Solid State Lamp Using Modular Light Emitting Elements

Abstract

A solid state lamp, such as one that can replace an incandescent light bulb, has a base portion having an electrical connector for connection to a source of power, such as an Edison-type connector for connection to the mains voltage. An AC/DC converter in the base converts the mains voltage to a suitable light emitting diode (LED) drive voltage. A plurality of receptacles on the base connects to electrodes of plug-in modules. Each plug-in module supports a plurality of low power LEDs connected in series. The strings of LEDs on different modules are connected in parallel when connected to the receptacles. The modules and base are configured to allow a user to operate the lamp with different combinations of modules to generate a desired light output from the lamp. For example, the user can recreate the lumens equivalent of a 20 W, 40 W, or 60 W bulb by using one, two, or three modules.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A lamp, comprising:
 a base portion comprising a screw-in electrical connector for connection to a source of power and a circular top surface opposite the screw-in electrical connector; and   a plurality of LED modules comprising a rectangular support arranged with a short edge adjacent the circular top surface of the base portion and a long edge extending normal to the circular top surface, each rectangular support supporting an array of light emitting diodes (LEDs),   wherein the LED modules are attached to the circular top surface around a periphery of the base.   
     
     
         22 . The lamp of  claim 21 , wherein the circular top surface comprises a plurality of plug-in receptacles, each configured to receive a corresponding one of the LED modules. 
     
     
         23 . The lamp of  claim 22 , wherein the LED modules each comprise a pair of electrodes for insertion in a corresponding one of the plug-in receptacles. 
     
     
         24 . The lamp of  claim 21 , wherein the base portion comprises a power supply and the LED modules are electrically connected to the power supply in parallel. 
     
     
         25 . The lamp of  claim 24 , wherein the power supply comprises a controller in communication with a current source for each of the LED modules. 
     
     
         26 . The lamp of  claim 25 , wherein the controller is configured to wirelessly communicate with an external data source. 
     
     
         27 . The lamp of  claim 25 , wherein the controller is configured to respond to user requirements or active load shedding via the wireless communication with the external data source. 
     
     
         28 . The lamp of  claim 21 , wherein each array comprises two columns of LEDs. 
     
     
         29 . The lamp of  claim 21 , wherein the LEDs in each array are electrically connected in series. 
     
     
         30 . The lamp of  claim 21 , wherein the screw-in electrical connector is an Edison type connector. 
     
     
         31 . The lamp of  claim 21 , wherein the base comprises an AC/DC converter arranged to receive AC power from the source of power and direct DC power to the LED modules.