LED control chip and control method

Abstract

The application provides an LED control chip and a control method, which comprise a memory, a reading module, a control module and a driving module; the memory stores at least two types of function configuration data; an input end of the reading module is connected with the memory, the reading module reads all types of function configuration data from the memory and outputs to the control module; the control module is used for receiving different types of external trigger signals and automatically changing a logic state of the control module according to each type of external trigger signal and corresponding type of function configuration data to generate a control signal; wherein each type of external trigger signal is matched with corresponding type of function configuration data through setting relationship; the driving module is connected with the control module, and the driving module switches the operation mode of the LED under the action of the control signal. The LED control chip of the application has strong applicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to LED control technology, and in particular to an LED control chip and control method. Background Technology

[0002] LEDs are now widely used in home lighting, flashlights, headlamps, and other fields, and various devices support LED brightness adjustment and flashing. These devices have different switching modes for LED brightness and on / off states. Some devices use LED driver chips, which are mostly single-mode switching devices. A single LED driver chip can only implement a fixed function switching mode and cannot be reused in multiple devices with different needs. Other devices use MCUs (microcontrollers) as the main control driver chip, but MCUs have higher hardware costs than ASICs (Application-Specific Integrated Circuits). Furthermore, MCUs require the development of corresponding software programs for LED on / off mode switching control for different devices, further increasing device costs. Therefore, current LED controllers cannot be widely applied to a variety of devices with different needs.

[0003] It should be noted that the above introduction to the technical background is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solutions of this application and facilitating understanding by those skilled in the art. It should not be assumed that these technical solutions are known to those skilled in the art simply because they have been described in the background section of this application. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the shortcomings of the prior art described above, the purpose of this invention is to provide an LED control chip and control method to solve the problem of poor applicability of LED control chips in the prior art.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an LED control chip, including a memory, a read module, a control module, and a drive module;

[0006] The memory stores at least two types of functional configuration data;

[0007] The input terminal of the reading module is connected to the memory, and the reading module reads all types of functional configuration data from the memory and outputs it to the control module;

[0008] The control module is used to receive different types of external trigger signals and automatically change the logic state of the control module to generate control signals according to the functional configuration data corresponding to each type of external trigger signal; wherein, each type of external trigger signal is matched with the corresponding type of functional configuration data through a mapping relationship;

[0009] The drive module is connected to the control module, and the drive module switches the operating mode of the LED under the action of the control signal.

[0010] Preferably, each type of function configuration data includes brightness function and blink function.

[0011] Preferably, the brightness function includes a linear dimming function and a fixed brightness function.

[0012] Preferably, each type of function configuration data also includes a distress flashing function.

[0013] Preferably, the defined relationship includes an identifier matching relationship and a mapping table relationship.

[0014] Preferably, the control signal includes PWM duty cycle, square wave high and low level time control, and output enable of PWM and square wave signals.

[0015] Preferably, the operating modes of the LED include the LED on / off state, the flashing state, and the LED brightness.

[0016] Preferably, the LED control chip further includes a clock module, which is connected to the reading module, the control module and the driving module, and is used to provide a clock signal.

[0017] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention also provides an LED control method, characterized in that it is applicable to the aforementioned LED control chip, and the LED control method includes the following steps:

[0018] S1, the control chip can receive different types of external trigger signals and control the logic state of the control module according to the enable information in the function configuration data corresponding to each type of external trigger signal;

[0019] S2, generate control signals according to the logic state;

[0020] S3 controls the operating mode of the LED based on the control signal.

[0021] Preferably, when the control chip is in an idle state, after receiving an external trigger signal of a certain type, if any function in the function configuration data corresponding to the external trigger signal of that type is enabled, the control jumps from the idle state to the set state and generates a control signal corresponding to the set state; if all functions in the function configuration data corresponding to the external trigger signal of that type are not enabled, the control maintains the idle state.

