CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TECHNOLOGIES
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Technology Transfer Office and Industry Clinic
Contact: G. Marie Talnack, (909) 869-3771
The following is a listing of some of the technologies currently available for licensing or follow-on technology maturation opportunities at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (one of the 23 campuses of the California State University system):
"Computer Controlled Power Supply Assembly”-A Regulated Power Supply to Provide Variable DC Voltage to Serial, Parallel, or Combination Light Emitting Diode (LED) Arrays
Patent Number: 8,531, 127 – issued September, 2013
Description of the Technology:
Conventional LED arrays are laid out in a series of strings. But it turns out that if instead they are laid out in parallel, the system is far more efficient. For example, 500 LEDs in series requires 1000 volts vs the same array arranged in parallel could operate at 2 volts. Another issue is that LED arrays in series are susceptible to one LED failure causing the entire string to fail (much like the single Christmas light bulb causing the entire string of lights to fail). However, when LED strings are connected in parallel there can be a problem with trying to match the current in all the strings. A circuit controller can manage the currents and ensure an identical current flow. Parallel arrays often require large series resistors to prevent safety hazards such as over current. This device provides a constant DC voltage to the LED array whether it is in series or parallel without the need for large series resistors. It can provide circuits with a range of voltage from 1.5 to 3.0 volts and current levels ranging up to several amperes for variable DC voltage. This allows LED arrays of 10 or 200 LEDs supplied by a battery or filtered AC power. The Computer Controlled Power Supply Assembly described here allows manufacturers, designers, and installers the kind of flexibility in the use of LEDs that they have never had until now.
Features:
-Can drive combination arrays, series, or parallel.
-Analog or microcontroller feedback module programmable to accept feedback on various LED array operating conditions such as critical temperature levels, brightness, current output, etc. and correct for maximum operating efficiency.
-Includes synchronous buck-booster converter to manage variable DC voltage and regulate the required voltage output at a constant output voltage level.
-Programmable microcontroller to set optimum LED array operating conditions through a proprietary algorithm.
-Optional ambient light sensor for ambient lighting feedback.
-Alarm to indicate failure of the system to the user or when the LED array system is not operating within its specifications.
Target Markets: LEDs are fast replacing fluorescent light bulbs and incandescent light bulbs in many lighting applications. LED lighting is used in street lighting, office lighting, decorative interior, automotive markets and more.
Market Potential: The total market for power supply units for 2012 was $23 billion at a growth rate of 9.3% according to IMS Research’s 2011 Forecast for Power Supply Manufacturers. Lighting was listed as the fastest growing market related to power supplies over the next 5 years. This is due to the worldwide adoption of the newest solution in lighting, LED lighting. The global market for power supplies used in LED lighting is forecast to reach $10 billion in 2016. This translates into a potential market of 4 billion power supply units by 2016.