Description:
This invention introduces an electrolytic-capacitor-free LED driver that achieves >94% efficiency, extended operational life, and independent multi-channel dimming in a single compact unit, enabling reliable, energy-optimized lighting for industrial, architectural, and entertainment applications.
Background:
High-power LED systems require long lifespan, fine-grained dimming, and high efficiency, yet conventional drivers fall short. Electrolytic capacitors degrade rapidly under heat, leading to failures and costly maintenance. Multi-driver architectures increase size and cost, while resonant converters add losses and design complexity. Using film capacitors instead of electrolytics improves reliability but introduces severe bus ripple that destabilizes LED current. These limitations create an urgent need for a compact, capacitor-free LED driver with long service life, high efficiency, and reliable current regulation.
Technology Overview:
This invention employs a two-stage LED driver consisting of an AC-DC boost PFC stage and a non-resonant half-bridge isolated DC-DC converter. Durable film capacitors replace electrolytics, while primary-side variable-frequency peak-current control stabilizes LED current despite bus ripple. Independent dimming is achieved with secondary-side low-frequency bidirectional switches, enabling selective dimming of multiple channels. The design leverages transformer leakage inductance for soft switching, eliminates bulky blocking capacitors, and incorporates hybrid analog-digital loops for precise peak and average current regulation. The result is a compact, reliable driver with high thermal stability and long operating life.
Advantages:
• Extends operational lifespan by eliminating electrolytic capacitors
• Achieves >94% efficiency with soft-switching design
• Enables independent dimming across multiple channels in one driver
• Reduces size and cost compared to multi-driver systems
• Maintains stable LED current despite bus ripple using primary-side control
• Dual closed-loop regulation protects LEDs from electromigration
• Simplifies design by removing bulky capacitors and opto-couplers
Applications:
• Smart industrial high-bay lighting for factories and warehouses
• Adaptive stadium and arena lighting systems with zone control
• Spectrum-tunable horticultural grow lights for indoor farming
• Architectural lighting in net-zero and green buildings
• High-power LED displays and signage requiring uniform brightness
• Stage and entertainment lighting with precise dimming control
Intellectual Property Summary:
• US Provisional Application 62/850,071 – Filed May 20, 2019, Converted April 24, 2023
• US Patent 11,013,083 – Application 16/875,821, Filed May 15, 2020, Issued May 18, 2021
• US Patent 11,310,883 – Application 17/321,057, Filed May 14, 2021, Issued April 19, 2022, Published US 2021-0274617 A1
• US Utility Application 17/723,446 – Filed April 18, 2022, Published US 2022-0256670 A1, Allowed Patent No. 12,362,654, Allowed July 15, 2025
Stage of Development:
Prototype experimentally validated under a 180 W setup with demonstrated high efficiency, independent dimming, and stable long-term operation. TRL ~5–6.
Licensing Status:
This technology is available for licensing.
Licensing Potential:
Highly relevant for LED driver manufacturers, smart lighting system providers, and industrial, architectural, and entertainment lighting companies seeking reliable, long-life, and high-efficiency drivers with advanced dimming capabilities.
Additional Information:
Prototype test data, dimming performance metrics, and thermal stability analysis available upon request.
Inventors:
Pritam Das