0001
`
`Santa's Best and Polygroup
`Exhibit 1004
`IPR2016-01066
`U.S. Pat. No. 6,285,140
`
`

`
`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 1991
`
`Sheet 1 of 12
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 16, 1991
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`Apr. 16, 1991
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`Apr. 16,1991
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`U.S. Patent
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`I
`
`Apr. 15, 1991
`
`Sheet 10 of 12
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`- 5,008,595
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`FIG. 12
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`U.S. Patent
`
`Apr. 16, 1991
`
`Sheet 11 of 12
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`5,003,595
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`FIG. 14
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`U.S. Patent
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`Apr. 16, 1991
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`Sheet 12 of 12
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`5,008,595
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`

`
`1
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`5,008,595
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`2
`typical alternating source with a transformer rectifier
`for converting the household alternating current
`to
`direct current for use with the lights. Both systems
`utilize the same light strings each having thirty to fifty-
`two individual
`lamps. The lifetime of the individual
`lamp is typically one hundred thousand hours. If used
`continuously the lights can be expected to burn for over
`ten years. The power unit is fused and provided with
`115/230 volts selection compatible with domestic and
`international markets. The light strings are designed to
`further overcome the necessity of plugging each string
`into the power source. Rather the system provides the
`user with the ability to plug one set of lights into the
`power unit and the second set of lights into the first, the
`third and second etc.
`Much of the problem with incandescent lights is the
`deterioration of the sockets from one season to the next.
`The sockets are inexpensively made and corrode caus-
`ing poor or intermittent connections. The wires in these
`lights are wrapped around the contacts and there is no
`positive joint as would be found if the connections were
`soldered. Connections between the lamp terminals and
`the metal contact is a pressure only.
`The invention described herein uses an insulation
`piercing connection with the lamp and socket being a
`single molded assembly. The wire is conductive
`stranded similar to stereo speaker wire where a number
`of conductors are housed in the same insulation package
`or can be separately insulated. LED lamps are highly
`shock resistant and provide significant advantages over
`incandescent bulbs which can shatter when shocked or
`vibrated in the on condition. These LED lamps do not
`radiate heat; and the non-photon {or heat) energy is
`dissipated through the lamp leads. Incandescent lamps
`on the other hand radiate considerable heat through the
`lens. In addition, no surge current in a LED system is
`experienced contrary to the incandescent lamp situation
`when cold. Because of their configuration, shock resis-
`tance and other features, the LED lamp system can be
`mounted permanently without having to replace indi-
`vidual lamps. lncandescents are generally mounted in
`sockets which can be as expensive as the lamp itself. Not
`only does socket deterioration add to the unreliability of
`operation, but also incandescent lamps often must be
`replaced over the lifetime of the system.
`A further embodiment of the invention allows for the
`use of light emitting diodes constructed of two or more
`individual diodes. These devices are fabricated in two
`configurations and are generally intended to be used as
`multiple state indicators. For example, a Bicolor Red.’-
`Green diode can indicate "Stop" or "Go" depending on
`which color is selected. However, if each color is alter-
`nately selectcd at a fast enough rate, the colors can
`blend to produce yellow. Further, if the proportion of
`red to green is varied, orange and amber as well can be
`produced. If it were technically possible to produce a
`true chromatic blue-green LED. the red and blue-green
`could be modulated to produce a white light.
`Perhaps most importantly, particularly where a large
`number of strings are used, the LED system described
`herein operates at less than 13% of the current and less '
`than 0.5% to 0.7% of the power as an incandescent tree
`light. Due to the fusing of the transfer system the low
`power or current draw and isolation from the house-
`hold power source the LED system is significantly
`more safe than the incandescent and other system avail-
`able for ornamental tree lamps. Since the LED system
`
`ORNAMENTAL LIGHT DISPLAY APPARATUS
`
`This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 371,035
`filed 9/3/36,ncIw U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,325, which is a
`continuation of application Ser. No. 810,304,
`filed
`12/ 13/35.