[0022] As described above, the LED control chip and control method of the present invention have the following beneficial effects:

[0023] The LED control chip of this invention includes a memory, a reading module, a control module, and a driving module. The memory stores at least two types of functional configuration data. The input terminal of the reading module is connected to the memory, and the reading module reads all types of functional configuration data from the memory and outputs it to the control module. The control module receives different types of external trigger signals and generates a control signal based on the corresponding type of functional configuration data for each type of external trigger signal. The driving module is connected to the control module, and the driving module switches the operating mode of the LED under the action of the control signal. By using the multiple types of functional configuration data pre-stored in the memory, corresponding control signals can be directly generated for different types of external trigger signals when changing devices, realizing LED control for different devices. Therefore, this invention can be applied to devices with multiple needs using only one LED control chip. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the internal structure of the LED control chip of this invention.

[0025] Figure 2 The diagram shows the process of changing the logic state of the control chip in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 The diagram shows the waveform of the control signal of this invention.

[0027] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the LED control method of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following specific examples illustrate the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can easily understand other advantages and effects of the present invention from the content disclosed in this specification. The present invention can also be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified or changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0029] Please see Figure 1-4 It should be noted that the illustrations provided in this embodiment are only schematic representations of the basic concept of the present invention. Therefore, the drawings only show the components related to the present invention and are not drawn according to the actual number, shape and size of the components in the actual implementation. In the actual implementation, the form, quantity and proportion of each component can be arbitrarily changed, and the layout of the components may also be more complex.

[0030] Example 1

[0031] An LED control chip of the present invention, such as Figure 1As shown, it includes a memory, a read module, a control module, and a drive module;

[0032] The memory stores at least two types of functional configuration data;

[0033] The input terminal of the reading module is connected to the memory, and the reading module reads all types of functional configuration data from the memory and outputs it to the control module;

[0034] The control module is used to receive different types of external trigger signals and automatically change the logic state of the control module to generate control signals according to the functional configuration data corresponding to each type of external trigger signal; wherein, each type of external trigger signal is matched with the corresponding type of functional configuration data through a set relationship;

[0035] The drive module is connected to the control module, and the drive module switches the operating mode of the LED under the action of the control signal.

[0036] This invention utilizes multiple types of functional configuration data built into the memory to achieve multiple LED control modes without rewriting the software program when replacing equipment; compared with existing technologies, its circuit structure is simple and its cost is low.

[0037] The present invention stores at least two types of functional configuration data in its memory, and burns different types of functional configuration data according to specific needs into the memory; the memory saves each type of functional configuration data by address, wherein each type of functional configuration data includes brightness function and blink function; wherein the brightness function includes linear dimming function and fixed brightness function.

[0038] Specifically, the fixed brightness function refers to the chip outputting a PWM signal with a set duty cycle; this invention enables LEDs to achieve different brightness modes through the brightness function enable.

[0039] Example description: When the LED high brightness mode is enabled, the corresponding output is a PWM signal with a duty cycle of 100%; when the LED medium brightness mode is enabled, the corresponding output is a PWM signal with a duty cycle of 50%; when the LED low brightness mode is enabled, the corresponding output is a PWM signal with a duty cycle of 20%.

[0040] Specifically, the linear dimming function refers to controlling the LED to change its brightness in a set step size within a set time period. Specifically, when the set step size is 1%, the LED brightness is gradually increased or decreased in 1% increments within the set time period. The PWM duty cycle output by this invention changes in 1% steps. This function results in a linear change in LED brightness to the human eye. For example, within 3 seconds, the LED brightness increases or decreases by 1% every 30ms, with the brightness change range between 100% and 5%. The chip increases or decreases the output PWM duty cycle by 1% every 30ms within this 100% to 5% range.

