Control circuit and method for illuminating an electroluminescent panel
US6043609A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 6, 1998 |
| Grant date | Mar 28, 2000 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 6, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S315/07
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A power supply or inverter circuit is provided for regulating power to electroluminescent lamps over a range of lamp sizes. The power supply may have an AC and/or DC input and includes at least one switch having a power input to be coupled to an electrical power source, a control input, and an output to be coupled to an electroluminescent lamp for being switched on and off to generate a drive signal to the lamp having a predetermined constant frequency and current level that is selectable over a range of frequency and current levels. A constant current mode controller has a control output coupled to the control input of the switch for turning the switch on and off so as to maintain a constant current level and frequency of the drive signal to the electroluminescent lamp substantially over its operating life. The voltage applied to the lamp is allowed to increase to a predetermined voltage limiting value in order to provide compensation due to aging of the lamp.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.