`I
`
`BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION OF THE
`
`10
`
`30
`
`INVENTION
`Ornamental and decorative light displays utilizing
`incandescent lamps with plugs and sockets intercon-
`nected by flexible wires has long been a commonly
`accepted technique for carrying power to the lamps and
`allowing flexibility in forming the display. This same 15
`arrangement is also used to supply power using Light
`Emitting Diodes (LEDs). The nature of the LED al-
`lows both static and dynamic operation, single and
`multicolor. That is, the device can be operated by both
`constant battery voltage or an oscillating voltage. This 20
`oscillating voltage can be a two level signal, of varying
`amplitude, or pulse width modulated.
`Pat. No.
`Bedrnars/Electro-Harmonix
`in U.S.
`4,264,845 uses a plurality of generating means for pro-
`ducing a plurality of sets of binary signals of different 2!
`periods. The configuration of the LED arrays described
`in this patent are also in common use such as LED bar
`graph displays in both matrix and linear configuration.
`This patent also makes no allowance for low power or
`minimization of numbers power conductors.
`Holiday and other ornamental lamp systems have
`typically utilized the socket and bulb approach where
`an incandescent
`lamp is threadedly engaged with a
`complementary threaded socket. These systems use an
`extraordinary amount of power for the light generated, 35
`particularly given the purpose, have a relatively short
`life span ofabout one thousand to ten thousand hours of
`use. require substantial surge current when placed in
`operation and are generally not reliable. In addition
`they are rather difficult to store. Since the incandescent 40
`lamps are typically made of thin glass bulbs. they are
`exceptionally fragile and often will break when stored
`or sometimes when in use. In addition to the deficien-
`cies discussed above,
`there are certain safety factors
`which detract from use of incandescent lamps such as 45
`the heat that they generate and the potential for shorts
`causing shocks and Fire hazards if the shorts and the
`heat are generated in or around particularly dry or
`otherwise flammable material.
`LEDs have been used in certain instances in an orna- 50
`mental manner but have found rather limited use due to
`their design and configuration. LEDs have been
`mounted on a tape to permit certain configurations of
`numbers which can be adhered to a relatively flat sur-
`face. As omamental lights used in the holiday season are 55
`particularly price sensitive, the manner of fabrication,
`the configuration of the elements and their ability to
`withstand wear are factors normally weighed by con-
`sumers and producers in arriving at an economically
`marketable item.
`The invention described herein overcomes many of
`the problems discussed above. An advantage of the
`lighting system of the invention revolves around its
`simplicity of manufacture, a configuration which is
`highly durable and lends itself to permanence in addi- 65
`tion to a long life and low power requirements. Appli-
`cant’s invention utilizes LED lamps which operate from
`a low voltage direct current power such as batteries or
`
`60
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`5,008,595
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`described herein is practically shock resistant it is easier
`to store than the incandescent light system.
`The present invention provides an improved decora-
`tive lighting means using LEDS, CMOS integrated
`circuits and high current MOS (metal oxide semicon-
`ductor) transistors. The invention provides for an ex-
`tremely large configuration of LEDs to be driven at
`low average power and at the same time allow the user
`to select individual lights to be constantly illuminated or
`flash in response to an oscillating voltage source or
`allow multicolor patterns to be generated using bicolor
`LEDs.
`
`The LEDs are connected by flexible current carrying
`wires attached to individual plugs and sockets that ac-
`commodate the LED and a series current limit resistor.
`Three such conductors are provided. One wire pro-
`vides connection to the positive side of a constant volt-
`age source the second to a "low—side" switch to ground
`of the same constant voltage source. The third wire
`allows connection to a secondary oscillator that derives
`power from a first or primary oscillator.
`In the non-flashing mode of operation. the LED lamp
`is mechanically connected from the positive voltage
`wire to the “low-side" switch. The LEDs are electri-
`
`cally in parallel across these two wires. The length of
`the wires is limited only by the ohmic resistance of the
`wire and the size of the voltage source. For conve-
`nience. the number of lamps can be limited and connec-
`tors provided for plugging more of the same identical
`wiring configurations together maintaining a three wire
`parallel electrical connection. The immediate imple-
`mentation of the invention allows for four such combi-
`nations
`to be driven from individual
`“low-side"
`switches connected to the primary power source and
`oscillator. The switching occurs at a frequency such
`that the human eye cannot detect the on/off condition
`of the diodes, 1250 Hz for this implementation. Each
`parallel configuration of LEDS is in the on-state for 200
`microseconds and off for 600 microseconds. No two
`configurations are on at the same time. The connection
`to ‘ground through the low—side switch is alternately
`applied to one of the four configurations, each configu-
`ration being turned on for 200 microseconds once each
`800 microseconds.