[0041] Specifically, the blinking function refers to controlling the LED to blink at a set frequency; in practice, this invention controls the LED to switch from an on / off state to a blinking state at a fixed frequency visible to the human eye. For example, the set frequency range is 8 to 10 Hz, specifically 8 Hz, 9 Hz, or 10 Hz.

[0042] As a preferred implementation, each type of function configuration data also includes a distress flashing function.

[0043] Specifically, enabling the distress flashing function means that the chip outputs a square wave with a specific waveform to drive the LED to switch between on and off according to the international Morse code distress signal (SOS). The distress signal is characterized by three short, three long, and three short (light switching).

[0044] Each type of external trigger signal in this invention is matched with the corresponding type of functional configuration data through a set relationship; wherein, the set relationship includes at least an identifier matching relationship and a mapping table relationship;

[0045] When the relationship is set as an identifier matching relationship, if an external trigger signal is identified as an identifier of the external trigger signal type, the identifier of the function matching data is directly matched; wherein, the identifier is a number or ID code;

[0046] Specifically, if the identifier is a number, the matching relationship is that external trigger signal number 1 matches function matching data number 1, external trigger signal number 2 matches function matching data number 2, and so on, until external trigger signal number N matches function matching data number N. That is, the number of the external trigger signal corresponds to the size of the function matching data. In other implementations, the number of the external trigger signal does not correspond to the size of the function matching data, such as external trigger signal number 1 matching function matching data number 3, external trigger signal number 2 matching function matching data number 1, etc.

[0047] When the relationship is set as a mapping table relationship, after an external trigger signal is identified and judged, the corresponding type of function configuration data is quickly matched according to the mapping table; wherein, there is a one-to-one correspondence between the external trigger signal and the function configuration data in the mapping table.

[0048] Table 1

[0049] Various types of external trigger signals Corresponding type of function configuration data The first type of external trigger signal The first type of functional configuration data The second type of external trigger signal The second type of functional configuration data …… …… External trigger signal of type M The Mth type of functional configuration data

[0050] Specifically, as shown in Table 1, each row of external trigger signals corresponds to and matches the functional configuration data. Once the external trigger signal is identified and judged, the corresponding type of functional configuration data can be quickly matched directly based on the row relationship in the mapping table.

[0051] As shown in Table 2, for each type of function configuration data in the memory, the corresponding function is enabled when the address is configured as data 1, and disabled when the address is configured as data 0. For example, if address 1 is configured as 1, function 1 is enabled; if address 1 is configured as 0, function 1 is disabled. The address bits of each function in each type of function configuration data are directly configured as 1 or 0. This means that the enabling information for each function is defined in each type of function configuration data. When the external trigger type is identified and determined, the logic state of the control module is automatically changed and a control signal is generated based on the corresponding type of function configuration data, thereby switching the operating mode of the control ED.

[0052] Table 2

[0053] Address 1 Address 2 Address 3 Address 4 Address 5 Address 6 …… Function 1 Function 2 Function 3 Function 4 Function 5 Function 6 ……

[0054] For example, function 1 is the display function of LED1 flashing for help, i.e. outputting SOS; function 2 is the display function of LED1 in medium brightness mode; function 3 is the display function of LED1 in low brightness mode; function 4 is the display function of LED1 in high brightness flashing mode; function 5 is the display function of LED2 in low brightness mode; function 6 is the display function of LED2 in linear dimming mode; ...

[0055] The reading module of this invention reads all types of functional configuration data one by one from the start address to the end address of the memory after each power-on initialization, and transmits all types of functional configuration data to the control module.

[0056] The control module of the present invention receives different types of external trigger signals and generates control signals according to the functional configuration data corresponding to each type of external trigger signal, wherein one type of external trigger signal corresponds to one type of functional configuration data.

[0057] The control module of this invention receives different types of external trigger signals, automatically changes the internal logic state of the control module according to the functional configuration data corresponding to the type of external trigger signal, and then generates corresponding control signals through different logic states; and switches the operating mode of the control LED through the control signals.

