A novel approach to efficient inrush current limitation for LED power applications

Abstract:
The increasing number of cost-efficient power supplies without internal limitation of the inrush current in the field of LED-lighting necessitates inrush current limiting measures within the energy distribution system. Common circuits were analyzed with respect to their functionality, fail-safety and their compliance with regulatory requirements, manufacturing costs and energy efficiency. This paper presents the development and validation of a novel circuitry for inrush current limitation, ideally fulfilling the requirements concerning an increased repetition rate of the protection function, intrinsic thermal safety as well as a cost-effective implementation for a maximum coverage of price-sensitive markets. In contrast to existing solutions this approach results in a far better cost-to-benefit-ratio.