POWER OVER ETHERNET (POE++) LIGHT EMITTING DIODE (LED) DRIVER AND A FIVE-CHANNEL CONTROLLER ASSEMBLY

Abstract

The invention relates to a Power over Ethernet (PoE++) LED driver and five-channel controller assembly. The assembly (100) comprises a PoE++ input passthrough port (101) for powering and controlling PoE+ compatible devices, five output channels (102) for providing constant voltage and constant current outputs, making it ideal for diverse lighting applications. The assembly (100) is designed with waterproof and dustproof attributes (104), achieving an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, enabling outdoor installations across a wide temperature range. The assembly (100) comprises an integrated power conversion controller (104) with built-in protection mechanisms, allowing it to manage overloading faults. The assembly's (100) compact form factor suits installations with space limitations. The assembly (100) smoothly integrates with home automation systems through custom firmware drivers and features built-in lighting control functions for enhanced convenience.

Claims

1. A Power over Ethernet (PoE++) Light Emitting Diode (LED) driver and a five-channel controller assembly, the assembly (100) comprises: a. a PoE++ input passthrough port (101) for powering and controlling one or more PoE+ compatible devices; b. a five-output channel (102) with each channel configurable to offer constant voltage and constant current output, thereby facilitating an ethernet-based lighting control system for a plurality of lighting applications; c. an integrated power conversion controller (103) with built-in protection mechanism for managing overloading faults at the source side of the assembly (100), thereby enabling control of one or more combination of fixtures; and d. a plurality of waterproof and dustproof attributes (104) characterized by a predefined operational temperature range.

2. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the waterproof and dustproof attributes (104), culminates in an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, suitable for outdoor installation of the assembly (100).

3. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (100) is characterized by its compact form factor with dimensions measuring 3 inches in width, 7 inches in length, and 2 inches in height.

4. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (100) integrates with advanced home automation systems through one or more custom firmware drivers, using one or more connected nodes.

5. The assembly (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the assembly (100) is configured with a plurality of network communication capabilities through an Internet Protocol (IP) address and a Media Access Control (MAC) address, thereby facilitating network-based control, measurement, and monitoring.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0014] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a Power over Ethernet (PoE++) Light Emitting Diode (LED) driver and a five-channel controller assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] In order to more clearly and concisely describe and point out the subject matter of the claimed invention, the following definitions are provided for specific terms, which are used in the following written description.

[0016] The term LED defines a semiconductor device that emits light when an electric current is applied to it. The LED comprises a p-n junction formed within a semiconductor material, with one region doped with electron-rich (n-type) and the other region doped with hole-rich (p-type) materials. When a voltage is applied across the p-n junction, electrons and holes recombine in the semiconductor, releasing energy in the form of photons, which results in the emission of light. The specific wavelength and intensity of the emitted light are determined by the energy bandgap of the semiconductor material and its composition. LEDs are widely used for various applications, including displays, indicators, lighting, and optical communication.

[0017] The term five-channel controller is an electronic device configured to manage and coordinate the operation of multiple devices or systems through the manipulation of five distinct communication or control channels. Each of the five channels is capable of transmitting, receiving, or processing signals, data, or instructions, and is designed for the purpose of controlling or regulating separate aspects of one or more interconnected devices or systems. The five-channel controller is typically equipped with interfaces, circuitry, or software that enables it to send, receive, and interpret signals or data from each of the five channels, allowing for the efficient and coordinated control of various functions or parameters across the connected devices or systems.

[0018] The present invention encompasses a Power over Ethernet (PoE++) Light Emitting Diode (LED) driver and a five-channel controller assembly. This assembly introduces a pioneering solution for the efficient powering and control of LED lighting fixtures. The Power over Ethernet (PoE++) Light Emitting Diode (LED) driver and a 5-channel controller assembly, adept at delivering constant voltage (12 VDC/24 VDC) and constant current (350 mA/700 mA/1050 mA) outputs for precise control of LED lighting fixtures. The assembly introduces a PoE++(IEEE 802.3bt Class 8) input passthrough port, that enables the provision of power and control to various PoE+ compatible devices, using a single PoE++ LED driver and controller assembly.

[0019] The present invention simplifies AC power processing, enhances safety, and provides an efficient and convenient solution for powering and controlling LED lighting fixtures. It paves the way for quicker and more straightforward installations, ultimately reducing overall costs. The assembly is specifically designed for effortless integration with smart home automated systems

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of a Power over Ethernet (PoE++) Light Emitting Diode (LED) driver and a five-channel controller assembly, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly (100) is equipped with a PoE++ input passthrough port (101), compliant with the IEEE 802.3bt Class 8 standard. The input port (101) serves as a pivotal point for both power supply and control. The input port (101) empowers the assembly (100) to function as a PoE++ LED driver and controller while simultaneously facilitating the powering and control of other PoE+ compatible devices, like cameras and Wi-Fi access points. This duality of purpose distinguishes the assembly (100) from conventional lighting systems.