[0058] Specifically, after the initial configuration is completed, each time an external trigger signal is received, the internal logic state of the control module changes according to the type of trigger signal to output control signals. The control signals include PWM duty cycle, square wave high and low level time control, and output enable of PWM and square wave signals.

[0059] After receiving a first-type external trigger signal in the idle state:

[0060] If any function in the function configuration data corresponding to the first type of external trigger signal is enabled, the control module jumps from the idle state to the specific state and generates the control signal corresponding to the specific state; if any type of external trigger signal is received in the specific state, the control module jumps from the specific state to the idle state and generates the initialization control signal.

[0061] If all functions in the function configuration data corresponding to the type of external trigger signal of the first type are not enabled, the control module remains in an idle state; no new control signals are generated at this time.

[0062] After receiving a second type of external trigger signal while in idle state:

[0063] If any function in the function configuration data corresponding to the second type of external trigger signal is enabled, the control module jumps from the idle state to the first state and generates the corresponding control signal;

[0064] If all functions in the function configuration data corresponding to the type of the external trigger signal are not enabled, the control module will switch from the first state to the idle state.

[0065] In this embodiment of the invention, the first type of external trigger signal can be a low-level signal of more than or equal to 3 seconds, which in practical applications means pressing and holding the button for more than 3 seconds; the second type of trigger signal can be a low-level signal of less than 3 seconds, which in practical applications means pressing and holding the button for less than 3 seconds.

[0066] Combination Figure 2 An exemplary description is provided of the process by which the logic state within the control module changes after receiving a first-type trigger signal:

[0067] When the control module is in an idle state, upon receiving a first type of external trigger signal, if the first function ( Figure 2 If condition 1) is enabled, the control module will transition from the idle state to a specific state. Figure 2 State 0); if any type of external trigger signal is received in a specific state ( Figure 2 Condition 2), the control module transitions from a specific state to an idle state and generates an initial control signal; if the first function ( Figure 2 If condition 1) is not enabled, the control module remains idle.

[0068] Combination Figure 2 An exemplary description is provided of the process by which the logic state within the control module changes after receiving a second type of trigger signal:

[0069] When the control module is in an idle state, upon receiving a second type of external trigger signal, if the first function ( Figure 2 If condition 3) is enabled, the control module will jump from the idle state to the first state. Figure 2 State 1 in the middle;

[0070] In the first state ( Figure 2 In state 1), if the second function ( Figure 2 Condition 5), Third function ( Figure 2 Condition 13), Fourth Function ( Figure 2 Condition 14) and the fifth function ( Figure 2 If none of the conditions in condition 15) are enabled, the control module will switch from the first state to the idle state.

[0071] In the first state ( Figure 2 In state 1), if the second function ( Figure 2 Condition 5), Third function ( Figure 2 Condition 13), Fourth Function ( Figure 2 Condition 14) and the fifth function ( Figure 2 If any function in condition 15) is enabled, the control module will jump from the first state to the corresponding state. Figure 2 Condition 4) in

[0072] Specifically, if the second function ( Figure 2 If condition 5) is enabled, the control module will jump from the first state to the second state. Figure 2 State 2) If the third function ( Figure 2 If condition 13) is enabled, the control module will jump from the first state to the third state. Figure 2 State 3) If the fourth function ( Figure 2 If condition 14) is enabled, the control module will jump from the first state to the fourth state. Figure 2 State 4) or if the fifth function ( Figure 2 If condition 15) is enabled, the control module will jump from the first state to the fifth state. Figure 2 (State 5 in the middle).

