LED driver, LED system and signal transmission method for LED

Abstract

A driver includes a controller coupled to a light emitting diode and an interface circuit for coupling between the controller and an external device. The interface circuit comprises a port used for being coupled to the external equipment, an analog interface module, a digital interface module and a power supply module. The analog interface module is coupled between the port and the controller, and is configured to transmit an analog signal between the external device and the controller via the port in a first mode. A digital interface module is coupled between the port and the controller, and is configured to transmit digital signals between the external device and the controller via the port in second and third modes. The power supply module is coupled to the port and is used for providing energy for the external equipment through the port in a first mode and a third mode.

Description

[0001] This divisional application of the present invention is a divisional application of the invention patent application with the application number 201810178552.X, the application date of March 5, 2018, and the title of "LED Driver, LED System and Signal Transmission Method for LED". Technical Field

[0002] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a light-emitting diode (LED) driver, an LED system, and a signal transmission method for an LED. Background Art

[0003] In recent years, in the field of LED lighting, more and more technical solutions connect some external modules to an LED driver via an interface circuit to achieve various different functions. These external modules may include a dimming controller, a digital addressable lighting interface (DALI) controller, a sensor, and the like.

[0004] Existing interface circuits usually set different ports for different types of external modules. Therefore, existing interface circuits usually include multiple ports, and each port may include two or more wires. An existing LED driver that can support multiple functions needs to include such an interface circuit, which brings a great burden to the wiring work of the LED driver, and this is exactly the pain point for manufacturers and customers.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new LED driver, LED system, and signal transmission method for an LED to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] A driver for a light-emitting diode is used to be coupled between the light-emitting diode and an external device. The driver includes: a controller coupled to the light-emitting diode and an interface circuit for coupling between the controller and the external device. The interface circuit includes: a port, an analog interface module, a digital interface module, and a power supply module. The port is used to be coupled to the external device. The analog interface module is coupled between the port and the controller, and is used to transmit an analog signal between the external device and the controller via the port in a first mode. The digital interface module is coupled between the port and the controller, and is used to transmit a digital signal between the external device and the controller via the port in second and third modes. The power supply module is coupled to the port, and is used to provide energy to the external device via the port in the first and third modes.

[0007] A light-emitting diode system capable of communicating with an external device includes: a light-emitting diode, a controller coupled to the light-emitting diode, and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is used to be coupled between the controller and the external device and includes: a port, an analog interface module, a digital interface module, and a power supply module. The port is used to be coupled to the external device. The analog interface module is coupled between the port and the controller and is used to transmit analog signals between the external device and the controller via the port in a first mode. The digital interface module is coupled between the port and the controller and is used to transmit digital signals between the external device and the controller via the port in second and third modes. The power supply module is coupled to the port and is used to supply energy to the external device via the port in the first and third modes.

[0008] A method for transmitting signals between a light-emitting diode and an external device includes: transmitting signals through an interface circuit coupled between the external device and a controller, where the controller is coupled to the light-emitting diode and the interface circuit is coupled to the external device via a port. The step of transmitting signals includes: in a first mode, transmitting analog signals between the external device and the controller via the port through the analog interface module; in second and third modes, transmitting digital signals between the external device and the controller via the port through the digital interface module; in the first and third modes, supplying energy to the external device via the port through the power supply module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to denote like components, where:

[0010] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of an LED system including a driver according to a specific embodiment of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of a driver according to a specific embodiment of the present invention; and

[0012] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of a driver according to another specific embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0013] To help those skilled in the art to accurately understand the subject matter claimed by the present invention, the following detailed description of the present invention is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. In the following detailed description of these embodiments, the present specification does not describe some well-known functions or structures in detail to avoid unnecessary details from affecting the disclosure of the present invention.

[0014] Unless otherwise defined, the technical terms or scientific terms used in this claim book and the specification shall have the ordinary meanings understood by those with ordinary skills in the technical field to which the present invention pertains. The terms "first", "second" and similar terms used in this specification and the claim book do not denote any order, quantity or importance, but are only used to distinguish different components. The terms such as "a" or "an" do not denote a quantity limitation, but mean that there is at least one. The terms such as "comprising" or "having" mean that the elements or objects appearing before "comprising" or "having" cover the elements or objects listed after "comprising" or "having" and their equivalent elements, and do not exclude other elements or objects. The terms such as "connected" or "coupled" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections, but may include electrical connections, whether direct or indirect.

[0015] Embodiments of the present invention relate to a light-emitting diode (LED) system that can communicate with different types of external devices via a unified port to achieve multiple functions without changing any hardware.

[0016] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the LED system 100, which can be used to communicate with the external device 200. Refer to Figure 1 , the LED system 100 includes an LED 120 and a driver 130. The driver 130 is used to be coupled between the LED 120 and the external device 200 to drive the LED 120 and transmit signals between the external device 200 and the LED 120.

