction for said electronic lamp ballast.

34. The integrated circuit of claim 33, wherein said integrated circuit operates in accordance with control information arranged in as a plurality of parameters tables .

35. The integrated circuit of claim 33, wherein said dc/ac generator module is comprised of: a first pulse width modulator logic circuit; a second pulse width modulator logic circuit; a first latch coupled to said first pulse width modulator logic circuit and providing first pulse data to said first pulse width modulator logic , a second latch coupled to said second pulse width modulator logic circuit and providing second pulse data to said second pulse width modulator logic; said first pulse width modulator circuit and second pulse width modulator logic circuit being coupled together to generate a pulse train having a pulse width determined in accordance with said first pulse data and said second pulse data; a dead time controller coupled to said first pulse width modulator circuit and second pulse width modulator logic circuit for adjusting said pulse train to dynamically vary a dead time interval to ensure only a short interval between the end of current conduction by either of said first switch or said second switch and the beginning of conduction for the other of said first switch or said second switch; and an abnormal logic circuit, said abnormal logic circuit monitoring said pulse train to detect a presence or absence of a condition in which said pulse train overlaps with an output of said first pulse width modulator circuit.

36. The integrated circuit of claim 35, wherein said abnormal logic circuit comprises a first counter and a monitoring module, said first counter being incremented when said monitoring module detects that said pulse train does not overlap with said output of said first pulse width modulator circuit, said first counter generating an abnormal condition message upon reaching a first predetermined quantity.

37. The integrated circuit of claim 36, wherein said abnormal logic circuit further comprises a second counter, said second counter allowing said da/ac module to perform a predetermined quantity of pulse train cycles when: said monitoring module detects that said pulse train does not overlap with said output of said first pulse width modulator circuit; and said first predetermined quantity has not been reached.

38. The integrated circuit of claim 33, wherein said dc/ac module controls a dimming operation of at least one lamp coupled to said electronic lamp

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SUBSTHUTE SHEET (RULE 26) ballast by varying a combination of pulse width modulation and frequency modulation applied to said first and second switches .

39. The integrated circuit of claim 33, wherein said integrated circuit independently controls said first switch and said second switch to achieve zero voltage switching, fully-protected operation.

40. The integrated circuit of claim 39, wherein said first switch and said second switch are arranged in a half-bridge configuration, said integrated circuit controlling the operation of said first and second switches to maintain an inductive half-bridge load which operates approximately at resonance by driving a respective one of said first and second switches under reverse conduction when a voltage across said corresponding switch is approximately zero.

41. The integrated circuit of claim 38, wherein current through said at least one lamp is monitored by said dc/ac module, said dc/ac module controlling said current to maintain a dimming level of said at least one lamp .

42. The integrated circuit of claim 41, wherein said integrated circuit operates in accordance with parameters retrieved from a parameters table.

43. The integrated circuit of claim 42, wherein at least one parameter in said parameters table is a linear representation of a segment of a non-linear portion of a light level to lamp current curve.

44. The integrated circuit of claim 33, wherein said power line control module further comprises a power line carrier interface and said central logic supervisor comprises a direct current control, said integrated circuit being operable in at least one of the following modes : a dimmable electronic ballast controlled from a wall control unit via said power line carrier interface; a dimmable electronic ballast, controlled from a wall control unit via said direct current control interf ce; a dimmable electronic ballast controlled at least one infrared light and occupancy sensor; a dimmable electronic ballast controlled at least one occupancy sensor; a non-dimmable electronic ballast.

45. The integrated circuit of claim 33, further comprising at least one protection circuit.

46. The integrated circuit of claim 45, wherein said protection circuit comprises at least one of: a current limiting protection circuit, said current limiting protection circuit causing an inhibition of drive signals to said first and second switches when a predetermined amount of current is being drawn by said first and second switches; an abnormal shut down protection circuit, said abnormal shut down protection circuit shutting down drive signals to said first and second switches when a catastrophic failure of said ballast control module is detected; an over-voltage protection sense circuit, said over-voltage protection circuit causing an inhibition of drive signals to said first and second switches when a predetermined voltage drop is detected across said first and second switches; and a capacitive operation protection circuit, said capacitive operation protection circuit increasing a dead time interval in operating said first and second switches when a load on said electronic ballast becomes capacitive-.

47. A method for controlling the dimming operation of an electronic ballast, comprising the steps of: monitoring a current through a load coupled to said electronic ballast; and controlling said current to maintain a dimming level .

48. The method of claim 47, wherein said current is controlled by controlling the operation of a first switch and a second switch to maintain an inductive half-bridge load which operates approximately at resonance by driving a respective first one of said first and second switches under reverse conduction when a voltage across said corresponding switch is approximately zero.