[0073] And so on, in the second state ( Figure 2 In state 2), if the third function ( Figure 2 Condition 7), Fourth Function ( Figure 2 Condition 16) and the fifth function ( Figure 2 If none of the conditions in condition 17 are enabled, the control module will switch from the second state to the idle state. Figure 2 Condition 6); if the third function ( Figure 2 If condition 7) is enabled, the control module will jump from the second state to the third state. Figure 2 State 3) If the fourth function ( Figure 2 If condition 16) is enabled, the control module will jump from the second state to the fourth state. Figure 2 State 4) or if the fifth function ( Figure 2 If condition 17) is enabled, the control module will jump from the second state to the fifth state. Figure 2 State 5); continue in the third state ( Figure 2 In state 3), if the fourth function ( Figure 2 Condition 9) and the fifth function ( Figure 2 If none of the conditions in condition 18 are enabled, the control module will transition from the third state to the idle state. Figure 2 Condition 8); if the fourth function ( Figure 2 If condition 9) is enabled, the control module will jump from the third state to the fourth state. Figure 2 State 4) or if the fifth function ( Figure 2 If condition 18) is enabled, the control module will jump from the third state to the fifth state. Figure 2 State 5); continue in the fourth state ( Figure 2 In state 4), if the fifth function ( Figure 2 If condition 11) is not enabled, the control module will transition from the fourth state to the idle state. Figure 2 Condition 10); if the fifth function ( Figure 2 If condition 11) is enabled, the control module will jump from the fourth state to the fifth state. Figure 2 State 11); when in the final state ( Figure 2 Receive trigger when in state 5) Figure 2 If condition 12) is met, the system will jump directly back to the idle state.

[0074] In this embodiment of the invention, two types of functional configuration data and two types of external trigger signals are used for description. In other implementations, there may be three or more types.

[0075] The driving module of this invention is connected to the control module. The driving module generates a PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) signal with a corresponding duty cycle according to the control signal to drive and change the operating mode of the LED. Specifically, the operating mode of the LED is manifested as the LED's on / off state, flashing state, and LED brightness.

[0076] Specifically, the drive module generates a 1kHz PWM signal with a duty cycle of 100% to 0% and a square wave signal of arbitrary frequency based on the control signal from the control module. These two signals are then combined to ultimately drive the LED. The 1kHz PWM signal with an adjustable duty cycle is used to drive the LED to display different brightness levels. For example... Figure 3 The waveform diagram corresponding to the control signal shown is as follows: a square wave signal of any frequency is used to drive the LED to blink. The AND operation of the two signals can realize the LED's function of being constantly lit or blinking under different brightness states.

[0077] The LED control chip of the present invention further includes a clock module, which is connected to the reading module, the control module and the driving module, and is used to provide a clock signal.

[0078] This invention provides an LED control chip, aiming to meet the needs of various LED devices with different driving modes using a single chip and with little or no change to the external circuitry, thereby achieving low-cost device development. By programming the corresponding functional mode configuration, it is possible to drive LED lights and switch between different brightness levels or blinking functions.

[0079] Example 2

[0080] This invention also provides an LED control method, such as... Figure 4 As shown, it includes the following steps:

[0081] S1, the control chip can receive different types of external trigger signals and control the logic state of the control module according to the enable information in the function configuration data corresponding to each type of external trigger signal;

[0082] S2, generate control signals according to the logic state;

[0083] S3 controls the operating mode of the LED based on the control signal.

[0084] When the control chip of this invention is in an idle state, it receives an external trigger signal of a certain type. If any function in the function configuration data corresponding to that type of external trigger signal is enabled, the control jumps from the idle state to a set state and generates a control signal corresponding to the set state. If all functions in the function configuration data corresponding to that type of external trigger signal are not enabled, the control maintains the idle state. The set state includes a specific state, a first state, a second state, etc.

[0085] The control signals of this invention include PWM duty cycle, square wave high and low level time control, and output enable of PWM and square wave signals.

[0086] Specifically, when receiving a first type of external trigger signal in the idle state, if any function in the function configuration data corresponding to the first type of external trigger signal is enabled, the control module transitions from the idle state to a specific state and generates a control signal corresponding to the specific state. If any type of external trigger signal is received in the specific state, the control module transitions from the specific state to the idle state and generates an initialization control signal. If all functions in the function configuration data corresponding to the first type of external trigger signal are disabled, the control module remains in the idle state; no new control signal is generated in this case.