[0017] The driver 130 includes a controller 140 and an interface circuit 150. The controller 140 is coupled to the LED 120 and is used to control the LED 120 according to a control signal. The interface circuit 150 is used to be coupled between the external device 200 and the controller 140 to transmit signals therebetween. In some embodiments, the interface circuit 150 is used to transmit a control signal from the external device 200 to the controller 140.

[0018] Refer to Figure 1 , the interface circuit 150 includes a port 110, an analog interface module 151, a digital interface module 152 and a power supply module 153. Both the analog interface module 151 and the digital interface module 152 are coupled between the controller 140 and the port 110. The analog interface module 151 is used to transmit analog signals between the external device 200 and the controller 140 via the port 110 in a first mode. The digital interface module 152 is used to transmit digital signals between the external device 200 and the controller 140 via the port 110 in second and third modes.

[0019] The power supply module 153 is coupled to the port 110 and is configured to supply power to the external device 200 via the port 110 in the first and third modes. In some embodiments, the power supply module 153 has a first output current limit in the first mode and a second output current limit in the third mode. The "output current limit" mentioned herein refers to the maximum current value that a voltage source can output. The second output current limit may be greater than the first output current limit, so that the power supply module 153 can provide two different current load capabilities in the two modes to meet different requirements.

[0020] In the first mode, the controller 140 is configured to turn on the analog interface module 151 and the power supply module 153. The analog interface module 151 is configured to transmit analog signals between the external device 200 and the controller 140. The power supply module 153 having the first output current limit is configured to supply power to the external device 200 through the port 110.

[0021] For example, in the first mode, the external device 200 may include a dimmer, which is powered by the power supply module 153. In this mode, the power supply module 153 has the first output current limit. The analog interface module 151 may include a dimming interface, which is configured to transmit a dimming signal from the dimmer 200 to the controller 140 as a control signal. In particular, the dimming interface 151 is configured to receive the dimming signal from the dimmer 200 via the port 110 and transmit the dimming signal to the controller 140. The controller 140 is configured to control the LED 120 according to the dimming signal.

[0022] In the second mode, the controller 140 is configured to turn on the digital interface module 152 and turn off the analog interface module 151. The digital interface module 152 is configured to transmit digital signals between the external device 200 and the controller 140. In this second mode, the power supply module 153 may be configured by the controller 140 to be turned off; alternatively, in this second mode, the power supply module 153 having the first output current limit still operates. It should be noted that the "turn on" mentioned herein means to cause the object to be turned on to start working or be in a working state; the "turn off" mentioned herein means to cause the object to be turned off to stop working or be in a non-working state.

[0023] For example, in the second mode, the external device 200 may include a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) master. The digital interface module 152 may include a DALI module, which is configured to transmit DALI signals between the DALI master 200 and the controller 140. In some embodiments, the DALI module 152 is configured to transmit DALI signals from the DALI master 200 to the controller 140 as control signals. The controller 140 is configured to control the LED 120 according to the DALI signal.

[0024] In the third mode, the controller 140 is configured to turn on the digital interface module 152 and the power supply module 153, and turn off the analog interface module 151. The digital interface module 152 is configured to transmit digital signals between the external device 200 and the controller 140. The power supply module 153 having a second output current limit is configured to supply power to the external device 200 via the port 110.

[0025] For example, in the third mode, the external device 200 may include a sensor for detecting parameters of the LED 120 or environmental parameters. In this mode, the sensor is powered by the power supply module 153 having a second output current limit. The digital interface module 152 includes a DALI module for transmitting data representing the parameters between the controller 140 and the sensor 200. In some embodiments, the DALI module 152 is configured to transmit data representing environmental parameters from the sensor 200 to the controller 140, and the controller 140 is configured to control the LED 120 according to the environmental parameters. In other embodiments, the DALI module 152 is configured to transmit data representing LED parameters from the controller 140 to the sensor 200. The sensor 200 may be coupled to a server (not shown) for collecting data from the sensor.

[0026] Compared with existing drivers or interface circuits, the driver or interface circuit disclosed in the embodiments of the present invention is compatible with different external devices by using a unified port, so that redundant output wiring and some auxiliary components can be reduced or eliminated. In some embodiments, the port 110 includes two terminals, and each terminal can be connected to a wire, so that each terminal in the port 110 can be coupled to the external device 200 via a wire.

[0027] Figure 2 FIG. is an exemplary diagram of a driver 330 according to a specific embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 2 , the driver 330 includes a controller 340, a port 310, an analog interface module 351, a digital interface module 352, and a power supply module 353.

[0028] The functions of the controller 340, the port 310, the analog interface module 351, and the digital interface module 352 are respectively similar to those of the controller 140, the port 110, the analog interface module 151, and the digital interface module 152 in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and will not be described herein again.

