A switched light element array and method of operation

Abstract

A switched light element array includes first, second and third light emitting elements, and first and second switches. The first light emitting element includes first and second terminals, and the second light emitting element includes a first terminal, and a second terminal coupled to the second terminal of the first light emitting element. The third light emitting element includes a first terminal coupled to the first terminal of the first light emitting element and a second terminal. The first switch includes a first terminal coupled to each of the first terminals of the first and third light emitting elements and a second terminal coupled to the first terminal of the second light emitting element. The second switch includes a first terminal coupled to the second terminal of the third light emitting element, and a second terminal coupled to each of the second terminals of the first and second light emitting elements.

Description

technical field [0001] The present invention relates generally to devices using light emitting elements, and more particularly to arrays of light emitting elements, devices and methods of operation thereof. Background technique [0002] Light emitting elements such as light emitting diodes (LEDs) are increasingly used in a variety of applications, some examples being backlights in liquid crystal displays, flashes for charge-coupled device cameras, general lighting, and others. In many of these applications, LEDs of different colors are used, for example arranged in an array to create various color points. The operating conditions of an LED array can be as varied as the application of the array, such operating conditions requiring, for example, low power, high operating temperature, and fast LED activation and deactivation times. [0003] Typically, each LED array is powered by a driver circuit that can operate in one of a number of different drive modes depending on the des...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0005] The high number of components used to operate and control the LED array degrades LED performance in several ways, each component increases the power consumption of the LED array and causes parasitic effects that contribute to reducing the turn-on and turn-off times of the LEDs

Additionally, when LED arrays are implemented in high temperature applications, individual components will require high temperature ratings, and this performance will further increase the cost of each required component

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