[0087] When receiving a second type of external trigger signal in the idle state, if any function in the function configuration data corresponding to the second type of external trigger signal is enabled, the control module jumps from the idle state to the first state and generates a corresponding control signal; if all functions in the function configuration data corresponding to the second type of external trigger signal are not enabled, the control module jumps from the first state to the idle state.

[0088] In summary, the LED control chip of the present invention includes a memory, a reading module, a control module, and a driving module. The memory stores at least two types of functional configuration data. The input terminal of the reading module is connected to the memory, and the reading module reads all types of functional configuration data from the memory and outputs it to the control module. The control module receives different types of external trigger signals and generates control signals based on the functional configuration data corresponding to each type of external trigger signal. The driving module is connected to the control module, and the driving module switches the operating mode of the LED under the action of the control signals. By using the multiple types of functional configuration data pre-stored in the memory, corresponding control signals can be directly generated for different types of external trigger signals when changing devices, realizing LED control for different devices. Therefore, the present invention can be applied to devices with multiple needs using only one LED control chip. Furthermore, the present invention also provides an LED control method that can receive different types of external trigger signals and control the logic state of the control module according to the enable information in the functional configuration data corresponding to each type of external trigger signal; then, generate control signals according to the logic state; and finally, drive the LED's operating mode according to the control signals. The present invention can control the LED's operating mode differently for different devices. Therefore, this invention effectively overcomes the various shortcomings of the prior art and has high industrial application value.

[0089] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of the present invention and are not intended to limit the invention. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in the present invention should still be covered by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. An LED control chip, characterized in that, It includes a memory, a read module, a control module, and a drive module; The memory stores at least two types of functional configuration data; The input terminal of the reading module is connected to the memory, and the reading module reads all types of functional configuration data from the memory and outputs it to the control module; The control module is used to receive different types of external trigger signals. The address bits of each function in the function configuration data of each type are directly configured as 1 or 0. The logic state of the control module is automatically changed according to the function configuration data of the corresponding type of external trigger signal to generate a control signal. Among them, each type of external trigger signal is matched with the corresponding type of function configuration data through a set relationship. The drive module is connected to the control module, and the drive module switches the operating mode of the LED under the action of the control signal.

2. The LED control chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each type of feature configuration data includes brightness and blink functions.

3. The LED control chip according to claim 2, characterized in that, The brightness function includes linear dimming and fixed brightness functions.

4. The LED control chip according to claim 2, characterized in that, Each type of feature configuration data also includes a distress flashing function.

5. The LED control chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The defined relationships include identifier matching relationships and mapping table relationships.

6. The LED control chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control signals include PWM duty cycle, square wave high and low level time control, and output enable for PWM and square wave signals.

7. The LED control chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The operating modes of an LED include its on / off state, flashing state, and brightness.

8. The LED control chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The LED control chip also includes a clock module, which is connected to the reading module, the control module and the driving module, and is used to provide a clock signal.

9. An LED control method, characterized in that, The method, applicable to the LED control chip according to any one of claims 1-8, comprises the following steps: S1, the control chip can receive different types of external trigger signals and control the logic state of the control module according to the enable information in the function configuration data corresponding to each type of external trigger signal; S2, generate control signals according to the logic state; S3 controls the operating mode of the LED based on the control signal.

10. The LED control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the control chip is in an idle state, after receiving an external trigger signal of a certain type, if any function in the function configuration data corresponding to the external trigger signal of that type is enabled, the control jumps from the idle state to the set state and generates the control signal corresponding to the set state; if all functions in the function configuration data corresponding to the external trigger signal of that type are not enabled, the control remains in the idle state.

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