NOVELTY - The regulator (100) has a memory (180) e.g. ROM, storing a set of average current parameters. A control circuit (110) modulates an energizing cycle time period for providing power to a solid state lighting e.g. LED (140), in response to a selected average current parameter. Each average current parameter corresponds to a selected operating mode among a flash mode and a constant mode. The control circuit determines that the energizing cycle time period is proportional to a product of the selected average current parameter and a reset time period for an inductor current.    USE - Current regulator i.e. current converter, for coupling with a direct current (DC) power supply i.e. battery, and providing operating modes e.g. flash modes and constant modes (all claimed) such as background lighting modes, for a solid state lighting device e.g. LED such as electroluminescent diode, light emitting polymer and organic LED, for flash or background lighting in a camera i.e. digital camera, of a portable device i.e. mobile phone. Can also be used for a notebook computer and a personal digital assistant.    ADVANTAGE - The regulator provides operation modes for supplying power to the LED for flash or background lighting in the camera and a digital control without the need for an external compensation. The regulator avoids the need for a set of resistive impedances in a current path to the LED, thus reducing power losses, increasing regulator efficiency with less number of components in an inexpensive manner, and prolonging battery life of the portable device by avoiding the need for measurement of current levels through the LED.    DETAILED DESCRIPTION - INDEPENDENT CLAIMS are also included for the following:    (1) a method for providing power to a solid state lighting system for a selected operating mode    (2) an apparatus for providing a set of operating modes for solid state lighting.    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWING(S) - The drawing shows a circuit block diagram of a current regulator or converter.    Current regulator (100)    Control circuit (110)    LED (140)    Memory (180)    Reset time counter (190)