`The main oscillator allows this basic frequency to be
`varied to the upper limit of the LED response and to a
`lower limit which is detectable to the human eye.
`The secondary CMOS oscillator derives power from
`the primary oscillator via the positive voltage rail and
`the intermittent switching of the low—side switch to
`ground. This switching action causes a capacitor stor-
`age element
`to charge,
`through an isolation diode.
`toward the voltage of the positive supply rail. The
`diode prevents the capacitor from discharging through
`other parts of the system and therefore can only dis-
`charge into the secondary timing circuit. The second
`oscillator frequency is set for an on/off cycle of five
`seconds. This period can also be varied. The output of
`the oscillator drives a “high-side" power MOS transis-
`tor switch that applies the second timing pulse to the
`third wire. The lights are mechanically rotated in their
`socket so as to break the connection with the first, posi-
`tive voltage rail, maintain contact with the low—side
`ground switch and connect with the third secondary
`oscillator high-side switch. The present implementation
`allows the high-side switch to be connected to the posi-
`tive voltage rail for three seconds and disconnects the
`LEDS from this source for two seconds. In this way,
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`5
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`individual lamps connected to the secondary oscillator
`can be illuminated constantly by connection to the posi-
`tive voltage rail and the low-side switch or can be made
`to flash by physically rotating them to permit connec-
`tion to the output of the high-side switch and the low-
`side switch. These combinations can be extended until
`the switching frequency of the main oscillator reaches a
`rate that can be detected by the human eye, approxi-
`mately I00 Hz. If the on-time of the individual configu-
`rations of LEDS is maintained at 203 microseconds, SO
`(fifty) such configurations could be driven. The present
`implementation has 38 LEDs in parallel per light string
`with two light strings per configuration connected via a
`plug/socket. This two string configuration is driven by
`a MOS power low—side switch. This means each switch
`is driving 76 LEDs at a peak current per LED of 25
`rnilliamps or a total of 1.9 arnperes peak. The voltage
`source is 6.5 volts, sufficient for driving at least 2 (two)
`configurations. This represents 6.5 X l.9= 12.35 watts
`peak. Since each configuration is on for only 200 micro-
`seconds out of 800 microseconds. this represents a duty
`cycle of 25% and the average power is l2.35><0.25 or
`3.08 watts. This method of illumination. especially
`when applied to ornamental and seasonal decoration, is
`extremely safe compared to conventional methods.
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present system show-
`ing power source and four LED configurations.
`FIG. 2 is a schematic of the main oscillator.
`FIG. 3 shows a configuration of LEDs with associ-
`ated series current limit resistors connected between the
`positive voltage rail and the low—side switch ground
`wire.
`FIG. 4 is the secondary oscillator.
`FIG. 5 shows the same diodes of FIG. 4 electrically
`connected and being driven from the low-side switch
`wire and the high-side switch wire from the secondary
`oscillator.
`FIG. 6 is the waveforms associated with the main
`oscillator and
`FIG. 1' shows the secondary oscillator charge/dis-
`charge waveforms.
`FIG. 8 shows an exploded view for socketing of the
`LEDs.
`
`FIG. 9 shows pulse width modulating circuitry.
`FIG. 10 shows H-switch light string power drivers.
`FIG. 1}. shows pulse width modulation waveforms.
`FIG. 12 shows four channel light string cable har-
`ness.
`FIG. 13 shows socket connection detail.
`
`FIG. 14 is a schematic of a four wire configuration
`with nine groups of lights.
`FIG. 15 is a detail schematic of one of the groups of
`FIG. 14.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`REFERENCED EMBODIMENT
`
`Referring now to the drawings, specifically FIG. 2,
`1C! denotes a CMOS timer configured to function as an
`astable multivibrator with a 50% duty cycle. The duty
`cycle is not critical to this application but serves to
`reduce the discrete component count if set at 50%.
`Since this timer is well known in the art, a detailed
`description of its structure is not deemed necessary.