[0029] As shown in Figure 2As shown, the power supply module 353 includes a first voltage source 361 having a first output current limit and a second voltage source 362 having a second output current limit, wherein the second output current limit is greater than the first output current limit. The first voltage source 361 can be designed to have the first output current limit by reasonably setting the component parameters in the first voltage source 361. Similarly, the second voltage source 362 can be designed to have the second output current limit by reasonably setting the component parameters in the second voltage source 362.

[0030] The first and second voltage sources 361 and 362 are coupled to the port 310 and are used to provide energy via the port 310. The first and second voltage sources 361 and 362 are both coupled to the controller 340 and can be independently configured by the controller 340 to be turned on or off. In the first mode, the controller 340 turns on the first voltage source 361 and turns off the second voltage source 362. Thus, in the first mode, only the first voltage source operates to provide energy to an external device. In the second mode, the controller 340 is used to turn off the first and second voltage sources 361 and 362. Thus, in the second mode, neither the first nor the second voltage source provides energy to the outside. In the third mode, the controller 340 is used to turn on the second voltage source 362 and turn off the first voltage source 361. Thus, in the third mode, only the second voltage source 362 supplies energy.

[0031] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of a driver 530 according to another specific embodiment of the present invention. Refer to Figure 3 As shown, the driver 530 includes a controller 540, a port 510, an analog interface module 551, a digital interface module 552, and a power supply module 553.

[0032] The functions of the controller 540, the port 510, the analog interface module 551, and the digital interface module 552 are respectively similar to those of the controller 140, the port 110, the analog interface module 151, and the digital interface module 152 in the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and will not be elaborated here.

[0033] As Figure 3 shown, the power supply module 553 includes a first voltage source 561 having a first output current limit and a second voltage source 562 having a second output current limit, wherein the second output current limit is greater than the first output current limit. The first voltage source 361 can be designed to have the first output current limit by reasonably setting the component parameters in the first voltage source 561. Similarly, the second voltage source 362 can be designed to have the second output current limit by reasonably setting the component parameters in the second voltage source 562.

[0034] The first voltage source 561 is coupled to port 510 and is used to supply power to an external device in all modes, namely, the first, second, and third modes. The second voltage source 562 is coupled to port 510 and the controller 540, and the second voltage source 562 can be configured by the controller 540 to be turned on or off. The controller 540 is used to turn off the second voltage source 562 in the first and second modes and turn on the second voltage source in the third mode. In this case, only the second voltage source 562 is controllable, and the first voltage source 561 operates in all modes, which can simplify the circuit structure of the power supply module and improve its reliability.

[0035] In some embodiments, corresponding to the drivers respectively shown in Figure 2 、 Figure 3 , the power supply module includes a voltage source (not shown) with an adjustable output current limit, and the controller is used to adjust the output current limit of the voltage source. In the first mode, the voltage source is adjusted to have a first output current limit, and in the third mode, the voltage source is adjusted to have a second output current limit.

[0036] Specific embodiments of the present invention also relate to a method for transmitting signals between an external device and an LED. The method involves transmitting signals through an interface circuit coupled between the external device and the controller, where the interface circuit is coupled to the external device via a port, and the controller is coupled to the light-emitting diode.

[0037] The steps of transmitting signals include: in the first mode, transmitting analog signals between the external device and the controller via the port through an analog interface module; in the second and third modes, transmitting digital signals between the external device and the controller via the port through a digital interface module; and in the first and third modes, supplying power to the external device via the port through a power supply module. Among them, the power supply module has a first output current limit in the first mode and a second output current limit different from the first output current limit in the third mode. In the third mode, the second output current limit may be greater than the first output current limit.

[0038] The method further includes: in the first mode, turning on the analog interface module and the power supply module; in the second mode, turning on the digital interface module and turning off the analog interface module; and in the third mode, turning on the digital interface module and the power supply module and turning off the analog interface module.

[0039] Although the present invention has been described in detail in connection with specific embodiments, those skilled in the art can understand that many modifications and variations can be made to the present invention. Therefore, it should be recognized that the claims are intended to cover all such modifications and variations within the true spirit and scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A driver for a light-emitting diode, which is used to be coupled between the light-emitting diode and an external device. The driver includes: A controller coupled to the light-emitting diode; And An interface circuit, which is used to be coupled between the controller and the external device. The interface circuit includes: A port, which is used to be coupled to the external device, An analog interface module, which is coupled between the port and the controller, and is used to receive an analog signal from the external device via the port in a first mode and transmit the analog signal to the controller in the first mode, A digital interface module, which is coupled between the port and the controller, and is used to transmit digital signals between the external device and the controller in a second mode and a third mode, and A power supply module, which is coupled to the port, and is used to provide energy to the external device via the port in the first mode and the third mode, Wherein, the power supply module has a first output current limit value in the first mode, and the power supply module has a second output current limit value different from the first output current limit value in the third mode, Wherein, the digital interface module includes a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) module, which is used to transmit DALI signals from a first external device to the controller in the second mode and transmit data representing environmental parameters from a second external device to the controller in the third mode, and the controller is used to control the light-emitting diode according to the DALI signals in the second mode and control the light-emitting diode according to the data in the third mode.

