LED Replacement Lamp Driver with Universal Compatibilty

An LED replacement lamp driving technology with universal compatibility is proposed. The distinct feature of this technology is that it is operable by different power sources, including conventional electromagnetic ballasts, high-performance electronic ballasts, and ac mains. The nominal operating frequency of the electromagnetic ballast and ac mains is low, either 50Hz or 60Hz. The one of the electronic ballasts is much higher, ranging from 40kHz to 80kHz. The proposed LED replacement lamp is able to be operated at a wide range of operating frequency and voltage levels. When the lamp is connected to an electromagnetic ballast or ac mains, its input current has high input power factor and low total harmonic distortion. When it is connected to an electronic ballast, it will simulate the input characteristics of a gas discharge lamp and takes sinusoidal input current. Hence, existing fluorescent lamps can be replaced readily by the proposed LED replacement lamps, irrespective of the type of the ballast used. This concept is truly environmentally-friendly, as the lighting network can be converted from fluorescent into LED without modifying the light network or infrastructure. In addition, as the lamp can be operated from the ac mains, like an ordinary light bulb, the lamp can still be used even if the electromagnetic or electronic ballast connected to it is malfunctioned. The proposed technology is applicable for new installation or retrofit market. For the new installation, the LED lamp can be powered from the ac mains without requiring any external ballast. For the retrofit market, existing fluorescent lamps can be replaced by the LED lamps without modifying the lighting infrastructure. Finally, the technology is generic as it can be applied to different lamp types, like the compact fluorescent lamps.