LED array auxiliary power supply

摘要

A method and apparatus for providing one or more operating voltages and currents to one or more auxiliary loads by tapping an LED array driven by an LED driver providing a drive voltage to the LED array, and/or supplying an operating voltage to the LED driver itself using such a tap.

主权项

1. An apparatus comprising:
an LED array including a plurality of individual LEDs connected in a series for providing illumination; a driver connected to a source power supply for providing an operating voltage to said LED array; a first tap connected between two of said plurality of individual LEDs inside said LED array for providing a first auxiliary voltage less than said operating voltage; a second tap connected between another two of said plurality of individual LEDs inside said LED array for providing a second auxiliary voltage less than said operating voltage; a first auxiliary component connected to the first tap such that the first auxiliary voltage is used to power the first auxiliary component; a second auxiliary component connected to the second tap such that the second auxiliary voltage is used to power the second auxiliary component, and an additional tap connected between another two of said individual LEDs in said LED array for providing an additional auxiliary voltage, wherein said additional tap is connected to said driver for providing said additional auxiliary voltage as an operating voltage for said driver, wherein the first tap and the second tap are located between any two of said plurality of individual LEDs inside said LED array depending on the auxiliary voltages needed for the first auxiliary component and the second auxiliary component.