Failure mitigation in arrays of light-emitting devices

摘要

In accordance with certain embodiments, an illumination system comprising a plurality of power strings features elements facilitating compensation for failure of one or more light-emitting elements connected along each power string.

主权项

1. An illumination system comprising:
a first power string connectable to a power source, the first power string comprising (i) a first power conductor, (ii) a first plurality of light-emitting elements connected along the first power conductor, and (iii) a second plurality of light-emitting elements connected along the first power conductor, the second plurality of light-emitting elements being distinct from the first plurality of light-emitting elements; a second power string connectable to the power source in parallel to the first power string, the second power string comprising (i) a second power conductor, (ii) a third plurality of light-emitting elements connected along the second power conductor, and (iii) a fourth plurality of light-emitting elements connected along the first power conductor, the fourth plurality of light-emitting elements being distinct from the third plurality of light-emitting elements; and a shorting member cross-connecting a portion of the first power string between the first and second pluralities of light-emitting elements with a portion of the second power string between the third and fourth pluralities of light-emitting elements, whereby during operation, upon failure of one of the first plurality of light-emitting elements, all of the first plurality of light-emitting elements cease illumination but the second plurality of light-emitting elements remain illuminated.