`A plurality of 38 LEDs 9 are arranged in a parallel
`configuration as denoted by numerals 1 through 38 in
`FIG. 3. All cathodes of the LEDs are connected in
`
`0015
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`0015
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`5,008,595
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`common to the low-side switch line. 11. Each LED
`anode is in series with a current limit resistor, 12. All
`resistors are connected in common to the positive volt-
`age rail. +Vcc through conductor 13. The low-side
`switch conductor, 11 is driven by the drain of a MOS
`power transistor. one of the Q1 through Q4, 10, 10'. 10"
`or 10'" as shown in FIG. 2.
`The gates of Q1 through Q4 control the conduction
`of the MOS transistors. When the gate voltage is of
`sufficient magnitude,
`the transistor will
`turn-on and
`conduct into saturation effectively applying a ground to
`conductor 11. These devices are well known in the art
`and a detailed description of their structure is not
`deemed necessary. This action will cause all diodes in a
`particular light string or plurality of light strings to
`conduct and illuminate. The intensity of the LED is
`controlled by the current limit resistor 12 and the duty
`cycle and pulse width with which the ground is applied
`through the MOS transistor to conductor 11. The
`power used is a function of the current limit resistor.
`size of the power source and the duty cycle and pulse
`width with which the ground is applied through the
`MOS transistor to conductor 11.
`In FIG. 2, IC3 100 buffers the MOS transistors from
`the outputs of a CMOS Programmable Array Logic
`(PAL) integrated circuit, IC2 101. configured as an
`expandable shift register. The PAL is user programma-
`ble and is intended to integrate several random logic
`functions into one integrated circuit package. Each of
`the outputs. pins 17. 16, 15 and 14 of the PAL shift 30
`register 101 has its own buffer/driver. Again,
`these
`devices are well known in the art and a detailed descrip-
`tion of their structure and operation is not deemed nec-
`essary. Only one gate of the MOS transistors is driven at
`a time in response to its respective output from the shift
`register, IC1 101. Therefore, only one string of LEDs
`or plurality of strings will be illuminated at any point in
`time. These responses are shown graphically in FIG. 6
`as the SIG] through SIG4 waveforms. The shift regis-
`ter, IC2 101 is shifting a single logic one bit in response
`to he timer IC1 103. This timer has a frequency such
`that the light strings are illuminated at a rate as to be
`undetectable to the human eye, generally greater than
`sixty (60) illuminations per second. In its present em-
`bodiment. the timer is set to run at a frequency of 5
`KHz. The shift register. ICZ 101, is automatically set to
`an all zero condition upon power application. This in-
`sures that the register will start shifting in the correct
`sequence and that no strings of lights will be illuminated
`prior to the start of normal sequencing of the shift regis-
`ter. The ZDIN (zero detect input) signal, pin 4, along
`with the complement register outputs are AND gated
`to set an initial logic 1 at the data input to the first flip-
`flop of the register. If IC2 is the first or only shift regis-
`ter in a series of registers, the INITEN (initialize en-
`able), pin 5. is permanently tied to +Vcc with all suc-
`cessive shift register INITBN pins tied to ground. This
`is used to prevent other stages from shifting a logic 1
`into the first flip-llcp after power-on. The ZDOUT
`(zero detect out). pin 13, also detects a zero condition
`and passes this information back to the preceding shift
`register stages. Shifting of the initial logic 1 applied to
`the first flip-flop within or between successive shift
`registers is accomplished with the EXTEND {pin 2).
`PRIOR Q4 (pin 3) and SI-III’-T OUT (pin 18) signals. If 65
`the EXTEND input is tied to +Vcc, the SHIFT OUT
`signal will be internally recirculated to the data input of
`the first flip-flop. This is the case where there are no
`
`40
`
`6
`succeeding shift registers, i.e. IC2 is the only shift regis-
`ter in the circuit. If the EXTEND input
`is tied to
`ground. this implies more than one shift register is pres-
`ent and the SHIFT OUT of the last shift register will be
`recirculated to the PRIOR Q4 input of IC2. Successive
`shift registers will have their own respective buffer/-
`drivers, IC3 and MOS transistors, Q1 through Q4. If the
`shift register 1C2 II]! is configured to recirculate the
`initial logic 1 to the first flip-flop, pin 18 is internally
`gated to the Data input of the first flip-flop (no succes-
`sive shift register stages) it will take four (4) clock cy-
`cles to accomplish this recirculation, one (1) clock cycle
`for each flip-flop. Therefore, each flip-flop output has a
`frequency of’ 1250 Hz (period of 800 microseconds) and
`is on only 25% (200 microseconds) ofa total cycle.