2. The driver according to claim 1, wherein The controller is used to: In the first mode, turn on the analog interface module and the power supply module; In the second mode, turn on the digital interface module to work and turn off the analog interface module; In the third mode, turn on the digital interface module and the power supply module, and turn off the analog interface module.

3. The driver according to claim 1, wherein The power supply module includes a first voltage source having the first output current limit value and a second voltage source having the second output current limit value; and The controller is used to turn on the first voltage source and turn off the second voltage source in the first mode, turn off the first voltage source and the second voltage source in the second mode, and turn on the second voltage source and turn off the first voltage source in the third mode.

4. The driver according to claim 1, wherein The power supply module includes a first voltage source having the first output current limit value and a second voltage source having the second output current limit value; and The controller is used to turn off the second voltage source in the first mode and the second mode, and turn on the second voltage source in the third mode.

5. The driver according to claim 1, wherein The analog interface module includes a dimming interface, which is used to transmit a dimming signal from the external device to the controller, and the controller is used to control the light-emitting diode according to the dimming signal.

6. The driver according to claim 1, wherein, The Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) module is further used to transmit parameter data of the light-emitting diode from the controller to the external device.

7. The driver according to claim 1, wherein The port includes two terminals, and each terminal is used to be coupled to the external device via a wire.

8. The driver according to claim 1, wherein The first external device is a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) master, and the second external device is a sensor.

9. A light-emitting diode system capable of communicating with an external device, the light-emitting diode system comprising: A light-emitting diode; A controller coupled to the light-emitting diode; And An interface circuit for coupling between the controller and the external device, the interface circuit comprising: A port for coupling to the external device, An analog interface module coupled between the port and the controller and for receiving an analog signal from the external device via the port in a first mode and transmitting the analog signal to the controller in the first mode, A digital interface module coupled between the port and the controller and for transmitting digital signals between the external device and the controller in a second mode and a third mode, and A power module coupled to the port and for providing energy to the external device through the port in the first and third modes, wherein the power module has a first output current limit in the first mode and a second output current limit different from the first output current limit in the third mode, Wherein the digital interface module includes a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) module, and the transmission of the signal further includes transmitting a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface signal from a first external device to the controller via the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface module in the second mode and transmitting data representing environmental parameters from a second external device to the controller in the third mode, and the controller is configured to control the light-emitting diode according to the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface signal in the second mode and control the light-emitting diode according to the data in the third mode.

10. The light emitting diode system according to claim 9, wherein, The power module includes a first voltage source having the first output current limit and a second voltage source having the second output current limit; and The controller is configured to turn on the first voltage source and turn off the second voltage source in the first mode, turn off the first and second voltage sources in the second mode, and turn on the second voltage source and turn off the first voltage source in the third mode.

11. The light-emitting diode system according to claim 9, wherein, The power module includes a first voltage source having the first output current limit and a second voltage source having the second output current limit; and The controller is configured to turn off the second voltage source in the first and second modes and turn on the second voltage source in the third mode.

12. The light emitting diode system according to claim 9, wherein, The first external device is a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) master, and the second external device is a sensor.

13. A method for transmitting a signal between a light-emitting diode and an external device, the method comprising: Transmitting a signal through an interface circuit coupled between the external device and a controller, wherein the controller is coupled to the light-emitting diode and the interface circuit is coupled to the external device via a port, and the step of transmitting the signal includes: In a first mode, receiving an analog signal from the external device via the port through an analog interface module and transmitting the analog signal to the controller, In the second mode and the third mode, receive a digital signal from the external device via the port through the digital interface module and transmit the digital signal to the controller, and In the first mode and the third mode, supply power to the external device via the port through the power supply module, wherein the power supply module has a first output current limit value in the first mode, and the power supply module has a second output current limit value different from the first output current limit value in the third mode, wherein the digital interface module includes a Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) module, and the transmission of the signal further includes transmitting a DALI signal from a first external device to the controller via the DALI module in the second mode and transmitting data representing environmental parameters from a second external device to the controller via the DALI module in the third mode.

14. The method according to claim 13, further comprising: In the first mode, turn on the analog interface module and the power supply module; In the second mode, turn on the digital interface module and turn off the analog interface module; and In the third mode, turn on the digital interface module and the power supply module and turn off the analog interface module.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein, The first external device is a DALI master, and the second external device is a sensor.

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