Control circuits and methods for driving at least one LED group

A control circuit and method are provided for a controlled start-up of N LED groups. The control circuit comprising a LED switching element and a chargeable element in parallel with each LED group, and a low-power source. The method comprising a step of prior to supplying power to the LED groups, setting the LED switching elements in a second state corresponding with the LED group being off. Alternatively, a lower chargeable element is connected via a diode with the top of a higher chargeable element. The control circuit may further comprise a switch having a lighting mode wherein current flows through the LED groups or the corresponding LED switching elements, and a charging mode wherein current flows to the chargeable elements, thereby charging the chargeable elements.