Two terminal method of and apparatus for improving electrical and light producing efficiency in low voltage direct current incandescent lamp intensity control

摘要

A method for improving electrical and light producing efficiency in two terminal, direct current, low voltage incandescent lamp dimming wherein a small inductance in series with the power source, lamp, and two terminal controller boosts the voltage supplied to the timing circuitry. Accordingly, the voltage level of the controlling signal applied to the insulated gate of the field effect transistor is increased as well, improving electrical efficiency and allowing for efficient use with a wide range of supply voltage, from 18 volts or more down to as low as one volt. Also a technique is provided whereby, even though using only two terminals, lamp intensity is regulated over a wide range of supply voltage excursions, improving light producing efficiency in incandescent lamps. Also, this same technique proportionally reduces current demand when the supply voltage exceeds that of the lamp, affording increased energy extraction efficiency from batteries.