Patent ID: 8058815
Filing Date: 2011-11-15
Classification: H05B

Abstract:
1. An LED driver for driving at least one LED wherein said at least one LED has a forward current rating and a surge rating that are provided by a manufacturer of the LED, said forward current rating identifying a maximum amount of current that is able to continuously run through said LED without damaging the LED, and said surge rating identifying an amount of current that is able to run through said LED for a specified amount of time before damaging said LED, said surge current rating being higher than said forward current rating, said LED driver comprising: a constant current regulating circuit adapted to control a constant current at an output, said output being adapted for coupling directly to at least one LED; a strobe circuit coupled to said constant current regulating circuit, said strobe circuit having an input, said strobe circuit adapted to control said constant current regulating circuit such that said constant current regulating circuit sets a constant current at said output when said strobe circuit detects a change in voltage at said input; a current boosting circuit coupled to said constant current regulating circuit, said current boosting circuit adapted to change the constant current at said output wherein said change comprises: elevating the current at said output to a value above the forward current rating for a first period of time, said first period of time being no greater than said specified amount of time; and lowering the current at said output after said first period of time to a non-zero value no greater than said forward current rating for a second period of time.