`With the foregoing arrangement, it is evident that the
`LEDs will be illuminated in groups in an orderly fash-
`ion so as to minimize the power requirement of the
`system. This is a desirable requirement for ornamental
`and seasonal decorations where safety is a concern and
`a large number of lights is to be illuminated. The system
`can be further expanded by the inclusion of more shift
`register stages from IC2 and the addition of their re-
`spective MOS low—side switches and connective con-
`ductors. The configuration is not limited to LEDs but
`can also be used to operate lamps having a greater
`power requirements. Further, the present embodiment
`allows the LED power controller consisting of ICI,
`IC2. IC3 and the devices Q1 through Q4 plus associated
`discrete components to be fabricated into a single inte-
`grated circuit package presently described in the indus-
`try as a “SMART POWER" integrated circuit.
`In its present embodiment, the system has been opti-
`mized to allow for a large number of lamps, minimal
`power consumption and number of conductors to the
`lamps. The use of three conductors allows for further
`control of the individual LEDs within a string or plural-
`ity of strings. FIG. 4 describes a secondary tirner which.
`in conjunction with the ability to physically connect the
`lamps between either the low-side conductor and the
`positive power rail or the low-side conductor and the
`high-side switch allows the individual lamps to be either
`illuminated as described above or to be turned on and
`off at a second frequency. In its present embodiment,
`this secondary timer 104 will allow illumination of the
`LEDs for three (3) seconds and turn them off for two
`(2) seconds. The secondary timer. IC4 104 in FIG. 4 is
`configured to produce a 0.2 Hz (2/' 10 Hz) waveform
`with at 60% duty cycle. The output of I04 104 pin 3.
`drives a high-side switch that is connected to the posi-
`tive voltage rail, +V’cc. The output of the high-side
`switch provides a signal on the PLS conductor 105. The
`LEDs can now be individually rotated as shown sche-
`matically in FIG. 5 and FIG. 8 to allow the .LEd to
`derive power from the positive voltage conductor
`under control of the low-side and the high-side switch.
`During the time that the LEDs are connected to the
`positive voltage conductor
`through the high-side
`switch. they will function as described previously. illu-
`minating at a 1250 Hz rate. When the high-side switch
`is off, the LEDs are disconnected from the positive
`voltage conductor and are not illuminated. Capacitor
`Cl charges in response to the low—side conductor
`switching on and off. During the on-time of the low-
`side switch. C] will charge toward the value of the
`positive voltage rail. During the off-time of the low-side
`switch, C1 is prevented from discharging back into the
`power supply by diode D1. Therefore, C1 will provide
`
`45
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`
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`
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`
`5,008,595
`
`7
`power only to I01. a CMOS device whose power re-
`quirement
`is extremely small. This secondary timer
`derives its power from the voltage supplied in the posi-
`tive voltage conductor which is switched on and off by
`the low-side switch. The charge/discharge cycles of C1
`are approximated in FIG. 7. Further, the present em-
`bodiment allows the secondary power controller con-
`sisting of IC4 and the device Q5 105 plus associated
`discrete components excepting C1 to be fabricated into
`a single integrated circuit package presently described
`in the industry as 5! "SMART POWER“ integrated
`circuit.
`
`FIG. 8 shows the connection of the lamp sockets to
`the three power conductors. In its present embodiment,
`the three conductors 16. 17 and 13 are forced into insu-
`lation displacing contacts 19, 20 and 21 which are re-
`tained in enclosure-socket 22. The series resistor, 23 is
`joined to the anode of the LED by a crimp or solder
`joint 24. The series resistor 12 can be incorporated di-
`rectly in the contact enclosure or alternately combined
`inside of the LED itself. The LED or LED/resistor
`combination is
`inserted into the enclosure-socket
`through holes 25 and 26 and 27, depending on desired
`mode of operation. constant illumination or pulsing as
`described previously. In this way, contact is made be-
`tween the LED/resistor combination and the insulation
`displacement Contact housed in the socket enclosure.
