Universal led driver switching circuit

An apparatus comprising:

• a light emitting diode;
• a constant current source for driving the light emitting diode;
• modulation circuitry to modulate the current supplied to the light emitting diode by the constant current source at a rate sufficient so that digital information is carried on light emitted by the light emitting diode, wherein the modulation circuitry includes:
• at least one of a microcontroller and a microprocessor;
• a first switching element for supplying power to the light emitting diode;
• a power storing element;
• and
• a second switching element for supplying current to the power storing element;
• wherein only one of the first switching element and the second switching element supply power at a given time, so that the current supplied by the constant current source remains substantially constant.

A method for powering a light emitting diode, comprising:

• using a constant current source to power the light emitting diode;
• and
• modulating current supplied by the constant current source at a frequency for transmitting digital data on light produced by the light emitting diode;
• and
• using a filter circuit between the constant current source and the light emitting diode to so that voltage and current oscillations experienced by the constant current source when modulating the current supplied to the light emitting diode are reduced, whereby the constant current source functions normally and outputs a substantially constant current.

A method for powering a light emitting diode, comprising:

• using a constant current source to power the light emitting diode;
• modulating current supplied by the constant current source at a frequency for transmitting digital data on light produced by the light emitting diode;
• and
• diverting current from the constant current source away from the light emitting diode, when the light emitting diode is modulated to not emit light;
• wherein the current is diverted to one of an energy dissipating and an energy storage device.