Self-healing overtemp circuits in LED lighting systems

Abstract

A self-healing overtemp circuit is described and illustrated comprising a temperature sensing circuit, a voltage sensing circuit, and optionally, a current sensing circuit. A lower cost, simplified alternative overtemp circuit is also discussed. The self-healing overtemp circuit is designed to ramp down power in an LED lighting system (or other electrical circuit) in response to a sensed or impending thermal runaway (and optionally, overcurrent) event. Said thermal runaway and overcurrent events may be a result of failure of one or more components (e.g., driver, active cooling means) of the lighting system. The self-healing overtemp circuit further comprises means of restoring power to said LEDs in a manner that avoids (i) a perceivably bright flash of light or (ii) increased risk of component failure.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.