`The use of a Bicolor LED for producing color mix-
`ing requires that power to the device be supplied as
`either an alternate positive and negative signal for two
`lead devices or signals that alternately select one of the
`two or more colors within the LED. The proper
`method to accomplish the mixing of colors in a Bicolor
`LED is with Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) of the
`signals driving the devices. PWM is used to control the
`length of time each device is selected and thereby the
`color produced by the device.
`FIGS. 9 and Ill depict a means to produce such con-
`trol using the light string and controller configuration
`previously described. FIG_. 11 describes the waveforms
`produced by the additional components. FIG. 12 and 13
`show the construction of the light strings, a modified
`version of FIG. 1 and 3. The light strings are multi-
`plexed at a I KHz rate as before. IC3 in FIG. 2 is shown
`replaced by a noninverting MCI-1050 in FIG. 9. The
`negative gate from [C3, Pin 2 is used to start a positive
`going +5 volt ramp into IC9, Pin 3. IC3. Pin 2 going
`negative turns CMOS switch IC4, Pin 2 off allowing the
`timing capacitor Crto charge through constant current
`source IC5. At the end of the 250 s gate from IC3, Pin
`2, the timing capacitor will be shorted and discharged
`by IO! and the ramp will terminate abruptly. IC9 is a
`quad comparator that has two signals present on one of
`its four comparator inputs. The positive input at Pin 3 is
`the ramp just described. The negative input at Pin 2 is a
`DC level or a modulating input from another signal
`source such as a waveform generator, random noise
`source or sound source. If the positive ramp input is less
`than the negative modulating input, the output of [C9,
`Pin 1 will be low or ground. If the ramp input is more
`positive than the modulating negative input, IC9, Pin 1
`output will be high. The maximum excursions of the
`modulating inputs are limited to the positive and nega-
`tive amplitudes of the ramp voltage. With no signal
`applied, the input from the modulating source will have
`a DC baseline of 2.5 volts. The ramp input and the
`modulating source input will
`then be equal halfway
`through the cycle of the ramp (if the modulating source
`
`8
`#1 is baseline only). The output of IC9 will be low
`during this time. When the ramp voltage crosses the
`halfway point. the positive input of the comparator will
`be greater than the negative input and the output of the
`comparator will go high (positive).
`The output of IC9, Pin 1 is inverted by IC1lJ. The
`inverted output of IC10, Pin 2 is ORed with the original
`multiplexing signal from IC3, Pin 2. The signal from
`IC3, Pin 2 enables IC11 and allows the inverted output
`of IC10, Pin 2 to be propagated only during the time
`period defined by 1C3. Pin 2 or 250 ps. ICI2 is likewise
`enabled by IC3 only during the same time period.
`If the output of the comparator is negative 50% of the
`cycle.
`The R1 output is taken to FIG. 10 along with the
`other R. outputs. During that portion of the cycle that
`R1 is low, [C16 output will go low. IC15 is configured
`as an inverter and will drive Q5 into saturation. Q5 will
`apply a positive voltage to the corresponding diodes in
`that string. ICISB will likewise drive Q6 into saturation.
`Q14 supplies the ground return for the light string. If
`the lamps are inserted in the proper direction, all the red
`diodes in that string will be illuminated. When the out-
`put of the comparator IC9 goes positive during the
`remaining 50% of the cycle, the R1 output will go high
`and the G1 output will go low. This will cause Q5 to
`turn off and Q10 to conduct applying a ground to the
`opposite end of the light string. A G! low signal will
`cause Q1 to saturate supplying a positive voltage for the
`selected light string. If the lamps are inserted in the
`proper direction, all the green diodes in that string will
`be illuminated. Since the red and green were illumi-
`nated for 50% of the time each, the color produced will
`be approximately yellow depending on the chromatic
`quality and balance of the red and green LEDs being
`used.
`As the modulating source varies in amplitude it will
`cause the ratio of conduction of the red and green
`LEDs to vary accordingly. The frequency of the modu-
`lating signals must be quite slow relative to the multi-
`plexing of the light strings so the human eye can detect
`the color changes produced. Wavefonns ranging from
`D.C. to 30 H: are used in the present embodiment of the
`invention.
