Amber Solutions secures AC direct LED patent
- Details
The AC Direct Integrated Driver Solution offers benefits in terms of size, cost, capability and reliability, says the company, adding that using its technology in lights, manufacturers can achieve smaller, lighter and brighter products that are more energy efficient.
Amber's solution uses silicon chips to replace conventional power converters that depend on a system of capacitors, rectifiers, magnetics, transformers, TRIACs and relays. According to company founder and CEO Thar Casey, typical commercial LED power supply bricks measure 9” x 2.8” x 1.5”, a total of 37.8 cubic inches. By comparison, Amber’s power supply is just 5” x 3” x 0.25”, for a total of 3.75 cubic inches, and it’s only a quarter inch thick. “This reduction in size allows designers to eliminate both weight and bulky internal spaces in commercial LED lighting fixtures, opening the door to LED products with much slimmer profiles and more flexible installation requirements. While in small, discrete board today, Amber’s technology has a clear path to silicon, where the size will be even smaller,” he explains.
To protect the circuitry, the newly-patented technology benefits from 'autosensing', which enables end-points to act as circuit breakers. The product also benefits from wireless connectivity to enable remote management. The product has universal AC or DC switching capabilities and is adapted to all known semiconductor switches.
Amber's new power supply solution is also more efficient than traditional alternatives, with the company claiming it improves power efficiency by around 15% by delivering a maximum of 200lm/W compared to existing products' 170lm/W. The technology also supports full spectrum dimming capability, resulting in virtually no flicker.
Casey concludes: “Amber’s patented solid-state technologies can now eliminate the need for traditional LED power supplies and drivers,” comments company founder and CEO, Thar Casey. “Our power system is 90% smaller than existing electromechanical products, enabling the highest shipping density available along with simplified product design and extended life expectancy. With greater luminosity per watt, full spectrum dimming capability (seamless 0 to 100%), virtually no flicker and up to 50% reduction in total commercial fixture size and weight, this advancement vastly expands the value delivered and installation flexibility for LED lighting.”
