Modular LED light bulb

A method for providing a base element for use in constructing LED-based lighting devices, said method comprising:

• providing a base element comprising
• a heat sink;
• an LED light source mounted on said heat sink;
• a power adapter configured to be interchangeable with a conventional incandescent bulb power adapter;
• and
• a controller that provides an average current to said LED light source when power is coupled to said apparatus via said power adapter, said average current causing said LED light source to generate light;
• causing said controller to vary said average current through said LED light source while measuring an intensity of light generated by said LED light source until a predetermined intensity of light is measured;
• storing information specifying said average current that caused said LED light source to generate said predetermined intensity of light, wherein said controller provides said average current to said LED light source when power is coupled to said power adapter;
• and
• wherein said controller comprises an integrated circuit mounted on said heat sink;
• and
• providing a first half-wave rectifier that converts an AC voltage coupled to said power adapter to a first half-wave rectifier having a duty cycle that provides said predetermined light intensity when said first half-wave rectified power source is used to power said light source,
• wherein said LED light source comprises first and second LEDs and wherein said first LED is powered by said first half-wave rectifier and said second LED is powered by a second half-wave rectifier having an output that is 180 degrees out of phase with said first half-wave rectifier.

A lighting system comprising a base unit and a first detachable globe, said base unit comprising:

• a heat sink;
• an LED light source mounted on said heat sink, said LED light source generating light characterized by a first spectrum;
• a power adapter configured to be interchangeable with a conventional bulb power adapter,
• wherein said first detachable globe comprises a transparent shell having a first phosphor composition on or contained in said shell and an adapter for attaching said first detachable globe to said base unit, said phosphor composition converting a portion of said light from said LED light source to light having a second spectrum that is different from said first spectrum;
• and
• a first half-wave rectifier that converts an AC voltage coupled to said power adapter to a first half-wave rectified power source having a duty cycle that provides said predetermined light intensity when said first half-wave rectified power source is used to power said light source,
• wherein said LED light source comprises first and second LEDs and wherein said first LED is powered by said first half-wave rectifier and said second LED is powered by a second half-wave rectifier having an output that is 180 degrees out of phase with said first half-wave rectifier.