`low
`To maintain a pleasing ornamental display,
`power consumption and expandability, the topological
`configuration for the light strings previously shown in
`FIG. 1 has been detailed in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. FIG.
`13 depicts one such light string. Each string is com-
`prised ofa plurality of individual conductors, five in the
`present embodiment. Conductors Cl-I1 or CH2 or CH3
`or CH4, when individually powered from the control-
`ler/multiplexer, form a complete circuit with the RET
`conductor. Both the CH conductors or the RET con-
`ductor can supply power and the other be the ground
`return line depending on which color diode. red or
`green, is selected by the controller. Only one of the CH
`conductors will be under power at any point in time.
`Each CH conductor is connected to one contact of a
`plurality of sockets, thirteen (13) in the present embodi-
`ment. The other contact of each socket is connected to
`the RET conductor. Another, third wire, to implement
`the flashing function described in FIG. 8, could be
`added to the configuration of FIG. 12 but was not for
`the sake of simplicity. The four CH conductors together
`have fifty-two (52) sockets (13)-<4 in the present em-
`bodiment) wherein each socket
`is connected to the
`RET conductor. Since each of the CH conductors is
`
`10
`
`15
`
`20
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`SS
`
`65
`
`0017
`
`0017
`
`

`
`20
`
`25
`
`9
`operated in a multiplexed manner as previously de-
`scribed, at any point in time, only thirteen (13) LEDs
`are in conduction. If the peak current drawn by each
`LED is 50 milliamps, the total peak current drawn is
`13 X 50 n1illian1ps=O.65 amps at any point in time. Each
`of the four CH conductors and thus thirteen LEDS on
`that conductor is on for only 25% of the total cycle and
`the
`average
`current
`is
`therefore,
`0.25)<0.65
`amps=0.l62 amps. After high and low-side switch
`losses, the total voltage across the LEDs is approxi- 10
`mately 7.8 volts. Therefore,
`the peak and average
`power at any point in time is 5.07 watts and 1.27 watts,
`respectively, per light string.
`The light sockets are spaced on each CH conductor
`such that if the four CH conductors are twisted to- 15
`gether, the sockets would be equidistant from each
`other and repeat in groups of four, that is, the LEDs
`will repeat the sequence “CH1, CH2, CH3, CH4, CH1,
`CH2, CH3, CH4", etc., etc. A plug is provided at one
`end of the light string and a socket at the other for
`further concatenation of light strings.
`FIGS. 14 and 15 represent a minimal power, four
`wire configuration with all lights in parallel across the
`power rails. The lights are driven in groups of six now
`instead of four as with the five wire configuration. The
`four wire configuration in conjunction with the H-
`Bridge power drivers in FIG. 15 eliminates the fifth
`common wire and the requirement for a second nega-
`tive power supply. In the H-Bridge, only two devices 30
`are conducting at a time, one top transistor tied to +V
`and one transistor tied to ground. For instance. to turn
`on the red LED in L1, transistor Q1 is turned on by
`applying a "0" to its gate, GA, and transistor Q4 is
`turned on by applying a "l” to its gate, GD. Q1 supplies 35
`the +V to the anode of L1, the red LED, and transistor
`Q4 supplies the ground to the cathode of L1 red LED.
`To turn the green LED on in L], the +V and ground
`are reversed across the light by Q2 supplying the
`ground and Q3 supplying the +V. This particular con- 40
`figuration requires six distinct time periods to com-
`pletely scan all lamps instead of four. This is because the
`minimal power configuration automatically groups the
`lights by six. To preserve the typical fifty light string,
`this requires that the strings have nine groups of six 45
`lamps or fifty-four total.
`The same lamp from each group will be illuminated
`during each of the six time periods. Since there are nine
`groups, there will be nine lamps on during each time
`period. If each lamp requires 50 milliamps, the peak so
`current drawn is 9><0.0§0-—.450 rnilliamps. Since the
`lights are on for 1/6 of the time, the average current is
`450 ma/6='l'5 ma. The peak and average powers are
`2.25 watts continuous and 375 milliwatts. respectively,
`for a five (5) volt only system.
`The above has been a detai