[0021] The assembly (100) further comprises a five-output channel (102) with each channel configurable to offer constant voltage and constant current output, thereby facilitating an ethernet-based lighting control system for a plurality of lighting applications. Further, an integrated power conversion controller (103) with built-in protection mechanisms for managing overloading faults is positioned at the source side of the assembly (100), thereby enabling control of one or more combination of fixtures. Furthermore, the assembly (100) comprises a plurality of waterproof and dustproof attributes (104), culminating in an Ingress Protection (IP) rating, suitable for outdoor installation of the assembly (100), and featuring an operating temperature range of 40 degrees Celsius to +55 degrees Celsius.

[0022] The assembly (100) is designed with precision, featuring a compact form factor. Its dimensions are meticulously engineered, measuring approximately 3 inches in width, 7 inches in length, and 2 inches in height. The design maximizes space efficiency and enables seamless integration into various installation scenarios, especially those with spatial constraints. The assembly's (100) operational efficiency surpasses 95%, ensuring optimal energy usage. This energy efficiency contributes to cost-effectiveness and sustainability, making it an ideal choice for various lighting applications. The assembly's (100) engineering is characterized by robust waterproof and dustproof attributes (104). The attributes (104) boasts an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of IP67, signifying its high resistance to both water and dust ingress. This unique feature empowers the assembly (100) to excel in outdoor installations, even in challenging environments where exposure to the elements is a concern. Furthermore, the assembly (100) is designed to operate within an extensive temperature range, spanning from 40 degrees Celsius to +55 degrees Celsius as such operational resilience is well-suited for installations in diverse climatic conditions.

[0023] At the core of the assembly's (100) operational functionality resides the power conversion controller (103), meticulously engineered for the efficient and reliable driving of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The power conversion controller (103) is further equipped with an integrated protection system, precision-designed to adeptly manage and mitigate overloading faults originating at the assembly's (100) source side. Each PoE++ LED driver demonstrates an impressive capacity to oversee and regulate a versatile array of fixtures, including but not limited to Red-Green-Blue-White (RGBW) fixtures, color tuning fixtures, and monochromatic fixtures, with the capability to deliver up to 90 Watts of power.

[0024] The assembly (100) transcends the realm of standalone lighting solutions and is intricately designed for seamless integration into cutting-edge smart home automated systems. Through the development of meticulously crafted custom firmware drivers, the assembly (100) provides a sophisticated capability to incorporate connected lights into the fabric of smart home systems. This integration not only empowers users but also elevates the user experience, allowing for effortless grouping and fine-tuning of their lighting systems through connected nodes. The integration enhances user convenience and provides an extensive array of customization options, delivering an unprecedented degree of control and personalization within the smart home environment.

[0025] The assembly (100) is further enhanced with built-in lighting scene management, scheduling, and circadian rhythm functionality. These set of features grant users the precise control of human-centric lighting, fostering convenience, comfort, and overall well-being. As part of its network capabilities, the assembly (100) possesses both an Internet Protocol (IP) address and a Media Access Control (MAC) address. These addresses enable the assembly (100) to communicate over various network connections. It is designed for network-based control, measurement, and monitoring, enhancing its utility for a wide range of applications. Moreover, the assembly (100) is designed to communicate multiple status and diagnostics/error conditions to a designated host. This feature ensures that the assembly (100) can proactively report its status and detect issues, enhancing the reliability and maintenance of the entire lighting system.

[0026] The assembly (100) stands as a holistic embodiment of excellence in LED lighting, seamlessly integrating state-of-the-art power and control functionalities with robust environmental durability, energy-efficient operations, and enhanced user convenience. The assembly's harmonious compatibility with smart home automated systems injects a layer of sophistication into contemporary lighting control, enabling users to experience cutting-edge lighting management. Meanwhile, the assembly's (100) rugged construction and unfaltering safeguarding against environmental elements guarantee steadfast performance, even when subjected to the most challenging conditions. In the landscape of LED lighting systems, the assembly (100) signifies a transformative juncture, ushering in a new era characterized by heightened adaptability and operational efficiency.

[0027] The present invention discloses a Power over Ethernet (PoE++) LED driver and 5-channel controller assembly (100) that efficiently powers and controls LED lighting fixtures, further simplifies the installation process and significantly reduces costs by eliminating the need for a separate electrical supply. The assembly's (100) compact design makes it ideal for installations with limited space. The assembly (100) incorporates waterproof and dustproof features, coupled with the IP67 rating, thereby ensuring reliable performance in challenging outdoor environments. By embracing PoE++ technology, the assembly (100) simplifies AC power processing and enhances safety.

[0028] The assembly (100) seamlessly integrates with smart home automated systems, providing advanced control and customization options for users, ultimately enhancing convenience and comfort.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

TABLE-US-00001 Components Reference Numbers Assembly 100 PoE++ input passthrough port 101 Five-output channel 102 Integrated power conversion controller 103 Waterproof and dustproof attributes 104